Anvinel (TM), an extract of Nerium oleander, induces cell death in human but not murine cancer cells

The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanism(s) and differential cell-killing effects of Anvirzel(TM), an extract of oleander (Nerium oleand er; family-Apocynaceae), and its derivative compound Oleandrin on human, ca nine and murine tumor cells. Cells received different concentrations of Anv irzel (1.0 ng/ml to 500 mu g/ml) or Oleandrin (0.01 ng/ml to 50 mu g/ml) in both continuously treated and pulse-treated/ recovery cultures. The cytoto xicity of these compounds was then determined. Both Anvirzel and Oleandrin were able to induce cell killing in human cancer cells, but not in murine c ancer cells; the cell-killing potency of Oleandrin was greater than that of Anvirzel. Canine oral cancer cells treated with Anvirzel showed intermedia te levels of response, with some abnormal metaphases and cell death resulti ng from the treatment. From these results we conclude that Anvirzel and Ole andrin act in a species-specific manner, and while testing the effectivenes s of a new compound for cancer treatment, one must use not only murine but a variety of cancer cells, including those of human origin. [(C) 2000 Lippi ncott Williams & Wilkins].