Isolation of fatty acids with anticancer activity from Protaetia brevitarsis larva

Comparative Study on the Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Azolla caroliniana and Azolla filiculoides: In Vitro Study

Azolla is a floating fern known for its various biological activities. Azolla caroliniana and Azolla filiculoides are multifunctional plants that exhibit biological activity in multiple ways, making them beneficial for various applications. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity activities of two Azolla species, namely Azolla caroliniana and Azolla filiculoides. GC-MS analysis revealed distinct patterns of phytochemical composition in the two species. The methanol extracts of A. caroliniana and A. filiculoides exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against Geotrichum candidum, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Furthermore, both extracts demonstrated potential antioxidant activity, as evidenced by a dose-dependent increase in a ferric-reducing activity power (FRAP) assay. Additionally, the extracts showed promising anti-inflammatory activities, including inhibition of protein denaturation, heat-induced red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis, and nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of A. caroliniana displayed higher cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells than those of A. filiculoides in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the methanolic extracts of A. caroliniana and A. filiculoides contain distinct compounds and exhibit potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities against HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our data indicate that the methanolic extracts of A. caroliniana and A. filiculoides have differential phytochemical compositions and possess potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and HepG2 cytotoxic activities.

Protaetia brevitarsis Extract Attenuates RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Inhibiting the JNK/NF-κB/PLCγ2 Signaling Pathway

Protaetia brevitarsis (PB)-derived bioactive substances have been used as food and medicine in many Asian countries because of their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and hepatoprotective properties. However, the effect of PB extracts (PBE) on osteoclast differentiation is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of PBE on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). To investigate the cytotoxicity of PBE, the viability of BMMs was confirmed via MTT assay. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and pit assays were performed to confirm the inhibitory effect of PBE on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The expression levels of osteoclast differentiation-related genes and proteins were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. PBE attenuated osteoclastogenesis in BMMs in TRAP and pit assays without cytotoxicity. The expression levels of osteoclast marker genes and proteins induced by RANKL were decreased after PBE treatment. PBE suppressed osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the RANKL-induced activated JNK/NF-κB/PLCγ2 signaling pathway and the expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos. Collectively, these results suggest that PBE could be a potential therapeutic strategy or functional product for osteoclast-related bone disease.

Prediction and bioactivity of small-molecule antimicrobial peptides from Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis larvae

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely recognized as promising natural antimicrobial agents. Insects, as the group of animals with the largest population, have great potential as a source of AMPs. Thus, it is worthwhile to investigate potential novel AMPs from Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis larvae, which is a saprophagous pest prevalent in China. In this study, comparing the whole-genome sequence of Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis larvae with the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (APD3) led to the identification of nine peptide templates that were potentially AMPs. Next, based on the peptide templates, 16 truncated sequences were predicted to the AMPs by bioinformatics software and then underwent structural and physicochemical property analysis. Thereafter, candidate small-molecule AMPs were artificially synthesized and their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were assessed. A candidate peptide, designated FD10, exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi comprising Escherichia coli (MIC: 8 μg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC: 8 μg/mL), Bacillus thuringiensis (MIC: 8 μg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 16 μg/mL), and Candida albicans (MIC: 16 μg/mL). Additionally, two other candidate peptides, designated FD12 and FD15, exhibited antimicrobial activity against both E. coli (MIC: both 32 μg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC: both 16 μg/mL). Moreover, FD10, FD12, and FD15 killed almost all E. coli and S. aureus cells within 1 h, and the hemolytic effect of FD10 (0.31%) and FD12 (0.40%) was lower than that of ampicillin (0.52%). These findings indicate that FD12, FD15, and especially FD10 are promising AMPs for therapeutic application. This study promoted the development of antibacterial drugs and provided a theoretical basis for promoting the practical application of antimicrobial peptides in the Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis larvae.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Solidago virgaurea Extracts

Background

Solidago virgaurea (Asteraceae) has been used for more than 700 years for treating cystitis, chronic nephritis, urolithiasis, rheumatism, and inflammatory diseases. However, the antidiabetic activity of Solidago virgaurea has been rarely studied.

Methods

Three extracts of Solidago virgaurea were prepared, and their antidiabetic potentials were evaluated by various cell-free, cell-based, and in vivo studies.

Results

We found that the Solidago virgaurea contained multiple bioactive phytochemicals based on the GC-MS analysis. The Solidago virgaurea extracts effectively inhibited the functions of the carbohydrate digestive enzyme (α-glucosidase) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), as well as decreased the amount of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In the L6 myotubes, the Solidago virgaurea methanolic extract remarkably enhanced the glucose uptake via the upregulation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). The extract also significantly downregulated the expression of PTP1B. In the streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic mice, the daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg Solidago virgaurea methanolic extract for 24 days, substantially lowered the postprandial blood glucose level with no obvious toxicity. The extract's anti-hyperglycemic effect was comparable to that of the glibenclamide treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that the Solidago virgaurea extract might have great potential in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Potential Apoptotic Activities of Hylocereus undatus Peel and Pulp Extracts in MCF-7 and Caco-2 Cancer Cell Lines

