Active extracts of wild fruiting bodies of Antrodia camphorata (EEAC) induce leukemia HL 60 cells apoptosis partially through histone hypoacetylation and synergistically promote anticancer effect of trichostatin A

Antrodia cinnamomea prevents ovariectomized-promoted bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast formation

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in aging populations, particularly in postmenopausal women. Anti-resorptive and anabolic drugs have been applied to prevent and cure osteoporosis and are linked with a variety of adverse effects. Antrodia cinnamomea extracts (ACE) are highly renowned for their anticancer, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether ACE-enriched anti-osteoporosis functions are largely unknown. In a preclinical animal model, we found that ovariectomy significantly decreased bone volume in the ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Administration of ACE antagonized OVX-induced bone loss. In addition, ACE reversed OVX-reduced biomechanical properties. The serum osteoclast marker also showed improvement in the ACE-treated group. In the cellular model, it was indicated that ACE inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. Taken together, ACE seems to be a hopeful candidate for the development of novel anti-osteoporosis treatment.

Application of response surface methodology and quantitative NMR for the optimum extraction, characterization, and quantitation of Antrodia cinnamomea triterpenoids

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a treasured Asian medicinal mushroom, which has attracted attention due to recent research on its effectiveness in targeting a variety of serious ailments such as cancer and liver diseases. Among different A. cinnamomea constituents, triterpenoids are regarded as the most therapeutically attractive components because of their anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. In the present study, we proposed a mathematical and statistical extraction protocol to evaluate the concentrations of total ergostane and lanostane triterpenoid derivatives from the ethanolic extract of the wild fruiting bodies of A. cinnamomea (EEAC) by utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) and quantitative NMR (qNMR) approaches. The optimum response surface model showed that the variations of the investigated response variables reached more than 90%, suggesting that the developed model is accurate in explaining response variability. Furthermore, the EEAC major characteristic triterpenoids were quantified through the comparison of the HPLC-tandem MS results with those of the qNMR results. The precision of the used techniques was also evaluated. The experimental design of the EEAC optimum extraction procedure obtained by using RSM and qNMR enabled accurate characterization and quantitation of A. cinnamomea triterpenoids.

Pharmacological Properties of Trichostatin A, Focusing on the Anticancer Potential: A Comprehensive Review

Trichostatin A (TSA), a natural derivative of dienohydroxamic acid derived from a fungal metabolite, exhibits various biological activities. It exerts antidiabetic activity and reverses high glucose levels caused by the downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in Schwann cells, anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the expression of various cytokines, and significant antioxidant activity by suppressing oxidative stress through multiple mechanisms. Most importantly, TSA exhibits potent inhibitory activity against different types of cancer through different pathways. The anticancer activity of TSA appeared in many in vitro and in vivo investigations that involved various cell lines and animal models. Indeed, TSA exhibits anticancer properties alone or in combination with other drugs used in chemotherapy. It induces sensitivity of some human cancers toward chemotherapeutical drugs. TSA also exhibits its action on epigenetic modulators involved in cell transformation, and therefore it is considered an epidrug candidate for cancer therapy. Accordingly, this work presents a comprehensive review of the most recent developments in utilizing this natural compound for the prevention, management, and treatment of various diseases, including cancer, along with the multiple mechanisms of action. In addition, this review summarizes the most recent and relevant literature that deals with the use of TSA as a therapeutic agent against various diseases, emphasizing its anticancer potential and the anticancer molecular mechanisms. Moreover, TSA has not been involved in toxicological effects on normal cells. Furthermore, this work highlights the potential utilization of TSA as a complementary or alternative medicine for preventing and treating cancer, alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs.

Patient-Derived Tumor Chemosensitization of GKB202, an Antrodia Cinnamomea Mycelium-Derived Bioactive Compound

Oral cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal cancers are the three most common cancers, leading to 18,000 cases of cancer-related mortality in Taiwan per year. To bridge the gap towards clinical translation, we developed a circulating tumor cell (CTC) organoid culture workflow that efficiently expands CTC from patients to test Antrodia Cinnamomea mycelium-derived bioactive compounds. Three ACM-derived bioactive compounds were evaluated for tumor chemosensitization characteristics. Significant and consistent cytotoxic/5-FU sensitizing effects of GKB202 were found on 8 different patient-derived tumors. Acute toxicity profile and hepatic metabolism of GKB202 in rats suggest GKB202 is rapidly cleared by liver and is well tolerated up to the dose of 20 mg/kg. This comprehensive study provides new evidence that liquid fermentation of Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium (ACM) contains bioactive compounds that lead to effective control of CTC, especially when combined with 5-FU. Together, these data suggest ACM-derived GKB202 may be considered for further clinical investigation in the context of 5-FU-based combination therapy.

