Dietary Natural Products for Prevention and Treatment of Liver Cancer

Naringin and naringenin as anticancer agents and adjuvants in cancer combination therapy: Efficacy and molecular mechanisms of action, a comprehensive narrative review

Although the rates of many cancers are controlled in Western countries, those of some cancers, such as lung, breast, and colorectal cancer are currently increasing in many low- and middle-income countries due to increases in risk factors caused by development and societal problems. Additionally, endogenous factors, such as inherited mutations, steroid hormones, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor systems, inflammation, oxidative stress, and exogenous factors (including tobacco, alcohol, infectious agents, and radiation), are believed to compromise cell functions and lead to carcinogenesis. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies are some examples of the approaches used for cancer treatment. However, various short- and long-term side effects can also considerably impact patient prognosis based on clinical factors associated with treatments. Recently, increasing numbers of studies have been conducted to identify novel therapeutic agents from natural products, among which plant-derived bioactive compounds have been increasingly studied. Naringin (NG) and its aglycone naringenin (NGE) are abundantly present in citrus fruits, such as grapefruits and oranges. Their anti-carcinogenic activities have been shown to be exerted through several cell signal transduction pathways. Recently, different pharmacological strategies based on combination therapy, involving NG and NGE with the current anti-cancer agents have shown prodigious synergistic effects when compared to monotherapy. Besides, NG and NGE have been reported to overcome multidrug resistance, resulting from different defensive mechanisms in cancer, which is one of the major obstacles of clinical treatment. Thus, we comprehensively reviewed the inhibitory effects of NG and NGE on several types of cancers through different signal transduction pathways, the roles on sensitizing with the current anticancer medicines, and the efficacy of the cancer combination therapy.

Effect of Feijoa Sellowiana Acetonic Extract on Proliferation Inhibition and Apoptosis Induction in Human Gastric Cancer Cells

Gastric cancer (GC) still represents a relevant health problem in the world for both incidence and mortality rates. Many studies underlined that natural products consumption could reduce GC risk, indicating flavonoids as responsible for the beneficial effects through the modulation of several biological processes, such as the inhibition of cancer antioxidant defense and induction of apoptosis. Since Feijoa sellowiana fruit is known to contain high amounts of flavonoids, among which is flavone, we evaluated the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of F. sellowiana acetonic extract on GC cell lines through MTS and Annexin-V FITC assays. Among three GC cell lines tested, SNU-1 results being sensitive to both the F. sellowiana acetonic extract and synthetic flavone, which was used as the reference treatment. Moreover, we evaluated their antioxidant effects, assessing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes supeoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in polymorphonuclear cells. We found a significant increase of their activity after exposure to both F. sellowiana acetonic extract and flavone, supporting the idea that a diet that includes flavone-rich fruits could be of benefit for health. In addition to this antioxidant effect on normal cells, this study indicates, for the first time, an anticancer effect of F. sellowiana acetonic extract in GC cells.

Inhibitory Effects of Apigenin on Tumor Carcinogenesis by Altering the Gut Microbiota

The flavonoid apigenin is common to many plants. Although the responsible mechanisms have yet to be elucidated, apigenin demonstrates tumor suppression in vitro and in vivo. This study uses an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate- (DSS-) induced colon cancer mouse model to investigate apigenin's potential mechanism of action exerted through its effects upon gut microbiota. The size and quantity of tumors were reduced significantly in the apigenin treatment group. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing of fecal samples, the composition of gut microbiota was significantly affected by apigenin. Further experiments in which gut microbiota were reduced and feces were transplanted provided further evidence of apigenin-modulated gut microbiota exerting antitumor effects. Apigenin was unable to reduce the number or size of tumors when gut microbiota were depleted. Moreover, tumor inhibition effects were initiated following the transplant of feces from mice treated with apigenin. Our findings suggest that the effect of apigenin on the composition of gut microbiota can suppress tumors.

Sinensetin Induces Autophagic Cell Death through p53-Related AMPK/mTOR Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells

Sinensetin (SIN) has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. However, the cellular and molecular mechanism by which SIN promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell death remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the induction of cell death by SIN and its underlying mechanism in HepG2 cells, an HCC cell line. We found that SIN significantly induced cell death in HepG2 cells, whereas the proliferation rate of Thle2, human liver epithelial cells, was unaffected by SIN. SIN-treated HepG2 cells were not affected by apoptotic cell death; instead, autophagic cell death was induced through the p53-mediated AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Inhibition of p53 degradation led to both autophagy and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. p53 translocation led to SIN-induced autophagy, whereas p53 translocation inhibited SIN-induced apoptosis. However, SIN showed apoptosis in the p53-mutant Hep3B cell line. Molecular docking simulation of the p53 core domain showed effective binding with SIN, which was found significant compared with the known p53 activator, RITA. Collectively, these data suggest that SIN may be a potential anti-cancer agent targeting autophagic cell death in human liver cancer.