There is a huge demand for novel anticancer agents with fewer side effects compared to current therapies. Pitaya, or dragon fruit, is a reservoir of potent anticancer compounds. This research aimed to analyze the phytochemical components of Hylocereus undatus pulp and peel extracts using LC-MS and GC-MS, and to investigate the in vitro effects of both extracts against cancer (breast, MCF-7, and colon, Caco-2) and normal (lung; WI-38 and breast; MCF-10A) cell proliferation using the MTT assay. The apoptosis potential of the anticancer effects was also evaluated using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Western blot. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the peel extract were significantly higher than those in the pulp extract. Compared to the flavonoid and phenolic acid standards, the LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of nine compounds, which were represented as 84.32 and 5.29 µg/g of the flavonoids and 686.11 and 148.72 µg/g of the phenolic acids in the peel and pulp extracts, respectively. Among the identified compounds, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin were found at the highest concentration in both plant extracts. Both extracts displayed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cancer cells after 48 h of treatment at IC₅₀ values ranging from 14 to 53 μg/mL with high selective indices against normal WI-38 and MCF-10A cell lines. The increase in apoptosis was revealed by the overexpression of p53, BAX, and caspase-9 and the downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions. The results indicate that H. undatus extracts can be a plant source for cancer therapy.

Bioactive compounds, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of methanol extract of Tamarindus indica Linn

Tamarindus indica is one of the tropical medicinal plants that has been attributed curative potential of numerous diseases by many rural dwellers. This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial activities and also to determine the various chemical constituents responsible for its pharmacological activities. The methanol extract of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp was analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer to determine the volatile compounds present. The antioxidant activities were performed using DPPH and FRAP method and the antibacterial activity was tested against some common pathogens by macro broth dilution method. The GCMS analysis shows the presence of 37 compounds, out of which 14 had their peak area percentages ≥ 1% and only two compounds had no reported pharmacological activities. Most of the bioactive compounds including 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (31.06%)-3-O-Methyl-d-glucose (16.31%), 1,6-anhydro-β-D-Glucopyranose (9.95%), 5-methyl-Furancarboxaldehyde (3.2%), Triethylenediamine (1.17%), 1-(2-furanyl)-1-Propcanone (2.18%), Methyl 2-furoate (3.14%), Levoglucosenone (3.21%), methyl ester-Hepta-2,4-dienoic acid, (8.85%), 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydrox-4H-Pyran-4-one (3.4%), O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1.fwdarw.3)-β-D-fructofuranosyl-α-D-Glucopyranoside (2.18%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (1.38%), 2-Heptanol, acetate (1.29%), 5-[(5-methyl-2-fur-2-Furancarboxaldehyde (1.08%), 3-Methyl-2-furoic acid (1.05%) and cis-Vaccenic acid (2.85%)have been reported with different activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antitubercular, anticancer, antioxidant and other prophylactic activities. The extract demonstrated inhibitory potential against all tested pathogen. However, Plesiomonas shigellosis ATCC 15903 and Bacillus pumillus ATCC 14884 are more sensitive with the MIC of 0.22 and 0.44 mg/ml respectively. The antioxidant activity was relatively low due to the low phenolic content of the extract. This shows that there is a strong correlation between antioxidant activities and phenolic content. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents with various biological activities and this justifies the rationale behind its usage as a curative therapy by many local dwellers.

16S rRNA Gene Sequencing Reveals Specific Gut Microbes Common to Medicinal Insects

Insects have a long history of being used in medicine, with clear primary and secondary functions and less side effects, and the study and exploitation of medicinal insects have received increasing attention. Insects gut microbiota and their metabolites play an important role in protecting the hosts from other potentially harmful microbes, providing nutrients, promoting digestion and degradation, and regulating growth and metabolism of the hosts. However, there are still few studies linking the medicinal values of insects with their gut microbes. In this study, we focused on the specific gut microbiota common to medicinal insects, hoping to trace the potential connection between medicinal values and gut microbes of medicinal insects. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing data, we compared the gut microbiota of medicinal insects [Periplaneta americana, Protaetia (Liocola) brevitarsis (Lewis) and Musca domestica], in their medicinal stages, and non-medicinal insects (Hermetia illucens L., Tenebrio molitor, and Drosophila melanogaster), and found that the intestinal microbial richness of medicinal insects was higher, and there were significant differences in the microbial community structure between the two groups. We established a model using a random-forest method to preliminarily screen out several types of gut microbiota common to medicinal insects that may play medicinal values: Parabacteroides goldsteinii, Lactobacillus dextrinicus, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis), and Vagococcus carniphilus. In particular, P. goldsteinii and B. infantis were most probably involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal insects. Our results revealed an association between medicinal insects and their gut microbes, providing new development directions and possibly potential tools for utilizing microbes to enhance the medicinal efficacy of medicinal insects.

Phytochemical Characterizations of Maranthes polyandra (Benth.) Prance

Two new ursane-type triterpenoids, named Polyanside A (1) and B (2), along with eleven known compounds (3-13), were isolated and elucidated from Maranthes polyandra (Benth.) Prance. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on chemical evidence and multiple spectroscopic data. Isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory activities, and cytotoxicity on a normal human cell line (BJ). None of them showed activity and cytotoxicity. The hexane fraction was analyzed by GC-MS, resulting in the identification of forty-one compounds. This is the first comprehensive study on the phytochemistry of M. polyandra.

