Anti-inflammatory activity of sesquiterpene lactones and related compounds

Green nanotech paradigm for enhancing sesquiterpene lactone therapeutics in cancer

In the field of cancer therapy, sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) derived from diverse Dicoma species demonstrate noteworthy bioactivity. However, the translation of their full therapeutic potential into clinical applications encounters significant challenges, primarily related to solubility, bioavailability, and precise drug targeting. Despite these obstacles, our comprehensive review introduces an innovative paradigm shift that integrates the inherent therapeutic properties of SLs with the principles of green nanotechnology. To overcome issues of solubility, bioavailability, and targeted drug delivery, eco-friendly strategies are proposed for synthesizing nanocarriers. Green nanotechnology has emerged as a focal point in addressing environmental and health concerns linked to conventional treatments. This progressive approach of green nanotechnology holds promise for the development of safe and sustainable nanomaterials, particularly in the field of drug delivery. This groundbreaking methodology signifies a pioneering advancement in the creation of novel and effective anticancer therapeutics. It holds substantial potential for transforming cancer treatment and advancing the landscape of natural product research.

Arnica montana L.: Doesn't Origin Matter?

Arnica montana L. (Asteraceae) has a long and successful tradition in Europe as herbal medicine. Arnica flowers (i.e., the flowerheads of Arnica montana) are monographed in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), and a European Union herbal monograph exists, in which its use as traditional herbal medicine is recommended. According to this monograph, Arnica flowers (Arnicae flos Ph. Eur.) and preparations thereof may be used topically to treat blunt injuries and traumas, inflammations and rheumatic muscle and joint complaints. The main bioactive constituents are sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) of the helenanolide type. Among these, a variety of esters of helenalin and 11α,13-dihydrohelenalin with low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids, namely, acetic, isobutyric, methacrylic, methylbutyric as well as tiglic acid, represent the main constituents, in addition to small amounts of the unesterified parent STLs. A plethora of reports exist on the pharmacological activities of these STLs, and it appears unquestioned that they represent the main active principles responsible for the herbal drug's efficacy. It has been known for a long time, however, that considerable differences in the STL pattern occur between A. montana flowers from plants growing in middle or Eastern Europe with some originating from the Iberic peninsula. In the former, Helenalin esters usually predominate, whereas the latter contains almost exclusively 11α,13-Dihydrohelenalin derivatives. Differences in pharmacological potency, on the other hand, have been reported for the two subtypes of Arnica-STLs in various instances. At the same time, it has been previously proposed that one should distinguish between two subspecies of A. montana, subsp. montana occurring mainly in Central and Eastern Europe and subsp. atlantica in the southwestern range of the species distribution, i.e., on the Iberian Peninsula. The question hence arises whether or not the geographic origin of Arnica montana flowers is of any relevance for the medicinal use of the herbal drug and the pharmaceutical quality, efficacy and safety of its products and whether the chemical/pharmacological differences should not be recognized in pharmacopoeia monographs. The present review attempts to answer these questions based on a summary of the current state of botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological evidence.

Synthesis, characterization and hypolipidemic effects of urazine derivatives on rat: Study of molecular modeling and enzyme inhibition

The prevalence of hyperlipidemia has increased dramatically worldwide. It is a major public health threat, characterized by the presence of an abnormal lipid profile, primarily with elevated serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Genetic factors, dietary and lifestyle habits play important roles in hyperlipidemia. It can increase the risk of chronic metabolic disorders, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of urazine derivatives on serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Synthetic compounds were prepared and confirmed by spectroscopic methods. Then, 88 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 11 groups: control, HFD-treated group, HFD plus atorvastatin-treated group, and HFD plus 8 synthetic compounds-treated groups. The body weight, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and NO levels were measured. The data with p < 0.05 were considered significant. The results indicated that HFD significantly increased cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels and decreased NO concentration and HDL level compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, HFD plus urazine derivatives significantly decreased NO, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and increased HDL levels compared to the HFD-treated group (p < 0.05). Urazine derivatives may improve liver dysfunction in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats by modulation of detoxification enzymes and their anti-oxidant effects and also blood lipid profile.

Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Tanacetum parthenium Cultivated in Different Regions of Ukraine: Insights into the Flavonoids and Hydroxycinnamic Acids Profile

Tanacetum parthenium, also known as feverfew, is rich in bioactive compounds, namely sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and volatile oils. Sesquiterpene lactones possess anti-migraine activity, while phenolic compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Phytochemical composition determines the pharmacological activity and so profiling is essential in quality assessment. The study aimed to evaluate cultivated feverfew plants' phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in the samples of feverfew in Ukraine. Hydroxycinnamic acids predominate in the quantitative content of all the samples, namely chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The total content of flavonoids ranged from 0.8 to 2.6%; the content of hydroxycinnamic acids varied from 3.3 to 6.5%. The obtained data testify to the prospects of using Ukrainian feverfew as a raw material with a significant content of phenolic substances to develop new herbal medicines.

Remnants from the Past: From an 18th Century Manuscript to 21st Century Ethnobotany in Valle Imagna (Bergamo, Italy)

BACKGROUND

This project originated from the study of an 18th century manuscript found in Valle Imagna (Bergamo, Italy) which contains 200 plant-based medicinal remedies. A first comparison with published books concerning 20th century folk medicine in the Valley led to the designing of an ethnobotanical investigation, aimed at making a thorough comparison between past and current phytotherapy knowledge in this territory.

METHODS

The field investigation was conducted through semi-structured interviews. All data collected was entered in a database and subsequently processed. A diachronic comparison between the field results, the manuscript, and a 20th century book was then performed.