The effect of compound kushen injection on cancer cells: Integrated identification of candidate molecular mechanisms

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparations are often extracts of single or multiple herbs containing hundreds of compounds, and hence it has been difficult to study their mechanisms of action. Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) is a complex mixture of compounds extracted from two medicinal plants and has been used in Chinese hospitals to treat cancer for over twenty years. To demonstrate that a systematic analysis of molecular changes resulting from complex mixtures of bioactives from TCM can identify a core set of differentially expressed (DE) genes and a reproducible set of candidate pathways. We used in vitro cancer models to measure the effect of CKI on cell cycle phases and apoptosis, and correlated those phenotypes with CKI induced changes in gene expression. We treated two cancer cell lines with or without CKI and assessed the resulting phenotypes by employing cell viability and proliferation assays. Based on these results, we carried out high-throughput transcriptome data analysis to identify genes and candidate pathways perturbed by CKI. We integrated these differential gene expression results with previously reported results and carried out validation of selected differentially expressed genes. CKI induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in the cancer cell lines tested. In these cells CKI also altered the expression of 363 core candidate genes associated with cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA replication/repair, and various cancer pathways. Of these, 7 are clinically relevant to cancer diagnosis or therapy, 14 are cell cycle regulators, and most of these 21 candidates are downregulated by CKI. Comparison of our core candidate genes to a database of plant medicinal compounds and their effects on gene expression identified one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many regulatory relationships between compounds in CKI and DE genes. By identifying genes and promising candidate pathways associated with CKI treatment based on our transcriptome-based analysis, we have shown that this approach is useful for the systematic analysis of molecular changes resulting from complex mixtures of bioactives.

Dietary habits and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among hepatitis B surface antigen carriers: A prospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVE

In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to evaluate the association between dietary habits and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive carriers in Qidong, an hepatitis B virus (HBV)-epidemic area in China.

METHODS

A total of 3199 HBsAg carriers aged 30-70 years in a prospective cohort in Qidong, China from 2007 to 2011 were included in the study. At baseline, all participants self-reported their dietary habits in a questionnaire interview. A follow-up check-up was performed every 6 months to identify HCC cases until November 2017. Cox's regression analysis and an interaction analysis were performed to estimate the relative risks of HCC in terms of baseline diet.

RESULTS

Among 3199 HBsAg-positive participants, 270 developed HCC (143.86/100 000 person-years [PYs]). Compared with participants who rarely consume garlic, the risk of HCC in those who consumed it ≥ once per week decreased along with the increase in frequency (HR = 1.00, 0.90 and 0.62 in those who consumed it rarely vs those who consumed it 1-6 times per week and ≥ 7 times per week, respectively). This study found a synergistic effect between garlic and tea consumption on the risk of HCC (P = 0.039 for a multiplicative interaction).

CONCLUSIONS

HBsAg carriers should improve their diet. Regular consumption of garlic and tea drinking may reduce the HCC incidence in HBsAg carriers.

Long-term liver cancer incidence and mortality trends in the Changning District of Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the trends and estimate the long-term effects of age, period and birth cohort on the incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer (LC) in an urban district of Shanghai, China.

METHODS

Crude and age-standardized rates of the incidence and mortality of LC were calculated from 1973 to 2013 annually by sex, and the direction and magnitude of the trends were estimated by the average annual percentage change (AAPC) using the Joinpoint Regression Model. An age-period-cohort (APC) model was also used to evaluate the non-linear effects of calendar time and birth cohort on LC incidence and mortality.

RESULTS

In 1973-1977 and 2008-2013 the age-standardized rates of LC incidence and mortality (per 100 000) were 24.27 and 22.60 in men, and 7.50 and 7.26 in women, respectively. Declining trends of LC incidence and mortality rates were observed for both sexes (AAPC; P < 0.05 for both). The APC models indicated that the rates of LC incidence and mortality were significantly influenced both by calendar time and birth cohort effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and mortality rates of LC have decreased in both sexes in the Changning District of Shanghai over the past four decades. Although obvious descending trends of LC incidence and mortality were detected, attention should also be paid to the LC burden for a long time in the future because of huge population size in China and the continuity of population aging.

Magnesium intake and primary liver cancer incidence and mortality in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial

Epidemiological studies on magnesium intake and primary liver cancer (PLC) are scarce, and no prospective studies have examined the associations of magnesium intake with PLC incidence and mortality. We sought to clarify whether higher magnesium intake from diet and supplements was associated with lower risks of PLC incidence and mortality in the US population. Magnesium intake from diet and supplements was evaluated through a food frequency questionnaire in a cohort of 104,025 participants. Cox regression was employed to calculate hazard ratios for PLC incidence and competing risk regression was employed to calculate subdistribution hazard ratios for PLC mortality. Restricted cubic spline regression was employed to test nonlinearity. We documented 116 PLC cases during 1,193,513.5 person-years of follow-up and 100 PLC deaths during 1,198,021.3 person-years of follow-up. Total (diet + supplements) magnesium intake was found to be inversely associated with risks of PLC incidence (hazard ratio_{tertile 3 vs. 1} : 0.44; 95% confidence interval: 0.24, 0.80; p_trend = 0.0065) and mortality (subdistribution hazard ratio_{tertile 3 vs. 1} : 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.19, 0.71; p_trend = 0.0008). Similar results were obtained for dietary magnesium intake. Nonlinear inverse dose-response associations with PLC incidence and mortality were observed for both total and dietary magnesium intakes (all p_nonlinearity  < 0.05). In summary, in the US population, a high magnesium intake is associated with decreased risks of PLC incidence and mortality in a nonlinear dose-response manner. These findings support that increasing the consumption of foods rich in magnesium may be beneficial in reducing PLC incidence and mortality.

