In vitro anticancer activity of twelve Chinese medicinal herbs

Evaluation of anthelminthic and antiprotozoal activity of myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) methanolic extract

To treat and control parasitic infections, traditional medical remedies using plant products are utilized as antiparasitic agents rather than standard synthetic chemicals due to drug resistance. Myrrh, a resinous exudate of Commiphora myrrha (Burseraceae), is a powerful antioxidant with a variety of medicinal uses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the myrrh methanolic extract (MyE) of three concentrations (100, 50, and 25 mg/ml) on the sporulation of oocysts and as an anthelminthic effector via in vitro study. Characterization of the plant was done by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The earthworm, Eisenia fetida, is used as a model worm to evaluate the anthelminthic activity of MyE. Eimeria labbeana-like oocysts are used as a model protozoan parasite in anticoccidial assays. The sporulation and inhibition (%) of E. labbeana-like were assessed by MyE compared to other chemical substances. FT-IR revealed the presence of twelve active compounds. Our results showed that paralysis and death of earthworms at MyE (100 mg/ml) were 7.88 ± 0.37 and 9.24 ± 0.60 min, respectively, which is more potency when compared to mebendazole (reference drug). In all treated worms, microscopic examinations revealed obvious surface architecture abnormality. This study shows that MyE affects oocysts sporulation in a dose-dependent manner. At 24 and 36 hr, a high concentration of MyE (100 mg/ml) inhibits sporulation by 90.95 and 87.17 %. At 36 hr, other concentrations of MyE (50 and 25 mg/ml), as well as amprolium, DettolTM, and phenol inhibits oocyst sporulation by 40.17 %, 29.34 %, 45.09 %, 85.11 %, and 61.58 %, respectively. According to our research, the MyE extract had powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial properties.

Screening of anti-cancer compounds from Vaccariae Semen by lung cancer A549 cell fishing and UHPLC-LTQ Orbitrap MS

Vaccariae Semen, derived from the dried ripe seed of Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke, has various therapeutic characteristics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), containing promoting blood circulation and unblocking meridians. It exhibits significant anti-cancer activity and is therapeutically utilized to treat and reduce chemotherapy adverse effects in cancer patients, notably those with lung cancer. However, the active ingredients responsible for its anti-lung cancer efficacy remain unknown. In this study, we used A549 cell fishing in conjunction with UHPLC-LTQ Orbitrap MS to screen for anti-lung cancer active components in Vaccariae Semen. The cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay revealed that the n-butanol extract substantially reduced A549 cell growth. Through the cell fishing assay, we found 14 A549 cell-binding compounds in the n-butanol extract, all of which were identified as triterpenoid saponins. The total saponins of Vaccariae Semen were subsequently purified using macroporous adsorption resin (MAR), and they showed a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells, as well as alterations in cell morphology, apoptosis, and fragmentation. In conclusion, saponins were discovered as the key active components responsible for the anti-lung cancer activity of Vaccariae Semen.

Analytical review of Tiryāq-i-Wabāī - A Unani panacea for the control of COVID-19

Introduction

COVID-19 has affected the whole world drastically and led to a substantial loss of human life. Relentless research is underway to identify effective treatment to control the disease. Traditional systems are also being explored to search for a potent drug. Unani formulation 'Tiryāq-i-Wabāī' has long been used in cholera, plague and other epidemic diseases. This review is aimed at analysing the possible role of Tiryāq-i-Wabāī in the prevention and control of COVID-19.

Methodology

Unani classical texts and Pharmacopoeias available in the library of Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Chennai were reviewed to collect information related to epidemics, commonly prescribed drugs during epidemics, and therapeutic uses of Tiryāq-i-Wabāī ingredients. ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to collect information regarding current pandemic and pharmacological activities of ingredients and phytoconstituents present in the formulation. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted.

Results

Tiryāq-i-Wabāī was found to be the most recommended prophylactic and curative drug during epidemics. The formulation ingredients, Sibr (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.), Murr Makki (Commiphora myrrha (T.Nees) Engl.) and Zāfrān (Crocus sativus L.) are categorized under Tiryāqi Advia (literally - antidote drugs) and are considered to be very effective in SARS related conditions. These ingredients have been reported to exhibit immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antitussive, smooth muscle relaxant, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities corroborating the traditional use of Tiryāq-i-Wabāī.

Conclusion

Scientific data imply great potential and utility of the formulation which could be a possible alternative approach for the prevention and control of current and future pandemics.

Terpenoids from Myrrh and Their Cytotoxic Activity against HeLa Cells

The oleo-gum resin of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. has a long history of medicinal use, although many of its constituents are still unknown. In the present investigation, 34 secondary metabolites were isolated from myrrh resin using different chromatographic techniques (silica flash chromatography, CPC, and preparative HPLC) and their structures were elucidated with NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS, CD spectroscopy, and ECD calculations. Among the isolated substances are seven sesquiterpenes (1-7), one disesquiterpene (8), and two triterpenes (23, 24), which were hitherto unknown, and numerous substances are described here for the first time for C. myrrha or the genus Commiphora. Furthermore, the effects of selected terpenes on cervix cancer cells (HeLa) were studied in an MTT-based in vitro assay. Three triterpenes were observed to be the most toxic with moderate IC₅₀ values of 60.3 (29), 74.5 (33), and 78.9 µM (26). Due to the different activity of the structurally similar triterpenoids, the impact of different structural elements on the cytotoxic effect could be discussed and linked to the presence of a 1,2,3-trihydroxy substructure in the A ring. The influence on TNF-α dependent expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) was also tested for 4-6, 9-11, 17, 18, 20, and 27 in vitro, but revealed less than 20% ICAM-1 reduction and, therefore, no significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Z-Guggulsterone Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis by Targeting the p53/CCNB1/PLK1 Pathway in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Myrrh is the dried resin of Commiphora Myrrh Engl., which exerts anticancer properties. However, its effects and molecular mechanisms in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remain unclear. In this study, we used network pharmacology to screen Z-Guggulsterone (Z-GS) as a characteristic active component of myrrh. Cell Counting Kit-8 proliferation assays showed that Z-GS inhibited proliferation of the TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-468 and BT-549. Transwell assays also showed that Z-GS inhibited TNBC migration and invasion phenotypes. Our network pharmacology combined with RNA-sequencing analyses showed that Z-GS affected cell cycle and apoptosis processes in TNBC cells, mainly via p53 signaling, to regulate key CCNB1 (cyclin B1), PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1), and p53 targets. Flow cytometry revealed that Z-GS arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and increased apoptosis in TNBC cells. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction studies confirmed that Z-GS functioned via the p53-mediated downregulation of CCNB1 and PLK1 expression. In vivo studies showed that Z-GS effectively inhibited TNBC progression. Collectively, Z-GS exhibited potential anti-TNBC activity and may functions via the p53/CCNB1/PLK1 pathway.