RESULTS

A total of 109 interviews were conducted and the use of 103 medicinal plants, belonging to 46 families, was noted. A decrease in number of plant taxa and uses was observed over time, with only 42 taxa and 34 uses reported in the manuscript being currently known by the people of the valley. A thorough comparison with the remedies in the manuscript highlighted similar recipes for 12 species. Specifically, the use of agrimony in Valle Imagna for the treatment of deep wounds calls back to an ancient remedy against leg ulcers based on this species.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary results of this study allow us to outline the partial passage through time fragments of ancient plant-based remedies once used in the investigated area.

Localization of Sesquiterpene Lactones Biosynthesis in Flowers of Arnica Taxa

Arnica montana is a valuable plant with high demand on the pharmaceutical and cosmetic market due to the presence of helenalin (H) and 11α, 13-dihydrohelenalin (DH) sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), with many applications and anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, analgesic and other properties. Despite the great importance of these compounds for the protection of the plant and their medicinal value, the content of these lactones and the profile of the compounds present within individual elements of florets and flower heads have not been studied so far, and attempts to localize these compounds in flower tissues have also not been conducted. The three studied Arnica taxa synthesize SLs only in the aerial parts of plants, and the highest content of these substances was found in A. montana cv. Arbo; it was lower in wild species, and a very small amount of H was produced by A. chamissonis. Analysis of dissected fragments of whole inflorescences revealed a specific distribution pattern of these compounds. The lactones content in single florets increased from the top of the corolla to the ovary, with the pappus calyx being a significant source of their production. Histochemical tests for terpenes and methylene ketones indicated the colocalization of lactones with inulin vacuoles.

A new eudesmanolide from Tanacetum balsamita L. and biological activities of extracts

The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from aerial parts of Tanacetum balsamita yielded a new derivative of 1-acetyl-erivanin, namely 1-acetyl-3-epi-erivanin (17), some known compounds, namely seventeen sesquiterpene lactones, five flavonoids, four coumarins, and a steroid. All extracts displayed antibacterial activity against test microorganisms except for Escherichia coli. The methanol (TBM) extract with an IC₅₀ value of 0.180 mg/mL exhibited good antioxidant activity against DPPH radical while all extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity against lipoxygenase enzyme. The ethyl acetate (TBEA) extract presented moderate activity against α-glucosidase enzyme with an IC₅₀ of 0.808 mg/mL. The highest total phenol content with 91.050 mg GAE/g extract was found in TBM. It is the first study on the isolation of secondary metabolites as well as 5-lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of T. balsamita growing in Turkey.

Costunolide alleviates atherosclerosis in high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice through covalently binding to IKKβ and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation

Costunolide (CTD) is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from costus root and exhibits various biological activities including anti-inflammation. Since atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, we herein investigated the anti-atherosclerotic effects of CTD and the underlying mechanism. Atherosclerosis was induced in ApoE-/- mice by feeding them with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, followed by administration of CTD (10, 20 mg ·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 8 weeks. We showed that CTD administration dose-dependently alleviated atherosclerosis in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Furthermore, we found that CTD dose-dependently reduced inflammatory responses in aortas of the mice, as CTD prevented infiltration of inflammatory cells in aortas and attenuated oxLDL uptake in macrophages, leading to reduced expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic molecules in aortas. Similar results were observed in oxLDL-stimulated mouse primary peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) in vitro. We showed that pretreatment with CTD (2.5, 5. 10 μM) restrained oxLDL-induced inflammatory responses in MPMs by blocking pro-inflammatory NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that CTD inactivated NF-κB via covalent binding to cysteine 179 on IKKβ, a canonical upstream regulator of NF-κB, reducing its phosphorylation and leading to conformational change in the active loop of IKKβ. Our results discover IKKβ as the target of CTD for its anti-inflammatory activity and elucidate a molecular mechanism underlying the anti-atherosclerosis effect of CTD. CTD is a potentially therapeutic candidate for retarding inflammatory atherosclerotic diseases.

The Ethnopharmacological Uses, Metabolite Diversity, and Bioactivity of Rhaponticum&nbsp;uniflorum (Leuzea&nbsp;uniflora): A Comprehensive Review

Rhaponticum uniflorum (L.) DC. (syn. Leuzea uniflora (L.) Holub) is a plant species of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family that is widely used in Asian traditional medicines in China, Siberia, and Mongolia as an anti-inflammatory and stimulant remedy. Currently, R. uniflorum is of scientific interest to chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists, and this review includes information from the scientific literature from 1991 to 2022. The study of the chemodiversity of R. uniflorum revealed the presence of 225 compounds, including sesquiterpenes, ecdysteroids, triterpenes, sterols, thiophenes, hydroxycinnamates, flavonoids, lignans, nucleosides and vitamins, alkanes, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. The most studied groups of substances are phenolics (76 compounds) and triterpenoids (69 compounds). Information on the methods of chromatographic analysis of selected compounds, as well as on the quantitative content of some components in various organs of R. uniflorum, is summarized in this work. It has been shown that the extracts and some compounds of R. uniflorum have a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunostimulatory, anxiolytic, stress-protective, actoprotective, antihypoxic, anabolic, hepatoprotective, inhibition of PPARγ receptors, anti-atherosclerotic, and hypolipidemic. Published research on the metabolites and bioactivity of R. uniflorum does not include clinical studies of extracts and pure compounds; therefore, an accurate study of this traditional medicinal plant is needed.

