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Bozali K, Koc S, Beyaztas H, Ozdemir M, Ozkan BN, Dumlu FS, Yalcin B, Guler EM. Thymoquinone oxime synthesis and its effects on melanoma cells: cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic evaluation. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38742473 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2353913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Strong evidence supports the anticancer properties of natural plant product isolates. The cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic properties of an oxime derivative of thymoquinone (TQ) in melanoma cancer cells were investigated. The structure of TQ-Oxime was elucidated through nuclear magnetic resonance, and its effect on B16F10 and L929 cell lines was assessed using a luminometric adenosine triphosphate assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) were quantified via fluorometry, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed using flow cytometry, glutathione (GSH) levels were measured using a luminometric GSH/oxidized glutathione assay, DNA damage via comet assay, and apoptosis was detected using acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Concentrations (0.5-20 μM) of TQ-Oxime significantly increased cytotoxicity, DNA damage, apoptosis, and iROS, in a concentration-dependent manner compared (p < 0.001). In addition, MMP and GSH levels decreased significantly with increasing concentrations compared with the control (p < 0.001). Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of TQ and its derivatives in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kubra Bozali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sumeyye Koc
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hakan Beyaztas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mucahit Ozdemir
- Department of Chemistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Beyza Nur Ozkan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Fatma Sena Dumlu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Bahattin Yalcin
- Department of Chemistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Eray Metin Guler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Hamidiye Faculty of Medicine, Haydarpasa Numune Health Application and Research Center, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Aftab A, Yousaf Z, Rashid M, Younas A, Yasin H, Riaz N, Mansoor Q. Vegetative part of Nigella sativa L. potential antineoplastic sources against Hep2 and MCF7 human cancer cell lines. JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/16583655.2022.2161294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arusa Aftab
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zubaida Yousaf
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Madiha Rashid
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Afifa Younas
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hamna Yasin
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nadia Riaz
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Qaisar Mansoor
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Wahab S, Alsayari A. Potential Pharmacological Applications of Nigella Seeds with a Focus on Nigella sativa and Its Constituents against Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Progress and Future Opportunities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3829. [PMID: 38005726 PMCID: PMC10675207 DOI: 10.3390/plants12223829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
The leading cause of death worldwide has been identified as chronic illnesses, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity account for three out of every five deaths. Although many people benefit from using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation relief, there are significant adverse effects to using these medications. Medicinal plants possess anti-inflammatory properties with minimal or no side effects. Nigella sativa (NS), also known as black cumin, is one of the plants used in traditional medicine the most. Many studies on the NS have shown that their therapeutic properties are attributed to the seed, oil, and secondary metabolites. This plant has been studied extensively and has many medical uses, such as anti-inflammatory. NS or its phytochemical compounds, such as thymoquinone, can cause cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, block efflux pumps, enhance membrane permeability, and exert potent biocidal effects. Notwithstanding the extensively documented anti-inflammatory effectiveness observed in the experimental model, the precise mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects in diverse chronic inflammatory diseases and its multi-targeting characteristics remain largely unexplored. This review examines NS or its secondary metabolites, a valuable source for the therapeutic development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Most clinical studies were done for diabetes and cardiovascular disease; therefore, more studies are required to examine the NS extracts and phytoconstituents to treat cancer, obesity, diabetes, asthma, neurological disorders, and COVID-19. This study will be a significant resource for clinicians and biologists seeking a pharmaceutical solution for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia;
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Li T, Tan Q, Wei C, Zou H, Liu X, Mei Z, Zhang P, Cheng J, Fu J. Design, Synthesis, and Acute Toxicity Assays for Novel Thymoquinone Derivative TQFL12 in Mice and the Mechanism of Resistance to Toxicity. Molecules 2023; 28:5149. [PMID: 37446810 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
TQFL12 is a novel derivative designed and synthesized on the basis of Thymoquinone (TQ) which is extracted from Nigella sativa seeds. We have demonstrated that TQFL12 was more effective in the treatment of TNBC than TQ. In order to directly reflect the acute toxicity of TQFL12 in vivo, in this study, we designed, synthesized, and compared it with TQ. The mice were administered drugs with different concentration gradients intraperitoneally, and death was observed within one week. The 24 h median lethal dose (LD50) of TQ was calculated to be 33.758 mg/kg, while that of TQFL12 on the 7th day was 81.405 mg/kg, and the toxicity was significantly lower than that of TQ. The liver and kidney tissues of the dead mice were observed by H&E staining. The kidneys of the TQ group had more severe renal damage, while the degree of the changes in the TQFL12 group was obviously less than that in the TQ group. Western blotting results showed that the expressions of phosphorylated levels of adenylate-activated protein kinase AMPKα were significantly up-regulated in the kidneys of the TQFL12 group. Therefore, it can be concluded that the acute toxicity of TQFL12 in vivo is significantly lower than that of TQ, and its anti-toxicity mechanism may be carried out through the AMPK signaling pathway, which has a good prospect for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Basic Medical School, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Qi Tan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Basic Medical School, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Chunli Wei
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Hui Zou
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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The efficacy of applying some plants and herbs in cancer therapy for humans and animals – a comperhensive review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2022-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cancer is a challenging ailment and represents the main reason for death worldwide for humans and animals. Although great developments have hindered cancer progression, several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy. Natural remedies, such as the usage of medicinal plant or their products in cancer treatment, may decrease prejudicial side properties. Recently, the modern research scheme and innovative screening practices for herbs or plants have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This criticism highlights herbs such as acacia, basil, black seeds, cedar, castus, ficus, garlic, ginger, indigo, onion, pomegranate, quince, and thyme, promising anticancer effects. The present review also revealed the mode of action of each herb as anticancer effects at level in vitro and in vivo studies. The item also totalizes the vital mechanisms and signaling molecules involved in preventing cancer diseases. This will fill the investigate gap in the exploration of using natural molecules and encourage researchers in clinical trials of anticancer agents from herbs for humans and animals.
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Hokmabady L, Fani N. In silico elucidation of the interactions of thymoquinone analogues with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). J Mol Model 2022; 28:321. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05318-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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A Narrative Review on Various Oil Extraction Methods, Encapsulation Processes, Fatty Acid Profiles, Oxidative Stability, and Medicinal Properties of Black Seed (Nigella sativa). Foods 2022; 11:foods11182826. [PMID: 36140949 PMCID: PMC9498113 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The current review investigates the effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) on human health, which is also used to encapsulate and oxidative stable in different food products. In recent decades, many extraction methods, such as cold pressing, supercritical fluid extraction, Soxhlet extraction, hydro distillation (HD) method, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction, steam distillation, and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) have been used to extract the oils from black seeds under optimal conditions. Black seed oil contains essential fatty acids, in which the major fatty acids are linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids. The oxidative stability of black seed oil is very low, due to various environmental conditions or factors (temperature and light) affecting the stability. The oxidative stability of black seed oil has been increased by using encapsulation methods, including nanoprecipitation, ultra-sonication, spray-drying, nanoprecipitation, electrohydrodynamic, atomization, freeze-drying, a electrospray technique, and coaxial electrospraying. Black seed, oil, microcapsules, and their components have been used in various food processing, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetics industries as functional ingredients for multiple purposes. Black seed and oil contain thymoquinone as a major component, which has anti-oxidant, -diabetic, -inflammatory, -cancer, -viral, and -microbial properties, due to its phenolic compounds. Many clinical and experimental studies have indicated that the black seed and their by-products can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, chronic cancer, diabetes, oxidative stress, polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic disorders, hypertension, asthma, and skin disorders. In this review, we are focusing on black seed oil composition and increasing the stability using different encapsulation methods. It is used in various food products to increase the human nutrition and health properties.
