Schools Division of Olongapo

REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL III

East Kalayaan, SUBIC Bay Freeport Zone
Olongapo City (Tel.:252-1117, Fax: 252-6046)
Email Address: rshs3sbma@yahoo.com.ph

Anti-Proliferative Activity of Langkwas (Alpinia galanga) Rhizome Extract

Against SUM-149 Human Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

A Research Paper
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements in
Research III

Montemayor, Maria Loreine D.

Dominguez, Hans Martin Y.
Cruz, Cecil Laurence M. III
Manalad, Estele Jenina P.
Gamulo, Alyson Claire G.
Proponents

Lea Ann P. Alegre

Research Adviser

Regional Science High School III

East Kalayaan Heights, SBFZ
Olongapo City

S.Y. 2018 – 2019

 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter is composed of the Foreign and Local Literatures and Studies, which were

thoroughly and comprehensively searched by the researchers to serve as their basis and guide in

making their research. The information included in this chapter will support and give credibility

to the researchers study entitled: “Anti-Proliferative Activity of Langkwas (Alpinia galanga)

Rhizome Extract Against SUM-149 Human Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)”.

Review of Related Literature

Foreign Literature

Anti-cancer properties of A. galanga

According to a research article published on the Indian Journal of Natural Products and

Resources by Chudiwal et. al entitled: “Alpinia galanga Willd.- An overview on phyto-

pharmacological properties” (2010), Alpinia galanga possessed interesting cytotoxic activities.

1’ S-1’-acetotoxychavicol acetate which is a major cytotoxic component, has shown a significant

cytotoxic activity after 48hr exposure to COR L23 cells (lung cancer cell line) including MCF-7

cells (breast cancer cell line) with IC50 7.8 µM and 23.9 µM. 1’S-1- acteoxychavicol acetate is

reported to act as an antiulcer and antitumor agent and an inhibitor of chemically induced

carcinogenesis.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Based on literature by Taghian, El-Ghamry & Merajver (2018), patients with

inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) usually suffers with breast pain or a rapidly growing, self-

diagnosed breast lump. They may also experience a firm, itching of the breast, tender or enlarged

breast. On presentation, almost all women with IBC have involvement of lymph node, and
approximately one-third have distant metastases. Hence, some women may report swollen lymph

nodes or localizing pain and symptoms depending on the location and extent of metastatic

disease. IBC tends to have a higher preponderance of visceral metastases than with other forms

of breast cancer because of early and more aggressive hematogenous spread. Typically the onset

of symptoms is fast, on the order of several weeks to months. Prior to diagnosis of IBC, various

patients initially will be treated with antibiotics for presumed mastitis without clinical

improvement, prompting further evaluation. Abnormal screening mammogram is the event that

triggers diagnosis in less than 10 percent of cases.

Doxorubicin

Based on an article by rxlist (2017), Doxorubicin is a cytotoxic, anthracycline,

topoisomerase II that is a constituent of multi-agent adjuvant chemotherapy for the remedy of

women with axillary lymph node that results in the resection of primary breast cancer. It is also

specified for the medications of different types of cancers.

Growing conditions of A. galanga

According to Nankervis (2015), it is best to plant Alpinia galanga during early spring.

Galangal can’t survive drought, it is compatible with tropical and sub-tropical conditions, but can

also grow in warm temperatures but not in freezing climate. To grow effectively, the buds of

galangal should be planted at least 20cm apart. Galangal is not hard to grow in the garden as long

as the ground is not too wet to avoid the roots to rot. To harvest large quantities of galangal, it is

best to harvest in when the leaves are turning yellow and starting to die.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate

According to an article by Dr. Halls, entitled: “Breast Cancer Survival Rates for all types

of breast cancers” (2017), Breast Cancer have 5 stages namely Stage 0, Stage I, Stage II, Stage
III and Stage IV each have different survival rates. Stage 0 has a 100% survival rate. Stage I has

a 100% survival rate. Stage II has a 93% survival rate. Stage III has a 72% survival rate and

Stage IV has a 22% survival rate. The information stated is in a 5-year survival rate.