Characterization of Microorganisms from Protaetia brevitarsis Larva Frass

Decomposers play an important role in the biogeochemical cycle. Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (PBLs) can transform wastes into frass rich in humic acid (HA) and microorganisms, which may increase the disease resistance of plants and promote plant growth. Beyond HA, the microorganisms may also contribute to the biostimulant activity. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the potential microbial community in the PBL frass samples and elucidated their functions of disease resistance and plant growth promotion. High-throughput sequencing analysis of four PBL-relevant samples showed that their frass can influence the microbial community of the surrounding environment. Further analysis showed that there were many microorganisms beneficial to agriculture, such as Bacillus. Therefore, culturable Bacillus microbes were isolated from frass, and 16S rDNA gene analysis showed that Bacillus subtilis was the dominant species. In addition, some Bacillus microorganisms isolated from the PBL frass had antibacterial activities against pathogenic fungi. The plant growth promotion pot experiment also proved that some strains promote plant growth. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the microorganisms in the PBL frass are conducive to colonizing the surrounding organic matrix, which will help beneficial microbes to increase the disease resistance of plants and promote plant growth.

Aqueous extracts from Tenebrio molitor larval and pupal stages inhibit early hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most frequent primary liver malignancy, is ranked as the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with its incidence expected to continue rising. One of the reasons is that most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage when therapeutic options are ineffective. The development of HCC is attributed to a chronic exposition to either one or a combination of low amounts of different hepatotoxins, such as in hepatitis virus infection, alcohol consumption, aflatoxin from contaminated foods, metabolic factors, and exposure to chemical carcinogens from tobacco smoke (Forner et al., 2018). Integrative studies combining exome sequencing, transcriptome analysis, and the genomic characterization of HCC have shown that these etiological factors may raise the frequency of particular genetic alterations, resulting in intra-tumor heterogeneity that presents a huge challenge for treatment. For example, mutations in the catenin β-1 (CTNNB1) gene (a proto-oncogene in the WNT signaling pathway that encodes the β‍-catenin transcription factor) are strongly associated with alcohol-related HCC, whereas mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter and tumor protein p53 (TP53) genes are the most commonly observed in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‍-associated HCC (Calderaro et al., 2017; Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, 2017). The above findings emphasize the molecular diversity of HCC and the associations of different etiologies with distinct mechanisms in HCC progression. Consequently, prevention strategies are still attractive for HCC management.

The Ethyl Acetate Extract of the Marine Edible Gastropod Haliotis tuberculata coccinea: a Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds

The phylum Mollusca represents one of the largest groups of marine invertebrates. Nowadays, molluscan shellfish belonging to the classes Bivalvia and Gastropoda are of commercial interest for fisheries and aquaculture. Although bioactive properties of bivalve molluscs have been widely investigated and several dietary supplements have been brought to the market, the bioactive potentialities of marine gastropods are poorly documented. The present study investigated the bioactive properties of tissue extracts derived from Haliotis tuberculata coccinea, or "European abalone," an edible abalone species distributed in the Mediterranean Sea and the northeast Atlantic Ocean. A bioactive organic compound-rich extract was obtained using ethyl acetate as extracting solvent. It showed antimicrobial activity towards the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strain RP62A, the emerging multi-drug-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia D71 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, being the most sensitive strain. It also showed anthelmintic activity, evaluated through the toxicity against the target model helminth Caenorhabditis elegans. In addition, the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated a selective cytotoxic activity on the cancer cell lines A375, MBA-MD 231, HeLa, and MCF7, at the concentration of 250 µg/mL. The fatty acid composition of the bioactive extract was also investigated through FAME analysis. The fatty acid profile showed 45% of saturated fatty acids (SAFA), 22% of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and 33% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The presence of some biologically important secondary metabolites in the extract was also analysed, revealing the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Identification and field verification of an aggregation pheromone from the white-spotted flower chafer, Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

The white-spotted flower chafer (WSFC), Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis, is native to East Asia. Although their larvae are considered a potential resource insect for degrading plant residues, producing protein fodder, and processing to traditional medicine, adult WSFCs inflict damage to dozens of fruit and economic crops. The control of the WSFC still relies heavily on pesticides and the inefficient manual extraction of adults. Here, we report the identification and evaluation of the aggregation pheromone of WSFCs. From the headspace volatiles emitted from WSFC adults, anisole, 4-methylanisole, 2-heptanone and 2-nonanone were identified as WSFC-specific components. However, only anisole and 4-methylanisole elicited positive dose-response relationship in electroantennography tests, and only 4-methylanisole significantly attracted WSFCs of both sexes in olfactometer bioassays and field experiments. These results concluded that 4-methylanisole is the aggregation pheromone of WSFCs. Furthermore, we developed polyethylene vials as long-term dispensers of 4-methylanisole to attract and kill WSFCs. The polyethylene vial lures could effectively attracted WSFCs for more than four weeks. Pheromone-based lures can be developed as an environmentally friendly protocol for monitoring and controlling WSFC adults.

Effects of larval extracts from identified Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis against benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone in rats

Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis is an animal-based medicine used traditionally in China, Japan, and Korea to treat hepatic disorders; it has been shown to possess various pharmacological effects such as antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of P. brevitarsis on a testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) rat model. To establish the BPH model, the animals were administered a subcutaneous injection of testosterone daily for 28 days. P. brevitarsis was administered by oral gavage at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg for 28 days, along with testosterone injection. P. brevitarsis treatment markedly decreased the absolute and relative prostate weight of BPH animals. The levels of dihydrotestosterone was reduced in P. brevitarsis-treated animals compared to those in the BPH animals. Histological analysis of the prostate showed that P. brevitarsis treatment effectively suppressed the testosterone-induced hyperplasia of prostatic epithelial cells, which was accompanied by reductions in the PCNA and Ki-67 expressions in prostatic tissues. These results indicate that P. brevitarsis effectively suppresses testosterone-induced development of BPH, and thus, is a potential therapeutic agent for BPH.