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Prajapati C, Agrawal YO, Agnihotri VV, Mahajan UB, Patil KR, Patil DD, Patil CR. Development and biological evaluation of protective effect of kidney targeted N-acetylated chitosan nanoparticles containing thymoquinone for the treatment of DNA damage in cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 214:391-401. [PMID: 35714868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.06.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), the most prominent constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, essential oil, is reported to possess an organ protective effect via Nrf2 expression and activation of Phase-II antioxidant enzymes. Haemorrhagic cystitis is the sudden onset of haematuria combined with bladder pain and irritable bladder symptoms are the known toxic effects of cyclophosphamide (CYP) chemotherapy. The objective of the present study was to investigate and compare the protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) and thymoquinone nanoparticles (TQ-NP) in the kidney against CYP-induced haemorrhagic cystitis. Primarily, TQ-NP was fabricated by synthesis of N-acetylated chitosan and nanoparticle preparation by the ionic gelation technique. They were characterized by particle size, polydispersive index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE), SEM, and dynamic scattering calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled NPs were prepared for biodistribution studies. The protective mechanisms of TQ-NP included its anti-inflammatory activity, inhibitory effects on cytokine levels, and protection against the DNA damage in the bladder epithelium. The cystitis was induced in rats by orally administering 200 mg/kg of CYP. The dose-dependent protective effect of the TQ-NP was determined by intravenously administering 1, 2, and 5 mg/kg of the TQ-NP to CYP-treated rats. The present study revealed that the TQ-NP prepared by ionic gelation method provides kidney targeted delivery of TQ as compared to TQ solution. The mean particle size, PDI, and %EE of TQ-NP were 272.6 nm, 0.216, 70.81 ± 0.12% respectively. The zeta potential of thymoquinone-loaded nanoparticles was found to be -20.7 mV and - 22.6 mV respectively before and after lyophilization. SEM study also confirmed the small size and spherical shape. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed the improvement in half-life and prolonged action of the TQ-NP as compared to the TQ solution. Also, TQ-NP administration showed more protection against the characteristic histological alterations in the bladder in comparison to TQ solution. The present study indicates that TQ-NP exerts potent anti-oxidant, DNA protective and cytokine inhibitory activity at considerably lower concentrations as compared to plain TQ solution. The nano formulation of TQ using N-acetylated chitosan provides effective kidney targeted delivery of TQ, which in turn improves its retention and protective efficacy against CYP-induced haemorrhagic cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitali Prajapati
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yogeeta O Agrawal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Vinit V Agnihotri
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Umesh B Mahajan
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kalpesh R Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dipak D Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H. R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Chandragouda R Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India.
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Jehan S, Huang J, Farooq U, Basheer I, Zhou W. Combinatorial effect of thymoquinone with chemo agents for tumor therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153936. [PMID: 35114449 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most chemotherapeutics used in cancer therapies exhibit considerable side effects to the patients. Thus, developing new chemo agents to treat cancer patients with minimal toxic and side effects is urgently needed. Recently, the combination of different chemotherapeutics has become a promising strategy to treat malignancies. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a primary bioactive compound derived from the folk medicinal plant Nigella sativa, which has been found an antitumor, chemopreventive and chemopotentiating agent against human neoplastic diseases. PURPOSE We briefly summarize the current research of the biomolecular mechanisms of TQ and evaluate the existing literature on TQ adjuvant therapies against various cancers. METHOD The data in this review were gathered by several search engines including, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. We highlighted and classified the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo experiments of TQ adjuvant therapies against human cancers and their chemopreventive activities on vital organs. RESULTS Several studies have shown that TQ synergistically potentiated the antitumor activity of numerous chemo agents against human neoplastic disease, including lung, breast, liver, colorectal, skin, prostate, stomach, bone and blood cancers. TQ also acted as a chemopreventive agent and reduced the toxicity of many chemo agents to vital organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. CONCLUSION In summary, we highly recommend an advanced evaluation of TQ adjuvant therapies at the level of preclinical and clinical trials, which could lead to a novel combinatorial therapy for cancer treatment with low or tolerable adverse effects on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jehan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Umar Farooq
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Irum Basheer
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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Plants in Anticancer Drug Discovery: From Molecular Mechanism to Chemoprevention. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5425485. [PMID: 35281598 PMCID: PMC8906971 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5425485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of mortality globally, and the discovery of new anticancer drugs is the most important need in recent times. Natural products have been recognized as effective in fight against various diseases including cancer for over 50 years. Plants and microbes are the primary and potential sources of natural compounds to fight against cancer. Moreover, researches in the field of plant-based natural compounds have moved towards advanced and molecular level understandings from the last few decades, leading to the development of potent anticancer agents. Also, plants have been accepted as abundant and prosperous sources for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the management and prevention of different cancer types. The high toxicity of some cancer chemotherapy drugs, as well as their unfavorable side effects and drugs resistance, drives up the demand for natural compounds as new anticancer drugs. In this detailed evidence-based mechanistic review, facts and information about various medicinal plants, their bioactive compounds with their potent anticancer activities against different cancers have been gathered, with further approach to represent the molecular mechanism behind the anticancer activity of these plants. This review will be beneficial for investigators/scientists globally involved in the development of natural, safe, effective, and economical therapeutic agents/drugs against various cancers. This might be an important contribution in the field of drug discovery, where drugs can be used alone or in combination to increase the efficacy of newly synthesized drugs.
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Taysi S, Algburi FS, Mohammed Z, Ali OA, Taysi ME. Thymoquinone: A Review of Pharmacological Importance, Oxidative Stress, COVID-19, and Radiotherapy. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:1847-1875. [PMID: 34983346 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220104151225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Widely consumed worldwide, Nigella sativa (NS) is a medicinal herb commonly used in various alternative medicine systems such as Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Recommended for regular use in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine), NS is considered one of the most notable forms of healing medicine in Islamic literature. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main component of the essential oil of NS, has been reported to have many properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antineoplastic. Its chemical structure indicates antiviral potential against many viruses, including the hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other coronavirus diseases. Interestingly, molecular docking studies have demonstrated that TQ can potentially inhibit the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by binding to the receptor site on the transmembrane serine proteinase 2 (the activator enzyme that attaches the virus to the cell). In addition, TQ has been shown to be effective against cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect by binding to the different regions of MDM2, according to the proposed molecular docking study. Detailed in this review is the origin of TQ, its significance in alternative medicine, pharmacological value, potential as a cancer anti-proliferative agent, use against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and treatment of other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyithan Taysi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Firas Shawqi Algburi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Tikrit University, Iraq
| | - Zaid Mohammed
- Department of Biochemistry and Technology, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Omeed Akbar Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Muhammed Enes Taysi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical School, Bolu Izzet Baysal University- Bolu-Turkey