Anticancer activity of dietary xanthone α-mangostin against hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibition of STAT3 signaling via stabilization of SHP1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human cancers worldwide. The dietary xanthone α-mangostin (α-MGT) exhibits potent anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo. However, the anti-HCC effects of α-MGT and their underlying mechanisms are still vague. Aberrant activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in the progression of HCC. We therefore investigated whether α-MGT inhibited the activation of STAT3 and thereby exhibits its anti-HCC effects. In this study, we found that α-MGT significantly suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and triggered apoptosis in HCC cells, including HepG2, SK-Hep-1, Huh7, and SMMC-7721 cells in vitro, as well as inhibiting tumor growth in nude mice bearing HepG2 or SK-Hep-1 xenografts. Furthermore, α-MGT potently inhibited the constitutive and inducible activation of STAT3 in HCC cells. In addition, α-MGT also suppressed IL-6-induced dimerization and nuclear translocation of STAT3, which led to inhibition of the expression of STAT3-regulated genes at both mRNA and protein levels. Mechanistically, α-MGT exhibited effective inhibition of the activation of STAT3’s upstream kinases, including JAK2, Src, ERK, and Akt. Importantly, α-MGT increased the protein level of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP1), which is a key negative regulator of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, α-MGT enhanced the stabilization of SHP1 by inhibiting its degradation mediated by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Knockdown of SHP1 using siRNA obviously prevented the α-MGT-mediated inhibition of the activation of STAT3 and proliferation of HCC cells. In summary, α-MGT exhibited a potent anti-HCC effect by blocking the STAT3 signaling pathway via the suppression of the degradation of SHP1 induced by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. These findings also suggested the potential of dietary derived α-MGT in HCC therapy.

Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Gastric Cancer: Effects and Mechanisms

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer, and the third most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Voluminous evidence has demonstrated that phytochemicals play a critical role in the prevention and management of gastric cancer. Most epidemiological investigations indicate that the increased intake of phytochemicals could reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Experimental studies have elucidated the mechanisms of action, including inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and suppressing angiogenesis as well as cancer cell metastasis. These mechanisms have also been related to the inhibition of Helicobacter pylori and the modulation of gut microbiota. In addition, the intake of phytochemicals could enhance the efficacy of anticancer chemotherapeutics. Moreover, clinical studies have illustrated that phytochemicals have the potential for the prevention and the management of gastric cancer in humans. To provide an updated understanding of relationships between phytochemicals and gastric cancer, this review summarizes the effects of phytochemicals on gastric cancer, highlighting the underlying mechanisms. This review could be helpful for guiding the public in preventing gastric cancer through phytochemicals, as well as in developing functional food and drugs for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

Challenges in liver cancer and possible treatment approaches

Globally, liver cancer is the most frequent fatal malignancy; in the United States, it ranks fifth. Patients are often diagnosed with liver cancer in advanced stages, contributing to its poor prognosis. Of all liver cancer cases, >90% are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) for which chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the best options for therapy. For liver cancer patients, new treatment options are necessary. Use of natural compounds and/or nanotechnology may provide patients with better outcomes with lower systemic toxicity and fewer side effects. Improved treatments can lead to better prognoses. Finally, in this review, we present some of the problems and current treatment options contributing to the poor outcomes for patients with liver cancer.

Characterization of metabolite profiles of white and green spears of asparagus officinalis L. from Caoxian, East China

China is the largest planting country of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) in the world. Caoxian, as the famous asparagus township in China, enjoys a reputation for producing asparagus with high yield and good quality, due to its unique geological characteristic. In this study, a method of reverse-phase ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (RP-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was established for profiling metabolites from three segments (tip, mid, and base) of 'Caoxian white and green Asparagus'. A total of 114 metabolites were identified, among them, 43 were found for the first time in this vegetable. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was applied to provide an overview of the metabolite profiles of Caoxian asparagus and to separate different segments of spears. The variables most decisive to discriminate among segments included 9 of the metabolites tentatively identified. This study will help to improve the protection of Caoxian asparagus geographical indication.

A combination of Citrus reticulata peel and black tea inhibits migration and invasion of liver cancer via PI3K/AKT and MMPs signaling pathway

Liver cancer, one of the most common malignancies, is the second leading cause of cancer death in the world. The citrus reticulate peel and black tea have been studied for their beneficial health effects. In spite of the many studies have been reported, the underlying molecular mechanisms underlying its health benefits are still not fully understood. In present study, we developed a unique citrus reticulate peel black tea (CRPBT) by combined citrus reticulate peel and black tea and assessed its active ingredients, anti-oxidant and anti-liver cancer effects in vitro. The results suggested that CRPBT exhibited antioxidant capacity and effectively inhibited proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner. Mechanistically, CRPBT significantly down-regulated phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, and up-regulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and suppressed the expression of MMP2/9, N-cadherin and Vimetin proteins in liver cancer cells. Taken together, CRPBT has good effect on inhibiting migration, invasion, proliferation, and inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells.

Piperlongumine, a Novel TrxR1 Inhibitor, Induces Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by ROS-Mediated ER Stress

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the incidence and mortality of HCC continue to rise. Piperlongumine (PL), an alkaloid isolated from the fruit of the long pepper, is known to selectively kill tumor tissues while sparing their normal counterparts. However, the killing effects of PL on HCC and the underlying mechanism of PL are not clear. We report that PL may interact with thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1), an important selenocysteine (Sec)-containing antioxidant enzyme, and induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in HCC cells. Our results suggest that PL induces a lethal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in HCC cells by targeting TrxR1 and increasing intracellular ROS levels. Notably, PL treatment reduces TrxR1 activity and tumor cell burden in vivo. Additionally, TrxR1 is significantly upregulated in existing HCC databases and available HCC clinical specimens. Taken together, these results suggest PL as a novel anticancer candidate for the treatment of HCC. More importantly, this study reveals that TrxR1 might be an effective target in treating HCC.