Alizarin as a New Activator of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Pathway

Alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone) is a natural red dye extracted from the roots of Rubia cordifolia L. (family Rubiaceae). Alizarin has been used as a biological red stain for calcium. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has critical roles in multiple physiological pathways. This study aimed to determine whether alizarin is an unreported ligand of AhR. In the present study, we investigated the effects on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 mRNA, protein expression, AhR nuclear translocation, aryl hydrocarbon response element (AHRE) reporter activity, and AhR-specific antagonist following alizarin treatment of cells of the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, and murine hepatoma cell line, Hepa-1c1c7. Alizarin induced CYP1A1 mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 and Hep-1c1c7 cells. Such induction was not present in C4 (B13NBii1) cells, which are AhR signal deficient, C12 (B15ECiii2) cells, which reduce AhR protein levels. The alizarin-induced responses were blocked by CH-223191, which is an AhR antagonist. Alizarin, the same as with the AhR ligand, induced the nuclear localization of AhR, as well as stimulated the transcriptional activity of AHRE. The results of this study suggest that alizarin is an AhR agonist.

Bioprospecting Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for Enhancing the Biological Properties and Phytochemical Composition of Medicinally Important Crops

Traditionally, medicinal plants have long been used as a natural therapy. Plant-derived extracts or phytochemicals have been exploited as food additives and for curing many health-related ailments. The secondary metabolites produced by many plants have become an integral part of human health and have strengthened the value of plant extracts as herbal medicines. To fulfil the demand of health care systems, food and pharmaceutical industries, interest in the cultivation of precious medicinal plants to harvest bio-active compounds has increased considerably worldwide. To achieve maximum biomass and yield, growers generally apply chemical fertilizers which have detrimental impacts on the growth, development and phytoconstituents of such therapeutically important plants. Application of beneficial rhizosphere microbiota is an alternative strategy to enhance the production of valuable medicinal plants under both conventional and stressed conditions due to its low cost, environmentally friendly behaviour and non-destructive impact on fertility of soil, plants and human health. The microbiological approach improves plant growth by various direct and indirect mechanisms involving the abatement of various abiotic stresses. Given the negative impacts of fertilizers and multiple benefits of microbiological resources, the role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the production of biomass and their impact on the quality of bio-active compounds (phytochemicals) and mitigation of abiotic stress to herbal plants have been described in this review. The PGPR based enhancement in the herbal products has potential for use as a low cost phytomedicine which can be used to improve health care systems.

Apatinib and Ginsenoside-Rb1 Synergetically Control the Growth of Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

Background

Apatinib is an anticancer drug known to inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) through regulating tyrosine kinases. Drug resistance and reduced activity in various cancers is the matter of great concern; thus, researchers opt to use combination of the two or more drugs. So far, its gynergetic anticancer role with a traditional Chinese drug Ginsenoside-Rb1 (G-Rb1) has not been studied in cancers including hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Objective

The current study is aimed at investigating the anticancer synergetic effects of G-Rb1 and apatinib in hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods

The synergetic effects of both drugs on cell proliferation, wound healing and cell migration, and cell apoptosis were studied in hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Furthermore, the xenograft rat model was generated, and tumor inhibition was monitored after treating rats with both drugs as mono- and combination therapy. In addition, protein expression and localization were performed by western blotting and immunofluorescent staining, respectively.

Results

The analyses of the data showed that combination therapy of apatinib and G-Rb1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and wound healing capability of hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Moreover, the glycolysis rate of the cells in the combination therapy (apatinib and G-Rb1) group was significantly decreased as compared to that in the monotherapy group or no treatment group, suggesting that the glycolysis inhibition led to the inhibition of tumor growth. Moreover, the combination therapy on xenograft rats dramatically reduced the tumor size. Furthermore, combination therapy also exhibited an increased count of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells, as well as the ratio between CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells.

Conclusion

Interestingly, a combination of apatinib and G-Rb1 induced more tumor cell apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation than the individual drug treatment and promote antitumor immunity by enhancing immunomodulatory molecules. Thus, we believe that this study could serve as a valuable platform to assess the synergetic anticancer effects of the herbal as well as synthetic medicines.

Commikuanoids A-C: New cycloartane triterpenoids with exploration of carbonic anhydrase-II inhibition from the resins of Commiphora kua by in vitro and in silico molecular docking

Three new cycloartane triterpenoids, commikuanoids A-C (1-3), together with four known compounds 4-7, were isolated from the resin of Commiphora kua. Their structures were confirmed by advanced NMR techniques such as 1D (¹H and ¹³C) and 2D (HMBC, HSQC, COSY, NOESY and NOE) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Five compounds (1-5) were screened for in vitro carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) inhibitory activity. All the tested compounds demonstrated significant activity against CA II with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.9-19.6 μM. Moreover, the binding pattern of each compound in the binding site of CA-II was predicted through in silico molecular docking approach. It was observed that compounds 2, 4, and 5 binds with the Zn ion present in the active site of CA II, while compounds 1 and 3 mediated hydrogen bonding with Thr199 of CA-II, and all the compounds showed good binding score (> - 5 kcal/mol).

In vitro cytogenotoxic and mutagenic effects of Commiphora myrrha essential oil

Commiphora myrrha, located in the tropical zone, is a widely used tree for medicinal purposes in the Arabian Peninsula and a large part of Africa. In this research, cytogenotoxic effects of the commercially available Commiphora myrrha essential oil (myrrh) were studied using micronucleus (MN), comet, and total oxidant (TOS), and total antioxidant (TAS) assays on human peripheral lymphocytes under in vitro conditions. In addition, pure pBR322 plasmid DNA was used to investigate DNA damaging/protecting activity of the essential oil. Finally, a bacterial reversion (Ames) test was performed using Salmonella typhimurium mutant strains TA98 and TA100 to determine the potential effect of the agent in the induction of gene mutations. The high concentration of Commiphora myrrha (0.125 µL/mL) induced MN formation significantly compared to the untreated control in both treatment times (24 or 48 h). Only at the highest concentration, nuclear division index (NDI) values were found lower than the controls. In the Comet test performed on healthy lymphocytes, only the highest concentration of myrrh caused significant increases in the percentage of damaged cells and genetic damage index (GDI) values. Myrrh oil showed no significant mutagenic effect on mutant Salmonella strains. In addition, the substance did not directly damage plasmid DNA but also protected DNA against damaging factors such as H₂O₂ and UV. Finally, in the TAS and TOS assays, no significant differences on the oxidative stress parameters were found in cell culture compared to the control. The results of this study showed that myrrh oil exerts cytogenotoxic risk only at higher concentrations.

Anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis effects of Polyphyllin VII on Hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

Background

Polyphyllin VII (PP7), a steroidal saponin from P. polyphylla has been found to exert strong anticancer activity. Little is known about the anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis properties of PP7. In this study, the anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects of PP7 on HCC and the molecular mechanisms were evaluated.

Methods

Effect of PP7 on angiogenesis was assessed by tube formation assay and applied a transgenic Tg(fli1:EGFP) zebrafish model. Effects of PP7 on tumor metastasis and invasion were examined in cell migration and invasion assay, zebrafish tumor xenograft models and lung metastasis mouse models. The protein levels were examined by Western blotting.

Results

PP7 significantly decreased the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the number and length of ISVs and SIVs of transgenic zebrafish, and the metastasis and invasion of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects of PP7 in HepG2 cells were attributable, at least partially, to downregulated NF-κB/MMP-9/VEGF signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that PP7 possesses strong anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activities, suggesting that PP7 could be a potential candidate agent for HCC treatment.

Vaccaria segetalis: A Review of Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Findings

Vaccaria segetalis is a dry mature seed of Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert, which belongs to the genus V. segetalis (Neck.) Garcke. There are multiple medicinal parts of V. segetalis, according to the records, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds, which should be used together. Currently, V. segetalis is most frequently used in the treatment of menstruation, dysmenorrhea, breast milk stoppages, and chylorrhea. Numerous studies present historical evidence of the use of V. segetalis to treat several diseases and describe its beneficial effects including prolactin- (PRL-) like, estrogen-like, antitumor, antiangiogenesis, and antioxidant activity. We summarized the period from January 1980 to December 2019 regarding V. segetalis. This review paper indicates that V. segetalis has promising clinical applications. The main active ingredients of the plant have been elucidated in recent years. We summarized the previously and newly discovered pharmacological effects of V. segetalis in addition to its active ingredients, ethnopharmacological uses, and toxicological properties, and provided a focus for future research.

Virtual screening of the multi-gene regulatory molecular mechanism of Si-Wu-tang against non-triple-negative breast cancer based on network pharmacology combined with experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a prestigious herbal formula from China, has been extensively used for centuries for female-related diseases. It has been documented that SWT has a significant inhibitory effect on non-triple-negative breast cancer (non-TNBC) cells. However, there has been limited comprehensive analysis of the targeted effects of the anticancer components of SWT and its exact biological mechanism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to uncover the mechanism by which SWT treats non-TNBC by applying a network pharmacological method combined with experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, SWT compounds were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology database (TCMSP) and The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), and then the targets related to SWT were obtained from the TCMSP and SwissTarget databases. Second, a target data set of non-TNBC proteins was established by using the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), GeneCards and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Third, based on the overlap of targets between SWT and non-TNBC, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built to analyse the interactions among these targets, which focused on screening for hub targets by topology. On these hub genes, we conducted a meta-analysis and survival analysis to screen the best match targets, ESR1, PPARG, CAT, and PTGS2, which had a strong correlation with the ingredients of SWT in our verification by molecular docking. In vitro experiments further proved the reliability of the network pharmacology findings. Finally, FunRich software and the ClusterProfiler package were utilized for the enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) data.

RESULTS

A total of 141 active ingredients and 116 targets of SWT were selected. GO enrichment analysis showed that the biological processes through which SWT acted against non-TNBC (FDR<0.01) mainly involved modulating energy metabolism and apoptosis. According to RT-qPCR and Western blotting, the mRNA and protein expression of ESR1, PPARG and PTGS2 were upregulated (P < 0.01), and the mRNA and protein levels of CAT were downregulated (P < 0.01), suggesting a multi-gene regulatory molecular mechanism of SWT against non-triple-negative breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This research explored the multi-gene pharmacological mechanism of action of SWT against non-TNBC through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. The findings provide new ideas for research on the mechanism of action of Chinese medicine against breast cancer.

Botanical Medicines Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, and Alchornea cordifolia Demonstrate Inhibitory Activity Against Babesia duncani

Human babesiosis is a CDC reportable disease in the United States and is recognized as an emerging health risk in multiple parts of the world. The current treatment for human babesiosis is suboptimal due to treatment failures and unwanted side effects. Although Babesia duncani was first described almost 30 years ago, further research is needed to elucidate its pathogenesis and clarify optimal treatment regimens. Here, we screened a panel of herbal medicines and identified Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Alchornea cordifolia, and Polygonum cuspidatum to have good in vitro inhibitory activity against B. duncani in the hamster erythrocyte model. Furthermore, we found their potential bioactive compounds, cryptolepine, artemisinin, artesunate, artemether, and baicalein, to have good activity against B. duncani, with IC₅₀ values of 3.4 μM, 14 μM, 7.4 μM, 7.8 μM, and 12 μM, respectively, which are comparable or lower than that of the currently used drugs quinine (10 μM) and clindamycin (37 μM). B. duncani treated with cryptolepine and quinine at their respective 1×, 2×, 4× and 8× IC₅₀ values, and by artemether at 8× IC₅₀ for three days could not regrow in subculture. Additionally, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta 90% ethanol extract also exhibited no regrowth after 6 days of subculture at doses of 2×, 4×, and 8× IC₅₀ values. Our results indicate that some botanical medicines and their active constituents have potent activity against B. duncani in vitro and may be further explored for more effective treatment of babesiosis.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Natural Galactagogues Prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacies in Taiwan

Natural medicinal materials have been used to promote breast milk secretion. Here, we investigated the natural medicinal materials prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacies across Taiwan to induce lactation. We collected medicinal materials from 87 TCM pharmacies, identified them in the prescriptions, and analyzed their drug contents. We examined their botanical origins, biological classifications, traditional usage, and modern pharmacological properties. We used the TCM Inheritance Support System to identify core medicinal materials in galactogenous prescriptions. We collected 81 medicinal materials from 90 galactogenous prescriptions. Leguminosae accounted for 12%, whereas Apiaceae accounted for 7% of all materials examined. The primary medicinal plant parts used were roots and seeds. Nineteen frequently used medicinal materials had a relative frequency of citation of greater than or equal to 0.2. According to their efficacy, 58% were warm, 54% were sweet, and 63% were tonifying; 74% of the frequently used medicinal materials have been showed efficacy against breast cancer. The primary core medicinal material was Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, whereas the secondary core medicinal materials were Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch and Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz. Most galactogenous prescriptions consisted of multiple materials from Leguminosae and Apiaceae. The mechanisms underlying galactogenous efficacy warrant further investigations.