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Alam S, Mohammad T, Padder RA, Hassan MI, Husain M. Thymoquinone and quercetin induce enhanced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer in combination through the Bax/Bcl2 cascade. J Cell Biochem 2021; 123:259-274. [PMID: 34636440 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The treatments available for non-small cell lung cancer exert various side effects in patients, and the burden of treatment cost is high. Therefore, exploring the alternative system of medicines, including therapies based on natural compounds, has become inevitable in developing anticancer therapeutics. This study used an integrated approach involving in-silico and in-vitro methods to explore natural compounds targeting Bax and Bcl2 for their apoptotic potential. Molecular docking followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of thymoquinone (Tq) and quercetin (Qu) with Bax and Bcl2 were carried out to explore their interactions and stability under explicit solvent conditions. Tq and Qu showed appreciable binding affinities toward Bax (-6.2 and -7.1 kcal/mol, respectively) and Bcl2 (-5.6 and -6.4 kcal/mol, respectively) with well-organized conformational fitting compatibility. The MD simulation results revealed the development of stable complexes maintained by various noncovalent interactions that were preserved throughout the 100 ns trajectories. Further studies with these compounds were carried out using various in-vitro experimental approaches like MTT assay, apoptotic assay, and Western blot. IC50 values of Tq and Qu alone in A549 cells were found to be 45.78 and 35.69 µM, while in combination, it comes down to 22.49 µM, which is quite impressive. Similarly, in apoptosis assay, a combination of Tq and Qu shows 50.9% early apoptosis compared to Tq (40.6%) and Qu (33.3%) when taken alone. These assays signify their apoptotic induction potential, whereas both compounds significantly reduce the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl2 and induce proapoptotic Bax, suggestive of sensitizing NSCLS cells toward apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoaib Alam
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Rayees A Padder
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Husain
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Wei C, Zou H, Xiao T, Liu X, Wang Q, Cheng J, Fu S, Peng J, Xie X, Fu J. TQFL12, a novel synthetic derivative of TQ, inhibits triple-negative breast cancer metastasis and invasion through activating AMPK/ACC pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10101-10110. [PMID: 34609056 PMCID: PMC8572774 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported as an anti‐tumour drug widely studied in various tumours, and its mechanism and effect of which has become a focus of current research. However, previous studies from our laboratory and other groups found that TQ showed weak anti‐tumour effects in many cancer cell lines and animal models. Therefore, it is necessary to modify and optimize the structure of TQ to obtain new chemical entities with high efficiency and low toxicity as candidates for development of new drugs in treating cancer. Therefore, we designed and synthesized several TQ derivatives. Systematic analysis, including in vitro and in vivo, was conducted on a panel of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and mouse model to demonstrate whether TQFL12, a new TQ derivative, is more efficient than TQ. We found that the anti‐proliferative effect of TQFL12 against TNBC cells is significantly stronger than TQ. We also demonstrated TQFL12 affects different aspects in breast cancer development including cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Moreover, TQFL12 inhibited tumour growth and metastasis in cancer cell–derived xenograft mouse model, with less toxicity compared with TQ. Finally, mechanism research indicated that TQFL12 increased AMPK/ACC activity by stabilizing AMPKα, while molecular docking supported the direct interaction between TQFL12 and AMPKα. Taken together, our findings suggest that TQFL12, as a novel chemical entity, possesses a better inhibitory effect on TNBC cells and less toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. As such, TQFL12 could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Wei
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, the Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hui Zou
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, the Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, the Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, the Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, the Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shangyi Fu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiangzhou Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, the Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Nigella sativa callus treated with sodium azide exhibit augmented antioxidant activity and DNA damage inhibition. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13954. [PMID: 34230566 PMCID: PMC8260798 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nigella sativa L. (NS) is an herbaceous plant, possessing phytochemicals of therapeutic importance. Thymoquinone is one of the active phytochemicals of NS that confers noteworthy antioxidant properties. Sodium azide, an agent of abiotic stress, can modulates antioxidant system in plants. In the present investigation, sodium azide (0, 5 µM, 10 µM, 20 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM and 200 µM) doses administered to the in vitro NS callus cultures for production/modification of secondary metabolites with augmented activity. 200 µM sodium azide treated NS callus exhibited maximum peroxidase activity (1.286 ± 0.101 nanokatal mg-1 protein) and polyphenol oxidase activity (1.590 ± 0.110 nanokatal mg-1 protein), while 100 µM sodium azide treated NS callus for optimum catalase activity (1.250 ± 0.105 nanokatal mg-1 protein). Further, 200 µM sodium azide treated NS callus obtained significantly the highest phenolics (3.666 ± 0.475 mg g-1 callus fresh weight), 20 µM sodium azide treated NS callus, the highest flavonoids (1.308 ± 0.082 mg g-1 callus fresh weight) and 100 µM sodium azide treated NS callus, the highest carotenes (1.273 ± 0.066 mg g-1 callus fresh weight). However, NS callus exhibited a decrease in thymoquinone yield/content vis-à-vis possible emergence of its analog with 5.3 min retention time and an increase in antioxidant property. Treatment with 200 µM sodium azide registered significantly the lowest percent yield of callus extract (4.6 ± 0.36 mg g-1 callus fresh weight) and thymoquinone yield (16.65 ± 2.52 µg g-1 callus fresh weight) and content (0.36 ± 0.07 mg g-1 callus dry weight) and the highest antioxidant activity (3.873 ± 0.402%), signifying a negative correlation of the former with the latter. DNA damage inhibition (24.3 ± 1.7%) was recorded significantly maximum at 200 µM sodium azide treatment. Sodium azide treated callus also recorded emergence of a new peak at 5.3 min retention time (possibly an analog of thymoquinone with augmented antioxidant activity) whose area exhibits significantly negative correlation with callus extract yield and thymoquinone yield/content and positive correlation with antioxidant activity and in vitro DNA damage inhibition. Thus, sodium azide treatment to NS callus confers possible production of secondary metabolites or thymoquinone analog (s) responsible for elevated antioxidant property and inhibition to DNA damage. The formation of potent antioxidants through sodium azide treatment to NS could be worthy for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
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Ansary J, Giampieri F, Forbes-Hernandez TY, Regolo L, Quinzi D, Gracia Villar S, Garcia Villena E, Tutusaus Pifarre K, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Battino M, Cianciosi D. Nutritional Value and Preventive Role of Nigella sativa L. and Its Main Component Thymoquinone in Cancer: An Evidenced-Based Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082108. [PMID: 33916916 PMCID: PMC8067617 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent times, scientific attention has been paid to different foods and their bioactive components for the ability to inhibit the onset and progress of different types of cancer. Nigella sativa extract, powder and seed oil and its main components, thymoquinone and α-hederin, have showed potent anticancer and chemosensitizing effects against various types of cancer, such as liver, colon, breast, renal, cervical, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and skin tumors, through the modulation of various molecular signaling pathways. Herein, the purpose of this review was to highlight the anticancer activity of Nigella sativa and it constitutes, focusing on different in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies and projects, in order to underline their antiproliferative, proapoptotic, cytotoxic and antimetastatic effects. Particular attention has been also given to the synergistic effect of Nigella sativa and it constitutes with chemotherapeutic drugs, and to the synthesized analogs of thymoquinone that seem to enhance the chemo-sensitizing potential. This review could be a useful step towards new research on N. sativa and cancer, to include this plant in the dietary treatments in support to conventional therapies, for the best achievement of therapeutic goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johura Ansary
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
- Nutrition and Food Science Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, CITACA, CACTI, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Lucia Regolo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Denise Quinzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Santos Gracia Villar
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Garcia Villena
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
| | - Kilian Tutusaus Pifarre
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
| | - José M. Alvarez-Suarez
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Alimentos, Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170157, Ecuador
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
| | - Danila Cianciosi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
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Talib WH, Alsalahat I, Daoud S, Abutayeh RF, Mahmod AI. Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer Research: Extraction, Mechanism of Action, and Drug Formulation. Molecules 2020; 25:E5319. [PMID: 33202681 PMCID: PMC7696819 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally and considered as a major challenge for the public health system. The high toxicity and the lack of selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies make the search for alternative treatments a priority. In this review, we describe the main plant-derived natural products used as anticancer agents. Natural sources, extraction methods, anticancer mechanisms, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation are discussed in this review. Studies covered by this review should provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to enhance basic and clinical research on developing alternative anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H. Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan;
| | - Izzeddin Alsalahat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (I.A.); (S.D.); (R.F.A.)
| | - Safa Daoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (I.A.); (S.D.); (R.F.A.)
| | - Reem Fawaz Abutayeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (I.A.); (S.D.); (R.F.A.)
