Bixa orellana L. by-products’ fractions from an industrial process: antiproliferative activity on tumor cells and chemical profile

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical characterization of Bixa orellana (BO extract) unsaponifiable extract and resulting fractions (F fraction - FF, Geranyl fraction – GF and R fraction- RF) obtained as by-products of an industrial process investigating in vitro antiproliferative activities in human tumoral cells. The main compounds identified by GC-MS for BO extract were Geranylgeraniol (61.51%); for FF: Geranylgeraniol (70.23%); for GF: Geranylgeraniol (78.92%) and for RF: β-cubebene (27.75%). Quantifications of geranylgeraniol by GC-FID presented the percentage content: BO 27.52%; FF 38.52%; GF 51.44% and RF 1.81%. BO extract showed a significant antiproliferative activity, with GI₅₀ up to 4 µg/mL. All fractions had a remarkably similar antiproliferative activity profile (GI₅₀ 27-47 µg/mL). Data reported herein showed an important cytostatic effect for BO extract, nevertheless this activity is not attributed exclusively to geranylgeraniol. In conclusion, this by-product becomes of great value, being a potential candidate for development of new anti-tumor ingredients.

Keywords:

• Bixa orellana L
• antiproliferative
• tumor cells
• urucum
• annatto
• geranylgeraniol
• terpenes

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

We would like to thank to Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) for financial support (grant #2018/20252-8) and fellowship to RTB (grant #2015/08600-2).