Recent phytochemical and pharmacological advances in the genus Potentilla L. sensu lato - An update covering the period from 2009 to 2020

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Potentilla plants are still common herbal medicines used in folk medicine. This review provides an update of research undertaken on Potentilla from 2009 until 2020.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This comprehensive review considers biological updates, recent advances in phytochemical and pharmacological research, and toxicological reports on Potentilla sensu lato based on available data since 2009.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using available databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Until now, more than 210 new and known compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and phenolic compounds, have been confirmed and elucidated for numerous Potentilla species, i.e., in the underground and aerial parts of this genus. Modern pharmacology studies have revealed that those structures are responsible for a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as anti-neoplastic, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antibacterial and anti-yeast effects.

CONCLUSIONS

However, in vitro studies must be re-considered due to the discovery of urolithins and their origins, including microbiota, which can lead to different results when applying Potentilla species and their extracts to in vivo conditions. Thus, future research should focus more on in vivo and particularly clinical studies to confirm the validity and safety of traditional uses. Particularly, the use of Potentilla alba extracts in the treatment of thyroid gland disorders should be further explored to confirm the underlying mechanism of their action, efficacy and safety. In addition, more clinical studies should focus on Potentilla erecta rhizome extracts for application as herbal remedies against dysentery, diarrhoea and inflammation of the skin.

Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Bioactive Compounds from Plants and Soil Microbes: a Review

Bioactive compounds derived from plants and microbial sources are required for the survival of the human race and groundbreaking research must continue in this line. Plants and microbes are the major sources of naturally occurring bioactive compounds for numerous biotechnological applications. Recent progress in the fields of bioactive compounds and soil chemistry in agriculture has since given man a lead to the discovery of potent drugs that combat both human and plant diseases. The soil provides the medium for the growth of medicinal plants, but its contamination greatly affects the quality of drugs, food crops, and other essential elements present in the plants which give strength to the body. This area has attracted the attention of scientists and the drug industry toward developing more potent drugs from medicinal plants grown in different soil. The studies of the effect of various parameters and the properties of soil such as; effect of heavy metals, pH, soil organic matter, and phytoremediation process have given a measure of some quality dependence of the soil producing secondary metabolites and soil containing microbes. The information provided will be useful in determine the action of microbes and their interaction with the soil and all true plants producing drugs. Some active compounds in plants and microbes, their properties, and applications have been described in this review. The soil microbes, activities and their interactions, effects of soil particle size, dispersibility and stability of microbes in the soil, and the future outlook for the development of novel active compounds have been reported.

Commiphora myrrha stimulates insulin secretion from mouse and human islets of Langerhans

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditionally plant-based remedies such as Commiphora myrrha (CM) have been used as an ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes mellitus in some region of Arabia and Africa. Previous reports have shown that CM reduced blood glucose levels and increased insulin concentrations in animal models of diabetes in vivo. However, the exact mechanisms by which CM improved glycemic control in these animals are not fully understood. We hypothesized that CM may have a direct insulinotropic activity on β-cells to increase insulin secretion.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The direct effects of CM were investigated using MIN6 β-cells and isolated mouse and human islets in static and perifusion insulin secretion experiments. Isolated mouse and human islets were used to investigate the rate and pattern of CM-induced insulin secretion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of CM on insulin secretion was assessed by static and perifusion experiments using MIN6 cells, a mouse-derived β-cell line, and primary mouse and human islets. The effects of CM on cell viability and membrane integrity of MIN6 cells and mouse islets were assessed using an ATP viability assay and a trypan blue exclusion test. The mRNA expression profiles of preproinsulin and Pdx1, a major β-cell transcription factor, were determined by quantitative RT-PCR following chronic exposure to CM.

RESULTS

Exposing MIN6 cells to a CM resin solution (0.5-10 mg/ml) caused a concentration-dependent increase in insulin secretion in a static setting. Similarly, incubating mouse islets to CM (0.1-10 mg/ml) resulted in stimulation of insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CM concentrations at ≤ 2 mg/ml were not associated with reduction in cell viability nor with reduction in cell membrane integrity. However, higher concentrations of CM were accompanied with marked uptake of trypan blue dye and cell death. In a perifusion setting, CM (2 mg/ml) caused rapid and reversible increases in insulin secretion from both mouse and human islets at both sub-stimulatory and stimulatory glucose levels. The stimulatory effect of CM on insulin secretion did not change the total insulin content of β-cells nor the mRNA expression of preproinsulin and Pdx1.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that aqueous CM resin solution has a direct stimulatory effect on β-cells without compromising plasma membrane integrity. CM stimulates insulin secretion from MIN6 cells, a mouse-derived β-cell line, and isolated primary mouse and human islets in vitro at both sub-stimulatory and stimulatory glucose concentrations. The mechanism by which CM may induce insulin secretion is most likely due to a stimulation of insulin granules release rather than insulin synthesis.

Honokiol-camptothecin loaded graphene oxide nanoparticle towards combinatorial anti-cancer drug delivery

Honokiol (HK) is a natural product isolated from the bark, cones, seeds and leaves of plants belonging to the genus Magnolia. It possesses anti-cancer activity which can efficiently impede the growth and bring about apoptosis of a diversity of cancer cells. The major concerns of using HK are its poor solubility and lack of targeted drug delivery. In this study, a combinatorial drug is prepared by combining HK and camptothecin (CPT). Both CPT and HK belong to the Magnolian genus and induce apoptosis by cell cycle arrest at the S-phase and G1 phase, respectively. The combinatorial drug thus synthesised was loaded onto a chitosan functionalised graphene oxide nanoparticles, predecorated with folic acid for site-specific drug delivery. The CPT drug-loaded nanocarrier was characterised by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, UV-vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy. The antioxidant properties, haemolytic activity and anti-inflammatory activities were analysed. The cellular toxicity was analysed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT assay) and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines.