Drug-Loaded Microbubbles Combined with Ultrasound for Thrombolysis and Malignant Tumor Therapy

Cardiac-cerebral thrombosis and malignant tumor endanger the safety of human life seriously. Traditional chemotherapy drugs have side effects which restrict their applications. Drug-loaded microbubbles can be destroyed by ultrasound irradiation at the focus position and be used for thrombolysis and tumor therapy. Compared with traditional drug treatment, the drug-loaded microbubbles can be excited by ultrasound and release drugs to lesion sites, increasing the local drug concentration and the exposure dose to nonfocal regions, thus reducing the cytotoxicity and side effects of drugs. This article reviews the applications of drug-loaded microbubbles combined with ultrasound for thrombolysis and tumor therapy. We focus on highlighting the advantages of using this new technique for disease treatment and concluding with recommendations for future efforts on the applications of this technology.

Targeting Gut Microbiota for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus by Dietary Natural Products

Diabetes mellitus is one of the biggest public health concerns worldwide, which includes type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus, and other rare forms of diabetes mellitus. Accumulating evidence has revealed that intestinal microbiota is closely associated with the initiation and progression of diabetes mellitus. In addition, various dietary natural products and their bioactive components have exhibited anti-diabetic activity by modulating intestinal microbiota. This review addresses the relationship between gut microbiota and diabetes mellitus, and discusses the effects of natural products on diabetes mellitus and its complications by modulating gut microbiota, with special attention paid to the mechanisms of action. It is hoped that this review paper can be helpful for better understanding of the relationships among natural products, gut microbiota, and diabetes mellitus.

Effects of Tannase and Ultrasound Treatment on the Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Green Tea Extract

The present study investigated the effects of tannase and ultrasound treatment on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of green tea extract. The single-factor experiments and the response surface methodology were conducted to study the effects of parameters on antioxidant activity of green tea extract. The highest antioxidant activity was found under the optimal condition with the buffer solution pH value of 4.62, ultrasonic temperature of 44.12 °C, ultrasonic time of 12.17 min, tannase concentration of 1 mg/mL, and ultrasonic power of 360 W. Furthermore, phenolic profiles of the extracts were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Overall, it was found that tannase led to an increase in gallic acid and a decrease in epigallocatechin gallate, and ultrasounds could also enhance the efficiency of enzymatic reaction.

Antihepatocarcinogenic activity of whey protein concentrate and lactoferrin in diethylnitrosamine-treated male albino mice

Hepatocellular carcinoma is considered one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide. Chemotherapy with cytotoxic agents showed a low response rate with possible toxic effects. Recently, some emphases have been placed on the anticancer properties of bovine whey protein and its components, especially lactoferrin. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the antihepatocarcinogenic activity of bovine whey protein concentrate (WPC, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight) and lactoferrin (30 and 60 mg/kg body weight), orally and daily for 14 weeks, in the mice model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. The results showed that both WPC and lactoferrin (in a dose-dependent manner) alleviated significantly (P < .001) the elevation in serum markers of liver carcinoma and inflammation in the DEN-treated mice. Also, they exhibited a great amelioration in the livers' histological structure of the DEN-treated mice by 37.0% to 66.7%. In addition, they decreased significantly (P < .001) the hepatic DNA fragmentation in the DEN-treated mice by 23.1% to 32.7%. Only, the high doses of WPC and lactoferrin completely modulated the decrease in the activity of liver enzymic antioxidant defense system (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and improved significantly (P < .01-.001) the concentration of hepatic reduced glutathione of the DEN-treated mice. Moreover, the high doses of WPC and lactoferrin reduced significantly (P < .05-.001) the elevation in the concentrations of hepatic active caspases 3, 8, and 9 of the DEN-treated mice. In conclusion, both WPC and lactoferrin were effective in inhibiting the hepatocarcinogenic activity of DEN in mice model through their ability to alleviate the hepatic inflammation and apoptosis.

Procyanidin B2 Activates PPARγ to Induce M2 Polarization in Mouse Macrophages

Procyanidins, a subclass of flavonoids found in commonly consumed foods, possess potential anti-inflammatory activity. Manipulation of M1/M2 macrophage homeostasis is an effective strategy for the treatment of metabolic inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of procyanidins on macrophage polarization. Procyanidin B2 (PCB2), the most widely distributed natural procyanidins, enhanced the expressions of M2 macrophage markers (Arg1, Ym1, and Fizz1). PCB2 activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activity and increased the expressions of PPARγ target genes (CD36 and ABCG1) in macrophages. Inhibition of PPARγ using siRNA or antagonist GW9662 attenuated the PCB2-induced expressions of M2 macrophage markers. In addition, we identified cognate PPAR-responsive elements (PPREs) within the 5'-flanking regions of the mouse Arg1, Ym1, and Fizz1 genes. Furthermore, macrophages isolated from db/db diabetic mice showed lower expressions of M2 markers. PCB2 effectively restored the Arg1, Ym1, and Fizz1 expressions in a PPARγ-dependent manner. These findings support the notion that PCB2 regulated macrophage M2 polarization via the activation of PPARγ. Our results provide a new mechanism by which procyanidins exert their beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.

Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice in the world. Garlic contains diverse bioactive compounds, such as allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine. Substantial studies have shown that garlic and its bioactive constituents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, digestive system protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and renal protective properties. In this review, the main bioactive compounds and important biological functions of garlic are summarized, highlighting and discussing the relevant mechanisms of actions. Overall, garlic is an excellent natural source of bioactive sulfur-containing compounds and has promising applications in the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and management of certain diseases.

Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice in the world. Garlic contains diverse bioactive compounds, such as allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine. Substantial studies have shown that garlic and its bioactive constituents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, digestive system protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and renal protective properties. In this review, the main bioactive compounds and important biological functions of garlic are summarized, highlighting and discussing the relevant mechanisms of actions. Overall, garlic is an excellent natural source of bioactive sulfur-containing compounds and has promising applications in the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and management of certain diseases.