Allium willeanum Holmboe exerts anticancer activities on metastatic breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231

Allium species are medically important plants, rich in bioactive molecules with antitumoral properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular composition and in vitro anticancer activities of Allium willeanum Holmboe, an endemic Allium species of the island of Cyprus. GC-MS analysis of ethanolic extracts of A. willeanum H. bulb (AWB) showed bioactive molecules, octadecanoic acid 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester (21.99 %), hexadecanoic acid (20.42 %), pentadecanoic acid (9.19 %), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester (8.79 %), with known anticancer activities. AWB exerted significant reduction in mitochondria dependent metabolic activity as a measure of cell growth on MCF-7 (weakly metastatic) and MDA-MB-231 (strongly metastatic) human breast cancer (BCa) cell lines with a more prominent effect on highly metastatic BCa cells. Both trypan blue and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assays quantitatively revealed that exposure to AWB extract significantly reduced cancer cell viability in both tested cell types. Differential activation of caspases in the tested cell lines indicated faster apoptotic activity on MDA-MB-231 cells compared to MCF-7. A significant reduction in cell motility was demonstrated upon AWB exposure of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. AWB bioactive molecules collectively act on cancer cells to exert significant cytotoxic, apoptotic activities on both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and significantly reduce their lateral motility, elucidating AWB as a promising agent to further be utilized in anticancer studies.

Life cycle assessment of edible insects (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae) as a future protein and fat source

Because it is important to develop new sustainable sources of edible protein, insects have been recommended as a new protein source. This study applied Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to investigate the environmental impact of small-scale edible insect production unit in South Korea. IMPACT 2002 + was applied as the baseline impact assessment (IA) methodology. The CML-IA baseline, EDIP 2003, EDP 2013, ILCD 2011 Midpoint, and ReCiPe midpoint IA methodologies were also used for LCIA methodology sensitivity analysis. The protein, fat contents, and fatty acid profile of the investigated insect (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae) were analyzed to determine its potential food application. The results revealed that the studied edible insect production system has beneficial environmental effects on various impact categories (ICs), i.e., land occupation, mineral extraction, aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicity, due to utilization of bio-waste to feed insects. This food production system can mitigate the negative environmental effects of those ICs, but has negative environmental impact on some other ICs such as global warming potential. By managing the consumption of various inputs, edible insects can become an environmentally efficient food production system for human nutrition.

The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of <i>Verbascum thapsus </i> L

BACKGROUND

The antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial activities of Verbascum Thapsus L., known as great mullein, (an important medicinal plant containing different biochemical compounds including sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, saponins and lignins) were determined. There is not much data, to our knowledge, in this respect.

METHODS

The antioxidant activities of V. Thapsus were investigated by the DPPH (2, 2- diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl) method. Using GC-MS, the presence of different anticarcinogenic products including 1-hexzanol (2.11%), 2-hexene (1.95%), etc. was determined in the ethanolic extract of V. Thapsus. The antimicrobial activities of V. Thapsus were determined by the minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods using the Grampositive and -negative bacterial strains.

RESULTS

The least concentration of V. Thapsus L. ethanolic extract (50 mg/l) resulted in only 21.26% inhibition of DPPH free radicals, however, the concentrations of 300 mg/l resulted in almost the highest inhibition (91.31%) of DPPH free radicals. The antioxidant activities of synthesized antioxidant BHT at the concentration of 300 mg/l or higher were similar to the antioxidant activities of V. Thapsus L. ethanolic extract. Both the isolated and the standard Gram-negative bacterial strains were more tolerant to the V. Thapsus ethanolic extract, compared with the Grampositive bacterial strains. Bacillus cereus was the most sensitive bacterial strain among the tested bacterial strains.

CONCLUSION

The medicinal plant V. Thapsus L. can be used for the treatment of different diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases.

Protaetiibacter larvae sp. nov. and Agromyces intestinalis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of larvae of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, reclassification of Lysinimonas yzui as Pseudolysinimonas yzui comb. nov. and emended description of the genus Pseudolysinimonas

Two bacterial strains, FWR-8^T and CFWR-9^T, were isolated from the gut of larvae of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis that were raised at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Republic of Korea. Both strains were strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-positive and non-motile. Strain FWR-8^T possessed the highest sequence similarity (98.7 %) to that of Protaetiibacter intestinalis 2DFWR-13^T and the phylogenetic tree revealed that strain FWR-8^T formed a cluster with Ptb. intestinalis 2DFWR-13^T. Pseudolysinimonas kribbensis MSL-13^T and Lysinimonas yzui N7XX-4^T shared a high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.8 %) and formed a cluster adjacent to the cluster that included Ptb. intestinalis 2DFWR-13^T. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CFWR-9^T exhibited the highest similarity (97.7 %) to that of Agromyces binzhouensis OAct353^T and the phylogenetic tree indicated that strain CFWR-9^T formed one independent cluster with A. binzhouensis OAct353^T that was within the radius of the genus Agromyces. The peptidoglycan type, major fatty acids, major menaquinones and total polar lipids of strain FWR-8^T were characterized as type B1, iso-C_16 : 0, anteiso-C_15 : 0 and anteiso-C_17 : 0, MK-15, MK-16 and MK-14, and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids and one unidentified lipid, respectively. Those from strain CFWR-9^T were type B1, iso-C_16 : 0, anteiso-C_15 : 0 and anteiso-C_17 : 0, MK-11, MK-12 and MK-10, and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids and one unidentified lipid, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic data, strains FWR-8^T and CFWR-9^T each represent a novel species within the genera Protaetiibacter and Agromyces, respectively. For these species, the names Protaetiibacter larvae sp. nov. and Agromyces intestinalis sp. nov. have been proposed, with the type strains FWR-8^T (=KACC 19322^T=NBRC 113051^T) and CFWR-9^T (=KACC 19306^T=NBRC 113046^T), respectively. Our results also justify a reclassification of Lysinimonas yzui as Pseudolysinimonas yzui comb. nov. and an emended description of the genus Pseudolysinimonas isprovided.

