Rutin inhibits human leukemia tumor growth in a murine xenograft model in vivo

Rutin intake mitigates the injury of blue light irradiation by altering aging rates of mortality in Drosophila model

Blue light is known as one of the harmful light pollution that has complex effects on organisms. The massive use of LED lights in cities has greatly increased the frequency of human exposure to blue light, and therefore the hazards of blue light are receiving widespread attention. In our study, Drosophila was used as the model organism to explore the ability of the flavonoid rutin to resist blue light damage under the intensity of 3000 Lux. Siler model analysis was performed. Our results showed sex-specific pattern of rutin as an effective antioxidant. Rutin could help female flies to reduce the initial adult mortality and male flies to slow the increase of adult mortality under blue light irradiation, thus prolonging their average lifespan. Furthermore, after the intake of rutin, the locomotor activity of Drosophila under blue light irradiation was significantly increased, and the total sleep time was significantly decreased. In summary, our results provide preliminary support for exploring the mechanism of rutin against blue light damage.

Anticancer effects of rutin from Fagopyrum tataricum (tartary buckwheat) against osteosarcoma cell line

BACKGROUND

The present study is analysisof the seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.),member of the Polygonaceae family for isolation of rutin and its anticancer property againstOsteosarcoma celllines (SAOS2). The selected plant is traditionally used for diabetes and cancer. It has several biological properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-aging.

PURPOSE

Thirty-five buckwheat cultivars were obtained from Nepal Agriculture Genetic Resources Centre (NAGRC) Khumaltar, Kathmandu, Nepal, and Kumrek Sikkim. These plant varieties are scientifically evaluated their biological properties.

METHODS

Rutin wasfractionated from buckwheat seeds using methanol fraction and analysed for quality by HPLC method. The rutin fraction of the cultivar NGRC03731 a tartary buck wheat and standard rutin was used against Osteosarcoma cell lines (SAOS2) and human gingival fibroblast cells (hGFs) for anticancer activity. The cell viability using rutin fraction and standard rutin treated with SAOS2 cells were assessed by MTT assay. For further research, the best doses (IC-50: 20 g/ml) were applied. By using AO/EtBr dual staining, the effects of Rutin fraction on SAOS2 cell death were analysed. The scratch wound healing assay was used to analyse cell migration. Real-time PCR was used to analyse the pro-/anti-apoptotic gene expression.

RESULTS

The seeds with the highest rutin content, NGRC03731 seeds, had 433 mg/100 g of rutin.The rutin fraction treatment and standard rutin significantly reduced cell viability in the MTT assay, and osteosarcoma cells were observed on sensitive to the IC-50 dose at a concentration of 20 g/ml after 24 h.The SAOS2 cells exposed to rutin fraction at 20 g/ml and standard rutin at 10 g/ml exhibited significant morphological alterations, cell shrinkage and decreased cell density, which indicate apoptotic cells.Rutin-fraction treated cells stained with acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) dual staining cells turned yellow, orange, and red which indicatesto measure apoptosis.The anti-migration potential of rutin fraction, results prevented the migration of SAOS2 cancer cells.Rutin-fraction significantly increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteinsBad, using real-time PCR analysis (mRNA for Bcl-2 family proteins) resulted Bcl-2's expression is negatively regulated.

CONCLUSION

Osteosarcoma (SAOS2) cell lines' proliferation, migration, and ability to proliferate were reduced markedly by rutin fraction and it also causes apoptosis of Osteosarcoma cell lines (SAOS2).

Role of bio-flavonols and their derivatives in improving mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with pancreatic tumorigenesis

Mitochondria, a cellular metabolic center, efficiently fulfill cellular energy needs and regulate crucial metabolic processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and generation of reactive oxygen species. Alteration in the mitochondrial functions leads to metabolic imbalances and altered extracellular matrix dynamics in the host, utilized by solid tumors like pancreatic cancer (PC) to get energy benefits for fast-growing cancer cells. PC is highly heterogeneous and remains unidentified for a longer time because of its complex pathophysiology, retroperitoneal position, and lack of efficient diagnostic approaches, which is the foremost reason for accounting for the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. PC cells often respond poorly to current therapeutics because of dense stromal barriers in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, which limit the drug delivery and distribution of antitumor immune cell populations. As an alternative approach, various natural compounds like flavonoids are reported to possess potent antioxidant and anticancerous properties and are less toxic than current chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, we aim to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacological properties of flavonols in PC in this review from the perspective of mitigating mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with cancer cells. Our literature survey indicates that flavonols efficiently regulate cellular metabolism by scavenging reactive oxygen species, mitigating inflammation, and arresting the cell cycle to promote apoptosis in tumor cells via intrinsic mitochondrial pathways. In particular, flavonols proficiently inhibit the cancer-associated proliferation and inflammatory pathways such as EGFR/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and nuclear factor κB in PC. Overall, this review provides in-depth evidence about the therapeutic potential of flavonols for future anticancer strategies against PC; still, more multidisciplinary human interventional studies are required to dissect their pharmacological effect accurately.

Rutin ameliorate PFOA induced renal damage by reducing oxidative stress and improving lipid metabolism

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent environmental pollutant that can accumulate in the kidneys and eventually cause kidney damage. Rutin (RUTIN) is a natural flavonoid with multiple biological activities, and its use in against kidney damage has been widely studied in recent years. It is not yet known whether rutin protects against kidney damage caused by PFOA. In this study, 30 ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups: CTRL group, PFOA group and PFOA+RUTIN group. The mice were fed continuously by gavage for 28 days. Renal pathological changes were assessed by HE and PASM staining, and serum renal function and lipid indicators were measured. RNA-seq and enrichment analysis using GO, KEGG and PPI to detect differential expression of genes in treatment groups. Kidney tissue protein expression was determined by Western blot. Research has shown that rutin can improve glomerular and tubular structural damage, and increase serum CREA, HDL-C levels and decrease LDH, LDL-C levels. The expression of AQP1 and ACOT1 was up-regulated after rutin treatment. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that PFOA and rutin affect the transcriptional expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, and may affected by PI3K-Akt, PPAR, NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathways. In conclusion, rutin ameliorated renal damage caused by PFOA exposure, and this protective effect may be exerted by ameliorating oxidative stress and regulating lipid metabolism.

Genotoxicity and maternal-fetal safety of the dried extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) in Wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae), popularly known as "neem", is used for the treatment of rheumatism, cancer, ulcers, diabetes, respiratory problems, among others. This species is present on six continents and contains more than 400 bioactive compounds. Practically all parts of the plant are used in the treatment of diseases. Although it is widely used, no study has evaluated the safety of this species throughout the gestational period in Wistar rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the genotoxicity and the effect of treatment with dried extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica on maternal toxicity and fetal development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dried extract of leaves of A. indica was obtained by spray drying after percolation of the plant material in 30% ethanol (w/w). The total flavonoids and rutin contents of the extract were determined by spectrophotometric method and HPLC-DAD, respectively. Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 40) were divided into four groups (n = 10/group): one control and three groups treated with dried extract of leaves of A. indica at doses of 300, 600 or 1200 mg/kg. Treatments were carried out from gestational day (GD) 0-20. During gestation, clinical signs of toxicity, weight gain, feed and water consumption of the dams were evaluated. On GD 21, rats were euthanized and cardiac blood was collected. Liver, kidneys, lung, heart, uterus, ovaries and bone marrow were collected. Reproductive performance parameters, histopathological analysis, biochemistry and genotoxicity were evaluated. Fetuses were evaluated for external morphology, skeletal and visceral changes.