In vitro metabolism of helenalin and its inhibitory effect on human cytochrome P450 activity

Sesquiterpene lactone helenalin is used as an antiphlogistic in European and Chinese folk medicine. The pharmacological activities of helenalin have been extensively investigated, yet insufficient information exists about its metabolic properties. The objectives of the present study were (1) to investigate the in vitro NADPH-dependent metabolism of helenalin (5 and 100 µM) using human and rat liver microsomes and liver cytosol, (2) to elucidate the role of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in its oxidative metabolism, and (3) to study the inhibition of human CYPs by helenalin. Five oxidative metabolites were detected in NADPH-dependent human and rat liver microsomal incubations, while two reduced metabolites were detected only in NADPH-dependent human microsomal and cytosolic incubations. In human liver microsomes, the main oxidative metabolite was 14-hydroxyhelenalin, and in rat liver microsomes 9-hydroxyhelenalin. The overall oxidation of helenalin was several times more efficient in rat than in human liver microsomes. In humans, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 followed by CYP2B6 were the main enzymes responsible for the hepatic metabolism of helenalin. The extrahepatic CYP2A13 oxidized helenalin most efficiently among CYP enzymes, possessing the K_m value of 0.6 µM. Helenalin inhibited CYP3A4 (IC₅₀ = 18.7 µM) and CYP3A5 (IC₅₀ = 62.6 µM), and acted as a mechanism-based inhibitor of CYP2A13 (IC₅₀ = 1.1 µM, K_I = 6.7 µM, and k_inact = 0.58 ln(%)/min). It may be concluded that the metabolism of helenalin differs between rats and humans, in the latter its oxidation is catalyzed by hepatic CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7, and extrahepatic CYP2A13.

Comprehensive review on ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, biological potential and toxicology of Parthenium hysterophorus L.: A journey from noxious weed to a therapeutic medicinal plant

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a noxious weed and a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is regarded as the seventh most deadly weed in the world: harmful to both humans and livestock. It is widely known as Congress Grass or Feverfew. Despite its pitfalls, P. hysterophorus bestows medicinal effects. Although prolific in nature and difficult to control, many novel applications of this controversial herb have been discovered as an approach to manage the weed.

AIM

The current review aims to compile all the ethnobotanical, phytochemistry, biological activities and utilities, clinical studies and toxicity data available on P. hysterophorus and its major chemical constituent parthenin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extensive literature surveyed Google search, Google scholar, Wiley online library, Elsevier, Springer, Science direct, American Chemical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry and Research Gate.

RESULT

According to the study, P. hysterophorus is utilized as a traditional medicine throughout Central America and the Caribbean. It can be used to treat skin infections, dermatitis, amoebic dysentery, and as an analgesic in the treatment of muscular rheumatism. The extracts obtained from P. hysterophorus have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, larvicidal, anti-microbial, insecticidal, hypoglycaemic and anti-cancer activity.

CONCLUSION

The earlier investigations confirmed that P. hysterophorus has numerous traditional and biological applications. However, the scientific data are limited in clinical and toxicological studies. Therefore, further research is required on clinical and toxicological aspects to understand the complete potential and effects of P. hysterophorus.

The Effect of Different Ester Chain Modifications of Two Guaianolides for Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth

Several sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) have been tested as lead drugs in cancer clinical trials. Salograviolide-A (Sal-A) and salograviolide-B (Sal-B) are two STLs that have been isolated from Centaurea ainetensis, an indigenous medicinal plant of the Middle Eastern region. The parent compounds Sal-A and Sal-B were modified and successfully prepared into eight novel guaianolide-type STLs (compounds 1-8) bearing ester groups of different geometries. Sal-A, Sal-B, and compounds 1-8 were tested against a human colorectal cancer cell line model with differing p53 status; HCT116 with wild-type p53 and HCT116 p53^-/- null for p53, and the normal-like human colon mucosa cells with wild-type p53, NCM460. IC₅₀ values indicated that derivatization of Sal-A and Sal-B resulted in potentiation of HCT116 cell growth inhibition by 97% and 66%, respectively. The effects of the different molecules on cancer cell growth were independent of p53 status. Interestingly, the derivatization of Sal-A and Sal-B molecules enhanced their anti-growth properties versus 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), which is the drug of choice in colorectal cancer. Structure-activity analysis revealed that the enhanced molecule potencies were mainly attributed to the position and number of the hydroxy groups, the lipophilicity, and the superiority of ester groups over hydroxy substituents in terms of their branching and chain lengths. The favorable cytotoxicity and selectivity of the potent molecules, to cancer cells versus their normal counterparts, pointed them out as promising leads for anti-cancer drug design.

Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants in Myanmar

Myanmar is a country with rich natural resources and of these, medicinal plants play a vital role in the primary health care of its population. The people of Myanmar have used their own system of traditional medicine inclusive of the use of medicinal plants for 2000 years. However, systematic and scientific studies have only recently begun to be reported. Researchers from Japan, Germany, and Korea have collaborated with researchers in Myanmar on medicinal plants since 2000. During the past two decades, over 50 publications have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Altogether, 433 phytoconstituents, including 147 new and 286 known compounds from 26 plant species consisting of 29 samples native to Myanmar, have been collated. In this contribution, phytochemical and biological investigations of these plants, including information on traditional knowledge are compiled and discussed.

Small Molecule Regulators of Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a dedicated mode of cell death involving iron, reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Involved in processes such as glutathione metabolism, lysosomal iron retention or interference with lipid metabolism, leading either to activation or inhibition of ferroptosis. Given the implications of ferroptosis in diseases such as cancer, aging, Alzheimer and infectious diseases, new molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and small molecules regulators that target those mechanisms have prompted a great deal of interest. Here, we discuss the current scenario of small molecules modulating ferroptosis and critically assess what is known about their mechanisms of action.

