Natural products contain beneficial compounds and traces of possible toxic byproducts that are detrimental to one’s health. Polyphenols and Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exemplify these good and bad compounds that are actively competing with one another due to their opposite effects in regards to our health. Polyphenols are naturally occurring organic compounds found in many fruits and vegetables and are known antioxidants that reduce a tumors’ size and growth. PAHs are naturally occurring chemicals that are known carcinogens, mutagens, and teratogens. Previous research was conducted on Hierba Manayupa extracts to observe its effects on HeLa cells via MTT and cytotoxicity assays, and identify the chemical composition of the tea leaves using the GC-MS. The tea leaf extracts were generated through soxhlet extractions in dichloromethane, water and ethanol/acetone (1:1) solvents, followed by liquid/liquid extractions with chloroform, ethyl acetate (90mL), sodium bicarbonate and brine to remove impurities. Samples were then filtered, evaporated and re-suspended in the appropriate solvents. The extracts were analyzed via the GC-MS to identify the active compounds found within Hierba Manuyapa. The following PAH was detected in high concentrations within the water and dichloromethane extracts, respectively: Naphthalene 670.4 and 674.4 . Polyphenols and possible derivatives were detected, but further analysis is being conducted. MTT assays illustrate that all three Hierba Manayupa samples decreased cell viability of HeLa cells at the 5 and 10 µL concentrations. Cytotoxicity assays concluded that all three extracts were nontoxic to the cell membrane at the 5, 10, and 20 µL concentrations. The fractionation of Hierba Manayupa samples was conducted via flash column chromatography where the solvents for the mobile phase were hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Fractionation via flash column chromatography yielded approximately 6-8 fractions per extract. These fractions were speed vacuumed before being utilized for MTT and cytotoxicity assays. Currently, MTT and cytotoxicity assays are being conducted on the fractions. Future directions include analysis of the chemical composition of the fractions via the GC-MS.

Fractionation of Hierba Manayupa extractions via flash column chromatography and their effects on HeLa cells

2019 Spring National Meeting

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