ACTIVITY OF ASAM JAWA SEED (Tamarindus indica) AS

AN ANTICANCER : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Author :
Maydi Ayu Nurhardini, S. Farm
1508062295
Lecturer :
Azis Ikhsanudin, M. Sc., Apt

FACULTY OF PHARMACY
AHMAD DAHLAN UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2016

ii

CONTENTS
COVER ......................................................................................................................... i
APPROVAL PAGE ...................................................................................................... ii
CONTENTS ................................................................................................................ iii
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... iv
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. v
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1
METHODS ................................................................................................................... 2
RESULT ....................................................................................................................... 3
DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................... 5
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................. 6
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 7

iii

LIST OF TABLES
Table I. Methods of Search ........................................................................................... 3
Table II. Results of Journals .......................................................................................... 4

iv

Activity Of Asam Jawa Seed (Tamarindus indica) As An

Anticancer
Nurhardini, M.A., Ikhsanudin, A.
Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahmad Dahlan University
Correspondence :
maydiayunurhardini@gmail.com
08995859299

Abstract
Background : Cancer is a cluster of diseases that characterized by the uncontrolled and
abnormal growth and development of cells. Cancer is a disease that becoming one of the major
threats to health because it is the second cause of death after heart disease. Some studies
indicate that Tamarindus indica can be used in therapy of cancer. Tamarindus indica contain an
active substance called polysaccharides that can be used as apoptosis in cancer cells.
Objective : The aim of this systematic review is to determine how the pharmacological effects
of tamarind's substance as an anticancer.
Methods : A systematic search of the literature was conducted through the website:
www.google.com, www.googlescholar.com, and www.pubmed.com using PICO, P =
anticancer, I = seed tamarind, C = placebo, O = IC50. Journals were selected based on inclusion
and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria consist of in vitro experiments from national and
international journals, published in 2006 until 2016, and the full text. While the exclusion
criteria consist of a journal unfull text.
Outcome measured : IC50 of Tamarindus indica against cancer cells
Results : From the results obtained based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the journal was
used to compile this systematic review there are three journals. The results of the three journals
show that Tamarindus indica has a high potential anticancer effect with IC 50 values in some
cancer cell line. The main components contained in Tamarindus indica that estimated have a
mechanism in the induction of apoptosis cancer cells is polysaccharides.
Conclusion : Polysaccharides on Tamarindus indica has anticancer effects by mechanisms in an
induction of apoptosis cancer cells.
Keywords : Tamarindus indica, anticancer, Tamarind, Polysaccharides

INTRODUCTION
1. Background
The degenerative disease often encountered in society such as cancer, tumors,
diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and others. Cancer is one of the major threats to health. It
is the second cause of death after heart disease. In Indonesia the percentage of mortality
that caused by cancer is increasing each year, starts from 1,4% in 1972 until 4.4% in
1992 (Atta, 2001). One of the causes of cancer is a lack of antioxidants that can
neutralize free radicals in human body. Antioxidants consist of synthetic antioxidants
and natural antioxidants. The use of synthetic antioxidants began to decrease because it
may cause carcinogen, so it is replaced by a natural antioxidant that derived from plants
(Farjriani 2013). The example of natural antioxidants is tamarind (Tamarindus indica).
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a plant that widely cultivated in tropical
countries. It can be found easily, including in Indonesia. These plants are usually used
as cooking ingredients. Many people use it as a traditional medicine ingredient also
(BPOM RI, 2013). Tamarind also can be used as analgesic, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and reduce levels of blood fats and cholesterol, as
well as a blood purifier. Tamarind plant parts that usually used for treatment are leaves,
bark, fruit flesh and seeds (Mulyani, 2014). Some studies showed an activity on the
components or substance that contained in tamarind as anticancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is a group of diseases
characterized by the growth and development of cells is uncontrolled and abnormal.
Cancer can be caused by external factors (infection, radiation, certain chemicals,
tobacco) and internal factors (mutations, hormones, immune system condition) that
trigger the process of carcinogenesis (cancer formation). The disease is caused by the
presence of a free radical attack on DNA and RNA in cells resulting in the growth and
development of abnormal cells and cause tissue damage. The imbalance between the
production of excessive free radicals and antioxidants inadequate production will further
accelerate the growth and development of abnormal cells and will further aggravate the
tissue damage.