Identification and Isolation of an Intermediate Metabolite with Dual Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Activity Present in the Fungus Antrodia cinnamomea Cultured on an Alternative Medium with Cinnamomum kanehirai Leaf Extract

The fungus Antrodia cinnamomea has been used as a folk medicine for various diseases, especially cancer. When A. cinnamomea is cultured on the original host, an endangered woody plant Cinnamomum kanehirai Hayata, the fungus produces more active ingredients, but its growth is slow. Here, C. kanehirai leaf ethanol extract (KLEE) was used as a substitute for C. kanehirai wood to culture A. cinnamomea on solid medium to shorten the culture period and produce active metabolites en masse. The antioxidant activities of methanol extracts from A. cinnamomea cultured on KLEE (MEAC-KLEE) were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging effect, reducing power, and ferrous ion-chelating effect, and the effective concentration (EC₅₀) values were 0.27, 0.74, and 0.37 mg mL⁻¹, respectively. MEAC-KLEE exhibited specific anti-proliferative activity against a non-small-cell lung cancer cell line (A549) by Annexin V assay. A secondary metabolite (2,4-dimethoxy-6-methylbenzene-1,3-diol, DMMB) present in the extract (MEAC-KLEE) was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. DMMB exhibited moderate antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals and reducing power, with EC₅₀ values of 12.97 and 25.59 μg mL⁻¹, respectively, and also induced apoptosis in A549 cells. Our results provide valuable insight into the development of DMMB for nutraceutical biotechnology.

Terpenoids from the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata: chemistry and medicinal potential

Covering: up to February 2020Antrodia camphorata is a medicinal mushroom endemic to Taiwan for the treatment of intoxication, liver injury, cancer, and inflammation. Owing to its rare occurrence and potent pharmacological activities, efforts have been devoted to identify its bioactive constituents, especially terpenoids. Since 1995, a total of 162 terpenoids including triterpenoids, meroterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and steroids have been characterized. The ergostane-type triterpenoids (antcins) and meroterpenoids (antroquinonols) are characteristic constituents of A. camphorata. The terpenoids show anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective activities. This review summarizes the research progress on terpenoids in A. camphorata during 1995-2020, including structural diversity, resources, biosynthesis, pharmacological activities, metabolism, and toxicity. The medicinal potential of the terpenoids is also discussed.

13-Acetoxysarcocrassolide Exhibits Cytotoxic Activity Against Oral Cancer Cells Through the Interruption of the Keap1/Nrf2/p62/SQSTM1 Pathway: The Need to Move Beyond Classical Concepts

13-Acetoxysarcocrassolide (13-AC), a marine cytotoxic product isolated from the alcyonacean coral Lobophytum crassum, exhibited potent antitumor and immunostimulant effects as reported in previous studies. However, the 13-AC antitumor mechanism of action against oral cancer cells remains unclear. The activity of 13-AC against Ca9-22 cancer cells was determined using MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and siRNA. 13-AC induced apoptosis in oral cancer cells Ca9-22 through the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. It increased the expression of apoptosis- and DNA damage-related proteins in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. It exerted potent antitumor effect against oral cancer cells, as demonstrated by the in vivo xenograft animal model. It significantly reduced the tumor volume (55.29%) and tumor weight (90.33%). The pretreatment of Ca9-22 cells with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibited ROS production resulting in the attenuation of the cytotoxic activity of 13-AC. The induction of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and the promotion of p62/SQSTM1 were observed in Ca9-22 cells treated with 13-AC. The knockdown of p62 expression by siRNA transfection significantly attenuated the effect of 13-AC on the inhibition of cell viability. Our results indicate that 13-AC exerted its cytotoxic activity through the promotion of ROS generation and the suppression of the antioxidant enzyme activity. The apoptotic effect of 13-AC was found to be mediated through the interruption of the Keap1/Nrf2/p62/SQSTM1 pathway, suggesting its potential future application as an anticancer agent.