Nutritional value, bioactivity, and application potential of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) as a neotype feed resource

The large-scale development of herbivorous animal husbandry in China has increased the demand for forage products. However, due to scarce land resources and poor soil quality, forage is in short supply. In particular, high-quality forage in China heavily relies on imports. The contradiction between supply and demand for forage grass products is increasingly notable. Therefore, the development of indigenous new forage resources with a strong ecological adaptability and a high nutritional value is a key to solving this problem. Jerusalem artichoke (JA, Helianthus tuberosus L.), a perennial herb of the genus Helianthus, has advantageous growth traits such as resistance to salinity, barrenness, drought, cold, and disease. The contents of crude protein, crude fiber, and calcium in the optimal harvest period of forage-type JA straw are comparable to those of alfalfa hay at the full bloom stage and the straw of ryegrass and corn at the mature stage. Inulin in JA tubers is a functional ingredient that has prebiotic effects in the gastrointestinal tract of monogastric animals and young ruminants. In addition, some bioactive substances (e.g. flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, and amino acids) in JA leaves and flowers have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant functions as well as toxicities to cancer cells. These functional ingredients may provide effective alternatives to antibiotics used in livestock production. In this review, we summarized the potentials of JA as a feed ingredient from the aspects of nutritional value and fermenting characteristics of the straw, the functions of physiological regulation and disease prevention of inulin in the tubers, and bioactive substances in the leaves and flowers.

Using Medicinal Plants in Valmalenco (Italian Alps): From Tradition to Scientific Approaches

This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose of investigating the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Moreover, a bibliographic research meant to validate or refute the uses, focusing on the potentially responsible compounds, was performed. Fifty-nine species, attributable to 30 families (Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Malvaceae, and Lamiaceae the most cited), were mentioned. Arnica montana, anti-inflammatory for traumas and musculoskeletal pains; Pinus mugo, expectorant; Malva sylvestris, anti-inflammatory and soothing; Achillea moschata, digestive. The compounds, responsible for the therapeutic activities, are often polyphenols and terpenoids: helenanin in A. montana, α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene in P. mugo, gossypin and malvin in M. sylvestris, luteolin and apigenin in A. moschata. Scientific evidence for at least one of the traditional activities described was found for 50 species but only in 26 out of 196 works consulted, it is possible to make a comparison between investigated extracts and traditional preparations. This study is thus a stimulus to new phytochemical investigations, mimicking as much as possible the traditional preparations. This work is part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, aimed at creating a management model for the ongoing climate change and searching for new sources of territory valorization as attractions for tourists.

Assessing the Effects of Parthenolide on Inflammation, Bone Loss, and Glial Cells within a Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis Mouse Model

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by a chronic inflammatory response resulting in destruction of the joint and significant pain. Although a range of treatments are available to control disease activity in RA, bone destruction and joint pain exist despite suppression of inflammation. This study is aimed at assessing the effects of parthenolide (PAR) on paw inflammation, bone destruction, and pain-like behaviour in a mild collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mouse model. CAIA was induced in BALB/c mice and treated daily with 1 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg PAR. Clinical paw inflammation was scored daily, and mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed on alternate days. At end point, bone volume and swelling in the paws were assessed using micro-CT. Paw tissue sections were assessed for inflammation and pre-/osteoclast-like cells. The lumbar spinal cord and the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and rostral ventromedulla (RVM) regions of the brain were stained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionised calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) to assess for glial reactivity. Paw scores increased in CAIA mice from days 5-10 and were reduced with 1 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg PAR on days 8-10. Osteoclast-like cells on the bone surface of the radiocarpal joint and within the soft tissue of the hind paw were significantly lower following PAR treatment (p < 0.005). GFAP- and IBA1-positive cells in the PAG and RVM were significantly lower following treatment with 1 mg/kg (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0004, respectively) and 4 mg/kg PAR (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). In the lumbar spinal cord, IBA1-positive cells were significantly lower in CAIA mice treated with 4 mg/kg PAR (p = 0.001). The findings indicate a suppressive effect of both low- and moderate-dose PAR on paw inflammation, osteoclast presence, and glial cell reactivity in a mild CAIA mouse model.

Novel Targeted Nano-Parthenolide Molecule against NF-kB in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The targeted nano-encapsulation of anticancer drugs can improve drug delivery and the selective targeting of cancer cells. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) is a regulator for different biological responses, including cell proliferation and differentiation. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), constitutive NF-κB has been detected in more than 50% of cases, enabling leukemic cells to resist apoptosis and stimulate uncontrolled proliferation. We evaluated NF-kB expression in bone marrow samples from 103 patients with AML using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and found that expression was increased in 80.5% (83 out 103) of these patients with AML in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, overexpressed transmembrane glycoprotein (CD44) on leukemic cells in comparison to normal cells is known to play an important role in leukemic cell engraftment and survival. We designed poly lactide co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles conjugated with antiCD44 and encapsulating parthenolide (PTL), a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) inhibitor, in order to improve the selectivity and targeting of leukemic cells and to spare normal cells. In vitro, in leukemic cell lines Kasumi-1, KG-1a, and THP-1, proliferation was decreased by 40% (** p < 0.01) with 5 µM PLGA-antiCD44-PTL nanoparticles in comparison to the same concentration of free PTL (~10%). The higher uptake of the nanoparticles by leukemic cells was confirmed with confocal microscopy. In conclusion, PLGA-antiCD44-PTL nanoparticles improved the bioavailability and selective targeting of leukemic cells, thus holding promise as a drug delivery system to improve the cure rate of AML.

A Novel Dimeric Melampolide and Further Terpenoids from Smallanthus sonchifolius (Asteraceae) and the Inhibition of the Transcription Factor NF-κB

A novel dimeric melampolide was isolated from the leaf rinse extract of Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. & Endl.) H. Robinson (Asteraceae), an Andean medicinal plant popularly known as yacón. Dimeric sesquiterpene lactones are rare in Asteraceae, especially melampolides. In addition, eight known melampolides and a new ester derivative were also isolated. All compounds were detected in glandular trichomes collected from the leaves and were analysed by HPLC. The anti-inflammatory properties of uvedalin, a known melampolide isolated in this study, were assessed in vitro by analyzing its effect on the DNA binding of the transcription factor NF-κB. These results were compared to those previously reported for the closely related melampolide enhydrin. Our data demonstrated that NF-κB DNA binding was inhibited in leukaemia and macrophage cells at an uvedalin concentration of 2.5 and 5 μM, respectively.