RESULTS

The total flavonoid content of the extract ranged from 2.64 to 3.01%, and the rutin content was 1.07%. There was no change in body mass gain, food and water consumption between the evaluated groups. There was also no difference between the groups in terms of biochemical parameters, reproductive performance, histopathological analysis of the mother's organs and genotoxicity. Supernumerary ossification sites of the sternum were observed, and other skeletal and visceral alterations were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment did not induce maternal toxicity, it was neither embryotoxic nor fetotoxic. The extract was not potentially genotoxic, and at a dose of 1200 mg/kg, it caused changes in the ossification of the sternum.

Improved antioxidant activity of rutin via lipase-mediated esterification with oleic acid

BACKGROUND

Oxidation is a major problem for oils and fats, which can be mitigated by antioxidants. Rutin has excellent antioxidant activity, but its poor lipid solubility greatly limits its practical application. In this study, an efficient enzymatic synthesis route of lipophilic rutin ester was established using oleic acid as an acyl donor, and the antioxidant potential of rutin oleate was evaluated for the first time by proton (¹ H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The synthesized product was finally identified as rutin oleate by Fourier transform infrared, high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ¹ H, carbon-13, and DEPT-135 NMR analyses, and the acylation site was the 4‴-OH of the rhamnose group in the rutin molecule. The maximum conversion was over 93% after 48 h of reaction using Novozym 435 as catalyst under the best conditions among these tests. The conversion of rutin ester decreased with the increase of carbon chain length and the number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the fatty acid molecule. Most importantly, rutin oleate exhibited antioxidant capacity comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene and its counterparts (rutin and oleic acid) at low temperatures (60° C), but had a significant advantage at high temperatures (120° C).

CONCLUSION

The antioxidant activity of rutin was significantly enhanced by lipase-mediated esterification with oleic acid. Therefore, rutin oleate could be further developed as a novel antioxidant for use in oil- and fat-based foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Rutin impedes human low-density lipoprotein from non-enzymatic glycation: A mechanistic insight against diabetes-related disorders

Glycation of human low-density protein (LDL) has an essential contribution to cardiovascular diseases. Natural compounds like rutin have been extensively studied in preventing glycation-induced oxidative stress. This study examined rutin's anti-glycation potential with glycated LDL utilizing spectroscopic and in silico methods. Glycated LDL treated with rutin, showed around 80 % inhibition in advanced glycation end-product production. Carbonyl content and lipid peroxidation like assays were used to establish the development of oxidative stress. Rutin was seen to lower the generation of oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Using thioflavin t-test and electron microscopy, rutin was suggested to restore the structural disturbances in glycated LDL. Moreover, CD spectroscopy suggested reinstation of secondary structure of glycated LDL treated with rutin. Mechanistic insights between rutin and LDL were observed through spectroscopic measures. Molecular docking study confirmed the LDL-rutin binding with a binding energy of -10.0 kcal/mol. The rutin-LDL complex was revealed to be highly stable by molecular dynamics simulation, with RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and the secondary structure of LDL remaining essentially unchanged during the simulation period. Our study suggests that rutin possesses strong anti-glycating properties, which can be useful in therapeutics, as glycated LDL has an important role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Advances in Molecular Regulation of Prostate Cancer Cells by Top Natural Products of Malaysia

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains both a global health burden and a scientific challenge. We present a review of the molecular targets driving current drug discovery to fight this disease. Moreover, the preventable nature of most PCa cases represents an opportunity for phytochemicals as chemopreventive when adequately integrated into nutritional interventions. With a renovated interest in natural remedies as a commodity and their essential role in cancer drug discovery, Malaysia is looking towards capitalizing on its mega biodiversity, which includes the oldest rainforest in the world and an estimated 1200 medicinal plants. We here explore whether the list of top Malay plants prioritized by the Malaysian government may fulfill the potential of becoming newer, sustainable sources of prostate cancer chemotherapy. These include Andrographis paniculate, Centella asiatica, Clinacanthus nutans, Eurycoma longifolia, Ficus deltoidea, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Marantodes pumilum (syn. Labisia pumila), Morinda citrifolia, Orthosiphon aristatus, and Phyllanthus niruri. Our review highlights the importance of resistance factors such as Smac/DIABLO in cancer progression, the role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in cancer metastasis, and the regulation of PCa cells by some promising terpenes (andrographolide, Asiatic acid, rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (isovitexin, gossypin, sinensetin), and alkylresorcinols (labisiaquinones) among others.

Selected Seeds as Sources of Bioactive Compounds with Diverse Biological Activities

Seeds contain a variety of phytochemicals that exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Plant-derived compounds are often investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-platelet, anti-apoptotic, anti-nociceptive, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, hepatoprotective, or neuroprotective properties. In this review, we have described the chemical content and biological activity of seeds from eight selected plant species-blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miq.), grape (Vitis vinifera L.), Moringa oleifera Lam., sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Sprenger), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L). This review is based on studies identified in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS. Numerous preclinical, and some clinical studies have found that extracts, fractions, oil, flour, proteins, polysaccharides, or purified chemical compounds isolated from the seeds of these plants display promising, health-promoting effects, and could be utilized in drug development, or to make nutraceuticals and functional foods. Despite that, many of these properties have been studied only in vitro, and it's unsure if their effects would be relevant in vivo as well, so there is a need for more animal studies and clinical trials that would help determine if they could be applied in disease prevention or treatment.

Discovery of potential HER2 inhibitors from Mangifera indica for the treatment of HER2-Positive breast cancer: an integrated computational approach

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a member of epidermal growth factor receptors with tyrosine kinase functionality. The dimerization of HER2 leads to the autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues within its cytoplasmic domain, resulting in hyperactivation of several downstream signal transduction pathways that play an important role in tumorigenesis, cancer aggressiveness and cell proliferation. Amplification or overexpression of HER2 has been found in approximately 15-30% of breast cancers. Hence, HER2 serve as a therapeutic biomarker in breast cancer. Herein, we applied structural bioinformatics techniques via molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, Molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations and pharmacokinetic models to identify putative HER2 inhibitors. Application of stringent molecular docking results in the identification of bioactive compounds from Mangifera indica as selective, potent inhibitors of HER2. However, only the top three compounds with the highest negative docking score (< -9kcal/mol) was considered in reference to neratinib (-8.601 kcal/mol) for computational analysis. The molecular dynamics simulations and post-simulation analysis of docked HER2-ligand complexes unveil the substantial stability for M. indica ligands over the 100 ns simulation period. Additionally, MM/GBSA binding free energy calculation supports the inhibitory potential for the docked ligands, which exclusively revealed the highest binding energy for selected M. indica ligands than the reference compound (neratinib). The pharmacokinetic model showed that M. indica ligands are promising therapeutic agents. Conclusively, bioactive compounds from M. indica may serve as lead molecules that could be developed into potent and effective HER2 inhibitors for breast cancer treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effect of the main constituents of Pistacia lentiscus leaves against the DPPH radical and xanthine oxidase: experimental and theoretical study