The Potential of Chinese Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a global health issue and places a considerable economic and medical burden on society. Thus, a concerted effort to improve the treatment of cervical cancer is warranted. Although several treatment options are currently available for treating patients with cervical cancer, such as chemoradiation and neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, more aggressive systemic therapies and newer therapeutic agents are under investigation. Medicinal herbs have long been used to treat diseases. In this review, we summarize studies analyzing the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicines, including the effects of crude extracts and compounds in vitro or in animal models for inducing apoptosis and inhibiting invasion or metastasis. Chinese herbal medicines with therapeutic targeting, such as those that interfere with tumor growth and progression in cervical cancer, have been widely investigated. To apply Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of cervical cancer, adequate clinical studies are required to confirm its clinical safety and efficiency. Further investigations focused on the purification, pharmacokinetics, and identification of compounds from Chinese herbal medicines in cervical cancer treatment are necessary to achieve the aforementioned treatment goals.

Cytotoxic triterpenoids fromAntrodia camphorataas sensitizers of paclitaxel

In an attempt to discover anticancer triterpenoids from the medicinal fungusAntrodia camphorata, a total of 60 triterpenoids (1–60) including 18 new ones (antcamphins M–X,1–18) were isolated from its dish cultures.

Diversity of potentially exploitable pharmacological activities of the highly prized edible medicinal fungus Antrodia camphorata

Antrodia camphorata, also known as A. cinnamomea, is a precious medicinal basidiomycete fungus endemic to Taiwan. This article summarizes the recent advances in research on the multifarious pharmacological effects of A. camphorata. The mushroom exhibits anticancer activity toward a large variety of cancers including breast, cervical, ovarian, prostate, bladder, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, and lung cancers; melanoma; leukemia; lymphoma; neuroblastoma; and glioblastoma. Other activities encompass antiinflammatory, antiatopic dermatitis, anticachexia, immunoregulatory, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antiatherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antiplatelet, antioxidative, antiphotodamaging, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, neuroprotective, testis protecting, antiasthmatic, osteogenic, osteoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, and wound healing activities. This review aims to provide a reference for further development and utilization of this highly prized mushroom.

The Antioxidant from Ethanolic Extract of Rosa cymosa Fruits Activates Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog In Vitro and In Vivo: A New Insight on Its Antileukemic Effect

Rosa cymosa Tratt is a Chinese herbal remedy that is used in the treatment of diarrhea, burns, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemorrhage. Despite its use in Asian folk medicine, there are limited reports on the biological activity of R. cymosa fruits. This study focused on the investigation of the antitumor effect of the antioxidative ethanolic extract of R. cymosa fruits (RCE) along with its underlying mechanism of action. RCE showed a potent cytotoxic effect against Sup-T1 and Molt-4 lymphoblastic leukemia cells. In the xenograft animal model, the tumor size was significantly reduced to about 59.42% in the RCE-treated group in comparison with the control group. The use of RCE (37.5, 75, or 150 μg/mL) triggered apoptosis by 26.52–83.49%, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by 10.44–58.60%, and promoted calcium release by 1.29-, 1.44-, and 1.71-fold compared with the control group. The extract induced redox oxygen species (ROS) generation through the elimination of Nrf2/Keap1/P62-mediated oxidative stress response. The loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) activation by RCE impaired PI3K/Akt/Foxo and Jak/Stat activation pathways, which contributed to tumorigenesis. These multiple targets of R. cymosa against hematologic cancer cells suggested its potential application as an antileukemic dietary supplement.

The Effects of Ergosta-7,9(11),22-trien-3β-ol from Antrodia camphorata on the Biochemical Profile and Exercise Performance of Mice

Antrodia camphorata (AC) is a rare and unique mushroom that is difficult to cultivate. Previous studies have demonstrated the bioactivity of the compound Ergosta-7,9(11),22-trien-3β-ol (EK100) from AC in submerged culture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of EK100 on fatigue and ergogenic functions following physiological challenge. Male ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8 per group) and orally administered EK100 for six weeks at 0 (Vehicle), 10 (EK100-1X), and 20 (EK100-2X) mg/kg/day. The six-week Ek100 supplementation significantly increased grip strength (p = 0.0051) in trend analysis. Anti-fatigue activity was evaluated using 15-min. acute exercise testing and measuring the levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine kinase (CK) after a 15-min. swimming exercise. Our results indicate that AC supplementation leads to a dose-dependent decrease in serum lactate, ammonia, BUN, and CK activity after exercise and significantly increases serum glucose and glycogen content in liver tissues. Biochemical and histopathological data demonstrated that long term daily administration of EK100 for over six weeks (subacute toxicity) was safe. EK100’s anti-fatigue properties appear to be through the preservation of energy storage, increasing blood glucose and liver glycogen content, and decreasing the serum levels of lactate, ammonia, BUN, and CK. EK100 could potentially be used to improve exercise physiological adaptation, promote health, and as a potential ergogenic aid in combination with different nutrient strategies.