Rotundic Acid Induces DNA Damage and Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through AKT/mTOR and MAPK Pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth largest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with limited therapeutic interventions. Renewed interest in natural products as drug leads has resulted in a paradigm shift toward the rapid screening of medicinal plants for the discovery of new chemical entities. Rotundic acid (RA), a plant-derived triterpenoid, has been anecdotally reported to possess anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective abilities. The present study highlights the anti-cancer efficacy of RA on HCC in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effects of RA on HCC cell viability was determined by MTT. Soft agar colony formation and clonogenic assays also showed that RA inhibited HCC cell proliferation. Flow cytometry, confocal, and western blot results further indicated that RA induced cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis by modulating the AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways. Besides the suppression of migration and invasion, tube formation and VEGF-ELISA revealed the anti-angiogenic abilities of RA on HCC. Moreover, RA also inhibited tumor growth in a HepG2 xenograft mouse model. To our best knowledge, this is the first extensive study of the anticancer activity of RA on HCC. The results demonstrate that RA could be a potential drug candidate for HCC treatment.

Capsaicin: Effects on the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent cancers, and to date, there have been very few drugs available that can improve survival, the most well-known being sorafenib. The pathogenesis of HCC is complex, involving multiple processes including abnormal cell and tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, genomic instability, cellular proliferation, and signaling pathway alterations. Capsaicin is a substance that holds increasingly high interest and is studied as a therapeutic option in a wide array of diseases. Several studies have investigated capsaicin roles in various stages of HCC oncogenesis. This paper aims to thoroughly detail the available information on the individual effects of capsaicin on the cellular mechanisms and pathways involved in HCC development, as well as investigate their possible cooperation and interferences. The synergistic antitumor effects of capsaicin and sorafenib are also addressed.

A Comparative Study of Black and White Allium sativum L.: Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Properties

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been used worldwide not only for its being a subject of dietary interest, but also for medicinal purposes, in prophylaxis, and for the treatment of diverse pathologies. New processing techniques have been developed and placed on the market in recent years to improve the organoleptic and nutritional value of food products. The present work aimed to study bulbils (cloves) of white (commercial and traditionally cultivated samples with different proveniences) and black (processed samples) garlic. All samples were compared with regard to their nutritional composition as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Black garlic had the lowest moisture content but the highest total amount of sugars and energetic value. Black garlic also presented the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial (especially against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) activities. Thus, black garlic, obtained by processing techniques, can be considered a promising product with high value that will be able to be exploited by the functional food/nutraceutical industry.

Protective Effects of Defatted Sticky Rice Bran Extracts on the Early Stages of Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

Use of natural products is one strategy to lessen cancer incidence. Rice bran, especially from colored rice, contains high antioxidant activity. Cancer chemopreventive effects of hydrophilic purple rice bran extract (PRBE) and white rice bran extract (WRBE) on carcinogen-induced preneoplastic lesion formation in livers of rats were investigated. A 15-week administration of PRBE and WRBE did not induce hepatic glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci formation as the biomarker of rat hepatocarcinogenesis. PRBE and WRBE at 500 mg/kg body weight significantly decreased number and size of GST-P positive foci in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated rats. The number of proliferating nuclear antigen positive hepatocytes were also reduced in preneoplastic lesions in both PRBE and WRBE fed DEN-treated rats. Notably, the inhibitory effect on GST-P positive foci formation induced by DEN during the initiation stage was found only in rats treated by PRBE for five weeks. Furthermore, PRBE attenuated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines involving genes including TNF-α, iNOS, and NF-κB. PBRE contained a higher number of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds and vitamin E. PRBE might protect DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats via attenuation of cellular inflammation and cell proliferation. Anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, as well as vitamin E, might play a role in cancer chemopreventive activity in rice bran extract.

Effects and mechanisms of tea for the prevention and management of cancers: An updated review

Tea is a traditional and popular beverage worldwide, and the consumption of tea has been demonstrated to possess many health benefits, such as cardiovascular protection, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, and anticancer. Epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of tea is inversely associated with the risk of several cancers. In addition, experimental studies have revealed that the anticancer actions of tea are mainly attributed to tea polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate and theaflavins. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that the possible anticancer mechanisms are the inhibition on proliferation, anti-angiogenesis, induction of apoptosis, suppression on metastasis, inhibition on cancer stem cells, and modulation on gut microbiota. Its synergetic anticancer effects with drugs or other compounds could promote anticancer therapies. Furthermore, clinical trials have elucidated that intervention of tea phytochemicals is effective in the prevention of several cancers. This paper is an updated review for the prevention and management of cancers by tea based on the findings from epidemiological, experimental and clinical studies, and special attention is paid on the mechanisms of action.

Inhibition of mRNA processing activity from ginger-, clove- and cinnamon-extract, and by two ginger constituents, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol

Inhibition of mRNA processing, including splicing in the nucleus, is a potential anti-cancer candidate. To obtain mRNA processing inhibitors, we have screened for active constituents from spices. Ginger, clove, and cinnamon showed an inhibitory effect on mRNA processing in the nucleus. Two components in ginger, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, exhibited the inhibition of mRNA processing.