The aim of this work is to study the content of phenolic compounds in P lentiscus leaves and their antioxidant effect. After extracting the phenolic compounds, fractionation by liquid/liquid partition with increasing polarity gives five extracts. Three of them (ButF, AqF and ButA) were found to have good antioxidant activity. Their IC_50s for the inhibition of the free radical formation of DPPH are 1.76 µg/mL, 1.307 µg/ml, and 1.77 µg/mL, respectively. These values are very interesting, considering the effect of the powerful flavonoid quercetin, whose IC₅₀ against DPPH is 1.53 µg/mL. These extracts are also active against xanthine oxidase (XO). The IC_50s measured are 0.14 mg/mL, 0.186 mg/mL and 0.33 mg/mL for ButF, Aq F and ButAq F extract respectively, in comparison with allopurinol (0.44 mg/mL). A phytochemical analysis by LC/ESI-MS-MS was performed to explain the observed activities. The results show 22 peaks representing: flavanols, namely catechin, d-Gallocatechin, and gallocatechin gallate. The only flavone detected in the studied extracts was luteolin glucuronide and was found to be in higher amounts in butanolic extract (2,71mg/mL). The phenolic acids and derivatives were also identified in the extracts. A theoretical study was performed to deduce the specificity of the binding between the major compounds identified in the P. lentiscus extract and the xanthine oxidase enzyme using Schrödinger software. The docking procedure was validated using the extraction of ligands from the binding site. Their re-anchoring to the xanthine oxidase structure using quercetin and allopurinol was considered reference molecules. After docking, post-docking minimization was performed to achieve the best scoring poses with the MM-GBSA approach. The dGBind energy of MM-GBSA representing the binding energy of the receptor and the ligand was calculated based on molecular mechanics. Results reveal that β-Glucogallin compounds such as Digalloylquinic acid, Gallocatechin, and Myricetin-3-O rhamnoside are more active than allopurinol, with stronger Docking score (Gscore) and MM-GBSA dGBind.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Crosstalk between xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibiting and cancer chemotherapeutic properties of comestible flavonoids- a comprehensive update

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by metabolic disorder or genetic inheritance. People throughout the world are strongly dependent on ethnomedicine for the treatment of gout and some receive satisfactory curative treatment. The natural remedies as well as established drugs derived from natural sources or synthetically made exert their action by mechanisms that are closely associated with anticancer treatment mechanisms regarding inhibition of xanthine oxidase, feedback inhibition of de novo purine synthesis, depolymerization and disappearance of microtubule, inhibition of NF-ĸB activation, induction of TRAIL, promotion of apoptosis, and caspase activation and proteasome inhibition. Some anti-gout and anticancer novel compounds interact with same receptors for their action, e.g., colchicine and colchicine analogues. Dietary flavonoids, i.e., chrysin, kaempferol, quercetin, fisetin, pelargonidin, apigenin, luteolin, myricetin, isorhamnetin, phloretinetc etc. have comparable IC₅₀ values with established anti-gout drug and effective against both cancer and gout. Moreover, a noticeable number of newer anticancer compounds have already been isolated from plants that have been using by local traditional healers and herbal practitioners to treat gout. Therefore, the anti-gout plants might have greater potentiality to become selective candidates for screening of newer anticancer leads.

Rutin Suppresses DMBA Carcinogenesis in the Breast Through Modulating IL-6/NF-κB, SRC1/HSP90 and ER-α

Rutin dietary supplements may offer pharmacological benefits as anticancer and antiinflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory and protective effect of rutin on signaling pathways of mammary gland carcinogenesis expermintally induced in female rats by 7,12-di-methyl benz (a) anthracene (DMBA). Results showed that rutin administration ameliorated DMBA toxicity and carcinogic effect on kidney and liver revealed by a significant decrease of urea and creatinine levels, and the activity of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The antioxidant state indicated by the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly increased accompanied by a reduction in the inflammatory markers of interleukin-1β (IL-1B), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) with induction of apoptosis indicated by a significant increase in caspase-3 level. Rutin significantly reduced the levels of the tumor markers carcinoma antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src1 (Src1). along with downregulation of nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB), heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. The present study demonstrated the beneficial anticancer activity of rutin as a protective and therapeutic agent. Rutin induces its antitumor activity through elevation of the antioxidant state, inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, downregulation of oncogenes expression, and stimulation of apoptosis.

Development and validation of a reverse phase HPLC-DAD method for separation, detection & quantification of rutin and quercetin in buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.)

Buckwheat has tremendous nutraceutical potential owing to its rutin and quercetin content. The aim of this study was to optimise and validate an analytical method for separating and quantifying these two flavonoids from it. Factors, such as range, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantification, were evaluated for the two compounds using high performance liquid chromatography. On the basis of resolution and symmetry, mobile phase consisting of methanol and methanol:water:acetic acid in the ratio of (100:150:5), flow rate 1.3 ml/min and column temperature 30 °C were found to be optimal analytical conditions. Calibration curves exhibited good linearity with correlation coefficient of 0.995 & 0.9907 over the range 60-180 μg/ml & 2-10 μg/ml for rutin and quercetin respectively. LOD and LOQ values for rutin and quercetin were 6.36, 0.58 and 19.28, 1.77 μg/ml respectively. Recovery values of 96-100.8% confirmed that the method was accurate for rutin and quercetin analysis. This validated method was successfully used to analyse rutin and quercetin in leaves and seeds of buckwheat plant.

Rutin Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Upregulating miRNA-877-3p Expression

(1) Background: pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious cancers due to its rapid and inevitable fatality, which has been proved very difficult to treat, compared with many other common cancers. Thus, developing an effective therapeutic strategy, especially searching for potential drugs, is the focus of current research. The exact mechanism of rutin in pancreatic cancer remains unknown. (2) Method: three pancreatic cancer cell lines were used to study the anti-pancreatic cancer effect of rutin. The potent anti-proliferative, anti-migration and pro-apoptotic properties of rutin were uncovered by cell viability, a wound-healing migration assay, and a cell apoptosis assay. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect the change of miRNAs expression. Immunoblotting analysis was used to detect the expression of apoptotic proteins. (3) Results: CCK-8 and EDU assays revealed that rutin significantly inhibited pancreatic cancer cells’ proliferation (p < 0.05). A wound-healing assay showed that rutin significantly suppressed pancreatic cancer cells’ migration (p < 0.05). A flow cytometric assay showed that rutin could promote pancreatic cancer cells’ apoptosis. Intriguingly, rutin significantly upregulated miR-877-3p expression to repress the transcription of Bcl-2 and to induce pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis. Accordingly, rutin and miR-877-3p mimics could promote apoptotic protein expression. (4) Conclusions: our findings indicate that rutin plays an important role in anti-pancreatic cancer effects through a rutin-miR-877-3p-Bcl-2 axis and suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.