Antrodin C, an NADPH Dependent Metabolism, Encourages Crosstalk between Autophagy and Apoptosis in Lung Carcinoma Cells by Use of an AMPK Inhibition-Independent Blockade of the Akt/mTOR Pathway

The current study aims to explore the possible anti-lung carcinoma activity of ADC as well as the underlying mechanisms by which ADC exerts its actions in NSCLC. Findings showed that ADC potently inhibited the viability of SPCA-1, induced apoptosis triggered by ROS, and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase via a P53 signaling pathway. Interestingly, phenomena such as autophagosomes accumulation, conversion of the LC3-I to LC3-II, etc., indicated that autophagy could be activated by ADC. The blockage of autophagy-augmented ADC induced inhibition of cell proliferation, while autophagy activation restored cell death, indicating that autophagy had a protective effect against cell death which was induced by ADC treatment. Meanwhile, ADC treatment suppressed both the Akt/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways. The joint action of both ADC and the autophagy inhibitor significantly increased the death of SPCA-1. An in vitro phase I metabolic stability assay showed that ADC was highly metabolized in SD rat liver microsomes and moderately metabolized in human liver microsomes, which will assist in predicting the outcomes of clinical pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies. These findings imply that blocking the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which was independent of AMPK inhibition, could activate ADC-induced protective autophagy in non-small-cell lung cancer cells.

Antrodia cinnamomea, a Treasured Medicinal Mushroom, Induces Growth Arrest in Breast Cancer Cells, T47D Cells: New Mechanisms Emerge

Reported cases of breast cancer have skyrocketed in the last decades with recent advances in examination techniques. Brest cancer has become the second leading cause of mortality among women worldwide, urging the scientific community to develop or find new drugs from natural sources with potent activity and a reasonable safety profile to tackle this ailment. Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a treasured medicinal fungus which has attracted attention due to its potent hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities. We evaluated the antiproliferative activity of the ethanol extract of artificially cultured AC (EEAC) on breast cancer cells (T47D cells) in vivo and in vitro. Ethanol extract of artificially cultured AC inhibited T47D cells' proliferation mediated by cell cycle arrest at G1 phase as well induced autophagy. Immunoblotting assay confirmed that EEAC not only decreased the expression of the cell-cycle-related proteins but also increased the expression of transcription factor FOXO1, autophagic marker LC3 II, and p62. Ethanol extract of artificially cultured AC mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress by promoting the expression of IRE1 (inositol-requiring enzyme 1α), GRP78/Bip (glucose regulating protein 78), and CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein). Apart from previous studies, HDACs (histone deacetylases) activity was inhibited as demonstrated by a cell-free system, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence assays following EEAC treatment. The in vivo studies demonstrated that EEAC decreased tumor volume and inhibited tumor growth without any significant side effects. High performance liquid chromatography profile demonstrated similar triterpenoids compared to the profile of wild AC ethanol extract. The multiple targets of EEAC on breast cancer cells suggested that this extract may be developed as a potential dietary supplement targeting this debilitating disease.

Antrodia cinnamomea induces autophagic cell death via the CHOP/TRB3/Akt/mTOR pathway in colorectal cancer cells

Antrodia cinnamomea, a well-known traditional medicine used in Taiwan, is a potent anticancer drug for colorectal cancer, but the upstream molecular mechanism of its anticancer effects remains unclear. In this study, A. cinnamomea extracts showed cytotoxicity in HCT116, HT29, SW480, Caco-2 and, Colo205 colorectal cancer cells. Whole-genome expression profiling of A. cinnamomea extracts in HCT116 cells was performed. A. cinnamomea extracts upregulated the expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker CHOP and its downstream gene TRB3. Moreover, dephosphorylation of Akt and mTOR as well as autophagic cell death were observed. Gene expression and autophagic cell death were reversed by the knockdown of CHOP and TRB3. Autophagy inhibition but not apoptosis inhibition reversed A. cinnamomea-induced cell death. Finally, we demonstrated that A. cinnamomea extracts significantly suppressed HCT116 tumour growth in nude mice. Our findings suggest that autophagic cell death via the CHOP/TRB3/Akt/mTOR pathway may represent a new mechanism of anti-colorectal cancer action by A. cinnamomea. A. cinnamomea is a new CHOP activator and potential drug that can be used in colorectal cancer treatment.