Targeting gut microbiota with dietary components on cancer: Effects and potential mechanisms of action

Cancers are common chronic diseases worldwide and cause severe health burdens. There have been ongoing debates on the role of gut microbiota in the prevention and management of cancers, thus, it is worthwhile to pay high attention to the impacts of gut microbiota on several cancers, such as colon, liver, and breast cancers. In addition, it has been reported that gut microbiota may also affect the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Among all the factors that influence gut microbiota, diet is the most influential and modifiable. The prebiotics, dietary fibers, short-chain fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds are all important dietary components to assist the growth of beneficial microbiota in the gut, which can protect against cancers and promote human health. Their beneficial effects can be due to the fermentation of dietary fibers, the metabolism of phytochemicals, the synthesis of estrogens, and interactions with chemotherapies and immunotherapies. In order to provide updated information of the relationships among dietary components, gut microbiota, and cancer, in this review, we summarize the reciprocal interactions between dietary components and gut microbiota, and highlight the impacts of dietary components on several common cancers by targeting gut microbiota, with the potential mechanisms of actions also intensively discussed. As a result, this review can be very helpful for healthy people as well as cancer patients to prevent or manage cancers via dietary factor-mediated regulation of gut microbiota.

Preventive effects of combinative natural foods produced by elite crop varieties rich in anticancer effects on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

The World Cancer Research Fund International has released 32 anticancer effects (ACEs) that targeted every stage of cancer processes. Thus, we designed two formulas of natural food combination Diet I and Diet II, mainly produced by elite crop varieties rich in ACEs with different mixture ratios, and evaluated their cancer preventive effects on N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. After 20 weeks of dietary intervention, Diet I and Diet II reduced incidence, size, and number of hepatic nodules (p < 0.01) and prevented hepatic tumor formation in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis rats. Low-grade hepatic dysplasia incidence was 20% for Diet II and 40% for Diet I, and apparent hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) rates were both 0, while 90% HCC in control diet treatment group (p < 0.01). Diet I and Diet II ameliorated abnormal liver function enzymes, reduced serum alpha fetal protein, tumor-specific growth factor, dickkopf-related protein 1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels, regulated hepatic phase I and II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, enhanced antioxidant capacity, suppressed NDEA-initiated oxidative DNA damage, and induced apoptosis coupled to down-regulation of proinflammatory, invasion, and angiogenesis markers. Daily intake of combination diet produced from ACEs-rich elite crop varieties can effectively prevent or delay occurrence and development of NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

Natural Products Mediated Targeting of Virally Infected Cancer

The role of viral infection in developing cancer was determined in the start of 20th century. Until now, 8 different virus-associated cancers have been discovered and most of them progressed in immunosuppressed individuals. The aim of the present study is to look into the benefits of natural products in treating virally infected cancers. The study focuses on bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Numerous pharmaceutical agents have been identified from plants (vincristine, vinblastine, stilbenes, combretastatin, and silymarin), marine organisms (bryostatins, cephalostatin, ecteinascidins, didemnin, and dolastatin), insects (cantharidin, mastoparan, parectadial, and cecropins), and microorganisms (vancomycin, rhizoxin, ansamitocins, mitomycin, and rapamycin). Beside these, various compounds have been observed from fruits and vegetables which can be utilized in anticancer therapy. These include curcumin in turmeric, resveratrol in red grapes, S-allyl cysteine in allium, allicin in garlic, catechins in green tea, and β-carotene in carrots. The present study addresses various types of virally infected cancers, their mechanism of action, and the role of different cell surface molecules elicited during viral binding and entry into the target cell along with the anticancer drugs derived from natural products by targeting screening of bioactive compounds from natural sources.

Discovery of Potential Plant-Derived Peptide Deformylase (PDF) Inhibitors for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Using Computational Studies

Bacterial peptide deformylase (PDF) is an attractive target for developing novel inhibitors against several types of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The objective of the current study is to retrieve potential phytochemicals as prospective drugs against Staphylococcus aureus peptide deformylase (SaPDF). The current study focuses on applying ligand-based pharmacophore model (PharmL) and receptor-based pharmacophore (PharmR) approaches. Utilizing 20 known active compounds, pharmL was built and validated using Fischer's randomization, test set method and the decoy set method. PharmR was generated from the knowledge imparted by the Interaction Generation protocol implemented on the Discovery Studio (DS) v4.5 and was validated using the decoy set that was employed for pharmL. The selection of pharmR was performed based upon the selectivity score and further utilizing the Pharmacophore Comparison module available on the DS. Subsequently, the validated pharmacophore models were escalated for Taiwan Indigenous Plants (TIP) database screening and furthermore, a drug-like evaluation was performed. Molecular docking was initiated for the resultant compounds, employing CDOCKER (available on the DS) and GOLD. Eventually, the stability of the final PDF⁻hit complexes was affirmed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation conducted by GROMACS v5.0.6. The redeemed hits demonstrated a similar binding mode and stable intermolecular interactions with the key residues, as determined by no aberrant behaviour for 50 ns. Taken together, it can be stated that the hits can act as putative scaffolds against SaPDF, with a higher therapeutic value. Furthermore, they can act as fundamental structures for designing new drug candidates.

Gut Microbiota's Relationship with Liver Disease and Role in Hepatoprotection by Dietary Natural Products and Probiotics

A variety of dietary natural products have shown hepatoprotective effects. Increasing evidence has also demonstrated that gut microorganisms play an important role in the hepatoprotection contributed by natural products. Gut dysbiosis could increase permeability of the gut barrier, resulting in translocated bacteria and leaked gut-derived products, which can reach the liver through the portal vein and might lead to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby threatening liver health. Targeting gut microbiota modulation represents a promising strategy for hepatoprotection. Many natural products could protect the liver from various injuries or mitigate hepatic disorders by reverting gut dysbiosis, improving intestinal permeability, altering the primary bile acid, and inhibiting hepatic fatty acid accumulation. The mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects also include reducing oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, attenuating fibrosis, and decreasing apoptosis. This review discusses the hepatoprotective effects of dietary natural products via modulating the gut microbiota, mainly focusing on the mechanisms of action.