Chemical Composition and Metabolomic Analysis of Amaranthus cruentus Grains Harvested at Different Stages

This study aimed at investigating the impact of early versus normal grain harvesting on the chemical composition and secondary metabolites of Amaranthus cruentus species grown in South Africa. Mature harvested grain had higher (p < 0.05) DM, CF, NDF and ADF content compared to prematurely harvested grain. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between CP, ADL and GE of premature and mature harvested grains. Mature harvesting resulted in higher grain Ca, P, Mg and K content. Essential amino acids spectrum and content remained similar regardless of maturity at harvest. The grains displayed an ample amount of unsaturated fatty acids; the highest percentage was linoleic acid: 38.75% and 39.74% in premature and mature grains, respectively. β-Tocotrienol was detected at 5.92 and 9.67 mg/kg in premature and mature grains, respectively. The lowest was δ-tocotrienol which was 0.01 and 0.54 mg/kg in premature and mature grains, respectively. Mature harvested grain had a higher secondary metabolite content compared to premature harvested grains. The results suggest that mature harvested Amaranthus cruentus grain contain more minerals and phytochemicals that have health benefits for human and livestock immunity and gut function, which ultimately improves performance. This study concludes that A. cruentus grown in South Africa is a potential alternative cereal to major conventional cereals.

HPLC-MS Profiling, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, and Cytotoxicity Activities of Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq. Extracts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate for the first time the phytochemical constituents and biological properties of three (ethanol, acetone, and hexane) Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq. (A. indicum) extracts. Quantitative analysis revealed the significantly (p < 0.05) dominance of ethanolic extract on total polyphenol (TPC; 303.67 ± 4.16 mg GAE/g DR) and flavonoid (TFC; 55.33 ± 2.52 mg CE/g DR) contents than the other extracts, also displaying high and equipotent condensed tannin (TCTC) contents as the acetone extract. The qualitative HPLC-MS analysis elucidates 19 and 18 compounds in ethanolic and acetonic extracts, respectively, belonging to the phenolics and flavonoids chemical classes. The extracts were also screened for their in vitro antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide anion, and ferric ion (Fe³⁺) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), demonstrating the potent antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract, due to its stronger scavenging DPPH^• (IC₅₀ = 7.17 ± 1.26 μg/mL) which is not significantly (p > 0.05) different from the positive control, BHT (IC₅₀ = 10.70 ± 0.61 μg/mL), however moderate activity through FRAP and superoxide anion radicals have been observed. Four Gram-positive, four Gram-negative bacteria, and four pathogenic fungi were used for the antimicrobial activity. In addition, S. epidermidis, M. luteus, E. faecalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei were found to be the most susceptible strains towards ethanolic extract. Cytotoxicity values against human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT29) and human epidermoid cancer cells (Hep2), and one continuous cell lineage control (Vero) revealed that the HT29 cancer cell line was the most responsive to A. indicum shoot extract treatment and significantly (p < 0.05) different from the other cancer cells. Moreover, when tested for their antidiabetic inhibitory effect, ethanol extract recorded the highest antidiabetic effect with IC₅₀ = 13.17 ± 1.04 mg/mL, which is 8.4-fold higher than acetone extract. Therefore, the present study provides new findings on the use of A. indicum shoot ethanolic extract to cure many incurable diseases.

Plant Secondary Metabolites Produced in Response to Abiotic Stresses Has Potential Application in Pharmaceutical Product Development

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are vital for human health and constitute the skeletal framework of many pharmaceutical drugs. Indeed, more than 25% of the existing drugs belong to PSMs. One of the continuing challenges for drug discovery and pharmaceutical industries is gaining access to natural products, including medicinal plants. This bottleneck is heightened for endangered species prohibited for large sample collection, even if they show biological hits. While cultivating the pharmaceutically interesting plant species may be a solution, it is not always possible to grow the organism outside its natural habitat. Plants affected by abiotic stress present a potential alternative source for drug discovery. In order to overcome abiotic environmental stressors, plants may mount a defense response by producing a diversity of PSMs to avoid cells and tissue damage. Plants either synthesize new chemicals or increase the concentration (in most instances) of existing chemicals, including the prominent bioactive lead compounds morphine, camptothecin, catharanthine, epicatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), quercetin, resveratrol, and kaempferol. Most PSMs produced under various abiotic stress conditions are plant defense chemicals and are functionally anti-inflammatory and antioxidative. The major PSM groups are terpenoids, followed by alkaloids and phenolic compounds. We have searched the literature on plants affected by abiotic stress (primarily studied in the simulated growth conditions) and their PSMs (including pharmacological activities) from PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE Ovid, Google Scholar, Databases, and journal websites. We used search keywords: "stress-affected plants," "plant secondary metabolites, "abiotic stress," "climatic influence," "pharmacological activities," "bioactive compounds," "drug discovery," and "medicinal plants" and retrieved published literature between 1973 to 2021. This review provides an overview of variation in bioactive phytochemical production in plants under various abiotic stress and their potential in the biodiscovery of therapeutic drugs. We excluded studies on the effects of biotic stress on PSMs.

Modulatory Effect of Rutin on the Antitumor Activity and Genotoxicity of Cisplatin in Tumor-Bearing Mice

Purpose: Cisplatin is a cancer chemotherapeutic drug that has been extensively used in the treatment of a variety of cancers. However, the full usage of cisplatin is limited due to its treatment associated development of multiple side effects in the host. In the present study, the modulatory effect of rutin, a type of flavonoid, on the cisplatin mediated antitumor activity and allied genotoxicity in ascites Dalton’s lymphoma (DL)-bearing mice were investigated.

Methods: The antitumor activity was determined by calculating the percent increase in the life span of mice, cell viability and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of DL cells. Further, the modulatory effect of rutin on the cisplatin-induced genotoxic effects in the same DL-bearing mice was assessed by the analysis of micronuclei, chromosomal aberration and sperm abnormality.

Results: The combination treatment of mice with rutin and cisplatin showed a considerable increase in the life span of the DL-bearing mice depicting better antitumor efficacy. SEM of these DL cells showed severe membrane deformities in DL cells such as fusion of cell membrane, membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, membrane folding and loss in microvilli from the tumor cell surface which may lead to cell death. Cisplatin alone treatment caused an increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei and sperms abnormality. However, the combination treatment of DL-bearing mice with rutin and cisplatin comparatively reduced these genotoxic effects.

Conclusion: The overall findings suggest that rutin enhances the cisplatin-mediated antitumor activity and cytotoxicity against DL cells and at the same time diminishes the genotoxic effects induced by cisplatin in the DL-bearing mice.

