Inhibitory Effect of Antitumor Activity Extract from the Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb on Human Glioblastoma

Background and Objective: Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has been widely used in China for its numerous medicinal properties and extensive history of use. Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant therapeutic potential of the extract Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb in treating various malignant tumors. This research was conducted to explore its anti-glioma effect and mechanism. Materials and Methods: The stem of Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb was pulverized and subjected to reflux extraction using 95% ethanol and petroleum ether. Subsequently, the resulting extract was further subjected to three consecutive extractions with ethyl acetate to obtain the ethyl acetate fraction, referred to as COE. The MTT assay and flow cytometry were employed to assess the viability and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Characterization was done by using TEM and confocal microscopy Western blot analysis was conducted to detect changes in apoptosis-related proteins. Tumor growth was also evaluated. Results: The results of cytotoxicity experiments show that COE can significantly reduce the activity of glioblastoma cells. The results of cell membrane potential showed that COE can significantly reduce the membrane potential of glioblastoma cells and disturb the distribution of actin microfilament. The results of animal experiments showed that COE can inhibit the growth of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. Conclusion: Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb has good anti-tumor activity and its extract can significantly promote apoptosis of glioma by affecting mitochondrial function and cytoskeleton remodeling and exerting antitumor effects.