Evaluation of the Effects of Fractions of Jatropha curcas (Linn) Leaves on Mitochondrial Permeability Transition in Rat Liver

Aim: Modulation of the opening of mitochondrial Permeability Transition (mPT) pore is an important pharmacological target in drug design because the release of cytochrome C upon the opening of the pore is sine qua non for mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis to take place. Jatropha curcas has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumorigenic cells in different cancer cells. It is not known whether the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis is implicated in the mechanism of action of J. curcas as an anti-tumour agent. This study evaluated the effects of varying concentrations of the methanol extract of Jatropha curcas and its fractions on mPT pore and cytochrome C release.