Rutin (Bioflavonoid) as Cell Signaling Pathway Modulator: Prospects in Treatment and Chemoprevention

Cancer is a complex ailment orchestrated by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Recent research has displayed a deep interest in developing plant-based cancer therapeutics for better management of the disease and limited side effects. A wide range of plant-derived compounds have been reported for their anticancer potential in the quest of finding an effective therapeutic approach. Rutin (vitamin P) is a low-molecular weight flavonoid glycoside (polyphenolic compound), abundantly present in various vegetables, fruits (especially berries and citrus fruits), and medicinal herbs. Numerous studies have delineated several pharmacological properties of rutin such as its antiprotozoal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, antiallergic, vasoactive, cytoprotective, antispasmodic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, and antiplatelet properties. Specifically, rutin-mediated anticancerous activities have been reported in several cancerous cell lines, but the most common scientific evidence, encompassing several molecular processes and interactions, including apoptosis pathway regulation, aberrant cell signaling pathways, and oncogenic genes, has not been thoroughly studied. In this direction, we attempted to project rutin-mediated oncogenic pathway regulation in various carcinomas. Additionally, we also incorporated advanced research that has uncovered the notable potential of rutin in the modulation of several key cellular functions via interaction with mRNAs, with major emphasis on elucidating direct miRNA targets of rutin as well as the process needed to transform these approaches for developing novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of several cancers.

Formulation and characterization of rutin loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticles: Antidiabetic and cytotoxicity studies

BACKGROUND

The rutin loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticles (RCANP) were prepared using an ion gelation method. The optimized RCANP4 formulation composed of rutin: alginate: chitosan with the ratio of 1.24:5:2. The particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of RCANP4 formulation were found to be 168.4 ± 11.23 nm, -24.7 ± 1.5 mV, and 91.23 ± 1.1%, respectively. The in vitro drug release of RCANP4 formulation was found to be 88.89 ± 2.9% within 24 h. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of RCANP4 revealed all characteristic groups of rutin, confirming the successful loading of rutin into the nanoparticles. <P> Background: The rutin loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticles (RCANP) were prepared using an ion gelation method. The optimized RCANP4 formulation composed of rutin: alginate: chitosan with the ratio of 1.24:5:2. The particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of RCANP4 formulation were found to be 168.4 ± 11.23 nm, -24.7 ± 1.5 mV, and 91.23 ± 1.1%, respectively. The in vitro drug release of RCANP4 formulation was found to be 88.89 ± 2.9% within 24 h. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of RCANP4 revealed all characteristic groups of rutin, confirming the successful loading of rutin into the nanoparticles. <P> Results: The results obtained for glucose uptake in HepG2 cells, the RCANP4 caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in glucose uptake in contrast to rutin. In vitro cytotoxicity results explained that RCANP4 could significantly (P < 0.05) reduce the cells viability rate compared with rutin. It may be due to the internalization of RCANP4 formulations in systemic circulation. <P> Conclusion: The results also showed that RCANP4 could significantly reduce cell viability over 24 h and 48 h compared to free rutin.

Medicine and food with particular reference to chinpi, dried citrus peel, and a component of Ninjin'yoeito

Kampo medicines contain many kinds of herbal drugs. Chinpi and Kippi, dried citrus peels, are components of a substantial number of Kampo medicine. They contain abundant flavonoids and studies on hesperidin, narirutin, and nobiletin as active ingredient have been conducted. Conversely, in Kagoshima prefecture, located in the southwestern part of the Japanese Islands, various citrus products are cultivated. Among them, Tankan and Daimasaki are specialies. In this study, we conducted high- performance liquid chromatography to determine the difference in flavonoid contents among Tankan, Daimasaki, Tankan related product, Chinpi, and Kippi. As a result, several active components, such as hesperidin, narirutin, nobiletin, and tangeretin, in common with crude drug, Chinpi, were detected in local citrus fruits. In addition, some active components little or not found in Chinpi, for example hesperetin and rutin, were detected in the local products. A detailed analysis of active components considering their genetic origin, the time of fruit collection, and different parts of the fruit used (peel, albedo, edible parts, and the whole) will need to be discussed to get the most out of the citrus fruits or make best use of them for health and longevity.

Rutin inhibits androgen synthesis and metabolism in rat immature Leydig cells in vitro

In the early stage of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer, cancer cells require androgens to grow. Hormone therapy that lowers androgen output or blocks androgen receptor can suppress the growth of this type of prostate cancer. Rutin, a flavonoid derivative of many plants, has numerous pharmacological effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of rutin on androgen biosynthesis in Leydig cells isolated from the testes of pubertal rats. Immature Leydig cells isolated from 35 days-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in vitro with 0.5-50 μM rutin for 3 hr. Rutin significantly inhibited androgen secretion at 0.5, 5 and 50 μM under basal condition (medium only). At 50 μM, rutin also markedly compromised androgen secretion stimulated by 10 ng/ml luteinising hormone and 10 mM 8-bromoadenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate. Further analysis demonstrated that rutin compromised the transcript levels of Scarb1, Cyp11a1 and Hsd3b1 and their proteins expression. Rutin directly inhibited rat testicular CYP17A1, HSD17B3 and AKR1C14 activities at 50 μM. Rutin did not alter mitochondrial membrane potential at up to 50 μM. In conclusion, rutin suppresses androgen biosynthesis in Leydig cells through multiple mechanisms, thereby having benefits for the treatment of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer.

Cancer Cell Preferential Penetration and pH-Responsive Drug Delivery of Oligorutin

We report herein a novel delivery system, derived from the facile enzymatic synthesis of oligorutin (OR), for cancer cell targeting and pH-responsive drug delivery. In this study, we demonstrate that OR could preferentially penetrate cancer cells via the lipid raft-mediated endocytosis pathway, and cell membrane cholesterol was critical to the internalization of OR. The accumulation of OR in the tumor region was further confirmed by an in vivo biodistribution study. Considering the tumor-targeting property of OR, a pH-responsive drug delivery system (OR-BTZ) was developed by covalent conjugation of the catechol groups on OR with antitumor drug bortezomib (BTZ) through a pH-sensitive borate ester bond. OR-BTZ exerted cytotoxicity as well as inhibition of the migration and invasion to hepatoma carcinoma cells and showed no apparent cytotoxicity with liver normal cells. The OR-BTZs also presented significant therapeutic efficacy and low systematic toxicity in the murine hepatocellular carcinoma model. To our knowledge, this study presents the first attempt to exploit the potential of oligoflavonoids for cancer cell-targeted drug delivery and will motivate the development of flavonoids and their derivatives as a new type of biomaterials for tumor-targeted therapy.

Bacitracin and Rutin Regulate Tissue Factor Production in Inflammatory Monocytes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia Blasts

Simple Summary

Aberrant tissue factor (TF) expression by transformed myeloblasts and inflammatory monocytes contributes to coagulation activation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). TF procoagulant activity (PCA) is regulated by protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), an oxidoreductase with chaperone activity, but its specific role in AML-associated TF biology is unclear. Here, we provide novel mechanistic insights into this interrelation. We show that bacitracin and rutin, two pan-inhibitors of the PDI family, prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced monocyte TF production under inflammatory conditions and constitutive TF expression by THP1 cells and AML blasts, thus exerting promising anticoagulant activity. Downregulation of the TF protein was mainly restricted to its non-coagulant, cryptic pool and was at least partially regulated on the mRNA level in LPS-stimulated monocytes. Collectively, our study indicates a complex role of thiol isomerases in the regulation of myeloid TF PCA, with the most abundant PDI being a promising therapeutic target in the management of AML-associated coagulopathies.