Suitability of Roselle-Hibiscus sabdariffa L. as Raw Material for Soft Drink Production

Consumption of conventional soft drinks has been linked with several diseases in man. This has called for the consumption of natural soft drinks such as roselle drink. Roselle-Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is the major raw material for the production of beverage called cranberry (Florida), bissap (Egypt), zobo (Nigeria), and roselle drink generally. The nutritional and phytochemical properties found in roselle make the plant useful in the preparation of some drugs and food. It has been reported that consumption of roselle drink helps to cure diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The pharmacological properties of the plant are traceable to activities of flavonoid and anthocyanin which are the major antioxidants in roselle. Good aroma and colour of the drink are among the characteristics displayed by the plant. However, consumers are sometimes exposed to risks when the drink is consumed after 24 hours of preparation due to the proliferation of spoilage microorganisms in the drink. Most of these microbes thrive even at extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, some of these microorganisms are of public health importance causing diseases such as meningitis and dysentery. Researchers have revealed that roselle calyx is the major source of contamination in the drink. This paper reviews the suitability of the plant for soft drink production. It further highlights the nutrition, pharmacology, and limitations of the plant for soft drink production.

GT198 Is a Target of Oncology Drugs and Anticancer Herbs

Tumor angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer. Therapeutic drug inhibitors targeting angiogenesis are clinically effective. We have previously identified GT198 (gene symbol PSMC3IP, also known as Hop2) as an oncoprotein that induces tumor angiogenesis in human cancers, including oral cancer. In this study, we show that the GT198 protein is a direct drug target of more than a dozen oncology drugs and several clinically successful anticancer herbs. GT198 is a DNA repair protein that binds to DNA. Using an in vitro DNA-binding assay, we tested the approved oncology drug set VII from the National Cancer Institute containing 129 oncology drugs. Identified GT198 inhibitors include but are not limited to mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, etoposide, dactinomycin, and imatinib. Paclitaxel and etoposide have higher binding affinities, whereas doxorubicin has higher binding efficacy due to competitive inhibition. GT198 shares protein sequence homology with DNA topoisomerases, which are known drug targets, so that GT198 is likely a new drug target previously unrecognized. To seek more powerful GT198 inhibitors, we further tested several anticancer herbal extracts. The positive anticancer herbs with high affinity and high efficacy are all clinically successful ones, including allspice from Jamaica, Gleditsia sinensis or honey locust from China, and BIRM from Ecuador. Partial purification of allspice using an organic chemical approach demonstrated great feasibility of natural product purification, when the activity is monitored by the in vitro DNA-binding assay using GT198 as a target. Together, our study reveals GT198 as a new targeting mechanism for existing oncology drugs. The study also delivers an excellent drug target suitable for compound identification and natural product purification. In particular, this study opens an opportunity to rapidly identify drugs with high efficacy and low toxicity from nature.

Characterization and in vitro antitumor activity of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Uncaria tomentosa extract

Uncaria tomentosa (UT) extracts have been shown to have promising anti-tumor activity. We hypothesized that its incorporation into nanostructured systems could improve the anticancer properties. Here, poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) and poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) were employed to generate nanoparticles loaded with UT extract in a single emulsion solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, morphology and entrapment efficiency along with stability and release profiles. The nanoparticles presented entrapment efficiencies above 60% and a mean diameter below 300nm. UT-PCL nanoparticles presented higher entrapment efficiency and mean particle size as well as a slow release rate. The UT-PLGA nanoparticles showed higher drug loading. Two prostate cancer cell-lines, LNCaP and DU145 that were derived from metastatic sites, served as model systems to assess cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activity. In vitro, both formulations reduced the viability of DU145 and LNCaP cells. Yet, the UT-PLGA nanoparticles showed higher cytotoxicity towards DU145 cells while the UTPCL against LNCaP cells. The results confirm that the incorporation of UT into nanoparticles could enhance its anti-cancer activities that can offer a viable alternative for the treatment of prostrate canner and highlights the potential of nanostructured systems to provide a promising methodology to enhance the activity of natural extracts.

Transcriptional regulation of G2/M regulatory proteins and perturbation of G2/M Cell cycle transition by a traditional Chinese medicine recipe

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hedyotis diffusa Willd. (H) and Scutellaria barbata D.Don (S) are ancient anti-cancer Chinese herb medicines. When combined, known as HS, it is one of the most commonly prescribed Chinese Medicines for cancer patients today in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The prevention of disease progression is a dominant concern for the growing number of men with prostate cancer. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the action and mode of action of Chinese Medicine recipe HS in inhibiting prostate cancer progression in preclinical models.

METHODS

Effects of HS were analyzed in prostate cancer cell lines by evaluating proliferation, cell cycle profile, DNA damage and key regulators responsible for G₂ to M phase transition. The transcriptional activities of these regulators were determined by RT-PCR and ChIP. The efficacy of HS in vitro was validated in an animal model.

RESULTS

HS treatment was observed to reduce DNA content and accumulated prostate cancer cells at the G₂/M phase. Immunolabeling for phospho-Histone H3 in association with nocodazole to capture mitotic cells confirmed that HS impeded G₂ to M transition. After excluding DNA damage-induced G₂ arrest, it was revealed that HS reduced expression of Cyclin B1, CDK1, PLK1 and Aurora A at both protein and mRNA levels, with concomitant reduction of H3K4 tri-methylation at their promoter-regions. Animals that received oral administration of HS with a dosage relevant to clinical application showed reduced tumor volume and weight with a reduction of Cyclin B1, CDK1, PLK1 and Aurora A protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

HS acts by impeding the G₂ to M transition of prostate cancer cells. It is likely that the mode of action is transcriptionally suppressing proteins governing mitotic entry, without eliciting significant DNA damage.

Screening and Identification of Molecular Targets Involved in Preventing Gastric Precancerous Lesions in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by Qilianshupi Decoction

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a common and possibly precancerous digestive tract disease. Development of drugs with effect of preventing precancerous lesions draws the eyes of global researchers. Qilianshupi decoction (QLSP) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is commonly used to treat CAG, but few studies have explored the mechanism of QLSP on treating CAG. This study investigated the molecular targets of the component herbs of QLSP in preventing precancerous lesions based on network pharmacology. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the 6 herbs regulated multiple CAG-related genes, among which the most important were cancer-related pathway (apoptosis, p53, and VEGF) and epithelial cell signaling in Helicobacter pylori infection. Further animal experiments showed that the expression of survivin and p53 in precancerous lesions of CAG rats was significantly increased which was suppressed by QLSP. Moreover, telomerase activity was inhibited in precancerous lesions of CAG rats, and telomere length of gastric mucosa was increased, which was reversed by QLSP. Our results suggest that the components of QLSP prevents gastric precancerous lesions through decreasing the expression of survivin and p53 and regulating telomerase activity and telomere length in CAG.