| | - Asma Ismail Mahmod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan;
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Korak T, Ergül E, Sazci A. Nigella sativa and Cancer: A Review Focusing on Breast Cancer, Inhibition of Metastasis and Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:1176-1185. [PMID: 32351178 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200430120453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, there have been accumulating data that the use of medicinal plants could bring additional benefits to the supportive treatment of various diseases. Nigella sativa (N. sativa, family Ranunculaceae) is one of these plants that has attracted considerable interest. The extracts and seeds of N. sativa and its active component thymoquinone have been studied extensively and the results suggest that N. sativa might carry some therapeutic potential for many diseases, including cancer. METHODS The selection criteria for references were applied through Pubmed with "N. sativa and cancer", "N. sativa and breast cancer", "N. sativa and metastasis", "N. sativa and cytotoxicity of natural killer cells". The pathway analysis was performed using the PANTHER tool by using five randomly selected N. sativa affected genes (Cyclin D1, P53, p21 protein (Cdc42/Rac) activated kinase 1 (PAK1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) in order to elucidate further potentially affected signaling pathways. RESULTS The aim of this review was to summarize studies regarding the effects of N. sativa in cancer generally, with a focus on breast cancer, its anti-metastatic effects, and how N. sativa modulates the cytotoxicity of Natural Killer cells that play a crucial role in tumor surveillance. CONCLUSION In summary, the data suggest that N. sativa might be used for its anti-cancer and antimetastatic properties and as an immune system activator against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğcan Korak
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Emel Ergül
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ali Sazci
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Di Martile M, Garzoli S, Ragno R, Del Bufalo D. Essential Oils and Their Main Chemical Components: The Past 20 Years of Preclinical Studies in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092650. [PMID: 32948083 PMCID: PMC7565555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the last years, targeted therapy and immunotherapy modified the landscape for metastatic melanoma treatment. These therapeutic approaches led to an impressive improvement in patients overall survival. Unfortunately, the emergence of drug resistance and side effects occurring during therapy strongly limit the long-term efficacy of such treatments. Several preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of essential oils as antitumoral agents, and clinical trials support their use to reduce side effects emerging during therapy. In this review we have summarized studies describing the molecular mechanism through which essential oils induce in vitro and in vivo cell death in melanoma models. We also pointed to clinical trials investigating the use of essential oils in reducing the side effects experienced by cancer patients or those undergoing anticancer therapy. From this review emerged that further studies are necessary to validate the effectiveness of essential oils for the management of melanoma. Abstract The last two decades have seen the development of effective therapies, which have saved the lives of a large number of melanoma patients. However, therapeutic options are still limited for patients without BRAF mutations or in relapse from current treatments, and severe side effects often occur during therapy. Thus, additional insights to improve treatment efficacy with the aim to decrease the likelihood of chemoresistance, as well as reducing side effects of current therapies, are required. Natural products offer great opportunities for the discovery of antineoplastic drugs, and still represent a useful source of novel molecules. Among them, essential oils, representing the volatile fraction of aromatic plants, are always being actively investigated by several research groups and show promising biological activities for their use as complementary or alternative medicine for several diseases, including cancer. In this review, we focused on studies reporting the mechanism through which essential oils exert antitumor action in preclinical wild type or mutant BRAF melanoma models. We also discussed the latest use of essential oils in improving cancer patients’ quality of life. As evidenced by the many studies listed in this review, through their effect on apoptosis and tumor progression-associated properties, essential oils can therefore be considered as potential natural pharmaceutical resources for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (D.D.B.); Tel.: +39-0652666891 (M.D.M.); +39-0652662575 (D.D.B.)
| | - Stefania Garzoli
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Rino Ragno
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (R.R.)
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (D.D.B.); Tel.: +39-0652666891 (M.D.M.); +39-0652662575 (D.D.B.)
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Jehan S, Zhong C, Li G, Zulqarnain Bakhtiar S, Li D, Sui G. Thymoquinone Selectively Induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis in Synergism With Clinical Therapeutics and Dependence of p53 Status. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:555283. [PMID: 33041795 PMCID: PMC7522566 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.555283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural compound extracted from the black seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. TQ exhibits anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic activities against various cancers. Many therapeutics in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatments, such as doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (DDP), exhibit considerable side effects on patients. We investigated cytotoxic effects of TQ, alone or in combination with DDP and DOX to HCC cells. TQ exhibited selective killing to HCC HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, but relatively low toxicity to normal liver HL-7702 cells. Importantly, when used with DOX or DDP, TQ showed synergistic inhibition of HCC cells, but not HL-7702 cells. We also discovered that Hep3B cells with a p53 null status were more sensitive to TQ than HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells harboring wild type p53. Consistently, shRNA-mediated p53 silencing in HepG2 cells dramatically enhanced TQ-induced apoptosis, measured by caspase 3 and PARP cleavage. Furthermore, TQ-stimulated increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in p53-depleted cells was more pronounced than that in cells with intact p53. In summary, we discovered that TQ synergistically improves the anti-cancer activity of DOX and DDP, and loss of p53 sensitizes HCC cells to TQ-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jehan
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Chen Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Syed Zulqarnain Bakhtiar
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Dangdang Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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Hagag AA, Badraia IM, El-Shehaby WA, Mabrouk MM. Protective role of black seed oil in doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2020; 26:1397-1406. [PMID: 31964219 DOI: 10.1177/1078155219897294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukemia is the most common pediatric malignancy. It affects bone marrow cells especially lymphoid cell precursor. Leukemia is treated mainly by chemotherapy. Doxorubicin is a well-established chemotherapeutic agent included in treatment protocols of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its efficacy is often limited by its cardiotoxic side effects. Many studies are directed to overcome this problem. Black seed oil was found to have a potent cardioprotective effect.Aim of the study: To assess the protective role of black seed oil against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This study was carried out on 40 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia including 20 patients under doxorubicin therapy and black seed oil 80 mg/kg/dose divided into 3 doses starting at the same moment of beginning of doxorubicin infusion therapy and continued for 1 week after each doxorubicin dose [group I] and 20 patients under doxorubicin and placebo for 1 week after each doxorubicin dose [group II]. They underwent conventional echo-Doppler measures of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and pulsed wave tissue Doppler of lateral mitral annulus. RESULTS No significant differences were found in parameters of electrocardiograph including S-T segment and Q-T interval either before or after doxorubicin therapy. No significant differences in echocardiographic parameters were found between group I and group II before therapy. Non-significant changes in parameters of diastolic function [E/A ratio or e/a ratio] were found after doxorubicin therapy in group I and II, but there were significant reduction in parameters of systolic function [EF, FS and s wave] after doxorubicin therapy more in group II than group I.Conclusion and recommendation: From this study, we concluded that: Black seed oil improves some cardiac side effects of doxorubicin as shown by better systolic functions in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were treated with Doxorubicin and black seed (group I) than in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were treated with doxorubicin alone with no black seeds (group II), and therefore multi center studies is recommended to be done before we can recommend the use of black seed oil as an adjuvant therapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia under doxorubicin-based treatment protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Hagag
- Pediatric Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:1528635. [PMID: 31214267 PMCID: PMC6535880 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1528635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The seed of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) has been used in different civilization around the world for centuries to treat various animal and human ailments. So far, numerous studies demonstrated the seed of Nigella sativa and its main active constituent, thymoquinone, to be medicinally very effective against various illnesses including different chronic illness: neurological and mental illness, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and infertility as well as various infectious diseases due to bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections. In spite of limited studies conducted so far, the promising efficacy of N. sativa against HIV/AIDS can be explored as an alternative option for the treatment of this pandemic disease after substantiating its full therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the strong antioxidant property of this valued seed has recently gained increasing attention with regard to its potential role as dietary supplement with minimal side effects. Besides, when combined with different conventional chemotherapeutic agents, it synergizes their effects resulting in reducing the dosage of concomitantly used drugs with optimized efficacy and least and/or no toxicity. A number of pharmaceutical and biological properties have been ascribed to seeds of N. sativa. The present review focuses on the profile of high-value components along with traditional medicinal and biological principles of N. sativa seed and its oil so as to explore functional food and nutraceutical potential of this valued herb.