Unraveling the in vitro antitumor activity of Vismia baccifera against HepG2: role of hydrogen peroxide

Currently natural products derived from plants are receiving huge attention because of their antitumor activities. In previous work we reported that an aqueous leaf extract of Vismia baccifera induced toxicity in HepG2. The present study focuses on the mechanisms of the cytotoxic actions induced by the extract. Results showed that V. baccifera was innocuous in non-transformed human HH4 hepatocytes. In HepG2 it caused deregulation of antioxidant status (increasing superoxide dismutase expression and decreasing glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase activity) and accumulation of reactive oxygen species, particularly hydrogen peroxide. The extract induced a) cell cycle arrest at G₂/M phase, b) phosphorylation of ATM (protein kinase ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) and γH2AX (γ-histone family 2A variant), c) caspase-3 activation, and e) deregulation of the Bax/Bcl family, increasing pro-apoptotic proteins. ATM did not seem to be involved in γH2AX activation. Co-incubation with catalase prevented the alterations elicited by V. baccifera in HepG2. Taking together, these results indicate that hydrogen peroxide mediates the HepG2 cytotoxic response and provide evidence for more in-depth studies of the signaling involved.

Natural Products for the Prevention and Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori is the main pathogen that induces chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, atrophic gastritis, and other gastric disorders, and it is classified as a group I carcinogen. To eradicate H. pylori infection, triple therapy consisting of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor is the most widely recommended first-line therapeutic strategy. Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics contained in triple therapy could lead to therapeutic regimen failures. Recent studies showed that many natural products, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants, possess inhibitory effects on H. pylori, indicating their potential to be alternatives to prevent and manage H. pylori infection. This review summarizes the effects of natural products on H. pylori infection and highlights the mechanisms of action.

Nano-delivery systems for encapsulation of dietary polyphenols: An experimental approach for neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and brain tumors are severe, disabling, and incurable disorders that represent a critical problem regarding human suffering and the economic burden on the healthcare system. Because of the lack of effective therapies to treat NDs and brain tumors, the challenge for physicians is to discover new drugs to improve their patients' quality of life. In addition to risk factors such as genetics and environmental influences, increased cellular oxidative stress has been reported as one of the potential common etiologies in both disorders. Given their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, dietary polyphenols are considered to be one of the most bioactive natural agents in chronic disease prevention and treatment. Despite the protective activity of polyphenols, their inefficient delivery systems and poor bioavailability strongly limit their use in medicine and functional food. A potential solution lies in polymeric nanoparticle-based polyphenol delivery systems that are able to enhance their absorption across the gastrointestinal tract, improve their bioavailability, and transport them to target organs. In the present manuscript, we provide an overview of the primary polyphenols used for ND and brain tumor prevention and treatment by focusing on recent findings, the principal factors limiting their application in clinical practice, and a promising delivery strategy to improve their bioavailability.

Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of cancer

The epidemiological studies have indicated a possible oncostatic property of melatonin on different types of tumors. Besides, experimental studies have documented that melatonin could exert growth inhibition on some human tumor cells in vitro and in animal models. The underlying mechanisms include antioxidant activity, modulation of melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2, stimulation of apoptosis, regulation of pro-survival signaling and tumor metabolism, inhibition on angiogenesis, metastasis, and induction of epigenetic alteration. Melatonin could also be utilized as adjuvant of cancer therapies, through reinforcing the therapeutic effects and reducing the side effects of chemotherapies or radiation. Melatonin could be an excellent candidate for the prevention and treatment of several cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. This review summarized the anticancer efficacy of melatonin, based on the results of epidemiological,experimental and clinical studies, and special attention was paid to the mechanisms of action.

Selective Cytotoxicity of Luteolin and Kaempferol on Cancerous Hepatocytes Obtained from Rat Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Involvement of ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Targeting

To evaluate the cytotoxicity effects of luteolin (LUT) and kaempferol (KAE) via reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated mitochondrial targeting on hepatocytes obtained from the liver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rats. In this study, HCC induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). In the following, rat liver hepatocytes and mitochondria were isolated and tested for every eventual apoptotic and anti-HCC effects of LUT and KAE. The results of MTT assay showed that LUT and KAE were able to induce selective cytotoxicity in hepatocytes of HCC group in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Treatment of mitochondria from hepatocytes of HCC group with LUT and KAE were accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial swelling and release of cytochrome c (P < 0.001) via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation before cytotoxicity ensued. LUT and KAE also increased activation of caspase-3 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Flow-cytometry analysis indicated that the mode of cell death induced by these flavonoids were mostly apoptosis. Importantly, LUT and KAE were nontoxic for healthy hepatocytes and mitochondria. Therefore, we suggest that LUT and KAE are a good candidate for the complementary therapeutic agent against HCC.

Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic Activity of Methanol Extract and its Fractions of Streblus asper Leaves on Human Cancer Cell Lines

Background:

Streblus asper, family Moraceae is well-known important medicinal plant used in the Indian system of medicine. In Ayurveda, stem bark of S. asper is recommended against elephantiasis for which there is still no any other effective medicine in the modern system of medicine.

Objectives:

In the present work, methanol extract (SAM) and its fractions of S. asper leave tested for in vitro anticancer activity against cancer cell lines (MCF-7, A-549, Hep-G2, and K-562) which claims its folklore importance in cancer and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identification of extracts was also performed.