Abstract

Aberrant expression of tissue factor (TF) by transformed myeloblasts and inflammatory monocytes drives coagulation activation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although regulation of TF procoagulant activity (PCA) involves thiol-disulfide exchange reactions, the specific role of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and other thiol isomerases in AML-associated TF biology is unclear. THP1 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls or AML patients were analyzed for thiol isomerase-dependent TF production under various experimental conditions. Total cellular and membrane TF antigen, TF PCA and TF mRNA were analyzed by ELISA, flow cytometry, clotting or Xa generation assay and qPCR, respectively. PBMCs and THP1 cells showed significant insulin reductase activity, which was inhibited by bacitracin or rutin. Co-incubation with these thiol isomerase inhibitors prevented LPS-induced TF production by CD14-positive monocytes and constitutive TF expression by THP1 cells and AML blasts. Downregulation of the TF antigen was mainly restricted to the cryptic pool of TF, efficiently preventing phosphatidylserine-dependent TF activation by daunorubicin, and at least partially regulated on the mRNA level in LPS-stimulated monocytes. Our study thus delineates a complex role of thiol isomerases in the regulation of myeloid TF PCA, with PDI being a promising therapeutic target in the management of AML-associated coagulopathies.

Bio-guided bioactive profiling and HPLC-DAD fingerprinting of Ukrainian saffron (Crocus sativus stigmas): moving from correlation toward causation

BACKGROUND

Saffron or stigmas of Crocus sativus L. is one of the most valuable food products with interesting health-promoting properties. C. sativus has been widely used as a coloring and flavoring agent. Stigmas secondary metabolites showed potent cytotoxic effects in previous reports.

METHODS

The present study investigated the chemical composition and the cytotoxic effect of Ukrainian saffron crude extracts and individual compounds against melanoma IGR39, triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231, and glioblastoma U-87 cell lines in vitro using MTT assay. Several bioactivity in vitro assays were performed. The chemical profile of the water and hydroethanolic (70%, v/v) crude extracts of saffron stigmas was elucidated by HPLC-DAD analysis.

RESULTS

Seven compounds were identified including crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, rutin, apigenin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid. Crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, rutin, and apigenin were the major active constituents of Ukrainian C. sativus stigmas. The hydroethanolic extract significantly reduced the viability of MDA-MB-231 and IGR39 cells and the effect was more potent in comparison with the water extract. However, the water extract was almost 5.6 times more active against the U-87 cell line (EC50 of the water extract against U-87 was 0.15 ± 0.02 mg/mL, and EC50 of the hydroethanolic extract was 0.83 ± 0.03 mg/mL). The pure compounds, apigenin, and caffeic acid also showed high cytotoxic activity against breast cancer, melanoma, and glioblastoma cell lines. The screening of the biological activities of stigmas water extract (up to 100 μg/mL) including anti-allergic, anti-virus, anti-neuraminidase, and anti-inflammatory effects revealed its inhibitory activity against neuraminidase enzyme by 41%.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented results revealed the qualitative and quantitative chemical composition and biological activity of Crocus sativus stigmas from Ukraine as a source of natural anticancer and neuraminidase inhibitory agents. The results of the extracts' bioactivity suggested future potential applications of saffron as a natural remedy against several cancers.

The flavonoid quercetin reduces cell migration and increases NIS and E-cadherin mRNA in the human thyroid cancer cell line BCPAP

Thyroid cancer is the most frequent cancer of the endocrine system. Most patients are treated with thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine therapy. However, in part of the patients, a reduction of the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) occurs, rendering radioiodine therapy ineffective. Moreover, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may occur, leading to more aggressive and invasive features. Herein, we evaluated the effect of the flavonoid quercetin on EMT and NIS expression in BCPAP, a papillary thyroid carcinoma cell line. BCPAP was treated with 100 μM quercetin for 24 h and cell viability, apoptosis, EMT markers and NIS were evaluated. Quercetin decreased cell viability by enhancing apoptosis. The flavonoid also reduced matrix metalloproteinase 9 and increased E-cadherin mRNA levels, inhibiting BCPAP adhesion and migration. Additionally, quercetin increased NIS expression and function. Thus, our results suggest that quercetin could be useful as adjuvant in thyroid cancer therapy, inducing apoptosis, reducing invasion and increasing the efficacy of radioiodine therapy.

Acetone Extract of Cornus officinalis Leaves Exerts Anti-Melanoma Effects via Inhibiting STAT3 Signaling

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the intervention and mechanism of 50% acetone extract of C. officinalis leaves (SZYY) on melanoma xenografts.

Patients and Methods

Tumor size and cardiac function were measured via ultrasound. The accumulation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) in tumor tissue was examined with near-infrared in vivo imaging. Flow cytometry was performed to assess apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in tumor and immune cells in spleen. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum were detected by cytometric bead array. The expression of proliferation-, apoptosis-, and angiogenesis-related proteins in tumor cells was measured to evaluate the underlying mechanisms. Subsequently, the effects of four compounds separated from SZYY on the proliferation and migration of A375 cells and STAT3 signaling were examined. The peak identification and contents of the four components were performed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Finally, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of STAT3 overexpression on the cytotoxic activity of four constituents in A375 cells.

Results

SZYY inhibited the growth and glycolysis of melanoma xenograft in mice, improved cardiac function, increased the percentages of macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in spleen, reduced the levels of IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in serum, promoted apoptosis and oxidative stress in tumor tissues, and inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and expression of angiogenic factors. Chemical analysis showed that SZYY is rich in loganin, rutin, triohimas C, and triohimas D, which all could restrain the proliferation and migration of A375 cells and inhibit the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3. Moreover, STAT3 overexpression could diminish the cytotoxic activity of four compounds on A375 cells.

Conclusion

SZYY could exert anti-melanoma effects via inhibiting STAT3 signaling to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Its active ingredients might be loganin, rutin, triohimas C, and triohimas D.

Molecular mechanisms of anticancer effect of rutin

Because of the extensive biological functions of natural substances such as bioflavonoids, and their high safety and low costs, they could have high priority application in the health care system. The antioxidant properties of rutin, a polyphenolic bioflavonoid, have been well documented and demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological applications in cancer research. Since chemotherapeutic drugs have a wide range of side effects and rutin is a safe anticancer agent with minor side effects so recent investigations are performed for study of mechanisms of its anticancer effect. Both in-vivo and in-vitro examinations on anticancer mechanisms of this natural agent have been widely carried out. Regulation of different cellular signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, p53-independent pathway, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, MAPK, p53, apoptosis as well as NF-ĸB signaling pathways helps to mediate the anticancer impacts of this agent. This study tried to review the molecular mechanisms of rutin anticancer effect on various types of cancer. Deep exploration of these anticancer mechanisms can facilitate the development of this beneficial compound for its application in the treatment of different cancers.