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Mahmoud YK, Abdelrazek HMA. Cancer: Thymoquinone antioxidant/pro-oxidant effect as potential anticancer remedy. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 115:108783. [PMID: 31060003 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there is growing interest in the natural bioactive components having anticancer activity. Thymoquinone (TQ), the principle active constituent of black seed (Nigella sativa), has promising properties including anticancer and chemosensitizing peculiarities. The anticancer power of TQ is accomplished by several aspects; including promotion of apoptosis, arrest of cell cycle and ROS generation. In addition, it boosts the immune system and lessens the side effects associated with traditional anticancer therapy. TQ also controls angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. This review focuses on the potential aspects and mechanisms by which TQ acquires its actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina K Mahmoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Heba M A Abdelrazek
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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Stress response due to sodium azide treatment inside Nigella sativa L. plant and its effect on antioxidative property. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Kumar P, Bhadauria AS, Singh AK, Saha S. Betulinic acid as apoptosis activator: Molecular mechanisms, mathematical modeling and chemical modifications. Life Sci 2018; 209:24-33. [PMID: 30076920 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A natural product betulinic acid (BA) has gained a huge significance in the recent years for its strong cytotoxicity. Surprisingly, in spite of being an interesting cancer protecting agent on a variety of tumor cells, the normal cells and tissues are rarely affected by BA. Betulinic acid and analogues (BAs) generally exert through the mechanisms that provokes an event of direct cell death and bypass the resistance to normal chemotherapeutics. Although the major mechanism associated with its ability to induce direct cell death is mitochondrial apoptosis, there are several other mechanisms explored recently. Importantly, mathematical modeling of apoptosis has been an important tool to explore the precise mechanism involved in mitochondrial apoptosis. Thus, this review is an endeavor to sum up the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of BA and future directions to apply mathematical modeling technique to better understand the precise mechanism of BA-induced apoptosis. The last section of the review encompasses the plausible structural modifications and formulations to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, India
| | - Archana S Bhadauria
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
| | - Ashok K Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, India
| | - Sudipta Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, India.
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Hatiboglu MA, Kocyigit A, Guler EM, Akdur K, Nalli A, Karatas E, Tuzgen S. Thymoquinone Induces Apoptosis in B16-F10 Melanoma Cell Through Inhibition of p-STAT3 and Inhibits Tumor Growth in a Murine Intracerebral Melanoma Model. World Neurosurg 2018; 114:e182-e190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.02.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Johnson-Ajinwo OR, Ullah I, Mbye H, Richardson A, Horrocks P, Li WW. The synthesis and evaluation of thymoquinone analogues as anti-ovarian cancer and antimalarial agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Chowdhury FA, Hossain MK, Mostofa AGM, Akbor MM, Bin Sayeed MS. Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Glioblastoma Treatment: Targeting Major Gliomagenesis Signaling Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4010629. [PMID: 29651429 PMCID: PMC5831880 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4010629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most devastating brain tumors with median survival of one year and presents unique challenges to therapy because of its aggressive behavior. Current treatment strategy involves surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy even though optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of potential complications from both the disease and its treatment. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa L., has exhibited anticancer effects in numerous preclinical studies. Due to its multitargeting nature, TQ interferes in a wide range of tumorigenic processes and counteract carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. TQ can specifically sensitize tumor cells towards conventional cancer treatments and minimize therapy-associated toxic effects in normal cells. Its potential to enter brain via nasal pathway due to volatile nature of TQ adds another advantage in overcoming blood-brain barrier. In this review, we summarized the potential role of TQ in different signaling pathways in GBM that have undergone treatment with standard therapeutic modalities or with TQ. Altogether, we suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical level to delineate its implied utility as novel therapeutics to combat the challenges for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabliha Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - A. G. M. Mostofa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Maruf Mohammad Akbor
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
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Majdalawieh AF, Fayyad MW, Nasrallah GK. Anti-cancer properties and mechanisms of action of thymoquinone, the major active ingredient of Nigella sativa. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2018; 57:3911-3928. [PMID: 28140613 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2016.1277971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, studies have documented the wide-range anti-cancer effects of Nigella sativa, known as black seed or black cumin. Thymoquinone (TQ), its major active ingredient, has also been extensively studied and reported to possess potent anti-cancer properties. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the findings related to the anti-cancer activity of TQ. The review focuses on analyzing experimental studies performed using different in vitro and in vivo models to identify the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, and NK-dependent cytotoxic effects exerted by TQ. In addition, we pinpoint the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and the signal transduction pathways implicated by TQ. Our analysis show that p53, NF-κB, PPARγ, STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are among the most significant pathways through which TQ mediates its anti-cancer activity. Experimental findings and recent advances in the field highlight TQ as an effective therapeutic agent for the suppression of tumor development, growth and metastasis for a wide range of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin F Majdalawieh
- a Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences , American University of Sharjah , Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
| | - Muneera W Fayyad
- a Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences , American University of Sharjah , Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- b Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences , Qatar University , Doha , Qatar.,c Biomedical Research Center , Qatar University , Doha , Qatar
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Shanmugam MK, Arfuso F, Kumar AP, Wang L, Goh BC, Ahn KS, Bishayee A, Sethi G. Modulation of diverse oncogenic transcription factors by thymoquinone, an essential oil compound isolated from the seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. Pharmacol Res 2017; 129:357-364. [PMID: 29162539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), isolated almost fifty years ago, is the main bioactive constituent of black seed essential oil extracted from the seed of Nigella sativa. TQ has been shown to have promising effects against a variety of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Cancer development is a multistep process where normal cells acquire qualities that enable the cells to proliferate continuously and migrate to distant sites in the human body. Drugs that interfere with this process are considered potential anti-cancer therapeutics, which may ultimately result in their clinical usage. TQ is once such compound which has been reported to modulate several major signaling pathways and key oncogenic molecules that play a prominent role in cancer initiation, progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Various studies have reported that TQ can enhance the anti-cancer potential when co-administered with several chemotherapeutic agents while reducing their toxic side effects. In addition, TQ has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, pancreatic, colon, lung, and hematological malignancies in different mouse models of cancer. This review focuses on TQ's chemical and pharmacological properties, its diverse molecular targets and also provides clear evidence on its promising potential under preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, 117600, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, 119228, Singapore
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-gil, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 130-701, South Korea, South Korea
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33169, USA
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
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Goyal SN, Prajapati CP, Gore PR, Patil CR, Mahajan UB, Sharma C, Talla SP, Ojha SK. Therapeutic Potential and Pharmaceutical Development of Thymoquinone: A Multitargeted Molecule of Natural Origin. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:656. [PMID: 28983249 PMCID: PMC5613109 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone, a monoterpene molecule is chemically known as 2-methyl-5-isopropyl-1, 4-benzoquinone. It is abundantly present in seeds of Nigella sativa L. that is popularly known as black cumin or black seed and belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. A large number of studies have revealed that thymoquinone is the major active constituent in N. sativa oil this constituent is responsible for the majority of the pharmacological properties. The beneficial organoprotective activities of thymoquinone in experimental animal models of different human diseases are attributed to the potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymoquinone has also been shown to alter numerous molecular and signaling pathways in many inflammatory and degenerative diseases including cancer. Thymoquinone has been reported to possess potent lipophilicity and limited bioavailability and exhibits light and heat sensitivity. Altogether, these physiochemical properties encumber the successful formulation for the delivery of drug in oral dosages form and restrict the pharmaceutical development. In recent past, many efforts were undertaken to improve the bioavailability for clinical usage by manipulating the physiochemical parameters. The present review aimed to provide insights regarding the physicochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics and the methods to promote pharmaceutical development and endorse the clinical usage of TQ in future by overcoming the associated physiochemical obstacles. It also enumerates briefly the pharmacological and molecular targets of thymoquinone as well as the pharmacological properties in various diseases and the underlying molecular mechanism. Though, a convincing number of experimental studies are available but human studies are not available with thymoquinone despite of the long history of use of black cumin in different diseases. Thus, the clinical studies including pharmacokinetic studies and regulatory toxicity studies are required to encourage the clinical development of thymoquinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