Breaking down Leukemia Walls: Heteronemin, a Sesterterpene Derivative, Induces Apoptosis in Leukemia Molt4 Cells through Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Induction of Talin Expression

Heteronemin, the most abundant secondary metabolite in the sponge Hippospongia sp., exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines. It increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Molt4 cells. The use of ROS scavenger, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), suppressed both the production of ROS from mitochondria and cell apoptosis that were induced by heteronemin treatment. Heteronemin upregulated talin and phosphorylated talin expression in Molt4 cells but it only upregulated the expression of phosphorylated talin in HEK293 cells. However, pretreatment with NAC reversed these effects. Talin siRNA reversed the activation of pro-apoptotic cleaved caspases 3 and 9. On the other hand, the downstream proteins including FAK and NF-κB (p65) were not affected. In addition, we confirmed that heteronemin directly modulated phosphorylated talin expression through ROS generation resulting in cell apoptosis, but it did not affect talin/FAK complex. Furthermore, heteronemin interfered with actin microfilament and caused morphology changes. Taken together, these findings suggest that the cytotoxic effect of heteronemin is associated with oxidative stress and induction of phosphorylated talin expression. Our results suggest that heteronemin represents an interesting candidate which can be further developed as a drug lead against leukemia.

Antiproliferative activity of the Antrodia camphorata secondary metabolite 4,7-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzo[d][1,3]dioxole and analogues

Both the traditional Chinese medicinal fungus, Antrodia camphorata, and its secondary metabolite, 4,7-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzo[d][1,3]dioxole, have been reported to possess promising anticancer activity. In this work the natural product and analogues bearing more polar substituents were synthesised and assessed for antiproliferative activity in the NCI-60 screen. Although each compound inhibited the growth of some cell lines at 10μM, none had sufficient activity to warrant further investigation.

Gcn5 Modulates the Cellular Response to Oxidative Stress and Histone Deacetylase Inhibition

To identify chemical genetic interactions underlying the mechanism of action of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) a yeast deletion library was screened for hypersensitive deletion mutants that confer increased sensitivity to the HDACi, CG-1521. The screen demonstrated that loss of GCN5 or deletion of components of the Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex, SAGA, sensitizes yeast to CG-1521-induced cell death. Expression profiling after CG-1521 treatment reveals increased expression of genes involved in metabolism and oxidative stress response, and oxidative stress response mutants are hypersensitive to CG-1521 treatment. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species and increased cell death are enhanced in the gcn5Δ deletion mutant, and are abrogated by anti-oxidants, indicating a central role of oxidative stress in CG-1521-induced cell death. In human cell lines, siRNA mediated knockdown of GCN5 or PCAF, or chemical inhibition of GCN5 enzymatic activity, increases the sensitivity to CG-1521 and SAHA. These data suggest that the combination of HDAC and GCN5/PCAF inhibitors can be used for cancer treatment.

Antimicrobial activity of Antrodia camphorata extracts against oral bacteria

Antrodia camphorata (A. camphorata) is a unique, endemic and extremely rare mushroom species native to Taiwan, and both crude extracts of and purified chemical compounds from A. camphorata have been reported to have a variety of significant beneficial effects, such as anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity. However, reports on the effects of A. camphorata against dental pathogens have been limited. Oral health is now recognized as important for overall general health, including conditions such as dental caries, periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) are the most common bacteria associated with dental plaque and periodontopathic diseases, respectively. Thus, our study examined the ability of five various crude extracts of A. camphorata to inhibit the growth of dental bacteria and anti-adherence in vitro. Among the extracts, the ethanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts exhibited the lowest MICs against P. gingivalis and S. mutans (MIC = 4∼16 µg/mL). The MIC of the aqueous extract was greater than 2048 µg/mL against both P. gingivalis and S. mutans. In vitro adherence of S. mutans was significantly inhibited by the addition of either the ethyl acetate extract or chloroform extract (MIC = 16∼24 µg/mL), while the ethanol extract (MIC = 32∼64 µg/mL) exhibited moderate inhibitory activity. Based on the result of this study, the ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of A. camphorata may be good candidates for oral hygiene agents to control dental caries and periodontopathic conditions.