Sulfation of Quercitrin, Epicatechin and Rutin by Human Cytosolic Sulfotransferases (SULTs): Differential Effects of SULT Genetic Polymorphisms

Radix Bupleuri is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in China for the treatment of fever, pain, and/or chronic inflammation. Quercitrin, epicatechin, and rutin, the flavonoids present in Radix Bupleuri, have been reported to display anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant biological activities among others. Sulfation has been reported to play an important role in the metabolism of flavonoids. In this study, we aimed to systematically identify the human cytosolic sulfotransferase enzymes that are capable of catalyzing the sulfation of quercitrin, epicatechin, and rutin. Of the thirteen known human cytosolic sulfotransferases, three (cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A1, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C2, and cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C4) displayed sulfating activity toward quercitrin, three (cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A1, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A3, and cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C4) displayed sulfating activity toward epicatechin, and six (cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A1, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A2, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A3, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1B1, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C4, and cytosolic sulfotransferase 1E1) displayed sulfating activity toward rutin. The kinetic parameters of the cytosolic sulfotransferases that showed the strongest sulfating activities were determined. To investigate the effects of genetic polymorphisms on the sulfation of quercitrin, epicatechin, and rutin, individual panels of cytosolic sulfotransferase allozymes previously prepared were analyzed and shown to display differential sulfating activities toward each of the three flavonoids. Taken together, these results provided a biochemical basis underlying the metabolism of quercitrin, epicatechin, and rutin through sulfation in humans.

The anticancer potential of the dietary polyphenol rutin: Current status, challenges, and perspectives

Rutin is one of the most common dietary polyphenols found in vegetables, fruits, and other plants. It is metabolized by the mammalian gut microbiota and absorbed from the intestines, and becomes bioavailable in the form of conjugated metabolites. Rutin exhibits a plethora of bioactive properties, making it an extremely promising phytochemical. Numerous studies demonstrate that rutin can act as a chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agent, and its anticancer effects can be mediated through the suppression of cell proliferation, the induction of apoptosis or autophagy, and the hindering of angiogenesis and metastasis. Rutin has been found to modulate multiple molecular targets involved in carcinogenesis, such as cell cycle mediators, cellular kinases, inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors, drug transporters, and reactive oxygen species. This review summarizes the natural sources of rutin, its bioavailability, and in particular its potential use as an anticancer agent, with highlighting its anticancer mechanisms as well as molecular targets. Additionally, this review updates the anticancer potential of its analogs, nanoformulations, and metabolites, and discusses relevant safety issues. Overall, rutin is a promising natural dietary compound with promising anticancer potential and can be widely used in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals for the prevention and management of cancer.

Therapeutic benefits of rutin and its nanoformulations

BACKGROUND

Rutin as a natural flavonoid compound has revealed an extensive range of therapeutic potentials.

PURPOSE

The current paper is focused on the numerous studies on rutin nanoformulations regarding its broad spectrum of therapeutic potentials.

STUDY AND METHODS

A review was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed) to identify relevant published literature in English. No restrictions on publication date were imposed.

RESULTS

The literature search provided 7,078 results for rutin. Among them, 25 papers were related to the potential biological activities of rutin nanoformulations. Polymeric nanoparticles were the most studied nanoformulations for rutin (14 titles) and lipid nanoparticles (5 titles) were in second place. The reviewed literature showed that rutin has been used as an antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-allergic agent. Improving the bioavailability of rutin using novel drug-delivery methods will help the investigators to use its useful effects in the treatment of various chronic human diseases.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that the preparation of rutin nanomaterials for the various therapeutic objects confirmed the enhanced aqueous solubility as well as enhanced efficacy compared to conventional delivery of rutin. However, more investigations should be conducted to confirm the improved bioavailability of the rutin nanoformulations.

Targeting Multiple Signaling Pathways in Cancer: The Rutin Therapeutic Approach

Multiple dysregulated signaling pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. The conventional therapies used in cancer prevention/treatment suffer from low efficacy, considerable toxicity, and high cost. Hence, the discovery and development of novel multi-targeted agents to attenuate the dysregulated signaling in cancer is of great importance. In recent decades, phytochemicals from dietary and medicinal plants have been successfully introduced as alternative anticancer agents due to their ability to modulate numerous oncogenic and oncosuppressive signaling pathways. Rutin (also known as rutoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and sophorin) is an active plant-derived flavonoid that is widely distributed in various vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants, including asparagus, buckwheat, apricots, apples, cherries, grapes, grapefruit, plums, oranges, and tea. Rutin has been shown to target various inflammatory, apoptotic, autophagic, and angiogenic signaling mediators, including nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukins, light chain 3/Beclin, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein, caspases, and vascular endothelial growth factor. A comprehensive and critical analysis of the anticancer potential of rutin and associated molecular targets amongst various cancer types has not been performed previously. Accordingly, the purpose of this review is to present an up-to-date and critical evaluation of multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms through which the anticancer effects of rutin are known to be exerted. The current challenges and limitations as well as future directions of research are also discussed.

Radiation-synthesis of chitosan/poly (acrylic acid) nanogel for improving the antitumor potential of rutin in hepatocellular carcinoma

The current study aimed to investigate the ability of chitosan/poly (acrylic acid) nanogel (CAN) to improve the bioavailability and anticancer potential of rutin. Synthesis of CAN was carried out by gamma radiation-induced polymerization of acrylic acid in an aqueous solution of chitosan. The relationship between the hydrodynamic radius of CAN and the absorbed radiation doses was also investigated. The prepared nanogels were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques, and then, it was used as a nano-drug carrier for rutin. The developed formulation was evaluated for its antitumor activity against chemically induced hepatocarcinoma in rats. The following parameters were measured: aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, and total bilirubin as liver function test; vascular endothelial growth factor as an angiogenesis marker; α-fetoprotein as a tumor marker; and P53, caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 as apoptosis markers. Histopathological examination was also confirmed. Significant enhanced anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, and apoptotic effects were observed for rutin-loaded CAN than free rutin, indicating that this formulation could provide a novel therapeutic approach to serve as a promising agent for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Graphical abstract.

Evaluation of antioxidant activities, toxicity studies and the DNA damage protective effect of various solvent extracts of Litsea cubeba fruits

Litsea cubeba is devoured by the ethnic individuals of Arunachal Pradesh in India as food and has been traditionally used for curing different ailments. The purpose of present study was to investigate the antioxidant activities of fruits of L. cubeba using different solvent extracts, quantification of phenolics, toxicity studies and DNA damage protective activities. The antioxidant activities of fruits using five different solvent extracts completed utilizing different in vitro examines. The quantitation of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds in the methanol extract of the fruits was carried out by HPLC. The in vitro haemolytic examination of plant concentrates were completed on rat erythrocytes. Appraisal of cytotoxicity of eatable fruits was assessed by MTT measure. The genotoxicity of the contemplated plant was tried by the single-cell gel electrophoresis comet measure. The DNA defensive impacts of the aqueous extracts of fruits on rodent lymphocyte DNA lesions were likewise assessed with the comet test. The extract obtained by methanol exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The HPLC examination of the methanol concentrate of the plant demonstrated the occurrence of different phenolic acids and flavonoids like caffeic acid (145.96μg/100mg DE), syringic acid (125.85 μg/100mg DE), ferulic acid (155.89 μg/100mg DE), apigenin (28.43 μg/100mg DE), kaempferol (53.41 μg/100mg DE) etc. in various amounts. The consequences of haemolytic lethality, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of fluid concentrates of the edible plant ensure the security at cell and genomic level. The fluid concentrate of the plant fundamentally repressed DNA harm and these information recommend that the watery concentrate of L. cubeba can forestall oxidative DNA harm to rodent lymphocytes, which is likely because of antioxidant constituents in the concentrate. These outcomes demonstrate that L. cubeba can be utilized in dietary applications with a possibility to diminish oxidative pressure.