New approach in the characterization of bioactive compounds isolated from Calycotome spinosa (L.) Link leaves by the use of negative electrospray ionization LITMSn, LC-ESI-MS/MS, as well as NMR analysis

Two novel compounds were isolated for the first time from Calycotome spinosa (L.) Link, an alkaloid 5-Hydroxy-1H-indole (4) and a cyclitol D-pinitol (5), together with the three well-known flavonoids; Chrysin-7-O-(β-D-glucopyranoside) (1), Chrysin-7-O-β-D-(6″-acetyl)glycopyranoside (2) and Apigenin-7-O-β-D-glycopyranoside (3). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data and mass spectrometric analyses; including a fresh approach 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR with LC-ESI-MS/MS. In this study, the new compound (4) that has been obtained from the leaves MeOH extract presented the best radical scavenging activity (DPPH) (IC₅₀ < 10 µg/mL) compared to the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, IC₅₀ = 34.73 ± 0.23 μg/mL) and showed the highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC = 985.54 ± 0.13 mg AAE/g extract) in contrast to ascorbic acid (TAC = 905.95 ± 0.07 mg AAE/g extract). Furthermore, the strongest reducing power (EC₅₀ = 344.82 ± 0.02 µg/mL), as well as the remarkable scavenging potential by ABTS assay (IC₅₀ = 7.8 ± 0.43 µg/mL), were exhibited by the same composite (4). Followed by the methanol crude extract and the compound (3) that also showed a potent antioxidant (DPPH; IC₅₀ = 41.04 ± 0.15 and 47.36 ± 0.21 µg/mL, TAC; 671.02 ± 0.21 and 608.67 ± 0.34 mg AAE/g extract, FRAP; EC₅₀ = 763.73 ± 0.32 and 814.61 ± 0.31 µg/mL, ABTS; IC₅₀ = 19.18 ± 0.06 and 63.72 ± 0.64 µg/mL, respectively), but less than the previous samples. On the opposite side, compound (5) had the lowest activity, in which its values were less interesting to determine. Moreover, compound (4) has equally exerted an attractive antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATTC-25923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATTC- 27853) and Salmonella abony (NCTC 6017), as measured by the disc diffusion assay, with inhibition zones of 16 ± 0.5, 9.83 ± 0.29 and 8 ± 0.28 mm, in that order. To the best of our knowledge, 5-Hydroxy-1H-indole was isolated from plants for the second time in our current work. Thus, the obtained results from this investigation propose that the leaves of C. spinosa are a rich natural source for value molecules as potential antioxidants and antimicrobial agents for best human health.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Effectively Prolongs the Overall Survival of Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Case Series

Background and Aims: Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all cancers (4%), and it accounts for 1.9% of new cancer cases in Hong Kong. Combined treatment with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and Western medicine has yielded promising results, leading to improved prognosis and overall survival. This retrospective case series aimed to illustrate the improved survival and quality of life outcomes of pancreatic cancer patients administered CHM based on traditional Chinese medicine theory. Methods: To investigate the effectiveness of CHM in prolonging overall survival, 182 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who received CHM treatment were observed from 2005 to 2015. Results: One hundred eighty-two pancreatic cancer patients were treated with CHM; 21 patients died. The mean and median survival of these patients were 29.6 and 15.2 months, respectively; the 1-year survival rate was 76% (range = 4 months to 9 years). These results are better than those reported in patients treated with Western medicine, suggesting the need for further study of CHM. Conclusion: A superior clinical outcome may be obtained with CHM treatment. The case series illustrates the potential benefits and safety issues of CHM in pancreatic cancer patients that could be relevant for developing strategies to increase individualization of pancreatic cancer treatment and improve survival. This study may facilitate interprofessional communication and improved clinical management of pancreatic cancer patients.

From Scutellaria barbata to BZL101 in Cancer Patients: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Clinical Evidence

Scutellaria barbata D.Don is a popular Chinese medicinal plant documented to treat cancer patients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). A botanical new investigational drug for breast cancer BZL101 (FDA IDN# 59521) was previously developed in the United States from the aqueous extract of the aerial parts from S. barbata. The early phase 1A and 1B clinical trials show its favorable toxicity profiles, good clinical tolerance, and promising efficacy for patients with metastatic breast cancer. To further evidence the phytopharmacology research, drug development, and anticancer use of this herb, a systematic literature review was performed herein on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and specifically anticancer clinical evidence. A systematic review of the literature on phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the plant related to cancer treatment employed several web-based scientific databases including Wanfang (Chinese), Pubmed, Web of Science, and Elsevier. Key words included Scutellaria barbata, Ban Zhi Lian, cancer, and tumor. Based on critical quality criteria, only 8 out of 69 reports related to clinical studies of cancer patients in China. This review covered the available literature up to July 2019. The anticancer effects of S. barbata can be explained by the presence of various flavonoids and diterpenoids alkaloids. The underlying mechanisms are primarily summarized as cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-modulated cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic death. The highly cancer-cell selective cytotoxicity and detoxifying effects of S. barbata contribute to a favorable clinical profile and enhanced quality of life for the cancer patient, thereby demanding further study as an adjuvant or alternative to conventional chemotherapy. The phytochemical and pharmacological studies reviewed strongly underpin a fundamental understanding of the anticancer activity of S. barbata and support ongoing clinical trials. The further safety verification and clinical trials are expected to progress S. barbata-based development to finally transform the traditional TCM herb S. barbata to the valuable anticancer drug.

Duchesnea indica extract attenuates oral cancer cells metastatic potential through the inhibition of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity by down-regulating the MEK/ERK pathway

BACKGROUND

Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke, an herb in folk medicine used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, has cytostatic properties as well as antioxidant and antimetastasis activities in various cancer cells. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of Duchesnea indica extracts (DIEs) on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastases remain unclear.

PURPOSE

In this study, we posit the hypothesis that DIE possesses antimetastatic effects on human OSCC cells.

METHODS

The effects of DIE on cell viability, motility, migration, and invasion were investigated. Gelatin zymography, Western blotting, migration and invasion assays were used to further study the underlying mechanisms involved in the antimetastatic effects of DIE in OSCC cells.

