Evaluation of in vitro cultures (stem cells) of 3 Ecuadorian plant species of the Kalanchoe genus as a sustainable source of compounds with anticancer activity.

Cancer in Ecuador is a public health problem due to its high incidence, and new strategies are needed for its control and treatment. Our country has a large number of plants traditionally used to treat various diseases. One such case is the plants belonging to the Kalanchoe genus, which have been used to treat stomach ulcers, asthma, and tumors. Previous studies on this genus have shown the presence of chemical compounds that grant anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and antitumor properties, among others. In the country, despite some research on certain Kalanchoe species, more research is needed on specific active metabolites and their concentrations, focusing on their anticancer and antitumor capabilities. Furthermore, studying stem cells through cell suspensions from a specific explant allows for better yield in terms of metabolite concentration.

This project aims to identify secondary metabolites with anticancer potential and their concentration in the cell suspensions of Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, and Kalanchoe pinnata. A disinfection and stem cell induction protocol will be developed. Cell suspensions will be obtained from stem cells and analyzed using various instrumental techniques to determine the secondary metabolites present, their concentration, and antioxidant properties. Finally, the concentrations of secondary metabolites obtained in vitro and ex vitro will be compared.

Evaluate the in vitro cultivation of stem cells from three plant species of the Kalanchoe genus in the production of secondary metabolites with anticancer activity.

• Optimize an in vitro stem cell culture methodology for the Ecuadorian species Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, and Kalanchoe pinnata.

• Develop analytical capabilities for monitoring and characterizing secondary metabolites produced by in vitro stem cell culture of the Ecuadorian species Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, and Kalanchoe pinnata.

• Determine how different variables maintained in in vitro stem cell cultures influence the production of secondary metabolites with anticancer activity.

CEDIA 2023 Convocatoria Fondo I+D+i

Ikiam (Ecuador)
University of the Armed Forces ESPE (Ecuador)
Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador PUCE (Ecuador)