Anticancer Potential of Syzygium Species: a Review

Clove Essential Oil: Chemical Profile, Biological Activities, Encapsulation Strategies, and Food Applications

Plants have proven to be important sources for discovering new compounds that are useful in the treatment of various diseases due to their phytoconstituents. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), an aromatic plant widely cultivated around the world, has been traditionally used for food preservation and medicinal purposes. In particular, clove essential oil (CEO) has attracted attention for containing various bioactive compounds, such as phenolics (eugenol and eugenol acetate), terpenes (β-caryophyllene and α-humulene), and hydrocarbons. These constituents have found applications in cosmetics, food, and medicine industries due to their bioactivity. Pharmacologically, CEO has been tested against a variety of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms, demonstrating antibacterial and antifungal properties. Additionally, many studies have also demonstrated the analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects of this essential oil. However, CEO could degrade for different reasons, impacting its quality and bioactivity. To address this challenge, encapsulation is viewed as a promising strategy that could prolong the shelf life of CEO, improving its physicochemical stability and application in various areas. This review examines the phytochemical composition and biological activities of CEO and its constituents, as well as extraction methods to obtain it. Moreover, encapsulation strategies for CEO and numerous applications in different food fields are also highlighted.

Undescribed Triterpenes from the Leaves of Syzygium myrsinifolium with Their α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibition Activity

Two undescribed triterpenes, syzyfolium A (1) and syzyfolium B (2), together with twelve known compounds, terminolic acid (3), actinidic acid (4), piscidinol A (5), threo-dihydroxydehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (6), lariciresinol-4-O-β-D-glucoside (7), icariol A2 (8), 14β,15β-dihydroxyklaineanone (9), garcimangosone D (10), (+)-catechin (11), myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (12), quercitrin (13), and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl-(6'-O-galloyl)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (14) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium myrsinifolium. Their chemical structures were determined by IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Compounds 3 and 4 inhibited significantly α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 23.99 and 36.84, respectively, and compounds 1 and 2 inhibited significantly α-amylase with IC50 values of 35.48 and 43.65 μM, respectively.

Chemical profiling and dermatological and anti-aging properties of Syzygium jambos L. (Alston): evidence from molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and in vitro experiments

The phytoconstituents of the aqueous extract from Syzygium jambos L. (Alston) leaves were defined using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS and the antioxidant, anti-aging, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm activities of the extract were in silico and in vitro investigated. The antioxidant activities were performed using in vitro DPPH and FRAP assays as well as H2-DCFDA assay in HaCaT cells in which oxidative stress was induced by UVA radiation. Anti-aging activity was tested in vitro, using aging-related enzymes. The antibacterial, anti-biofilm and inhibitory effects on bacterial mobilities (swarming and swimming) were assessed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results showed that S. jambos aqueous extract contained 28 phytochemicals belonging to different metabolite classes, mainly phenolic acids, gallic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and ellagitannins. Mineral content analysis showed that S. jambos leaves contained moderate amounts of nitrogen, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc, relatively low amounts of phosphorus and copper, and high concentration of calcium and iron. The extract displayed strong antioxidant activities in vitro and inhibited UVA-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. Docking the major compounds identified in the extract into the four main protein targets involved in skin aging revealed an appreciable inhibitory potential of these compounds against tyrosinase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and collagenase enzymes. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulations were adopted to confirm the binding affinity of some selected compounds towards the target enzymes. The extract exhibited pronounced in vitro anti-aging effects, compared to kojic acid and quercetin (the reference compounds). It also inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa, counteracted its ability to form biofilm, and impeded its swarming and swimming mobilities. Altogether, these findings strongly propose S. jambos leaves as a promising source of bioactive metabolites for the development of natural cosmeceutical and dermatological agents.

Major Bioactive Compounds from Java Plum Seeds: An Investigation of Its Extraction Procedures and Clinical Effects

Java plum is widely recognized as a plant with valuable medicinal properties, originating from Indonesia and India and distributed globally in the tropic and sub-tropic regions of the world. The plant is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, phenyl propanoids, terpenes, tannins, and lipids. The phytoconstituents of the plant seeds possess various vital pharmacological activities and clinical effects including their antidiabetic potential. The bioactive phytoconstituents of Java plum seeds include jambosine, gallic acid, quercetin, β-sitosterol, ferulic acid, guaiacol, resorcinol, p-coumaric acid, corilagin, ellagic acid, catechin, epicatechin, tannic acid, 4,6 hexahydroxydiphenoyl glucose, 3,6-hexahydroxy diphenoylglucose, 1-galloylglucose, and 3-galloylglucose. Considering all the potential beneficial effects of the major bioactive compounds present in the Jamun seeds, in the current investigation, the specific clinical effects and the mechanism of action for the major bioactive compounds along with the extraction procedures are discussed.