Tenulin and isotenulin inhibit P-glycoprotein function and overcome multidrug resistance in cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer is one of the main obstacles in treatment with chemotherapy. Drug efflux through P-glycoprotein is the major mechanism involved in MDR. A potential strategy to provide the best possible clinical outcomes is to develop P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors from natural products.

PURPOSE

The present study investigated the effects of the natural sesquiterpene lactone tenulin and its derivative isotenulin on human P-gp; the mechanisms of kinetic interactions were also explored.

METHODS

The human P-gp (ABCB1/Flp-In™-293) stable expression cells were established by using the Flp-In™ system. The effects of tenulin and isotenulin on cell viability were evaluated by SRB assays in established cell lines, sensitive cancer cell line (HeLaS3), and resistant cancer cell line (KB-vin). The transporter inhibition ability was evaluated by calcein-AM uptake assays. The P-gp inhibition kinetics of tenulin and isotenulin were evaluated by rhodamine123 and doxorubicin efflux assays. The ATPase activity was evaluated with the Pgp-Glo™ Assay System.

RESULTS

Tenulin and isotenulin significantly inhibited the P-gp efflux function by stimulating P-gp ATPase activity. Tenulin and isotenulin interacted with the effluxes of rhodamine 123 and doxorubicin through a competitive and noncompetitive mechanism, respectively. The combinations of tenulin and isotenulin with chemotherapeutic drugs significantly resensitized MDR cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that tenulin and isotenulin are potential candidates to be developed for synergistic treatment of MDR cancers.

Pharmacokinetic, metabolic profiling and elimination of brusatol in rats

Brusatol, a quassinoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Brucea javanica, has been reported to be an inhibitor of Nrf2 pathway and has great potential to be developed into a novel chemotherapeutic adjuvant. However, the in vivo process of brusatol has not been comprehensively explained yet. Therefore, this paper focused on the pharmacokinetic metabolism and excretion of brusatol in rats using a simple and reproducible LC-MS/MS method. The results indicated that the plasma concentration of brusatol decreased rapidly; the average cumulative excretion rate in urine was 5.82% during 24 h, and 0.71% in bile during 12 h. High-resolution mass spectrometry was applied for the identification of metabolites; as a result, four metabolites were detected and the structure was tentatively deduced on the base of the MS² data, Compound Discoverer 2.0 and Mass Frontier 7.0 software. Hydroxylation, hydrolysis and glucuronidation were suggested as major metabolic pathways in vivo. The in vivo process and detection of metabolites of brusatol might improve the understanding of the mechanism of its anticancer effect and provide valuable information for its safety estimation, which will be essential to the new drug development.

A Double Allylation Strategy for Gram-Scale Guaianolide Production: Total Synthesis of (+)-Mikanokryptin

With over 5000 members isolated to date, sesquiterpene lactones represent a prolific source of medicinal agents with several derivatives in human clinical trials. The guaianolides, a major subset of this group, have been intensely investigated from both medicinal and chemical-synthesis perspectives for decades. To date, the myriad stereochemical permutations presented by this enormous family have precluded the synthesis of many unique members. Herein we report the total synthesis of the trans-fused 8,12-guaianolide (+)-mikanokryptin in 10 steps from (+)-carvone. Notably, this synthesis is the first gram-scale total synthesis of a guaianolide natural product.

Anti-Inflammatory and Cytostatic Activities of a Parthenolide-Like Sesquiterpene Lactone from Cota palaestina subsp. syriaca

A sesquiterpene lactone 1-β,10-Epoxy-6-hydroxy-1,10H-inunolide (K100) was isolated through "bioassay-guided fractionation" from Cota palaestina subsp. syriaca, an Eastern Mediterranean endemic plant. K100 inhibited endotoxin- (ET-) induced proinflammatory markers: IL-6, MMP-9, and NO in normal mouse mammary SCp2 Cells. Molecular docking in silico suggested that K100, having highly analogous structure as parthenolide (PTL), an anticancer compound, could bind PTL target proteins at similar positions and with comparable binding affinities. Both compounds, K100 and PTL, inhibited the proliferation and prolonged the S-phase of the cell cycle of breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells grown in 2D cultures. Noncytotoxic concentrations of K100 and PTL decreased the proliferation rate of MDA-MB-231 and shifted their morphology from stellate to spherical colonies in 3D cultures. This was accompanied with a significant increase in the amount of small colonies and a decrease in the amount of large colonies. Moreover, K100 and PTL decreased cellular motility and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells. In summary, these results suggest that K100 exhibits PTL-analogous anti-inflammatory, cytostatic, and antimetastatic effects.

Crystal structure of (E)-13-{4-[(Z)-2-cyano-2-(3,4,5-tri-meth-oxy-phen-yl)ethen-yl]phen-yl}parthenolide methanol hemisolvate

The title compound, C₃₃H₃₅NO₆ [systematic name: (Z)-3-(4-{(E)-[(E)-1a,5-dimethyl-9-oxo-2,3,7,7a-tetra­hydro­oxireno[2′,3′:9,10]cyclo­deca­[1,2-b]furan-8(1aH,6H,9H,10aH,10bH)-yl­idene]meth­yl}phen­yl)-2-(3,4,5-tri­meth­oxy­phen­yl)acrylo­ni­trile methanol hemisolvate], C₃₃H₃₅NO₆·0.5CH₃OH, was prepared by the reaction of (Z)-3-(4-iodo­phen­yl)-2-(3,4,5-tri­meth­oxy­phen­yl)acrylo­nitrile with parthenolide [systematic name: (E)-1a,5-dimethyl-8-methyl­ene-2,3,6,7,7a,8,10a,10b-octa­hy­dro­oxireno[2′,3′:9,10]cyclo­deca­[1,2-b]furan-9(1aH)-one] under Heck reaction conditions. The mol­ecule is built up from fused ten-, five- (lactone) and three-membered (epoxide) rings with a {4-[(Z)-2-cyano-2-(3,4,5-tri­meth­oxy­phen­yl)ethen­yl]phen­yl}methyl­idene group as a substituent. The 4-[(Z)-2-cyano-2-(3,4,5-tri­meth­oxy­phen­yl)ethen­yl]phenyl group on the parthenolide exocyclic double bond is oriented in a trans position to the lactone ring to form the E isomer. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring of the phenyl moiety and the lactone ring mean plane is 21.93 (4)°.