2. Purpose
This systematic review were taken from several literary journals related with
activities of tamarind as anticancer compounds. The purpose of this systematic review is
to determine the pharmacological effects that appear from usage of tamarind's substance
as an anticancer. Literature that related with research of tamarind as an anticancer
sought and collected. Searches were conducted using keywords Tamarindus indica,
anticancer, Tamarind, Polysaccharides in pdf format with google scholar and Pubmed.
Obtained literature selected with the objectives, criteria, and study were held and
eventually be concluded.
METHODS
1. The search method
The collection of journals that performed in this systematic review combining
journals that associated with the antioxidant activity of tamarind seeds as an anticancer
effect. The search of the journal based on the PICO method, as follows:
P : anticancer
I

: tamarind seeds

C : placebo
O : IC50
Based on the above PICO then arranged a keyword to search the journal. The keywords
are Tamarindus indica, anticancer, Tamarind, Polysaccharides. Data sources that used
to looks for the journals are Pubmed and Google scholar.
2. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion
The inclusion criteria are articles or journals that used in research articles
between 2006-2016, the complete journal, tamarind seeds, and inhibiting concentration
(IC50), in vitro, full text. The exclusion criteria are incomplete text journals or abstract.
After the selection of journals that go into the inclusion criteria, the next step is to
review the selected journal.
3. Extraction and presentation of data
Data from selected journals were collected and then analyzed in the sample,
methods and results. Data parameters used in this systematic review is the IC 50.

4. Data Analysis
Data were collected based on a sample, the method and results were analyzed
(table 2) so the heterogeneity of the study can be seen. If the journals are not suited with
the inclusion criteria or exclusion criteria or the result is not fit with the established
parameter then the journal will not be reviewed (deleted). The results of the obtained
data from the selected journal will be described through the study related to the
specified parameters.
RESULTS
Based on the data sources from Google, Google Scholar, and Pubmed obtained
the following results:
Table 1. Methods of search

Keywords

Database

Tamarindus indica, anticancer

Results Appropriate

Google

19400

Google

1370

Tamarindus indica, anticancer, Tamarind, Google

4400

Polisakarida

146

Scholar
Pubmed

Google
Scholar
Pubmed
Total

20

Total journal that suit the data search will be categorized by the inclusion and
exclusion criteria. The number of journal that suit with the inclusion criteria is three.
This journal will be analyzed to develop a systematic review. The journals can be seen
in the following table:

Table 2. Results of Journals

No.
Authors (year)
1. S.R Aravind, Manu
M Joseph, Sheeja
Varghese, Prabha
Balaram, dan T.T.
Sreelekha (2012)

2.

3.

Manu M Joseph,
S.R Aravind, Sheeja
Varghese, Mini
Saraswathy (2012)

Manu M Joseph,
S.R Aravind, Suraj
K. George, K.
Raveendran Pillai,
S.Mini, dan T.T.
Sreelekha (2014)

Title, Journal
Polysaccharide
PST001 Isolated
From The Seed
Kernel Of
Tamarindus indica
Induces Apoptosis
In Murine Cancer
Cells, Life Science
& Pharma Research
PST-Gold
Nanoparticle As An
Effective
Anticancer Agent
With
Immunomodulatory
Properties,
Biointerfaces

Antitumor Activity
Of
GalactoxyloglucanGold Nanoparticles
Against
Murine
Ascites And Solid
Carcinoma,
Biointerfaces

Results
IC50 in the cell's DLA is at 91.14
g/ml after 48 hours of treatment.

IC50 after 48 hours of treatment

cell line A549 53.4 0.9 g/ml,
after 72 hours of treatment 82.03
1.6 g/ml
IC50 after 48 hours of treatment
cell line A375 33.8 1.1 g/ml,
after 72 hours of treatment of 61
1.7 g/ml
IC50 after 48 hours of treatment
HepG2 cell line of 6.5 0.5
g/ml, after 72 hours of treatment
was 33.7 1.3 g/ml
IC50 after 48 hours of treatment
the cell line HCT116 50.07 1.5
g/ml after 72 hours of treatment
82 1.2 g/ml
IC50 PST-gold nanoparticle DLA
and EAC cell line of 31.6 1.6
g/ml and 55 2.1 g/ml after 24
hours of incubation
IC50 PST pure cell line DLA and
EAC 43 1.3 g/ml and 59.7
1.9 g/ml after 48 hours of
incubation