Pistachio Green Hull Extract Induces Apoptosis through Multiple Signaling Pathways by Causing Oxidative Stress on Colon Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Pistachio is considered to be one of the fifty foods with the highest antioxidant effect. However, the anticancer effect mechanisms of this plant extracts are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect of different extracts from the green hull of pistachio.

METHODS

The cytotoxic effects of different solvent extracts on cancer and normal cells were examined by cell viability assay and flow cytometric analysis. The levels of the apoptotic gene and protein were investigated by Western Blot and ELISA, and qPCR. The intracellular free radical exchange was determined by oxidative and nitric oxide analyses. DNA damage level was measured by the 8-OHdG test. Phenolic and free fatty acid components were examined by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively.

RESULTS

It was determined that the n-hexane fraction showed a higher cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Oxidative and cell cycle analyses indicated that the n-hexane fraction arrested cell cycle of HT-29 at the sub-G1 phase by increasing DNA damage through oxidative stress. In addition, gene expression analysis of the HT-29 treated with the n-hexane fraction indicated that apoptotic and autophagic gene expressions were significantly upregulated. LC-MS/MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction revealed the presence of 15 phenolic compounds, containing mainly gallic acid and catechin hydrate, and GC-MS analysis determined the presence of the following fatty acids: 9-octadecenoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and hexadecenoic acid.

CONCLUSION

Based on these grounds, we suggest that the n-hexane fraction of pistachio green hull damages DNA, arrests the cell cycle at the G₁ subphase, and induces apoptosis through oxidative pathways in colon cancer.

Drug Discovery Insights from Medicinal Beetles in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was the primary source of medical treatment for the people inhabiting East Asia for thousands of years. These ancient practices have incorporated a wide variety of materia medica including plants, animals and minerals. As modern sciences, including natural products chemistry, emerged, there became increasing efforts to explore the chemistry of this materia medica to find molecules responsible for their traditional use. Insects, including beetles have played an important role in TCM. In our survey of texts and review articles on TCM materia medica, we found 48 species of beetles from 34 genera in 14 different families that are used in TCM. This review covers the chemistry known from the beetles used in TCM, or in cases where a species used in these practices has not been chemically studied, we discuss the chemistry of closely related beetles. We also found several documented uses of beetles in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), and included them where appropriate. There are 129 chemical constituents of beetles discussed.

Fatty Acid Profile and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Two Marine Sponge- Associated Bacteria

Background:

Colorectal cancer represents one of the prominent causes of mortality worldwide in men and women. The objective of this study was to search for new potential anticancer compounds, both in prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. The anticancer potential of marine bacterial extracts against Human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT116) was evaluated as well as the partial identification of bioactive metabolites.

Methods:

All bacterial extracts were tested for their cytotoxicity against HCT116 cell line by means of MTT assay. The highly cytotoxic dichloromethane extracts of marine sponge-associated bacteria Vibrio sp. and Bacillus sp. were analyzed by GC-MS.

Results:

Two fractions, Vib3 and Bac3, exhibited a very interesting cytotoxicity against human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) cell line, with a percentage of cytotoxicity of 96.04 % and 29.48 %, respectively.

Discussion:

The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of two major fatty acids, palmitic and oleic acids, in Vib3 fraction and fatty acid esters and phenolic compounds in Bac3 fraction.

Conclusion:

Based on previous literature, it may be hypothesized that the anticancer activity of bacterial extracts could be, at least partially, to the fatty acids fraction.

Production of protein hydrolysate from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe) larvae by enzyme treatment under high pressure

To improve the industrial use of health-functional materials based on edible insects, the objective of this study was to establish optimal conditions for improving the quality of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larval (PBSL) hydrolysates. PBSL was extracted using four methodologies: atmospheric pressure 50 °C-water extraction, atmospheric pressure 95 °C-water extraction, atmospheric pressure 50 °C-water enzymatic hydrolysis, and enzyme treatment under high pressure (HPE). The quality characteristics of soluble solid content, extraction yield, total protein content, protein yield, protein content with low molecular weight (LMW) (< 1kD), and the amino acid composition of hydrolysates were compared based on the different methods. All of the quality characteristics were found to be higher for HPE extracts than for the other extracts. Under optimized HPE conditions, extraction yield, protein yield, protein content with LMW, amino acid content and the content of essential amino acids increased by 3.4, 4.4 1.4 1.5, and 1.3 times respectively, compared to the other methods.

In Vitro Protective Effect of Paste and Sauce Extract Made with Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae on HepG2 Cells Damaged by Ethanol

We made paste and sauce using protein-rich Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (PBL) and evaluated their fermentation levels. After pretreatment with the paste and sauce extracts, HepG2 cells were damaged with ethanol (EtOH), and then the effects of the paste and sauce were evaluated. As a result, we confirmed that the PBL paste and sauce extracts reduced the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) content in the medium as compared to soybean (Glycine max) sauce and paste extracts. In addition, the PBL paste and sauce extracts significantly lowered the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, which are biomarkers of inflammation, and significantly increased the inhibition rate of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH), which are antioxidative indicators, in proportion to the amount of PBL added to the paste and sauce. These results suggest that an intake of PBL paste and sauce, a novel type of fermented food made from insects, may be effective for liver protection through anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects against hepatocyte injury caused by EtOH.