- SVKM Institute of PharmacyDhule, India
| | - Chaitali P. Prajapati
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Prashant R. Gore
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Chandragouda R. Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Umesh B. Mahajan
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates UniversityAl Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sandhya P. Talla
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Shreesh K. Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates UniversityAl Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Alves-Silva JM, Romane A, Efferth T, Salgueiro L. North African Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:383. [PMID: 28694778 PMCID: PMC5483438 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer is a major cause of mortality worldwide with increasing numbers by the years. In North Africa, the number of cancer patients is alarming. Also shocking is that a huge number of cancer patients only have access to traditional medicines due to several factors, e.g., economic difficulties. In fact, medicinal plants are widely used for the treatment of several pathologies, including cancer. Truthfully, herbalists and botanists in North African countries prescribe several plants for cancer treatment. Despite the popularity and the potential of medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer, scientific evidence on their anticancer effects are still scarce for most of the described plants. Objective: Bearing in mind the lack of comprehensive and systematic studies, the aim of this review is to give an overview of studies, namely ethnobotanical surveys and experimental evidence of anticancer effects regarding medicinal plants used in North Africa for cancer therapy. Method: The research was conducted on several popular search engines including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science. The research focused primarily on English written papers published between the years 2000 and 2016. Results: This review on plants traditionally used by herbalists in North Africa highlights that Morocco and Algeria are the countries with most surveys on the use of medicinal plants in folk medicine. Among the plethora of plants used, Nigella sativa and Trigonella foenum-graecum are the most referred ones by herbalists for the treatment of cancer. Moreover, a plethora of scientific evidence qualifies them as candidates for further drug development. Furthermore, we report on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Conclusion: Overall, this review highlights the therapeutic potential of some medicinal plants as anticancer agents. The North African flora offers a rich source of medicinal plants for a wide array of diseases, including cancer. The elucidation of their modes of action represents an indispensable condition for the rational development of new drugs for cancer treatment. Furthermore, testing the anticancer activity in vivo and in clinical trials are warranted to explore the full therapeutic potential of North African plants for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M Alves-Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of CoimbraCoimbra, Portugal
| | - Abderrahmane Romane
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique Appliquée, Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences (Semlalia), Université Cadi AyyadMarrakech, Morocco
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainz, Germany
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of CoimbraCoimbra, Portugal
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Mostofa AGM, Hossain MK, Basak D, Bin Sayeed MS. Thymoquinone as a Potential Adjuvant Therapy for Cancer Treatment: Evidence from Preclinical Studies. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:295. [PMID: 28659794 PMCID: PMC5466966 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has been found to exhibit anticancer effects in numerous preclinical studies. Due to its multitargeting nature, TQ interferes in a wide range of tumorigenic processes and counteracts carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. Moreover, TQ can specifically sensitize tumor cells toward conventional cancer treatments (e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy) and simultaneously minimize therapy-associated toxic effects in normal cells. In this review, we summarized the adjuvant potential of TQ as observed in various in vitro and in vivo animal models and discussed the pharmacological properties of TQ to rationalize its supplementary role in potentiating the efficacy of standard therapeutic modalities namely surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Altogether, we suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical levels to delineate its implied utility as a novel complementary adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G M Mostofa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Debasish Basak
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
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Ackermann A, Karagöz AÇ, Ghoochani A, Buchfelder M, Eyüpoglu I, Tsogoeva SB, Savaskan N. Cytotoxic profiling of artesunic and betulinic acids and their synthetic hybrid compound on neurons and gliomas. Oncotarget 2017; 8:61457-61474. [PMID: 28977877 PMCID: PMC5617437 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are brain-born tumors with devastating impact on their brain microenvironment. Novel approaches employ multiple combinations of chemical compounds in synthetic hybrid molecules to target malignant tumors. Here, we report on the chemical hybridization approach exemplified by artesunic acid (ARTA) and naturally occurring triterpene betulinic acid (BETA). Artemisinin derived semisynthetic compound artesunic acid (ARTA) and naturally occurring triterpene BETA were used to synthetically couple to the hybrid compound termed 212A. We investigated the impact of 212A and its parent compounds on glioma cells, astrocytes and neurons. ARTA and BETA showed cytotoxic effects on glioma cells at micromolar concentrations. ARTA was more effective on rodent glioma cells compared to BETA, whereas BETA exhibited higher toxic effects on human glioma cells compared to ARTA. We investigated these compounds on non-transformed glial cells and neurons as well. Noteworthy, ARTA showed almost no toxic effects on astrocytes and neurons, whereas BETA as well as 212A displayed neurotoxicity at higher concentrations. Hence we compared the efficacy of the hybrid 212A with the combinational treatment of its parent compounds ARTA and BETA. The hybrid 212A was efficient in killing glioma cells compared to single compound treatment strategies. Moreover, ARTA and the hybrid 212A displayed a significant cytotoxic impact on glioma cell migration. Taken together, these results demonstrate that both plant derived compounds ARTA and BETA operate gliomatoxic with minor neurotoxic side effects. Altogether, our proof-of-principle study demonstrates that the chemical hybrid synthesis is a valid approach for generating efficacious anti-cancer drugs out of virtually any given structure. Thus, synthetic hybrid therapeutics emerge as an innovative field for new chemotherapeutic developments with low neurotoxic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Ackermann
- Translational Cell Biology & Neurooncology Laboratory, Universitätsklinikum Medical School Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aysun Çapcı Karagöz
- Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ali Ghoochani
- Translational Cell Biology & Neurooncology Laboratory, Universitätsklinikum Medical School Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Buchfelder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Medical School Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ilker Eyüpoglu
- Translational Cell Biology & Neurooncology Laboratory, Universitätsklinikum Medical School Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Medical School Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Svetlana B Tsogoeva
- Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolai Savaskan
- Translational Cell Biology & Neurooncology Laboratory, Universitätsklinikum Medical School Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Medical School Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen - Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,BiMECON Ent., Berlin, Germany
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Arumugam P, Subramanian R, Priyadharsini JV, Gopalswamy J. Thymoquinone inhibits the migration of mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cells by down-regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9. Chin J Nat Med 2017; 14:904-912. [PMID: 28262117 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(17)30015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), an active component derived from the medial plant Nigella sativa, has been used for medical purposes for more than 2 000 years. Recent studies have reported that TQ blocked angiogenesis in animal model and reduced migration, adhesion, and invasion of glioblastoma cells. We have recently shown that TQ could exhibit a potent cytotoxic effect and induce apoptosis in mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cells. In the present study, TQ treatment markedly decreased the adhesion and migration of Neuro-2a cells. TQ down-regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression and mRNA levels and their activities. Furthermore, TQ significantly down-regulated the protein expression of transcription factor NF-κB (p65) but not significantly altered the expression of N-Myc. Taken together, our data indicated that TQ's inhibitory effect on the migration of Neuro-2a cells was mediated through the suppression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, suggesting that TQ treatment can be a promising therapeutic strategy for human malignant neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramasivam Arumugam
- Department of Genetics, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Sekkizhar campus, Taramani, Chennai-600113, India.