Heck products of parthenolide and melampomagnolide-B as anticancer modulators that modify cell cycle progression

(E)-13-(Aryl/heteroaryl)parthenolides (5a-i and 6a-i) were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to modify cell cycle progression during progesterone-stimulated Xenopus oocyte maturation and screened for their anticancer activity against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines. (E)-13-(4-aminophenyl) parthenolide (5b) caused a significant inhibition of progesterone-stimulated oocyte maturation, and was determined to function downstream of MAP kinase signaling, but upstream of the activation of the universal G2/M regulator, M-phase promoting factor (MPF), cyclin B/Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). The compound (E)-13-(2-bromo-phenyl)parthenolide (5c) activates oocyte maturation independently of progesterone stimulation. Compounds 5b and 5c displayed modest growth inhibition on select cancer cell lines at 10 μM dose when tested on the panel of 60 cancer cell lines. By contrast, compounds (5f and 7) did not modulate oocyte maturation but did exhibit micromolar level growth inhibition against most of the human cancer cell lines over a range of doses. Together, our findings indicate that screening of compounds in the oocyte maturation assay may identify additional effective cell cycle regulatory compounds that do not necessarily exert overt cytotoxicity as assessed in traditional drug screening assays.

A systematic investigation of the fragmentation pattern of two furanoheliangolide C-8 stereoisomers using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Budlein A is a sesquiterpene lactone (STL) with some reported biological activities. Pre-clinical studies to identify in vivo metabolites often employ hyphenated techniques such as liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). It is also possible to use the fragmentation pattern obtained by Collision-Induced Dissociation (CID) and Higher Energy Collision-Induced Dissociation (HCD) to distinguish between the stereoisomers budlein A and centratherin.

METHODS

The experiments were carried out in the positive mode using four different spectrometers with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source: (a) Waters ACQUITY(®) TQD triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (QqQ), (b) AB Sciex API 4000 QTrap(®) (QqQ), (c) Bruker Daltonics micrOTOF™-Q II (time-of-flight, QTOF), and (d) Thermo Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL hybrid FTMS (Fourier transform mass spectrometer). Computational chemistry studies helped to identify the protonation sites. The B3LYP/6-31G(d) model furnished the equilibrium geometries and energies.

RESULTS

The stereochemistry (α- or β-orientation) of the centratherin and budlein A side-chain esters influences the fragmentation pattern recorded on QqQ, QTOF, and Orbitrap-HCD. On QqQ, centratherin releases the side chain, to generate the m/z 275 fragment ion, whereas budlein A gives the m/z 83 fragment ion. On QTOF and Orbitrap-HCD, only budlein A affords the m/z 293 and 83 fragment ions, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that proton migration governs the fragmentation pathways under α- or β-orientation. The difference in the QqQ, QTOF, and Orbitrap-HCD spectral profiles of each isomer can help to distinguish between centratherin and budlein A using MS/MS, which becomes an alternative to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis.

(E)-13-(4-Amino-phen-yl)parthenolide

The title compound, C21H25NO3 [systematic name: (3aS,9aR,10aR,10bS,E)-3-[(E)-4-(4-amino-benzyl-idene)-6,9a-dimethyl-3a,4,5,8,9,9a,10a,10b-octa-hydro-oxireno[2',3':9,10]cyclo-deca-[1,2-b]furan-2(3H)-one] was obtained from the reaction of parthenolide [synonym: 4,5-ep-oxy-germacra-1(10),11(13)-dieno-12,6-lactone] with 4-iodo-aniline under Heck reaction conditions. It was identified as the E-isomer (conformation about the exocyclic methyl-idene C=C bond; the conformation about the C=C bond in the ten-membered ring is also E). The mol-ecule is built up from fused ten-, five- (lactone) and three-membered (epoxide) rings with a 4-amino-phenyl group as a substituent. The ten-membered ring displays an approximate chair-chair conformation, while the lactone ring has an envelope conformation with the C atom bonded to the ring O atom as the flap. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring of the 4-amino-phenyl moiety and the lactone ring mean plane is 23.50 (8)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, between the amine group and the lactone and epoxide ring O atoms, forming chains propagating along the b-axis direction. Adjacent chains are linked via C-H⋯O inter-actions, forming an undulating two-dimensional network lying parallel to the plane (001). The absolute structure of the mol-ecule in the crystal was confirmed by resonance scattering [Flack parameter = 0.03 (3)].

Effects of magnolialide isolated from the leaves of Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) on immunoglobulin E-mediated type I hypersensitivity in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) has been used for folk medicines in the Mediterranean area and Europe to treat various disorders including skin inflammation (dermatitis) and asthma.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our aim was to investigate the scientific evaluation of the compounds from Laurus nobilis L. on immuniglobulin E (IgE)-mediated type I hypersensitivity responses in vitro such as atopic dermatitis and asthma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Seven compounds were isolated and examined for the mast cell stabilizing effect on IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 mast cells by measuring the β-hexosaminidase activity. In addition, the effects on interleukin (IL)-4 production and IL-5-dependent Y16 early B cell proliferation were investigated as well as their cytotoxic effects on RBL-2H3 cells.