Caspase 3-mediated cytotoxicity of mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) oil extract against human hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mealworm larvae (MWL) (Tenebrio molitor) have been traditionally used in Asian countries for the treatment of liver diseases, including cancer. However, to date, there is marginal information on the mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of MWL oil.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to determine the in vitro effect of MWL oil on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells growth in order to produce insect-derived chemotherapeutic agents against cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MWL oil was extracted, and its effects on cancer cells growth were investigated, by the MTT reduction, AO/EB staining, Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining, apoptosis, comet, and caspase activity assays.

RESULTS

MWL oil inhibited HepG2 and Caco-2 growth, with IC₅₀ (48 h) values of 0.98% for HepG2 and 0.37% for Caco-2 cells. In addition, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that 24 h-MWL oil treatment increased early and late apoptosis from 0.04% to 39.77% and from 2.06% to 74.34% on HepG2 and Caco-2 cells, respectively. The mechanism of apoptosis was associated with the death receptor pathway by the activation of caspases -8, -9, and -3, and correlated to its fatty acids action.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study demonstrated the potential of MWL oil in the development of natural anticancer therapeutic agents.

Anticancer activities of toxic isolate of Xestospongia testudinaria sponge

AIMS

The purposes of this study were to determine the anticancer activity of Xestospongia testudinaria sponge isolate and identify the responsible compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The metabolites were extracted using methanol maceration at room temperature. The separation and purification of metabolites were performed using fractionation and column chromatography. The toxicity was examined using the brine shrimp lethality assay, and the toxic isolates were tested for anticancer activity against HeLa cells. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify the compounds in the isolate.

RESULTS

When the methanol extract was partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol, the chloroform fraction was the most toxic, with a concentration that results in 50% lethality (LC50) value of 39.81 ppm. After separation of the chloroform extract, fraction B (FB) was the most toxic, with an LC50 value of 44.67 ppm. The isolate from FB showed anticancer activity with a concentration at which 50% of growth was inhibited (IC50) of 2.273 ppm. In total, 21 compounds were identified in anticancer isolates: Nonanedioic acid; tetradecanoic acid; trans-phytol; 2-pentadecanone-6,10,14-trimethyl; pentadecanoic acid; 2-hexadecen-1-ol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-; pentadecanoic acid; 2-hexadecen-1-ol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-; 2,3,7-trimethyloctanal; palmitic acid; docosanoic acid, ethyl ester; 1,E-11,Z-13-octadecatriene; chloromethyl 4-chlorododecanoate; 1-tricosene; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid; 4,8,12,16-tetramethylheptadecan-4-olide; 1-docosene; heneicosane; phosphonic acid, dioctadecyl ester; dodecane,4,6-dimethyl-; n-tetratriacontane; 1-iodohexadecane; and n-heneicosane.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the isolate of X. testudinaria can be used as a natural anticancer toward HeLa cell.

De novo genome assembly of the white-spotted flower chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis)

BACKGROUND

Protaetia brevitarsis, commonly known as the white-spotted flower chafer, is an important Scarabaeidae insect that is distributed in most Asian countries. Recently, research on the insect's harmfulness to crops, usefulness in agricultural waste utilization, edibility, medicinal value, and usability in insect immunology has provided sufficient impetus to demonstrate the need for a detailed study of its biology. Herein, we sequenced the whole genome of this species to improve our understanding and study of P. brevitarsis.

FINDINGS

We developed a highly reliable genome resource for P. brevitarsis (Lewis, 1879; Coleoptera: Cetoniinae) using Illumina and PacBio sequencing platforms. A total of 135.75 gigabases (Gb) was generated, providing 150-fold coverage based on the 810-megabases (Mb) estimated genome size. The assembled P. brevitarsis genome was 751 Mb (including the scaffolds longer than 2 kilobases (kb)) with 327 scaffolds, and the N50 length of the assembly was 2.94 Mb. A total of 34,110 (22,229 in scaffolds and 11,881 located in alleles) genes were identified using Evidence Modeler, which was based on the gene prediction results obtained from 3 different methods (ab initio, RNA sequencing based, and known gene based).

CONCLUSIONS

We assembled a high-quality P. brevitarsis genome, which will not only provide insight into the biology of the species but also provide a wealth of information that will inform researchers on the evolution, control, and utilization of P. brevitarsis.

The ameliorative effect of Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae in HFD-induced obese mice

Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis (P. brevitarsis) larvae, edible insect, traditionally is consumed for various health benefits. However, little information is available with respect to its direct anti-obesity effects. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the regulatory effect of P. brevitarsis against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. HFD-fed mice showed an increase in the body weight and serum levels of total cholesterol as well as low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides. The administration of P. brevitarsis to obese mice induced a reduction in their body weight, lipid accumulation in liver and serum lipid parameter compared with the HFD fed mice. P. brevitarsis also inhibited the expression of obesity-related genes such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha and fatty acid synthesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, oleic acid was identified as predominant fatty acid of P. brevitarsis by gas chromatography analysis. Conclusively, these findings suggested that P. brevitarsis may help to prevent obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic effect of aqueous extract of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. Ex Willd.) DC. On streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress and renal apoptosis play a significant role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The tubers of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) DC. has been traditionally used as anti-ageing and health promotive tonic. The purpose of this study was to investigate its nephroprotective effect and mechanism via antioxidant and antiapoptotic potential in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rats.

