Fractions of Ageratum conyzoides Induce Cytotoxicity in Rat Liver Cells Via Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening: Potential Anti-cancer Agents

Abstract

Mitochondrial Permeability Transition (mPT) pore has become a target for the development of cytotoxic drugs that are relevant
in situations of deregulated apoptosis. This study therefore investigated the effects of various fractions of the methanol extract 
of Ageratum conyzoides, a medicinal plant, on mPT pore. The methanol extract of Ageratum conyzoides (MEAC) was 
partitioned in succession between n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol. The fractions were concentrated at 40ºC to 
obtain chloroform (CFAC), ethylacetate (EFAC) and methanol (MFAC) fractions. Isolated rat liver mitochondria were exposed 
to the fractions. The opening of the pore, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity and lipid peroxidation were 
assessed spectrophotometrically. The study showed that all the fractions induced the opening of the pore with CFAC being the
most potent. All the fractions caused cytochrome c release, enhanced mitochondrial ATPase activity and inhibited lipid 
peroxidation with CFAC having the highest effect. These findings therefore suggest that fractions of Ageratum conyzoides induce 
cytotoxicity in rat liver cells via mPT pore opening and also possess antioxidant property with CFAC being the most potent. The 
fraction will therefore be subjected to further study as this may be relevant in cases where apoptosis needs to be up regulated.