| | | | - Jayaseelan Vijayashree Priyadharsini
- Department of Genetics, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Sekkizhar campus, Taramani, Chennai-600113, India
| | - Jayaraman Gopalswamy
- Department of Genetics, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Sekkizhar campus, Taramani, Chennai-600113, India
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Fröhlich T, Ndreshkjana B, Muenzner JK, Reiter C, Hofmeister E, Mederer S, Fatfat M, El-Baba C, Gali-Muhtasib H, Schneider-Stock R, Tsogoeva SB. Synthesis of Novel Hybrids of Thymoquinone and Artemisinin with High Activity and Selectivity Against Colon Cancer. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:226-234. [PMID: 27973725 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer causes 0.5 million deaths each year. To combat this type of cancer the development of new specific drug candidates is urgently needed. In the present work seven novel thymoquinone-artemisinin hybrids with different linkers were synthesized and tested for their in vitro anticancer activity against a panel of various tumor cell lines. The thymoquinone-artesunic acid hybrid 7 a, in which both subunits are connected via an ester bond, was found to be the most active compound and selectively decreased the viability of colorectal cancer cells with an IC50 value of 2.4 μm (HCT116) and 2.8 μm (HT29). Remarkably, hybrid 7 a was up to 20-fold more active than its parent compounds (thymoquinone and artesunic acid), while not affecting nonmalignant colon epithelial HCEC cells (IC50 >100 μm). Moreover, the activity of hybrid 7 a was superior to that of various 1:1 mixtures of thymoquinone and artesunic acid. Furthermore, hybrid 7 a was even more potent against both colon cancer cell lines than the clinically used drug 5-fluorouracil. These results are another excellent proof of the hybridization concept and confirm that the type and length of the linker play a crucial role for the biological activity of a hybrid drug. Besides an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevated levels of the DNA-damage marker γ-H2AX were observed. Both effects seem to be involved in the molecular mechanism of action for hybrid 7 a in colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Fröhlich
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 42, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benardina Ndreshkjana
- Experimental Tumor Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 22, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julienne K Muenzner
- Experimental Tumor Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 22, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Reiter
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 42, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hofmeister
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 42, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sandra Mederer
- Experimental Tumor Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 22, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maamoun Fatfat
- Department of Biology, Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Science, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chirine El-Baba
- Experimental Tumor Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 22, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hala Gali-Muhtasib
- Department of Biology, Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Science, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Regine Schneider-Stock
- Experimental Tumor Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstr. 22, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Svetlana B Tsogoeva
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 42, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Luo R, Fang D, Chu P, Wu H, Zhang Z, Tang Z. Multiple molecular targets in breast cancer therapy by betulinic acid. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 84:1321-1330. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Paramasivam A, Raghunandhakumar S, Priyadharsini JV, Jayaraman G. In Vitro Anti-Neuroblastoma Activity of Thymoquinone Against Neuro-2a Cells via Cell-cycle Arrest. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2016; 16:8313-9. [PMID: 26745078 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.18.8313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that thymoquinone (TQ) has a potent cytotoxic effect and induces apoptosis via caspase-3 activation with down-regulation of XIAP in mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cells. Interestingly, our results showed that TQ was significantly more cytotoxic towards Neuro-2a cells when compared with primary normal neuronal cells. In this study, the effects of TQ on cell-cycle regulation and the mechanisms that contribute to this effect were investigated using Neuro-2a cells. Cell-cycle analysis performed by flow cytometry revealed cell-cycle arrest at G2/M phase and a significant increase in the accumulation of TQ-treated cells at sub-G1 phase, indicating induction of apoptosis by the compound. Moreover, TQ increased the expression of p53, p21 mRNA and protein levels, whereas it decreased the protein expression of PCNA, cyclin B1 and Cdc2 in a dose- dependent manner. Our finding suggests that TQ could suppress cell growth and cell survival via arresting the cell-cycle in the G2/M phase and inducing apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Paramasivam
- Department of Genetics, Dr.ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Sekkizhar Campus, University of Madras, Taramani, India E-mail :
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Periasamy VS, Athinarayanan J, Alshatwi AA. Anticancer activity of an ultrasonic nanoemulsion formulation of Nigella sativa L. essential oil on human breast cancer cells. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2016; 31:449-55. [PMID: 26964971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2016.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Nigella sativa L. (NS) is a plant renowned in traditional holistic medicine systems for almost 1400 years because of its remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The essential oil of N. sativa, in particular, possesses these significant biological properties. However, N. sativa essential oil has many insoluble constituents with properties that have not been fully explored. Nanoemulsion-based insoluble formulations are a widely used carrier system for lipophilic materials. In the present study, we used ultrasonic emulsification, polysorbate 80 and water to formulate a highly stable N. sativa essential oil nanoemulsion (NSEO-NE). To optimize the NSEO-NE preparation, we changed the surfactant concentration, the oil-surfactant mixing ratio and the emulsification time. The droplet size distribution and morphology of the prepared NE was analyzed using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The droplet size of the NSEO-NE was approximately 20-50 nm in diameter. The anticancer properties of the NE preparation were studied using a modified methyl-thiazolyl-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay as well as cellular uptake and nuclear morphological analyses. The NSEO-NE significantly reduced the viability of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells. The nucleo-cytoplasmic morphological features of NSEO-NE-treated cells included cell membrane blebbing, cytoplasmic vacuolation, marginalization of chromatin, and fragmentation of the nucleus. The results clearly indicate that NSEO-NE induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. These findings support the potential application of NSEO-NE in breast cancer therapy, and also merit future translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaiyapuri Subbarayan Periasamy
- Nanobiotechnology and Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jegan Athinarayanan
- Nanobiotechnology and Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Alshatwi
- Nanobiotechnology and Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Ali-Shtayeh MS, Jamous RM, Salameh NMY, Jamous RM, Hamadeh AMA. Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients in Palestine with special reference to safety-related concerns. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 187:104-122. [PMID: 27125594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The use of CAM including herbal medicine as the most preferred CAM modality, among cancer patients who are taking prescription medications has shown to be highly prevalent worldwide as well as in several Middle Eastern countries, with a high percentage of the patients do not disclose their CAM use to treating physician. AIM OF THE STUDY The current study aimed to evaluate the patterns of CAM use among two cohorts of cancer patients in Palestine over a three-year period, and to identify socio-demographic factors that are associated with CAM use. MATERIALS AND METHODS Across-sectional survey of patients attending outpatient cancer clinics. The method was based on a semi-structured questionnaire. In order to identify safety-related concerns associated with the products listed, a literature search was conducted using different databases (PubMed, Micromedex, AltMedDex, and the Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database). RESULTS In 472 cancer patients including 372 of the 2011 cohort; and 100 of the 2014 cohort, the overall prevalence of CAM use was 69.5%. CAM users were more likely to be ≤65 years old, village resident, being in the midst of chemotherapy, to have high interest spiritual quest, and to have no other chronic diseases. A significant number of CAM users reported using herbal preparations (98.3%, and 89.6% in the two study cohorts, respectively). In the current study, a total of 40 plant taxa belonging to 23 botanical families were reported by ≥3 cancer patients in the two cohort groups. The top most commonly used plant in the 2011 cohort group was Arum palaestinum (43.5%), while Ephedra foeminea emerged as the top most commonly utilized plant (from 0.0% in 2011 to 55.2% in the 2014 cohort), mainly due to a recent publicizing and portraying of the plant in the local media as an effective cancer herbal remedy. Safety-related concerns were associated with 33 (82.5%) herbs, including herb-drug interactions with altered pharmacokinetics (8, 20% herbs), direct toxic effects (16, 40% herbs), and increased in vitro response of cancer cells to chemotherapy (30, 75% herbs). CONCLUSIONS CAM use, especially herbal medicine in cancer is highly prevalent in Palestine. This study has demonstrated the role of the media on the emergence of new CAM herbal therapies among cancer patients in Palestine, and discussed its potential implications on patients and for oncologists who are treating them. Some of the most widely used herbal medicines by cancer patients in the present work are known to interact with conventional anticancer drugs. Hence, the disclosure of the use of herbal remedies by patients to health professionals with sufficient training in CAM use is important for the later in order to assess whether there are any possible herbal drug interactions and/or harmful drug reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rana M Jamous
- Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center-BERC, Til-Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nihaya M Y Salameh
- Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center-BERC, Til-Nablus, Palestine; Palestinian Military Services, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Rania M Jamous
- Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center-BERC, Til-Nablus, Palestine; Palestinian Military Services, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Amneh M A Hamadeh
- Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center-BERC, Til-Nablus, Palestine
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Ganji-Harsini S, Khazaei M, Rashidi Z, Ghanbari A. Thymoquinone Could Increase The Efficacy of Tamoxifen Induced Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study. CELL JOURNAL 2016; 18:245-54. [PMID: 27540530 PMCID: PMC4988424 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective Thymoquinone (TQ), as the main component of Nigella Sativa plant, shows anticancer properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the combined effect of TQ and Tamoxifen
(TAM) on viability and apoptosis of human breast cancer cell lines.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, estrogen positive MCF-7 and estrogen
negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines were induced by TAM (2 µM) or different doses of TQ (50, 75, 100, 150 µM), individually or in combination. Cell viability and
apoptosis were investigated by MTT assay and TdT-mediated deoxy-uracil nick end labeling
(TUNEL) assay; Acridine orange (AO)/Ethidium bromide (EB) staining respectively. Data
were analyzed by one way ANOVA and P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results In 24 hours treatment, TAM and all doses of TQ, solely or in combination,
significantly reduced cell viability of both cell lines, except in MCF-7 cells treated with 50 µM TQ,
and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 50 or 75 µM TQ (P<0.01). After 48 hours treatment,
cell viability of both cell lines was reduced in all treated groups (P<0.05). Remarkable apoptotic index was observed in combination treatment of MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cell lines
with TAM and TQ (P<0.001). Conclusion The synergistic effect of TQ and TAM on human breast cancer cell lines
showed cell viability reduction as well as apoptosis induction, independent to estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Ganji-Harsini
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zahra Rashidi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbari
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Alanazi IO, Benabdelkamel H, Alfadda AA, AlYahya SA, Alghamdi WM, Aljohi HA, Almalik A, Masood A. Proteomic Analysis of the Protein Expression Profile in the Mature Nigella sativa (Black Seed). Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 179:1184-201. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-016-2058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abdelazeem AH, Mohamed YMA, Gouda AM, Omar HA, Al Robaian MM. Novel Thymohydroquinone Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Screening. Aust J Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/ch16102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The safety and efficacy of naturally occurring anticancer agents and their derivatives such as thymoquinone (TQ) and thymohydroquinone (THQ) have gained a rapidly growing interest. In an attempt to develop novel anticancer agents with superior activity, TQ was allowed to react with hydrazine hydrate, producing hydrazino thymohydroquinone 3. This new intermediate was subsequently reacted with various isocyanates, isothiocyanates, and acyl halides, affording three series of semicarbazone, semithiocarbazone, and acyl hydrazone derivatives, respectively. Subsequently, the anticancer activity of all the newly synthesised compounds against a panel of cancer cell lines was evaluated. Initial screening of the ability of the test compounds to inhibit cancer cell viability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed that compounds 5d and 6 exerted better activity against breast cancer than TQ, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 9.6 and 10.0 μM, respectively. MTT results were confirmed by the ability of these compounds to elicit apoptotic cell death through the activation of caspase 3/7 enzymes. Together, the present work provided a novel class of THQ-based derivatives with potent anticancer and apoptosis properties, thereby warranting further optimisation of these derivatives as novel members in cancer treatment protocols.
