Reflexin A, a new indole alkaloid from Rauvolfia reflexa induces apoptosis against colon cancer cells

Abstract

One new indole alkaloid, reflexin A (1), and two known indoles, macusine B (2) and vinorine (3), were isolated from the bark of Rauvolfia reflexa. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, and MS spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 displayed anticancer activity against HCT-116 colon cancer cells with an IC₅₀ value of 30.24 ± 0.75 µM. The results implied that the newly isolated 1 induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells, suggesting its possible role as an anticancer agent. In vivo acute toxicity study was performed on compound 1 to evaluate its safety profile.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Rauvolfia reflexa
• indole alkaloids
• reflexin A
• apoptosis
• HCT-116 cells
• acute toxicity

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their utmost gratitude and appreciation to Universiti Malaya Research Grants (RG388-17AFR) and (BKP069-2016) for financial support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.