RESULTS

Among the seven isolated compounds, magnolialide attenuated the release of β-hexosaminidase from RBL-2H3 cells with an IC50 value of 20.2 μM, while the other compounds revealed no significant effects at concentrations tested. Furthermore, magnolialide significantly inhibited the IL-4 release with an IC50 value of 18.1 μM and IL-4 mRNA expression with an IC50 value of 15.7 μM in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, the inhibition of IL-5-dependent proliferation of early B cells (Y16 cells) by magnolialide was demonstrated with an IC50 value of 18.4 μM.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the magnolialide might be a candidate for the treatment of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity responses such as atopic dermatitis and asthma by inhibiting mast cell degranulation, the IL-4 production, and IL-5-dependent early B cell proliferation, key factors in the development and amplification of type I hypersensitivity reactions.

Differential growth inhibitory effects of highly oxygenated guaianolides isolated from the Middle Eastern indigenous plant Achillea falcata in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in traditional medicine and in the maintenance of human health worldwide. Sesquiterpene lactones represent an interesting group of plant-derived compounds that are currently being tested as lead drugs in cancer clinical trials. Achillea falcata is a medicinal plant indigenous to the Middle Eastern region and belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is known to be rich in sesquiterpene lactones. We subjected Achillea falcata extracts to bioassay-guided fractionation against the growth of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells and identified four secotanapartholides, namely 3-β-methoxy-isosecotanapartholide (1), isosecotanapartholide (2), tanaphallin (3), and 8-hydroxy-3-methoxyisosecotanapartholide (4). Three highly oxygenated guaianolides were isolated for the first time from Achillea falcata, namely rupin A (5), chrysartemin B (6), and 1β, 2β-epoxy-3β,4α,10α-trihydroxyguaian-6α,12-olide (7). These sesquiterpene lactones showed no or minor cytotoxicity while exhibiting promising anticancer effects against HCT-116 cells. Further structure-activity relationship studies related the bioactivity of the tested compounds to their skeleton, their lipophilicity, and to the type of functional groups neighboring the main alkylating center of the molecule.

Quantification of sesquiterpene lactones in Parthenium hyterophorous by normal-phase HPLC

This paper describes the development of a normal-phase liquid chromatography ultraviolet-diode array detection method for the simultaneous quantification of parthenin and coronopilin in the leaves and flowers of Parthenium hysterophorous. The compounds were analyzed on a Merck Si60 silica column (5 µm, 250 × 4 mm) using an isocratic 15:85 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and hexane. The calibration curves resulting from the reference compounds in the concentration range of 200-2,000 ng exhibited acceptable linearity (r > 0.999). The method was developed to study the levels of parthenin and coronopilin in the leaves and flowers of P. hysterophorous collected during different seasons, and the method was validated by analyzing the spiked samples.

Brassica nigra plays a remedy role in hepatic and renal damage

CONTEXT

Black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] of the Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) family is commonly used as a spice and a cheap source of antimicrobial agents for bacterial infections.

OBJECTIVES

The present investigation was to demonstrate the protective effect of the methanol extract of B. nigra leaves against D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatic and nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

METHODS

Activity of the methanol extract of B. nigra at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. against D-GalN (500 mg/kg b.wt.) induced toxicity, with silymarin used as the standard. Histological damage, activities of serum marker enzyme, hematological changes, metabolites such as bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels, tissue thiobarbutric acid reactive substance, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants and inflammatory marker enzymes such as myeloperoxidase, cathepsin D, and acid phosphatase were assessed.

RESULTS

The D-GalN-induced toxicity was evident from a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the serum and tissue inflammatory markers in toxic rats, when compared with the control (saline alone treated animals). The B. nigra pretreated groups (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt.) showed significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the D-GalN-induced toxicity as obvious from biochemical parameters. Histopathological observations confirm the protective effect of B. nigra leaf extract by reduction in hepatic and renal tissue damage. Experimentals extract showed a similar effect as the standard.

CONCLUSIONS

The crude methanol extract of B. nigra leaf lacks inherent toxicity and exhibits hepatic and nephroprotective effects against D-GalN-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.

Helenalin-induced apoptosis is dependent on production of reactive oxygen species and independent of induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress in renal cell carcinoma

Helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Here, we investigated whether helenalin could induce apoptosis in human renal carcinoma Caki cells. Helenalin increased apoptosis in dose dependent manner in Caki cells, and also induced apoptosis in other carcinoma cells, such as human renal carcinoma ACHN cells, human colon carcinoma HT29 and HCT116 cells. We found that helenalin markedly induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes, such as regulated in development and DNA damage responses (REDD) 1, activating transcription factor-4 (ATF4) and/or the CCAAT enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (CHOP). However, down-regulation of ATF4 and/or CHOP expression by siRNA had no effect on helenalin-induced apoptosis in Caki and HCT116 cells. Helenalin increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, ROS scavengers, N-acetylcystine (NAC), and glutathione ethyl ester (GEE), reduced helenalin-induced apoptosis. Taken together, helenalin induced apoptosis via ROS generation in human renal carcinoma Caki cells.

Eupatorium perfoliatum L.: phytochemistry, traditional use and current applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eupatorium perfoliatum L. originates from North America, where it has been widely used since centuries by native Indians. Additionally extracts are used also in Europe as immunostimulating agent for treatment of fever and cold. The following review summarizes published data on phytochemistry, ethnopharmacological use, as well as clinical and preclinical data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature survey was performed via SciFinder(®) on papers and patents and by systematic research in ethnopharmacological literature at various university libraries.

RESULTS

The phytochemical composition of Eupatorium perfoliatum is described in detail for volatile oil, caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins, polysaccharides. Methods for analytical quality control, as well as specification for relevant lead structures can be deduced from published batch analysis. Preclinical studies indicate anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extracts, which can be correlated on a molecular level to eupafolin and sesquiterpen lactones. Antiplasmodial, antioxidative and immunomodulating activities are additionally discussed. Clinical data on the use of Eupatorium perfoliatum do not meet modern GCP requirements, but do indicate positive tendencies for use of ethanolic extracts for treatment of common colds.