Materials and Methods:

Shade dried plant material was extracted with methanol and fractionated sequentially with hexane, chloroform, and butanol.

Results:

All tested extracts found highly effective against human lung cancer cell line (A-549) with IC₅₀ <10 μg/mL. On Hep-G2 cancer cell line, only chloroform fraction are highly active with IC₅₀ <10 μg/mL. Methanol and hexane fraction showed potent anticancer activity on K-562 cancer cell line with IC₅₀ <10 μg/mL.

Conclusion:

Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of fatty acids, phytosterol, triterpenoids, polyol, sugar acid, aldehyde, diterpene, terpene, carboxylic compounds, acid and sugar in S. asper leaves extract. Topmost abundant compounds in SAM are α-D-glucopyranoside (10.60%), glycerol (7.96%), myo-inositol (4.90%), and butanedioic acid (3.30%). Hexane consists of the higher amount of hexadecanoic acid (18.07%), octadecanoic acid (7.39%), β-sitosterol (4.50%), and α-D-glucopyranoside (4.03%). Higher component in chloroform extract is lupenyl acetate (11.25%).

SUMMARY

All extracts of Streblus asper found potential anticancer activity against lung cancer cell line (A-549)

Chloroform fraction is highly active on hepatoma cancer cell line (Hep-G2) whereas methanolic, and hexane fractions have highly cytotoxic potency against leukemia cancer cell line (K-562)

Methanolic extract of S. asper is rich source of glycosides, fatty acids, and phytosterol

In Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry evaluation of S. asper β-stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, lycopene, and lupeol identified as an anticancer agent from previously reported literature.

Abbreviations used: SRB: Sulforhodamine B assay; SAM: Methanol extract; SAH: Hexane extract; SAC: Chloroform extract.

The Potential and Action Mechanism of Polyphenols in the Treatment of Liver Diseases

Liver disease, involving a wide range of liver pathologies from fatty liver, hepatitis, and fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is a serious health problem worldwide. In recent years, many natural foods and herbs with abundant phytochemicals have been proposed as health supplementation for patients with hepatic disorders. As an important category of phytochemicals, natural polyphenols have attracted increasing attention as potential agents for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. The striking capacities in remitting oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation put polyphenols in the spotlight for the therapies of liver diseases. It has been reported that many polyphenols from a wide range of foods and herbs exert therapeutic effects on liver injuries via complicated mechanisms. Therefore, it is necessary to have a systematical review to sort out current researches to help better understand the potentials of polyphenols in liver diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize and update the existing evidence of natural polyphenols in the treatment of various liver diseases by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, while special attention is paid to the action mechanisms.

Cytotoxic action of methylquercetins in human lung adenocarcinoma cells

Lung cancer is the malignant disorder associated with a high number of fatalities in women and men worldwide. Despite continuous improvements in diagnostic strategies and therapeutic modalities over the past decades, the prognosis and survival rate of patients suffering from lung cancer are still unsatisfactory and suggest the requirement for further molecular studies with different lung cancer models. In the present study, the anticancer action of two methylated metabolites of quercetin, isorhamnetin and tamarixetin, was assessed by studying their antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing potential in human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, A549 and HCC-44. Both methylquercetins decreased the viability of lung cancer cells at doses significantly lower than those effective for parent quercetin. The IC50 values measured for isorhamnetin were 26.6 and 15.9 µM in A549 and HCC-44 cells, respectively. For tamarixetin, the IC50 values were 19.6 and 20.3 µM in A549 and HCC-44 cells, respectively. These results were many-fold lower than the respective values for quercetin (72.2 and 107.6 µM for A549 and HCC-44 cells, respectively). Based on the activation of caspase family members, both metabolites induced apoptotic cell death in the tested cell lines, predominantly via the extrinsic pathway in A549 cells and in both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in HCC-44 cells. As A549 and HCC-44 lines were originally established from a male and female patient, current data may suggst some gender differences in the action of quercetin derivatives. Addition of a methyl group in the 3'- or 4'-position of the B-ring of quercetin significantly increased the anticancer activity of this flavonol towards lung adenocarcinoma cells, which demonstrated that these compounds may be considered as potential novel candidates for the development of future chemotherapeutics in the fight against lung cancer.

Apoptotic Effect of Melittin Purified from Iranian Honey Bee Venom on Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cell Line

Melittin, an amphipathic 26-residue peptide, is the main component of honey bee venom. Studies have been demonstrated that melittin has an inhibitory effect on proliferation of cancer cells. However, the precise mechanism of action is not completely understood. In the present study we have shown that purified melittin from Iranian honey bee venom shows anti-cancer effects on human cervical cancer cell line through induction of apoptosis. The venom was collected from Iranian honey bee (Apis mellifera meda) and melittin isolated using reversed phase HPLC. Biological activity of melittin was analyzed by hemolytic test on human red blood cells. In order to investigate whether melittin inhibits proliferation of cervical cancer cells, the viability of the melittin treated HeLa cell line was measured via MTT assay. Finally, cell death analysis was performed using Propidum iodide and Annexin V-FITC dual staining. The results showed that the half hemolytic concentration (HD50) induced by mellitin was 0.5 µg/ml in free FBS solution. IC50 obtained after 12 h at 1.8 µg/ml by MTT assay. According to flow cytometric analysis, melittin induced apoptosis at concentrations more than 1 µg/ml. These results suggest that melittin induces apoptotic cell death in cervical cancerous cells as observed by flow cytometric assay. It is concluded that melittin could be regarded as a potential candidate in future studies to discovery of new anticancer agents.