DISCUSSION
Polysaccharides from Tamarindus indica hereinafter referred as PST001 is a
derived compound from the isolation of tamarind seeds (Tamarindus indica), which has
been proven as an anticancer in vitro. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the
uncontrolled and abnormal growth and development of cells. With the rising of
mortality caused by cancer each year, the expectation of the anticancer tamarind seeds
journal review is provide information and considerations to develop tamarind seeds as a
treatment for cancer. The number of journal that suit with the inclusion criteria and
explaining the mechanism of tamarind seeds as an anticancer is 3 journals.
Based on the three journals were found that suit with the inclusion criteria and
exclusion criteria showed that the polysaccharide isolated from the seeds of Tamarindus
indica in vitro have the ability to significantly inhibit the growth of DLA line cells
(Daltons Lymphoma Ascites) and EAC (Ehrlich Sscites Carcinoma). The number of
IC50 on DLA line cell is 91.14 g/ml after 48 hours of treatment, whereas the EAC cells
did not show the IC50 value but the percent inhibition was observed at 46.65 1% at a
concentration of 100 g/ml after 72 hours of treatment. Polysaccharide-Gold
nanoparticles hereinafter referred as PST-Gold showed anticancer activity in various
cancer line cell. In one journal reported that the PST-Gold has evaluated the anti-cancer
activity in DLA line cell and EAC. Where PST-Gold showed values of IC50 is 31.6
1.6 g/ml and 55 2.1 g/ml after 24 hours of incubation. While on PST001 show the
value of IC50 is 43 1.3 g/ml and 59.7 1.9 g/ml after 48 hours of incubation.
Morphological evaluation contrast phase microscopy in cells treated with PST-Gold (10
g/ml) for 24 hours showed a decrease in the number of cells that appear to have
predominate from the morphology of apoptosis, such as deviant forms, lesions in the
membrane cell, and the presence of apoptotic bodies. In MCF7 line cells (breast cancer)
and K562 (leukemia) show IC50 of 70.3 1.2 g/ml and 48.9 1.8 g/ml after 48 hours
with nanoparticles, while pure polysaccharide does not show any inhibition 50% of cell
growth even with high concentrations and longer incubation time. In A549 line cell
(adenocarcinoma), A375 (melanoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) and HCT116
(colon cancer) showed IC50 after 48 consecutive hours of 53.4 0.9 g/ml; 33.8 1.1
g/ml; 6.5 0.5 g/ml; and 50.07 1.5 g/ml. While the value of IC 50 after 72

consecutive hours of 82.03 1.6 g/ml; 61 1.7 g/ml; 33.7 1.3 g/ml; and 82 1.2
g/ml.
The mechanism of proliferation inhibition from PST001 is a result of the
induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by morphological analysis which shows a core cell
shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and apoptosis in cells treated with different PST001
with control cells. On the data cytometry Caspase-3, PI (Proliferative Index) single
staining and Annexin V-PI double staining confirms that PST001 can induce apoptosis
in cancer cells. An early indicator of apoptosis is the translocation and accumulation of
phospholipid phosphatidylserine membrane from the cytoplasm to the extracellular
surface. Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a physiological process that plays an
important role in development and homeostasis tissue. PST-Gold showed effects on
cancer cells by induction of apoptosis. Lesions in the plasma membrane of cells is a
hallmark of apoptosis, the visible presence of irregular bulge in cell membrane plasma
caused by separation of the local cytoskeleton of the membrane plasma. Some
polysaccharides previously reported have anticancer effects and immunomodulatory
effects. However, three journals in this systematic review revealed that PST-Gold is
more potent than other substance. Some polysaccharides and nanoparticles have been
shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

CONCLUSION
Polysaccharide in tamarind seed (Tamarindus indica) as anticancer have
mechanisms in the induction of apoptosis. Polysaccharide-Gold nanoparticles (PSTGold) showed a greater anticancer effect compared with only pure polysaccharide
(PST001).

REFERENCES

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Atta-ur-Rahman, M.I. Choudhary, dan W.J. Thomsen. 2001. Bioassay Techniques For
Drug Development. San Diego, USA : Harwood Academic Publisher.
Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan RI. 2013. Serial Data Ilmiah Terkini Tumbuhan
Obat Asam Jawa. Jakarta: Direktorat OAI.
Fajriani, QH. 2013. Penentuan aktivitas antioksidan kulit buah naga super merah
(Hylocereus costaricensis) dan produk olahannya berupa permen jelly [Skripsi].
Jakarta: Fakultas Pendidikan Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Universitas
Pendidikan Indonesia.
Manu M Joseph, S.R Aravind, Sheeja Varghese, Mini Saraswathy. 2012. PST-Gold
Nanoparticle As An Effective Anticancer Agent With Immunomodulatory
Properties. Biointerfaces 104 : 32-39.
Manu M Joseph, S.R Aravind, Suraj K. George, K. Raveendran Pillai, S.Mini, dan T.T.
Sreelekha. 2014. Antitumor Activity Of Galactoxyloglucan-Gold Nanoparticles
Against Murine Ascites And Solid Carcinoma. Biointerfaces 116 : 219-227
Mulyani S, Harsojuwono BA, Puspawati GAKD. 2014. Potensi Minuman Kunyit Asam
(Curcuma domestica Val. - Tamarindus indica L.) Sebagai Minuman Kaya
Antioksidan. Agritech 34 : 65-71.
S.R Aravind, Manu M Joseph, Sheeja Varghese, Prabha Balaram, dan T.T. Sreelekha.
2012. Polysaccharide PST001 Isolated From The Seed Kernel Of Tamarindus
indica Induces Apoptosis In Murine Cancer Cells. Life Science & Pharma
Research 2 : 159-172.