Local Literature

Anti-cancer properties of A. galanga

Articulated from an article published by Stuart Jr., MD entitled: Langkauas : Philippine

Medicinal Plants (2018), A. galanga ethanolic extract and A. officinarum showed cell growth

inhibition against PC-3 cell line derived from adenocarcinoma of a human prostate. Supported

by DNA fragmentation with the characteristic DNA laddering in treated tumor cell line. Also, a

study evaluated the anticancer activity of ethanolic extract of A. galanga on breast

adenocarcinoma cells transplanted in C3H mice. Oral administration of the ethanol extract at

graded doses showed anticancer activity by inhibition of cell proliferative activity and growth of

tumor volume. Anticancer activity’s highest dose was at 675 mg/kbw.

Breast Cancer Incidents in the Philippines

The most common cancer specific to women in the Philippines is breast cancer. Actually,

Philippines is the top one in Asia’s list for the most number of breast cancer in women. An

estimated 14,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed each year and nearly 6,300 deaths are

expected from the disease annually, according to Philippine Cancer Society. And it is the reason

why it is imperative that Filipino women, and men as well, should possess enough knowledge

about this dreaded disease (DOST, 2018).

 Doxorubicin

Based on MIMS.com (2018), Doxorubicin is an example of cytotoxic anthracycline

antibiotic. Its cytotoxic action is an outcome of its binding to DNA and inhibition of nucleic acid

synthesis. It has been expressed to create regression in an assortment of dispersed malignancies.

Growing conditions of A. galanga

Based from an article written based from an article written by Gestupa (2017), Alpinia

galangal is herb plant that requires enough distance with other herbs in order to grow healthily,

and to avoid pests. The weather also serves a major role in growing Alpinia galanga without

pests, the higher the humidity the less chance the plant will be affected by pests. In order to avoid

pests, the garden where the herb is planted should always be in the best condition. Alpinia

galangal can grow up to five feet and needs a bit shady conditions to grow.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate

According to an article by Philippine Star (2013), the Philippines is now at the center of

the battle against breast cancer. It is reported that many articles show that the country is in the

top 1 incidence in Asia and is among the top 10 countries with the most cases of breast

cancer. The disease is so common and usual that one of every 13 Filipino women is expected to

develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The high prevalence of breast cancer in our country is

confirmed by the Department of Health and the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc., stating in a

report that breast cancer is the most common cancer in the Philippines, taking at least 16 percent

of the 50,000 cases diagnosed with cancer. (2010 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates) Until

now, breast cancer is still the leading cause of cancer among women, accounting for 28 percent

of the total cases. One out of four who are diagnosed with breast cancer die within the first five

years, and no less than 40 percent die within 10 years.

Review of Related Studies

Foreign Studies

Anti- cancer properties of A. galanga

As stated in a research study by Banjerdpongchai et. al entitled: “4’-

Hydroxycinnamaldehyde from Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Induces Human Leukemic Cell Apoptosis

via Mitochondrial and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathways” (2011), 4’- HCA (4’-

hydroxycinnamaldehyde) present in Alpinia galanga is cytotoxic to both cell lines (HL-60 and

U937 cells) in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05) as demonstrated by MTT assay. 4’-HCA-

treated cells (10 and 50 μg/ml for 4 h) showed significant increase in reactive oxygen species

production and decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The apoptotic death involved

cytochrome c release, increase in Bax level and concomitant

decreases in levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL (through Western blotting), and elevation in cytosolic

and mitochondrial Ca2+ contents (using compartment-specifc fluorescent Ca2+ dyes). The

results indicate that 4’-HCA induces apoptosis of human leukemic cell through a combination of

mitochondrial and ER stress pathways.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

In accordance to a study by Dawood et. al (2011), inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a

term that is first introduced by Lee and Tannenbaum, represents the most aggressive and serious

presentation or type of breast cancer. In United States, this incidence ranges from 1% to 5%. The

epidemiological study of this disease has been greatly inhibited by use of inconsistent diagnostic

criteria. Women diagnosed with this disease are also known to have poorer survival results than

those with non-IBC tumors. Published guidelines have focused on non-IBC tumors because of

the scarcity of data and experience in the field of IBC.

 Doxorubicin

Based on a study by Poklepovic, et al., entitled: “Randomized study of doxorubicin-based

chemotherapy regimens, with and without sildenafil, with analysis of intermediate cardiac

markers,” Doxorubicin chemotherapy is applied in a wide variety of adult and pediatric

malignancies cardiac toxicity is very usual and dysfunction often leads to development of the

disease to the patient. Biomarkers are used in predicting the cardiac dysfunction following

doxorubicin exposure, but there are preclinical studies that have shown the potential of sildenafil,

which has cardioprotective effects.