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Ali-Seyed M, Jantan I, Vijayaraghavan K, Bukhari SNA. Betulinic Acid: Recent Advances in Chemical Modifications, Effective Delivery, and Molecular Mechanisms of a Promising Anticancer Therapy. Chem Biol Drug Des 2015; 87:517-36. [PMID: 26535952 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
An important method of drug discovery is examination of diverse life forms, including medicinal plants and natural products or bioactive compounds isolated from these sources. In cancer research, lead structures of compounds from natural sources can be used to design novel chemotherapies with enhanced biological properties. Betulinic acid (3β-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid or BetA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene with a wide variety of biological activities, including potent antitumor properties. Non-malignant cells and normal tissues are not affected by BetA. Because BetA exerts its effects directly on the mitochondrion and triggers death of cancerous cells, it is an important alternative when certain chemotherapy drugs fail. Mitochondrion-targeted agents such as BetA hold great promise to circumvent drug resistance in human cancers. BetA is being developed by a large network of clinical trial groups with the support of the U.S. National Cancer Institute. This article discusses recent advances in research into anticancer activity of BetA, relevant modes of delivery, and the agent's therapeutic efficacy, mechanism of action, and future perspective as a pipeline anticancer drug. BetA is a potentially important agent in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali-Seyed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti, Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), The National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia.,School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai, 600048, India
| | - Ibrahim Jantan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti, Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), The National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | | | - Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti, Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), The National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
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Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacol Res 2015; 95-96:138-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, Khan SA, Najmi AK, Siddique NA, Damanhouri ZA, Anwar F. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015; 3:337-52. [PMID: 23646296 DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(13)60075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 571] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha. Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food. The seeds of N. sativa have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments. In Islamic literature, it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine. It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). It has been widely used as antihypertensive, liver tonics, diuretics, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesics, anti-bacterial and in skin disorders. Extensive studies on N. sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, etc. Due to its miraculous power of healing, N. sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil. The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics, chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Ahmad
- Health Information Technology Department, Jeddah Community College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Antitumor activity of monoterpenes found in essential oils. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:953451. [PMID: 25401162 PMCID: PMC4220615 DOI: 10.1155/2014/953451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex genetic disease that is a major public health problem worldwide, accounting for about 7 million deaths each year. Many anticancer drugs currently used clinically have been isolated from plant species or are based on such substances. Accumulating data has revealed anticancer activity in plant-derived monoterpenes. In this review the antitumor activity of 37 monoterpenes found in essential oils is discussed. Chemical structures, experimental models, and mechanisms of action for bioactive substances are presented.
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Abukhader MM. Thymoquinone in the clinical treatment of cancer: Fact or fiction? Pharmacogn Rev 2014; 7:117-20. [PMID: 24347919 PMCID: PMC3841989 DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.120509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the bioactive phytochemical constituent of the seeds oil of Nigella sativa. In vitro and in vivo research has thoroughly investigated the anticancer effects of TQ against several cancer cell lines and animal models. As a result, a considerable amount of information has been generated from research thus providing a better understanding of the anti-proliferating activity of this compound. Therefore, it is appropriate that TQ should move from testing on the bench to clinical experiments. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential of TQ as an anticancer agent and the chances of this compound in the clinical treatment of cancer, with special attention on breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majed M Abukhader
- Department of Pharmacy, Oman Medical College, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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Therapeutic Implications of Black Seed and Its Constituent Thymoquinone in the Prevention of Cancer through Inactivation and Activation of Molecular Pathways. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:724658. [PMID: 24959190 PMCID: PMC4052177 DOI: 10.1155/2014/724658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The cancer is probably the most dreaded disease in both men and women and also major health problem worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, the exact molecular mechanisms of the development and progression are not fully understood. The current chemotherapy/radiotherapy regime used to treat cancer shows adverse side effect and may alter gene functions. Natural products are generally safe, effective, and less expensive substitutes of anticancer chemotherapeutics. Based on previous studies of their potential therapeutic uses, Nigella sativa and its constituents may be proved as good therapeutic options in the prevention of cancer. Black seeds are used as staple food in the Middle Eastern Countries for thousands of years and also in the treatment of diseases. Earlier studies have shown that N. sativa and its constituent thymoquinone (TQ) have important roles in the prevention and treatment of cancer by modulating cell signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the role of N. sativa and its constituents TQ in the prevention of cancer through the activation or inactivation of molecular cell signaling pathways.
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Al-Sheddi ES, Farshori NN, Al-Oqail MM, Musarrat J, Al-Khedhairy AA, Siddiqui MA. Cytotoxicity of Nigella Sativa Seed Oil and Extract Against Human Lung Cancer Cell Line. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:983-7. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.2.983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Jaswal A, Sinha N, Bhadauria M, Shrivastava S, Shukla S. Therapeutic potential of thymoquinone against anti-tuberculosis drugs induced liver damage. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 36:779-786. [PMID: 23958970 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatotoxicity is the most serious adverse effect related to tuberculosis treatment which interrupts the successful completion of tuberculosis treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess therapeutic effect of thymoquinone (TQ) against anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATD) induced liver damage. Rats were treated with ATD for 8 weeks (3 days/week) as given for the treatment of TB. This was followed by therapy of TQ for 8 weeks (3 days/week). Administration of combined ATD induced hepatotoxicity was evident from a significant elevation in the AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, cholesterol, urea, uric acid, creatinine, LPO and decreased activities of enzymes. These altered variables were significantly reversed toward control after treatment with TQ. Histological studies also supported biochemical findings. Results of this study strongly indicated protective effect of TQ and thus, can be expected as promising protective agent in maintenance of normal hepatic function during treatment with ATD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Jaswal
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474011, India.
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