RESULTS

The results from MTT assay revealed that DIE did not affect the cell viability of OSCC cells. Moreover, DIE significantly attenuated OSCC cells' motility, migration, and invasion by reducing the MMP-2 protein expression and MMP-2 activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, DIE reduced the phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and its upstream kinase but had no effect on the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK.

CONCLUSION

DIE triggers the antimetastatic activity in OSCC cells by suppressing the MMP-2 activity via the MEK/ERK signaling pathways. Therefore, these findings are promising for the use of DIE antimetastatic activity in oral cancer metastasis treatment.

Active compound chrysophanol of Cassia tora seeds suppresses heat-induced lipogenesis via inactivation of JNK/p38 MAPK signaling in human sebocytes

Background

Heat induced by infrared (IR) radiation from sun exposure increases skin temperature and can lead to thermal and photo-aging. However, little is known about the relationship between heat induced by IR radiation and lipid biosynthesis in human sebocytes. This study investigated the expression of factors involved in lipid biosynthesis in human sebocytes exposed to heat. The effect of Cassia tora extract and chrysophanol, which is widely used as anti-inflammatory agent, on the heat shock effect in sebocytes was then examined.

Methods

For the treatment, cells were maintained in culture medium without FBS (i.e., serum starved) for 6 h and then moved for 30 min to incubators at 37 °C (control), 41 °C, or 44 °C (heat shock). Culture media were replaced with fresh media without FBS. To investigate expression of gene and signaling pathway, we performed western blotting. Lipid levels were assessed by Nile red staining. The cytokine levels were measured by cytokine array and ELISA kit.

Results

We found that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were upregulated and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 signaling pathways were activated in human sebocytes following heat exposure. Treatment with Cassia tora seed extract and chrysophanol suppressed this up-regulation of PPARγ and FAS and also suppressed the increase in IL-1β levels.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence that IR radiation can stimulate sebum production; Cassia tora seed extract and chrysophanol can reverse lipid stimulated inflammatory mediation, and may therefore be useful for treating skin disorders such as acne vulgaris.

Do recent research studies validate the medicinal plants used in British Columbia, Canada for pet diseases and wild animals taken into temporary care?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

There are insufficient safe and effective treatments for chronic pain in pets. In cases such as osteoarthritis there is no commercially available cure and veterinarians use NSAIDs to manage pain. Pet owners may have to plan for a lifetime of plant-based treatment for the conditions that lead to chronic pain in pets. Phytopharmacotherapies have the advantage of being less toxic, cheap or free, readily available, are more likely to be safe for long-term use and have the potential to reset the immune system to normal functioning.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the recently published medicinal plant research that matches unpublished data on ethnoveterinary medicines (EVM) used for pets in Canada (British Columbia) to see if the EVM data can provide a lead to the development of necessary drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 2003 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 participants who were organic farmers or holisitic medicinal/veterinary practitioners obtained using a purposive sample. A draft manual prepared from the data was then evaluated by participants at a participatory workshop that discussed the plant-based treatments. A copy of the final version of the manual was given to all research participants. In 2018, the recently published research matching the EVM data was reviewed to see if the EVM practices could serve as a lead for further research.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Medicinal plants are used to treat a range of conditions. The injuries treated in pets in British Columbia included abscesses (resulting from an initial injury), sprains and abrasions. Dogs were also treated with medicinal plants for rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain and articular cartilage injuries. More than 40 plants were used. Anal gland problems were treated with Allium sativum L., Aloe vera L., Calendula officinalis L., Plantago major L., Ulmus fulva Michx., Urtica dioica L. and Usnea longissima Ach. Arctium lappa, Hydrangea arborescens and Lactuca muralis were used for rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain in pets. Asthma was treated with: Linum usitatissimum L., Borago officinalis L., Verbascum thapsus L., Cucurbita pepo L., Lobelia inflata L., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Pets with heart problems were treated with Crataegus oxyacantha L., Cedronella canariensis (L.) Willd. ex Webb & Berth, Equisetum palustre L., Cypripedium calceolus L., Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson, Humulus lupulus L., Valeriana officinalis L., Lobelia inflata L., Stachys officinalis (L.) Trev., and Viscum album L. The following plants were used for epilepsy, motion sickness and anxiety- Avena sativa L., Valeriana officinalis, Lactuca muralis (L.) Fresen., Scutellaria lateriflora L., Satureja hortensis L., and Passiflora incarnata L. Plants used for cancer treatment included Phytolacca decandra, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Rumex acetosella, Arctium lappa, Ulmus fulva, Rheum palmatum, Frangula purshiana, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ulmus fulva, Althea officinalis, Rheum palmatum, Rumex crispus and Plantago psyllium. Trifolium pratense was used for tumours in the prostate gland. Also used were Artemisia annua, Taraxacum officinale and Rumex crispus. This review of plants used in EVM was possible because phytotherapy research of the plants described in this paper has continued because few new pharmaceutical drugs have been developed for chronic pain and because treatments like glucocorticoid therapy do not heal. Phytotherapuetic products are also being investigated to address the overuse of antibiotics. There have also been recent studies conducted on plant-based functional foods and health supplements for pets, however there are still gaps in the knowledge base for the plants Stillingia sylvatica, Verbascum thapsus, Yucca schidigera and Iris versicolor and these need further investigation.

Commiphorines A and B, unprecedented sesquiterpenoid dimers from Resina Commiphora with striking activities on anti-inflammation and lipogenesis inhibition

Commiphorines A (1) and B (2), two dimeric sesquiterpenoids featuring unusual polycyclic systems, and two intermediates 3 and 4, were isolated from Resina Commiphora.

Novel Terpenoids with Potent Cytotoxic Activities from Resina Commiphora

A novel sesquiterpene dimer, spirocommiphorfuran A (1); two new cadinane sesquiterpenoids, commiphorenes A (2) and B (3); along with three known terpenoids (4–6), were isolated from ResinaCommiphora. The structures of these new compounds were characterized by NMR, HRESIMS, quantum chemical computation, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 features a 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-ene core, representing the first example of germacrane-type sesquiterpene dimer fused via a spiro ring system. Compound 2 is a novel sesquiterpene with a completely new carbon skeleton, which is characteristic of an additional carbon attaching to the cadinane backbone via a carbon–carbon bond. Additionally, compounds 2 and 4 exert acceptable cytotoxicity toward normal cells and high selectivity in cancer cells, especially in HepG2 cells.