Antrodia camphorata grown on germinated brown rice inhibits HT-29 human colon carcinoma proliferation through inducing G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis by targeting the β-catenin signaling

Antrodia camphorata (AC) has been used as a traditional medicine to treat food and drug intoxication, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypertension, pruritis (skin itch), and liver cancer in East Asia. In this study, we investigated anticancer activities of AC grown on germinated brown rice (CBR) in HT-29 human colon cancer cells. We found that the inhibitory efficacy of CBR 80% ethanol (EtOH) extract on HT-29 and CT-26 cell proliferation was more effective than ordinary AC EtOH 80% extract. Next, 80% EtOH extract of CBR was further separated into four fractions; hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), butanol (BuOH), and water. Among them, CBR EtOAc fraction showed the strongest inhibitory activity against HT-29 cell proliferation. Therefore, CBR EtOAc fraction was chosen for further studies. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining data indicated that CBR EtOAc fraction induced apoptosis. Induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest on human colon carcinoma cell was observed in CBR EtOAc fraction-treated cells. We found that CBR decreased the level of proteins involved in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. CBR EtOAc fraction inhibited the β-catenin signaling pathway, supporting its suppressive activity on the level of cyclin D1. High performance liquid chromatography analysis data indicated that CBR EtOAc fraction contained adenosine. This is the first investigation that CBR has a greater potential as a novel chemopreventive agent than AC against colon cancer. These data suggest that CBR might be useful as a chemopreventive agent against colorectal cancer.

Elucidating the inhibitory mechanisms of the ethanolic extract of the fruiting body of the mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea on the proliferation and migration of murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells and their tumorigenicity in a BALB/c allograft tumor model

The aim of this study was to explore whether the ethanolic extract of Antrodia cinnamomea (EEAC), a medical mushroom form Taiwan, could affect the proliferation and migration of WEHI-3 cells in vitro and to explore the antitumor effects of EEAC in BALB/c mice engrafted with WEHI-3 cells. The results showed that EEAC inhibited the proliferation of WEHI-3 cells, resulting in the accumulation of cell in G0/G1 and G2/M phases, as determined by flow cytometry. Moreover, EEAC markedly reduced the migration of WEHI-3 cells, as determined by a transwell assay. Treatment of WEHI-3 cells with EEAC also decreased MMP-9 protein expression and enzyme activity. The protein levels of p-Akt, p-ERK1/2 were also decreased, whereas the expression of p21 and p27 was increased. Furthermore, in an in vivo model, EEAC treatment reduced the infiltration of WEHI-3 cells into the liver and spleens and decreased tumor growth. Other bioactive compounds, such as cordycepin and zhankuic acid A, have been demonstrated to reduce the expression of MMP-9, cyclin E, cyclin D1 and to increase the expression of p21, p27. This is the first study to investigate that the mechanisms by which EEAC reduce the proliferation and migration of WEHI-3 cells in vitro, as well as the ability of EEAC to reduced infiltration of WEHI-3 cells into the liver and spleen in vivo. The results suggest that EEAC may prove to be useful in future antileukemic therapies.

Antileukemia component, dehydroeburicoic acid from Antrodia camphorata induces DNA damage and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo models

Antrodia camphorata (AC) is a native Taiwanese mushroom which is used in Asian folk medicine as a chemopreventive agent. The triterpenoid-rich fraction (FEA) was obtained from the ethanolic extract of AC and characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). FEA caused DNA damage in leukemia HL 60 cells which was characterized by phosphorylation of H2A.X and Chk2. It also exhibited apoptotic effect which was correlated to the enhancement of PARP cleavage and to the activation of caspase 3. Five major triterpenoids, antcin K (1), antcin C (2), zhankuic acid C (3), zhankuic acid A (4), and dehydroeburicoic acid (5) were isolated from FEA. The cytotoxicity of FEA major components (1-5) was investigated showing that dehydroeburicoic acid (DeEA) was the most potent cytotoxic component. DeEA activated DNA damage and apoptosis biomarkers similar to FEA and also inhibited topoisomerase II. In HL 60 cells xenograft animal model, DeEA treatment resulted in a marked decrease of tumor weight and size without any significant decrease in mice body weights. Taken together, our results provided the first evidence that pure AC component inhibited tumor growth in vivo model backing the traditional anticancer use of AC in Asian countries.