CONCLUSION

While the postulated immunostimulating properties of Eupatorium perfoliatum have not been confirmed by in vitro data, animal-studies and in vitro experiments with plant extracts both indicate antiinflammatory effects beside antiplasmodial effect against Plasmodium falciparum. Such an antiinflammation caused by the ethanolic extracts can be correlated well with clinical symptoms related to diseases as common cold, rheumatism, athritis etc. These data also support the plausibility of the plant's traditional use by the North American indigenous population and early European settlers. In principle quality aspects of the herbal material have to be affirmed by establishing modern pharmacopoeial control methods to guarantee constant and reliable quality.

Identification, quantification of bioactive constituents, evaluation of antioxidant and in vivo acute toxicity property from the methanol extract of Vernonia cinerea leaf extract

CONTEXT

Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less [Compositae (Asteraceae)] is used traditionally for several medical purposes such as inflammation, pain, fever, and cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The present study identified the bioactive constituents in the methanol extract of Vernonia cinerea leaf and evaluated its antioxidant activity and acute toxicity.

METHODS

The identification of phytochemicals was accomplished by GC-MS and the major antioxidant phenolic compounds in the extract were quantified by HPTLC analysis. To quantify the essential elements, atomic absorption spectrophotometeric analysis was carried out. Total phenol and flavonoid content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and 2% aluminium chloride, respectively.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis identified the presence of 27 phytoconstituents. The predominant phenolic compound in the extract as quantified by HPTLC was gallic acid (1.92 mg/g) followed by rutin (0.705 mg/g), quercetin (0.173 mg/g), caffeic acid (0.082 mg/g) and ferulic acid (0.033 mg/g). The following elements were quantified: Fe (0.050 ppm), Mn (0.022 ppm), Co (0.0180 ppm), Pb (0.029 ppm), Hg (3.885 ppm) and Se (4.5240 ppm). The antioxidant activity of the extract increased with increasing concentration and the correlation (r²) for all in vitro assays were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

V. cinerea extract has significant (p < 0.05) antiradical activity. Hence, V. cinerea may have potential medicinal value and can be used in the formulation of pharmacological products for degenerative diseases.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth. The feverfew herb has a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine, especially among Greek and early European herbalists. Feverfew has also been used for psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The plant contains a large number of natural products, but the active principles probably include one or more of the sesquiterpene lactones known to be present, including parthenolide. Other potentially active constituents include flavonoid glycosides and pinenes. It has multiple pharmacologic properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, antispasmodic, an emmenagogue, and as an enema for worms. In this review, we have explored the various dimensions of the feverfew plant and compiled its vast pharmacologic applications to comprehend and synthesize the subject of its potential image of multipurpose medicinal agent. The plant is widely cultivated to large regions of the world and its importance as a medicinal plant is growing substantially with increasing and stronger reports in support of its multifarious therapeutic uses.

Pharmacological and histological effects of Centaurea bruguierana ssp. belangerana on indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer in rats

The species Centaurea bruguierana (DC.) Hand.-Mazz. ssp. belangerana (DC.) Bornm. (CBB) (Asteraceae), known as "Baad-Avard" in Borazjan, Bushehr Province, southern Iran, is used in folk medicine as a hypoglycemic herb in diabetes and as a remedy for peptic ulcer disorders. Total 80% EtOH extract and petroleum ether, CHCl(3), EtOAc, n-BuOH, and remaining fractions obtained by solvent-solvent fractionation of dried aerial flowering parts of the plant were investigated for anti-ulcer activity against indomethacin-induced ulcerogenesis in rats. Anti-ulcer activity was evaluated by measuring the ulcer index (UI) and ulcer inhibition. The UI was significantly reduced in all treated animals. A dramatic decrease in the UI was observed following the administration of total extract (100 mg/kg, p < 0.001) and CHCl(3) fraction (42 mg/kg, ***p < 0.001) in comparison with the control group. The percentage ulcer inhibition with total extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg (97.66%) and CHCl(3) fraction at a dose of 42 mg/kg (96.96%) was found to be higher (p < 0.001) than the reference group (cimetidine 100 mg/kg) (87.08%). The pharmacological and histological results of the present study proved that the aerial flowering parts of CBB possess preventive activity against peptic ulcer, supporting the traditional assertion in southern Iranian folk medicine.

Inhibition of Myb-dependent gene expression by the sesquiterpene lactone mexicanin-I

The c-myb proto-oncogene encodes a transcription factor that is highly expressed in the progenitor cells of the hematopoietic system, where it regulates the expression of genes important for lineage determination, cell proliferation and differentiation. There is strong evidence that deregulation of c-myb expression is involved in the development of human tumors, particularly of certain types of leukemia, and breast and colon cancer. The c-Myb protein is therefore an interesting therapeutic target. Here, we have investigated the potential of natural sesquiterpene lactones (STLs), a class of compounds that are active constituents of a variety of medicinal plants, to suppress Myb-dependent gene expression. We have developed a test system that allows screening of compounds for their ability to interfere with the activation of Myb target genes. Using this assay system, we have identified the STL mexicanin-I as the first cell-permeable, low-molecular-weight inhibitor of Myb-induced gene expression.

Parthenolide induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of human 5637 bladder cancer cells in vitro

Parthenolide, the principal component of sesquiterpene lactones present in medical plants such as feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), has been reported to have anti-tumor activity. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of parthenolide against bladder cancer and its mechanism of action. Treatment of bladder cancer cells with parthenolide resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability. Parthenolide induced apoptosis through the modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase degradation. Treatment with parthenolide led to G1 phase cell cycle arrest in 5637 cells by modulation of cyclin D1 and phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase 2. Parthenolide also inhibited the invasive ability of bladder cancer cells. These findings suggest that parthenolide could be a novel therapeutic agent for treatment of bladder cancer.