Enhanced anticancer effects of Scutellaria barbata D. Don in combination with traditional Chinese medicine components on non-small cell lung cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Experience-based herbal medicine as a complementary to modern western medicine has triggered an array of studies in quest of novel anticancer drugs. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) is commonly used to treat different types of cancers, but its molecular mechanism of action is not clearly understood. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the mode of action of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription with a total of 14 components, named Lian-Jia-San-Jie-Fang (LJSJF, in Chinese), where SB works as the "principle" against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four different NSCLC cell lines (A549, H460, H1650, and H1975) were used. Cytotoxicity, in vitro tumorigenicity, gene expression, and protein expression were analyzed by MTT assay, soft agar assay, real-time PCR, and Western blots, respectively.

RESULTS

Among the 14 components in LJSJF, SB was the only one to possess cytotoxic effects at its pharmacologically relevant doses. Additionally, we observed synergistically dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of SB in combination with other LJSJF components. After SB or LJSJF treatment, significant reductions in colony number and/or size were observed in A549 and H460; a notable dose-dependent decrease in EGFR was observed in A549, H460, and H1650; significant downregulation in EGFR and its downstream signaling targets mTOR and p38MAPK were also observed in A549 and H460; and p53 and p21 were significantly increased while survivin, cyclin D1, and MDM2 were significantly decreased in A549. Additionally, p53, p21, and Mettl7b were decreased, but p73 was increased in H460. Neither EGFR nor p53 was changed in H1975. Therefore, SB or LJSJF may induce cytotoxic effects by regulating multiple and/or distinct apoptotic pathways in different NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSION

LJSJF exerts more pronounced cytotoxic effects against NSCLC cells than SB does by synergistically regulating the underlining molecular mechanisms including EGFR and/or p53 signaling pathways.

Bu-Fei decoction and modified Bu-Fei decoction inhibit the growth of non-small cell lung cancer, possibly via inhibition of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1

Human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a ubiquitous multifunctional protein, which possesses DNA repair and redox activities. High levels of APE1 are associated with chemo‑ and radioresistance, and poor prognosis in various types of cancer, including non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bu‑Fei decoction (BFD) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula, which is believed to supplement Qi, clear away heat and nourish the lungs. BFD and modified Bu‑Fei decoction (MBFD) have been used in China to treat patients with lung cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential antitumor effects of BFD and MBFD on NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the possible contribution of APE1 was examined. MTT assay was used to investigated the anti-tumor activity of BFD and MBFD on H1975 and H292 NSCLC cell lines. The DNA damage of cells in the control and the experimental groups was detected using comet assay. The in vivo anti-tumor effects of BFD and MBFD were evaluated in a NSCLC tumor nude mouse xenograft model. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) analysis and western blot analysis were applied to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels of APE1 in H1975 and H292 cells, so as to the xenograft tumor tissues. The concentration of APE1 in mice plasma was determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, BFD and MBFD inhibited the growth of cultured H1975 and H292 NSCLC cells. The results of a comet assay revealed that BFD and MBFD increased DNA damage. Furthermore, the expression levels of APE1 were decreased in response to BFD and MBFD at the mRNA and protein levels. In mice carrying NSCLC xenografts, BFD and MBFD inhibited tumor growth and decreased APE1 expression. In addition, in normal human lung bronchial epithelial BEAS‑2B cells, the half maximal inhibitory concentrations of BFD and MBFD were much higher compared with in NSCLC cells, and they had no effect on DNA damage. These results suggested that BFD and MBFD may inhibit the growth of NSCLC, possibly by inhibiting APE1 expression.

Natural polymer functionalized graphene oxide for co-delivery of anticancer drugs: In-vitro and in-vivo

The present study focuses on the development of a chitosan functionalized nanobiocomposite for the co-delivery of two anti-cancer drugs camptothecin (CPT) and 3,3'‑Diindolylmethane (DIM). The difference in the mechanism of action of the two drugs makes them a promising candidate to produce a synergistic effect against breast cancer. Herein a nanobiocomposite was developed by functionalizing a natural polymer chitosan to graphene oxide nanoparticles and decorated with folic acid. The nanobiocomposite thus synthesized was loaded with camptothecin and 3,3'‑Diindolylmethane and characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).Biocompatibility was assayed by hemolysis and anti-inflammatory assay. The cellular toxicity was measured by 3‑(4,5‑Dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT), Sulforhodamine B (SRB) and cell death assay against MCF-7 cell lines. Further in vivo studies were carried out to analyze the biodistribution of the drug, blood biochemical analysis and bioavailability of the drug. The data revealed a significant increase in anticancer activity after co-loading of CPT and DIM to the nanocarrier. Also in-vivo studies revealed that DIM successfully masked the toxic effects produced by CPT.

Dynamic Changes of Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity of Ligustrum lucidum During Fruit Growth

There are a number of secondary metabolites having medicinal values in Ligustri Lucidi Fructus. In this study, the target analytes salidroside, ligustroflavone, specnuezhenide, oleuropein, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were chosen, aiming to establish a method to investigate the content of six compounds during eight growth stages of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus. Even though the results indicated that the contents of six compounds in different growth periods reached their maximum value, they displayed a downward trend. The antioxidant activity of the analyzed samples also decreased along with the growth period. The relationship between the content of six secondary metabolites and the activity has been elucidated. Hence, this research provides a theoretical basis for guiding efficient use of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus.

Chrysophanic acid reduces testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats by suppressing 5α-reductase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common chronic diseases in male population, of which incidence increases gradually with age. In this study, we investigated the effect of chrysophanic acid (CA) on BPH. BPH was induced by a 4-week injection of testosterone propionate (TP). Four weeks of further injection with vehicle, TP, TP + CA, TP + finasteride was carried on. In the CA treatment group, the prostate weight was reduced and the TP-induced histological changes were restored as the normal control group. CA treatment suppressed the TP-elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression. In addition, 5α-reductase, a crucial factor in BPH development, was suppressed to the normal level close to the control group by CA treatment. The elevated expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor α and steroid receptor coactivator 1 by TP administration were also inhibited in the CA group when compared to the TP-induced BPH group. Then we evaluated the changes in three major factors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase chain during prostatic hyperplasia; extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38). While ERK was elevated in the process of BPH, JNK and p38 was not changed. This up-regulated ERK was also reduced as normal by CA treatment. Further in vitro studies with RWPE-1 cells confirmed TP-induced proliferation and elevated AR, PSA and p-ERK were all reduced by CA treatment. Overall, these results suggest a potential pharmaceutical feature of CA in the treatment of BPH.