Ethanol extracts of fruiting bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea exhibit anti-migration action in human adenocarcinoma CL1-0 cells through the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways

Cancer metastasis is a primary cause of cancer death. Antrodia cinnamomea (A. cinnamomea), a medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, has been shown antioxidant and anticancer activities. In this study, we first observed that ethanol extract of fruiting bodies of A. cinnamomea (EEAC) exerted a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on migration and motility of CL1-0 cells in the absence of cytotoxicity. The results of a gelatin zymography assay showed that A. cinnamomea suppressed the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot results demonstrated that treatment with A. cinnamomea decreased the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2; while the expression of the endogenous inhibitors of these proteins, i.e., tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) increased. Two major compounds from EEAC codycepin and zhankuic acid A alone and together inhibited MMP-9 and MMP-2 expressions. Further investigation revealed that A. cinnamomea suppressed the phosphorylation of p38, and JNK1/2. A. cinnamomea also suppressed the expressions of PI3K and phosphorylation of AKT. This is the first report confirming the anti-migration activity of this potentially beneficial mushroom against human lung adenocarcinoma CL1-0.

Chemical Constituents from Farfugium Japonicum Var. formosanum

Two new eremophilenolides, 6β8β10β-trihydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8-olide (1) and 3βacetoxy-8α-hydroxy-6β-methoxyeremophila-7(11),9-dien-12,8-olide (2) along with twenty-nine other compounds were obtained from the methanolic extracts of the aerial parts and rhizomes of Farfugium japonicum (L.) Kitam. v ar. formosanum (Hayata) Kitam. (Compositae = Asteraceae). The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized and identified by spectral techniques. Compounds 5, 6, 10, 12-24, 29, and 30, were reported for the first time from this genus. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds were evaluated. Compounds 3 and 16 possessed moderate cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell line (MCF 7). Compounds 3, 16, 25 and 26 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against hepatoma cells (Hep G2 and Hep 3B). With respect to the anti-inflammatory activity, compounds 15 and 16 (each 10 μg/mL) inhibited superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils in response to fMLP/CB by 92.0% and 87.3%, respectively.

Macrophage mediated anti-proliferation effects of Anthodia camphorata non-polysaccharide based extracts on human hepatoma cells

It has been reported that medicinal mushrooms might induce different types of immune responses. Anthodia camphorata (A. camphorata) has attracted much attention for its therapeutic effects in treating hepatoma. We tested this anti-tumor effects using immunomodulation of macrophages and extracts of A. camphorata. We evaluated the anti-proliferation effects of various extracts of A. camphorata from fruiting bodies (AC-FB), mycelium of solid-state cultures (AC-SS), liquid-state cultures (AC-LS) and polyaccharide extracts from liquid-state cultures (AC-PS), and extracts of A. camphorata stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell-conditioned mediums (MC-CMs). We measured cell proliferation and, did migration assays by cell cycle analysis and by observing apoptosis-related proteins (AKT, PARP-1, and NF-κB) and the mRNA expression of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) of macrophages in human hepatoma cell lines. Our results revealed that two of the extracts (AC-FB and AC-SS) had better anti-proliferation effects, implying an immunomodulatory role the macrophages might play. This outcome is consistent with findings that AC-FB and AC-SS increase mRNA expression of TNF-α and the corresponding expression of apoptosis-related proteins on activation of MC-CMs, while A. camphorata polysaccharides induce macrophage-derived anti-tumor activities in human hepatoma cells via IL-1β and Akt activation. These results indicate that anti-tumor effects exerted by modulation of macrophage activation of A. camphorate may be influenced by the other constituents which (contained little or no polysaccharide) of A. camphorata.

Review of Pharmacological Effects of Antrodia camphorata and Its Bioactive Compounds

Antrodia camphorata is a unique mushroom of Taiwan, which has been used as a traditional medicine for protection of diverse health-related conditions. In an effort to translate this Eastern medicine into Western-accepted therapy, a great deal of work has been carried out on A. camphorata. This review discusses the biological activities of the crude extracts and the main bioactive compounds of A. camphorata. The list of bioactivities of crude extracts is huge, ranging from anti-cancer to vasorelaxation and others. Over 78 compounds consisting of terpenoids, benzenoids, lignans, benzoquinone derivatives, succinic and maleic derivatives, in addition to polysaccharides have been identified. Many of these compounds were evaluated for biological activity. Many activities of crude extracts and pure compounds of A. camphorata against some major diseases of our time, and thus, a current review is of great importance. It is concluded that A. camphorata can be considered as an efficient alternative phytotherapeutic agent or a synergizer in the treatment of cancer and other immune-related diseases. However, clinical trails of human on A. camphorata extracts are limited and those of pure compounds are absent. The next step is to produce some medicines from A. camphorata, however, the production may be hampered by problems related to mass production.