METHODS

The chemical composition of aqueous extract of Pueraria tuberosa (PTY-2r) was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg body weight) in rats. After 60 days, the rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6/each group), namely DN control (DN) group-2, DN rats treated with PTY-2r at the dose of 50 mg/100 g, group-3 and 100 mg/100 g, group-4 p.o. for 20 days. The normal rats were chosen as a normal control (NC) group-1. PTY-2r was orally given to the rats for 20 days. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) & glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined in the kidney tissue of DN rats. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was measured by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis of PTY-2r indicated the presence of 37 compounds among them 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (17.80%), 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (17.03%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (5.18%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z) - (6.69%) were found in the higher amount. A significant increase in ROS and LPO was observed along with the decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, responsible for oxidative stress in the kidney of DN rats. Since, high oxidative stress induces apoptosis in target cells, as shown by significantly decreased expression of Bcl-2 along with increased expression of Bax, active Caspase-3 & cleaved PARP-1 in DN control rats, suggesting apoptosis. The PTY-2r treatment significantly raised the activity of antioxidant enzymes, suppressed oxidative stress and apoptosis thus, prevented urinary albumin excretion in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that PTY-2r exerted the nephroprotective potential against STZ induced DN rats via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis due to the presence of different bioactive compounds. ᅟ.

Quinoxaline-, dopamine-, and amino acid-derived metabolites from the edible insect Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis

Edible insects have been reported to produce metabolites showing various pharmacological activities, recently emerging as rich sources of health functional food. In particular, the larvae of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe) have been used as traditional Korean medicines for treating diverse diseases, such as breast cancer, inflammatory disease, hepatic cancer, liver cirrhosis, and hepatitis. However, only few chemical investigations were reported on the insect larvae. Therefore, the aim of this study was to discover and identify biologically active chemical components of the larvae of P. brevitarsis seulensis. As a result, a quinoxaline-derived alkaloid (1) was isolated, which was not reported previously from natural sources. In addition, other related compounds (2, 4-10, 15, 16) were also encountered for the first time from the larvae. The structures of all the isolated compounds were established mainly by analysis of HRESIMS, NMR, and electronic circular dichroism data. Compound 5 exhibited inhibition of tyrosinase with IC₅₀ value of 44.8 µM.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation and thrombosis by indole alkaloids isolated from the edible insect Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe)

Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe) has been temporarily registered as a food material by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea (MFDS). The current study aimed to discover small antithrombotic molecules from this edible insect. Five indole alkaloids, 5‐hydroxyindolin‐2‐one (1), (1R,3S)‐1‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylic acid (2), (1S,3S)‐1‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylic acid (3), (3S)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylic acid (4) and L‐tryptophan (5), were isolated from the insect. Among them, compounds 1 and 2 prolonged aPTT and PT and impaired thrombin and FXa generation on HUVEC surface. Moreover, these compounds inhibited platelet aggregation. Antithrombotic effects of compounds 1 and 2 were further confirmed in pre‐clinical models of pulmonary embolism and arterial thrombosis. Collectively, these results demonstrated that compounds 1 and 2 could be effective antithrombotic agents and serve as new scaffolds for the development of antithrombotic drug.

Induction of apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by extracts of Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. and Diospyros castanea (Craib) Fletcher

Background

Herbal plants are a preferred source of anticancer agents. This study aims to screen the anticancer activity of a crude extract of twigs of (a) Bombax anceps Pierre var. anceps (BA); (b) Catunaregam tomentosa (Blume ex DC.) Tirveng. (CT); (c) Erythrophleum succirubrum Gagnep. (ES); (d) Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. (LC); and (e) leaves and (f) twigs of Diospyros castanea (Craib) Fletcher (DC).

Methods

The 50 % ethanol–water extracts were prepared from each plant sample. In vitro anticancer effects of six extracts on the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) in terms of cytotoxicity were investigated by neutral red assay, apoptosis induction by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis. Normal Vero cells were tested for comparison and to determine cancer selectivity. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was performed to identify the compounds in the extracts.

Results

The six crude extracts had different cytotoxicities and were classified into three groups based on their IC₅₀ value and selectivity index (SI). DC (twig) crude extract had both a high cytotoxicity and SI toward HepG2 cells comparable to melphalan (P = 0.023). The crude extracts of DC (leaves), LC (twig), and BA (twig) had moderate cytotoxicity and a lower SI. Although all crude plant extracts induced apoptosis in more than 50 % of the DAPI-positive apoptotic HepG2 cells, only DC (twig) and LC (twig) showed laddering in the DNA fragmentation assay. 2-Palmitoylglycerol was the major compound common to both. Pyrogallol and lupeol were the major compounds in DC (twig) crude extract. Hexadecanoic acid and octadecenoic acid were the major compounds in LC (twig) crude extract, which had high toxicity but low selectivity.

Conclusion

Ethanolic extracts from DC and LC twigs induced apoptosis in the HepG2 cell line. Pyrogallol and lupeol in DC (twig) might be responsible for the cytotoxicity toward the HepG2 cancer cells.

