Fisetin, a major component derived from mulberry (Morus australis Poir.) leaves, prevents vascular abnormal contraction

The natural polyphenol fisetin in atherosclerosis prevention: a mechanistic review

The incidence and mortality rate of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is increasing yearly worldwide. Recently, a growing body of evidence has unveiled the anti-atherosclerotic properties of fisetin, a natural polyphenol compound. In this article, we reviewed the pharmacologic actions of fisetin on experimental atherosclerosis and its protective effects on disease-relevant cell types such as endothelial cells, macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells, and platelets. Based on its profound cardiovascular actions, fisetin holds potential for clinical translation and could be developed as a potential therapeutic option for atherosclerosis and its related complications. Large-scale randomized clinical trials are warranted to ascertain the safety and efficacy of fisetin in patients with or high risk for ASCVD.

An Overview of Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Potentials of Fisetin against Diverse Insults in Neurological Diseases and the Underlying Signaling Pathways

The nervous system plays a leading role in the regulation of physiological functions and activities in the body. However, a variety of diseases related to the nervous system have a serious impact on human health. It is increasingly clear that neurological diseases are multifactorial pathological processes involving multiple cellular systems, and the onset of these diseases usually involves a diverse array of molecular mechanisms. Unfortunately, no effective therapy exists to slow down the progression or prevent the development of diseases only through the regulation of a single factor. To this end, it is pivotal to seek an ideal therapeutic approach for challenging the complicated pathological process to achieve effective treatment. In recent years, fisetin, a kind of flavonoid widely existing in fruits, vegetables and other plants, has shown numerous interesting biological activities with clinical potentials including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neurotrophic effects. In addition, fisetin has been reported to have diverse pharmacological properties and neuroprotective potentials against various neurological diseases. The neuroprotective effects were ascribed to its unique biological properties and multiple clinical pharmacological activities associated with the treatment of different neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize recent research progress regarding the neuroprotective potential of fisetin and the underlying signaling pathways of the treatment of several neurological diseases.

Fisetin in Cancer: Attributes, Developmental Aspects, and Nanotherapeutics

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality, globally. Cancerous cells invade normal cells and metastasize to distant sites with the help of the lymphatic system. There are several mechanisms involved in the development and progression of cancer. Several treatment strategies including the use of phytoconstituents have evolved and been practiced for better therapeutic outcomes against cancer. Fisetin is one such naturally derived flavone that offers numerous pharmacological benefits, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and anticancer properties. It inhibits the rapid growth, invasiveness, and metastasis of tumors by hindering the multiplication of cancer cells, and prompts apoptosis by avoiding cell division related to actuation of caspase-9 and caspase-8. However, its poor bioavailability associated with its extreme hydrophobicity hampers its clinical utility. The issues related to fisetin delivery can be addressed by adapting to the developmental aspects of nanomedicines, such as formulating it into lipid or polymer-based systems, including nanocochleates and liposomes. This review aims to provide in-depth information regarding fisetin as a potential candidate for anticancer therapy, its properties and various formulation strategies.

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC), a Causative Factor of SPC-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Contraction, Is Taken Up via Endocytosis

The reaction field of abnormal vascular contraction induced by sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and the action point of SPC around the plasma membranes remain unknown. However, we found in a previous study that fisetin prevents SPC-induced vascular smooth muscle cells contraction, while the mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to address the action point of SPC around the plasma membranes and the involvement of fisetin. We focused on microdomains and evaluated their markers flotillin-1 and caveolin-1 and the localization of SPC to investigate their action point. The results showed that microdomains of vascular smooth muscle cells were not involved in SPC-induced contraction. However, we found that after SPC had been affected on the plasma membrane, cells took up SPC via endocytosis. Moreover, SPC remained in the cells and did not undergo transcytosis, and SPC-induced contracting cells produced exosomes. These phenomena were similar to those observed in fisetin-treated cells. Thus, we speculated that, although not involved in the reaction field of SPC-induced contractions, the microdomain induced the endocytosis of SPCs, and fisetin prevented the contractions by directly targeting vascular smooth muscle cells. Notably, this preventive mechanism involves the cellular uptake of SPC via endocytosis.

Phytochemical characterization of Morus nigra fruit ultrasound-assisted ethanolic extract for its cardioprotective potential

The current work investigated the phytochemical profile of ultrasound-assisted ethanolic extract of Morus nigra (M. nigra) fruit. FTIR analysis of M. nigra fruit extract revealed the presence of alcohols (O-H), alkanes (C-H stretch), alkenes (C=C), and alkynes (C≡C). The HPLC analysis quantified the quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, cinnamic acid, sinapic acid, and kaempferol. Furthermore, the cardioprotective activity of ethanolic extract of M. nigra fruit was investigated. Cholesterol supplementation (2%) in the daily diet and exposure to cigarette smoke (2 cigarettes twice a day) were to induce hypertension in rats. The experimental animals were categorized into four groups: G0 (negative control), G1 (positive control), G2 (standard drug), and G3 (M. nigra fruit). The fruit extract administration at 300 mg/kg BW/day orally for 2 months significantly (p < .001) enhanced the activities of serum and cardiac tissue antioxidants in hypertensive rats. Meanwhile, the fruit extract reduced the elevated serum lipid profile while significantly increasing the high-density lipoproteins in G3 than G1 and G2. The increase in blood pressure, liver transaminases, and serum lactate dehydrogenase also reduced significantly in M. nigra fruit extract-treated rats. Histopathological findings revealed mild normalization of cardiac myocytes with central nuclei, branching, and cross-striations. Consequently, the M. nigra fruit extract exerted the cardioprotective potential via increasing the antioxidant enzymes and reducing the lipids, lactate dehydrogenase, liver transaminases, and blood pressure. The therapeutic potential of M. nigra fruit can be due to flavonols and phenolic acids. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present work quantified the Morus nigra fruit phytochemicals and its significant role in reducing lipid markers and blood pressure and improving antioxidant status in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet and exposed to cigarette smoke. Conclusively, the inclusion of M. nigra fruit in daily diet could improve the cardiac health of the individuals. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of M. nigra fruit and its isolated constituents in modulating the gene expression against cardiac problems can explore after clinical trials and standardization in higher animals.