Dietary effect of Antrodia Camphorate extracts on immune responses in WEHI-3 leukemia BALB/c mice

Antrodia camphorata has been recognized to be a traditional Chinese medicine for abdominal pain, diarrhea, and to protect against hepatitis virus infection. Several ingredients derived from A. camphorata possess various pharmacological and biological activities such as antioxidant and anticancer. In this study, its ability to promote immune responses and to exhibited antileukemia activity in WEHI-3 leukemia BALB/c mice were investigated. The results indicated A. camphorata significantly prolonged the survival rate and prevented the body weight loss in leukemia mice. Four mg/kg of A. camphorata treatment significantly decreased the weight of the spleen. Both doses (2 and 4 mg/kg) of A. camphorata did not affect Mac-3 marker in leukocytes. However, the 4 mg/kg of A. camphorata decreased the levels of CD11b and both doses of treatment increased CD3 and CD19. With lipopolysaccharide stimulation, the 4 mg/kg of A. camphorata promoted the significant proliferation of leukocytes; but with concanavalin A stimulation, both doses promoted the significant proliferation of leukocytes. YAC-1 target cells were killed by NK cells from the mice after treatment with A. camphorata at 4 mg/kg in target cells at a ratio of 50:1. The percentage of macrophages with phagocyted at A. camphorata treatment increased, and these effects were in dose-dependent manners.

Apoptotic effects of a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fraction of Antrodia camphorata mycelia are mediated by down-regulation of the expressions of four tumor-related genes in human non-small cell lung carcinoma A549 cell

AIM OF THE STUDY

Antrodia camphorata (niu-chang-chih) is a fungus native to Taiwan which is believed to be effective in preventing diseases. Recent reports demonstrate that Antrodia camphorata products induce the apoptosis of various kinds of tumor cells. In this study we determined the inhibitory effects of alcohol extract and individual fractions of alcohol extract on the proliferation of human non-small cell lung carcinoma A549 cell and clarified the mechanism underlying the anti-cancer activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Alcohol extracts of Antrodia camphorata mycelia were prepared by the serial extraction with the solvents with increasing polarity and fractionated using HPLC. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis detection was carried out by subG(1) analysis and annexin V/propidium iodide staining using flow cytometry. The impacts of HPLC fractions on the expression levels of apoptosis- and cancer-related proteins were evaluated by western blotting.

RESULTS

Three HPLC fractions, fractions 5-7, had robust inhibition of human A549 cells and among them fraction 6 (Fr-6) possessed the most potent effectiveness. Apoptotic assay showed that Fr-6-induced human A549 cell apoptosis by triggering the mitochondrial pathway and endothelium reticulum (ER) stress. Immunoblotting results demonstrated that Fr-6 possibly activated ER stress by lowering the expression level of calpain 1/2 small subunit and Fr-6-mediated decrease in cell proliferation might attribute to the suppressive effect on the Erk 1/2 pathway, which arose from Fr-6-derived low galectin-1 expression. Furthermore Fr-6 could diminish Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor alpha (RhoGDI-alpha) expression and subsequently activated c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, which is linked to cell apoptosis. Fr-6 also could decrease the production level of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A, which is a potential cancer intervention target.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the anti-cancer activity of Antrodia camphorata might be due to multiple active metabolites, which work together to induce cell apoptosis via various pathways.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors: a new perspective for the treatment of leukemia

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) promote or enhance several different anticancer mechanisms and therefore are in evidence as potential antileukemia agents. Studies on leukemia have provided examples for their functional implications in cancer development and progression, as well as their relevance for therapeutic targeting. A number of HDIs have been tested in clinical trials and have been proven safe with significant clinical activity. The use of HDIs in association with other molecules, such as classical chemotherapeutic drugs and DNA demethylating agents, has been implied as a promising treatment alternative for leukemia patients in the future. Here we describe the histone deacetylase inhibitors that have been tested in clinical trials for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. We conclude that further clinical trials involving a broader number of HDIs used either alone or in combination with other agents are needed to consolidate the use of these epigenetic modulators on leukemia therapy.

Cytotoxic triterpenoids from the stems of Microtropis japonica

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a methanol extract obtained from stems of Microtropis japonica led to the isolation of six new ursane-type triterpenoids (1-6) and a new 2,3-seco-oleanane-type triterpenoid (7), together with seven known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic data analysis. Among the known compounds isolated, the main component, 8 (ursolic acid), was active for HL60 cells, and its effects on histone hyperacetylation and the inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity were investigated.