Anticoagulant activity of crude extract of Holotrichia diomphalia larvae

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Holotrichia diomphalia larvae are one classical folk medicinal material in East Asia which has clinically been used to promote blood circulation and dispel blood stasis for several hundred years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The anticoagulant activity of crude extract of H. diomphalia larvae (CEHDL) in vitro and in vivo was evaluated to explore its mechanism as antithrombotic medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of CEHDL on plasma recalcification time, platelet aggregation, bleeding time, hydrolysis of fibrinogen and fibrin were measured with normal human plasma, plasma-rich platelet, transected mouse tails and bovine fibrinogen; the anti-thrombosis activities of CEHDL in vitro and in vivo were analyzed with clots lysis assay and carrageenan-induced mouse tail thrombosis model.

RESULTS

CEHDL was found to contain large numbers of proteins and could inhibit blood coagulation and platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CEHDL preferentially cleaved α- and β-chains followed by γ-chains of fibrinogen. Besides, CEHDL could directly degrade fibrin rather than activate plasminogen. It has been noted that fibrinogenolytic activity of CEHDL could be unaffected by metal ions such as Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Zn(2+), Fe(2+), Fe(3+), Cu(2+) and buffers with pH 3-10. Moreover, protease inhibitors like TPSI, aprotinin, leupetin, PMSF, DTT and EDTA only slightly or not inhibited fibrinogenolytic activity of CEHDL. However, CEHDL could be completely inactivated at 75°C and 100°C. In addition, CEHDL exhibited anti-thrombosis activities in both blood clot lysis assay and carrageenan-induced thrombosis model.

CONCLUSION

CEHDL possessed potent anticoagulant activity and several fibrin(ogen)olytic agents from H. diomphalia larvae were responsible for its antithrombotic effect as medicine.

In vitro Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity of Bombax ceiba (Bombacaceae) Flower Extracts

The flowers of Bombax ceiba were investigated for their chemical composition, antioxidant effects and antiproliferative activity against seven human cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative responses of diethyl ether (DE) and light petroleum (PE) extracts were evaluated by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against MCF-7, HeLa, COR-L23, C32, A375, ACHN, and LNCaP cells in comparison with a human normal cell line, 142BR. Moreover, extracts were characterized by GC-MS analysis and tested for their antioxidant properties by different in vitro systems, namely DPPH, Fe-chelating activity and β-carotene bleaching test. Both PE and DE extracts showed the highest antiproliferative activity against human renal adenocarcinoma (ACHN) in a concentration-dependent manner. PE extract showed the highest radical scavenging activity against the DPPH radical, while DE extract was more active in the β-carotene bleaching test. The presence of β-sitosterol and some fatty acids may contribute to the bioactivity of B. ceiba flower extracts.

Fatty Acid Composition and Volatile Constituents of Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae

A total of 48 different volatile oils were identified form P. brevitarsis larvae by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Acids (48.67%) were detected as the major group in P. brevitarsis larvae comprising the largest proportion of the volatile compounds, followed by esters (19.84%), hydrocarbons (18.90%), alcohols (8.37%), miscellaneous (1.71%), aldehydes (1.35%) and terpenes (1.16%). The major volatile constituents were 9-hexadecenoic acid (16.75%), 6-octadecenoic acid (14.88%) and n-hexadecanoic acid (11.06%). The composition of fatty acid was also determined by GC analysis and 16 fatty acids were identified. The predominant fatty acids were oleic acid (C_18:1, 64.24%) followed by palmitic acid (C_16:0, 15.89%), palmitoleic acid (C_16:1, 10.43%) and linoleic acid (C_18:2, 4.69%) constituting more than 95% of total fatty acids. The distinguished characteristic of the fatty acid profile of P. brevitarsis larvae was the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acid (80.54% of total fatty acids) versus saturated fatty acids (19.46% of total fatty acids). Furthermore, small but significant amounts of linoleic, linolenic and γ-linolenic acids bestow P. brevitarsis larvae with considerable nutritional value. The novel findings of the present study provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive utilization of the insect as a nutritionally promising food source and a possibility for more effective utilization.

In Vitro Ultramorphological Assessment of Apoptosis on CEMss Induced by Linoleic Acid-Rich Fraction from Typhonium flagelliforme Tuber

The plant Typhonium flagelliforme, commonly known as “rodent tuber” in Malaysia, is often used as a health supplement and traditional remedy for alternative cancer therapies, including leukemia. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro anti-leukemic activity of dichloromethane extract/fraction number 7 (DCM/F7) from T. flagelliforme tuber on human T4 lymphoblastoid (CEMss) cell line. The DCM extract of tuber has been fractionated by column chromatography. The obtained fractions were evaluated for its cytotoxicity toward CEMss cells as well as human primary blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Assessment of apoptosis produced by the most active fraction was evaluated by various microscopic techniques and further confirmation of apoptosis was done by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Phytochemical screening was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results shows that 7 out of 12 fractions showed significant cytotoxicity against the selected cell line CEMss, in which fractions DCM/F7, DCM/F11 and DCM/F12 showed exceptional activity with 3, 5 and 6.2 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. Further studies in the non-cancerous PBL exhibited significant selectivity of DCM/F7 compared to other fractions. Cytological observations showed chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, abnormalities of cristae, membrane blebbing, cytoplasmic extrusions and formation of apoptotic bodies as confirmed collectively by double-staining of acridine orange (AO)/propidium iodide (PI), SEM and TEM. In addition, DCM/F7 has increased the cellular DNA breaks on treated cells. GC-MS revealed that DCM/F7 contains linoleic acid, hexadecanoic acid and 9-hexadecanoic acid. The present results indicate that T. flagelliforme possess a valuable anti-leukemic effect and was able to produce distinctive morphological features of cell death that corresponds to apoptosis.