Growing conditions of A. galanga

In accordance to the study by Chudiwal, et al. (2010), galangal is usually farmed as a

spice in lots of tropical places in Asia. Galangal grows best if away from direct sunlight. In

China, galangal is popularly farmed by planting rhizomes in well-drained soils. In some Asian

countries, propagating galangal is done during spring. The galangal is typically harvested during

late summer in China. The plant is popular in some Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia,

China and Malaysia, for its aromatic smell, and spicy and sweet taste.

Chemical Compounds of A. galanga

According to a study by Anirban, C., & Santanu, P., entitled: “A Review on

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential of Alpinia galanga.” (2017), Green plants give a

big source of bioactive compounds. One of the green plants is Langkawas (Alpinia galanga). It is

one of the medically important plants since it can treat a wide range of illnesses/sicknesses. It has

many bioactive compounds that have been extracted from the plant such as 1’S-1’-

acetoxychavicol acetate, 1’S-1’-acetoxyeuginol acetate, 1, 8-cineol, α-fenchyl acetate, β-

farnesene, β-bisabolene, α-bergamotene, β-pinene, β-Sitosteroldiglucoside (AG-7), β-

sitsterylArabinoside (AG-8), 1’-acetoxychavicol acetate (galangal acetate), p-

hydroxycinnamaldehyde

Local Studies

Anti- cancer properties of A. galanga

Stated in a recent study by Serrano & Baldo entitled: “Screening for intestinal anti-

inflammatory activity of Alpinia galanga against acetic acid-induced colitis in Mice (Mus

musculus)” (2015), 50% to 75% extract or Alpinia galanga is also a potential anti-inflammatory

agent to Acetic Acid induced colitis in mice, and have comparable effect to apple pectin showing

similar microscopic histoarchitecture to normal mice after being treated and appeared to be

beneficial to mice in treating chemically- induced colitis.

Breast Cancer

Based on a study by Simpson et. al (2015), as one goes from an area of low to high

incidence of breast cancer, its developing of the disease increases with their personal risk.

However, this is not equally distributed in all races and ethnicities. Filipino migrants are the ones

who are specified to examine in this paper. A literature review was addressed to summarize

breast cancer incidence, screening practices and trends in treatment amongst Filipino migrants.

Moreover, a retrospective cohort study in examining the age of which Filipino women were

diagnosed with breast cancer compared to Asian and Caucasian counterparts were conducted

specifically. Filipino women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a statistically significant

younger age (53.2) compared to their Asian (55.1) and Caucasian (58.4) counterparts. They are

at an increased risk of developing more aggressive breast cancer with noteworthy disparities in
the care they are receiving. The evidence suggests this group is worthy of special focus when

diagnosing and treating breast cancer.

Doxorubicin

In accordance to the study by Santiago, et. al (2018), entitled: “pH-Sensitive Alginate-

Based Particle for Controlled Release of Doxorubicin Against Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro,”

Found in the marine brown algae, a biodegradable, naturally occurring and a non toxic

polysaccharide, the Alginate. The said study aims to recapitulate doxorubicin using alginate by

using ionotropic gelation method and assess the capacity of encapsulated drug to kill breast

cancer cells through cell viability assay.

Growing conditions of A. galanga

Galangal is close specie to ginger; ginger or much known by Filipinos as luya, is one of

the important spice crops in the Philippines. It is use in a lot of productions like herbal medicines

and beverages. Similar to galangal, ginger needs warm conditions with temperatures 29-35

degrees Celsius. While growing ginger, the watering pattern holds a great role to its growth.

Ginger grows better in sandy loose loam and well-drained soil. Also, ginger can grow finely in

semi-shady area just like galangal (Tacio, 2013)

Anti-cancer agent of Mikania cordata

Mikania cordata is a medicinal plant that can be used for many treatments such as

antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antihelmintic and analgesic agent. The M. cordata’s

potential as an anti-cancer agent is yet to be known. This study aims to test the ethanol extract of

M. cordata against MCF-7 breast cancer through phytochemical screening. The results of

phytochemical screening shows that M. cordata has anti-cancer agents namely terpenes and

saponins. (Angeles et. al, 2015)

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