Saussureae Involucratae Herba (Snow Lotus): Review of Chemical Compositions and Pharmacological Properties

Saussureae Involucratae Herba is the dried ground part of Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip, which is also named as “Snow lotus” and being used in traditional Uyghur and/or Chinese medicine. This rare herb can be found at 4,000 m elevation in western part of Tianshan Mountain, Xinjiang China. According to China Pharmacopoeia (2015), the major pharmaceutical values of “Snow lotus” (Xuě liánhuā in Chinese) are alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, accelerating blood circulation and mitigating other “cold” syndromes. Traditionally, the clinical application of “Snow lotus” includes the treatments in inflammation-associated disorder, blood circulation acceleration and heat and dampness elimination. Recent studies suggested that “Snow lotus” possessed therapeutic effects associating with anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, adipogenesis suppression and neuroprotection activities, which were proposed to be related with its bioactive constitutes, i.e. acacetin, hispidulin, and rutin. In the present review, we aim to summarize pharmacological effects and underlying cell signaling pathways of “Snow lotus” in treating various medical problems.

Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Activities of Methanolic Extracts from Asclepias linaria Cav. Leaves

Asclepias linaria Cav. (Apocynaceae) is a shrubby plant endemic of Mexico which has been used in traditional medicine. However, the bioactive potential of this plant remains unexplored. In this study, the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of A. linaria leaves were determined. In order to estimate the phenolic composition of the leaves, the total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannins contents were determined. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was measured by the scavenging activity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) and 2,2′-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] (ABTS^•+) radicals and the total antioxidant capacity. The phenolic compounds identified in the A. linaria leaves by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) include phenolic acids, such as p-coumaric and ferulic acid, as well as flavonoids, such as rutin and quercetin. The leaves’ extracts of A. linaria showed a high scavenging activity of DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ radicals (IC₅₀ 0.12 ± 0.001 and 0.51 ± 0.003 µg/mL, respectively), high total antioxidant capacity values (99.77 ± 4.32 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents/g of dry tissue), and had a cytotoxic effect against K562 and HL60 hematologic neoplasia cells lines, but no toxicity towards the normal mononuclear cell line was observed. These results highlight the potential of A. linaria and could be considered as a possible alternative source of anticancer compounds.

A novel poly-oxygenated flavone glucoside from aerial parts of the Brazilian plant Neoglaziovia variegata (Bromeliaceae)

Neoglaziovia variegata is endemic to northeastern Brazil. The drought resistant plant produces edible fruits and is used as a fibre plant by rural communities in the Caatinga region where a variety of products are made from the white, soft and flexible fibres. Extracts of N. variegata have been reported to be of low toxicity and to exhibit antinociceptive effect, photoprotective potential, antioxidant effect, gastroprotective effects and antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, however, the chemical constituents of this species are mainly unknown. The novel poly-oxygenated flavone glucoside 5,6,7,4'-tetrahydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxy-flavone 7-O-β-glucopyranoside in addition to the rare poly-oxygenated flavone 5,4'-dihydroxy-6,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone 4'-O-β-glucopyranoside and the flavonol quercetin 3-O-(6''-rhamnopyranosyl-β-glucopyranoside) have been characterised from the leaves of N. variegata. 5,6,7,4'-tetrahydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxy-flavone, which comprises the core structure of the novel compound, is a new flavonoid aglycone in nature. The structure determinations were based on extensive use of 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Both substances exhibited toxicity towards MOLM-13 acute myeloid leukaemia cells.

Nutritional composition, mineral content, antioxidant activity and quantitative estimation of water soluble vitamins and phenolics by RP-HPLC in some lesser used wild edible plants

The present study aimed to investigate the nutritional properties and antioxidant activities of six underutilized wild edible plants viz. Ipomoea aquatica, Achyranthes aspera, Aasystasia ganjetica, Enhydra fluctuans, Oldenlandia corymbosa and Amaranthus viridis that are commonly consumed as food in the India The antioxidant properties of the plants were evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging ability, reducing power capacity, metal chelating activity, lipid peroxidation assay, estimation of total phenolic content and flavonoids content in different solvent extraction system like benzene, chloroform, methanol and 70% aqueous (aq.) ethanol. The quantitation of phenolic acids and flavonoids and water soluble vitamins in these plants were carried out by HPLC using Acclaim C 18 column (5 μm particle size, 250 × 4.6 mm), Dionex Ultimate 3000 liquid chromatograph and detection was carried out in photo diode array (PDA) detector. The results of investigation showed that these plants are rich sources of protein, carbohydrate minerals and vitamins, especially the B group of vitamins that can contribute immensely to nutrition, food security, and health and therapeutic benefits. The different levels of antioxidant activities were found in the solvent systems used. The HPLC analysis also showed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in various amounts in these plants which could be utilized as natural antioxidant.

Utilization of Microfluidics for the Preparation of Polymeric Nanoparticles for the Antioxidant Rutin: A Comparison with Bulk Production

OBJECTIVE

To compare the characteristics of rutin-loaded PLGA (poly(lactic-coglycolic acid)) nanoparticles prepared using a single emulsion evaporation method (bulk method) and a nanoprecipitation method using microfluidics.

METHODS

Rutin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were produced using different methods and characterized for size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL). A design of experiments approach was used to identify the effect of method parameters to optimize the formulation. DSC was used to investigate the solid-state characteristics of rutin and PLGA and identify any interactions in the rutin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. The release of rutin from PLGA nanoparticles was examined in biorelevant media and phosphate buffer (PBS).

RESULTS

The optimal formulation of rutin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles produced using a microfluidics method resulted in a higher entrapment efficiency of 34 ± 2% and a smaller size of 123 ± 4 nm compared to a bulk method (EE 27 ± 1%, size 179 ± 13 nm). The solidstate of rutin and PLGA changed from crystalline to amorphous with the preparation of rutin- loaded PLGA nanoparticles. More importantly, using microfluidics, rutin released faster from rutin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in biorelevant media and PBS with higher burst release compared to the rutin release from the nanoparticles prepared by using the bulk method.

CONCLUSION

Rutin can be encapsulated in nanoparticles formulated with different methods with mean sizes of less than 200 nm. Microfluidics produced more uniform rutin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles with a higher EE, DL and faster release compared to a bulk production method.