TLX–5 Lymphoma Cells in Rapid Screening for Cytotoxicity in Brucea Extracts

Abstract

A rapid test for cytotoxicity utilising the in vitro uptake of ³H–thymidine into TLX–5 mice lymphoma cells has been used as an aid to the detection and isolation of active compounds from the roots of Brucea javanica (Simaroubaceae). An ethanol extract was partitioned between chloroform and water and further fractionation of the active chloroform extract obtained by column and thin–layer chromatography. At each stage the resulting fractions were tested for cytotoxicity against TLX–5 mice lymphoma cells. Bruceine A was isolated from a fraction having cytotoxic activity. The ID_SO values of bruceine A and of podophyllotoxin (used as a control) against TLX–5 cells were determined as 0.031 μg/ml and 6 μg/ml, respectively.

Key Word Index

Brucea javanica - Simaroubaceae - Cytotoxicity Screening - TLX–5 Mice Lymphoma - Bruceolides