New Isopropyl Chromone and Flavanone Glucoside Compounds from the Leaves of Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry and Their Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production

A new isopropyl chromone (1) and a new flavanone glucoside (2) together with eleven known compounds (3-13) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry. Their structures were elucidated as 5,7-dihydroxy-2-isopropyl-6,8-dimethyl-4H-chromen-4-one (1), 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone 7-O-β-D-(6''-O-galloylglucopyranoside) (2), strobopinin (3), demethoxymatteucinol (4), pinocembrin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), (2S)-hydroxynaringenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), afzelin (7), quercetin (8), kaplanin (9), endoperoxide G3 (10), grasshopper (11), vomifoliol (12), litseagermacrane (13) by the analysis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and CD spectral data. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6 and 10 inhibited NO production on LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 12.28±1.15, 8.52±1.62, 7.68±0.87, 9.67±0.57, and 6.69±0.34 μM, respectively, while the IC50 values of the other compounds ranging from 33.38±0.78 to 86.51±2.98 μM, compared to that of the positive control, NG -monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA) with an IC50 value of 32.50±1.00 μM.

Anticancer acumens of three Annona species: a proportional review

INTRODUCTION

Cumulative pattern of cancer could be seen in day-to-day life with each passing year and, it is becoming a great matter of concern especially to the scientific community worldwide. Alternative treatment methods for various types of cancer are in place and, being continuously worked out. Plant-derived natural substances have shown great results in combating cancer in comparison to chemo and radiotherapies which are toxic besides having serious side effects. In continuation, Annona species, native to America, Africa, Asia and Australia have been used in folk medicines and, are reported to have many anti-carcinogenic substances.

METHODS

For a prudent understanding of Annona species against various cancers, comparative investigation and analysis of three species viz., A. cherimola, A. muricata, and A. squamosa was undertaken through a detailed review of the in-attendance subject. The major scientific biomedical literature databases were consulted and the information available from 2011 until January 2021 was taken into account.

RESULTS

Studies on anti-cancer activities along with the thorough analysis of the findings and the pieces of evidence supporting their anti-proliferative, apoptosis, G₁ cell cycle arrest and cytotoxic effects are described. A. muricata displayed maximum number of anti-cancer activities being revealed by most of its parts with the lowest IC₅₀ values against various cancer cell lines compared to A. cherimola and A. squamosa. On account of the findings, it is advocated that, further detailed studies on anti-cancer explorations of Annona species could be proved fruitful in paving new and innovative methodologies for novel anti-cancer drug discovery and development.

Anticancer of genus Syzygium: a systematic review

Aim

One in eight fatalities globally are considered cancer-related. The need for cancer therapy is growing. Natural products continue to play a role in drug development, as up to 50% of authorized drugs in the last 30 years have been isolated from natural sources.

Methods

Anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other actions have all been reported in research papers using plants from the Syzygium genus in the treatment and prevention of disease.

Results

Results from the anticancer test showed that the genus, especially Syzygium aqueum, Syzygium samarangense, and Syzygium cumini had significant promise as an anticancer agent in vitro against several cancer cell lines. Numerous factors, including phytochemical composition, increased apoptotic activity, decreased cell proliferation, stopped angiogenesis, and reduced inflammation.

Conclusions

These results, despite preliminary, show promise for further purification and investigation of bioactive compounds and extracts within the genus Syzygium for their anticancer properties.

Syzygium jambos L. Alston: An Insight Into its Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses, and Pharmacological Properties

Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for human healthcare as drugs, spices, and food additives. The progress in technology and medicine observed, the last decades, has improved the quality of life and healthcare but with worrisome drawbacks. Side effects caused by synthetic drugs for instance originate sometimes irreversible health disorders. Natural substances, in contrast, are biologically and environmentally friendly. Syzygium jambos L. (Alston) also known as rose apple conveys a long history as essential traditional medicine with a broad spectrum of application in various cultures. The plant discloses a diverse group of secondary metabolites and extracts that displayed major susceptibilities towards various health concerns especially stress-related and inflammatory diseases. Despite a rich literature about the plant, the chemistry and biology of S. jambos have not been comprehensively reviewed yet. Accordingly, we present herein a literature survey of rose apple which aims to draw the chemical identity of the plant and establish a consistent discussion on the respective biological application of plant extracts and their corresponding traditional uses. The present work could provide a scientific basis for future studies and necessary information for further investigations of new drug discovery.

Syzygium cumini (jamun) fruit-extracted phytochemicals exert anti-proliferative effect on ovarian cancer cells

Background

The medicinal properties of Syzygium sp., especially the antidiabetic property, date back to the ancient times. However, in the recent past, extracts from different parts of the Syzygium sp. have demonstrated promising anticancer activities in diverse cancer types, and now, attempts are being made to identify the active phytochemicals.

Aims and Objectives

In this study, we intended to test the anticancer properties of phytochemicals extracted from the fruit of Syzygium cumini plant in ovarian cancer cells.

Materials and Methods

A total of nine phytochemicals extracted from the S. cumini fruits using chloroform were tested for their anticancer activity in the ovarian cancer cell line PA-1. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tetrazolium assay was performed to calculate the 50% inhibition (IC50) concentration and cell cytotoxicity values. Cell scratch assay was performed to assess the proliferation inhibition activity of the phytochemicals. Cisplatin was used as positive control.

Results

Out of the nine phytochemicals tested, quercetin (QC), gallic acid (GA), and oleanolic acid (OA) were found active. QC and GA were most effective with more than 90% cell cytotoxicity at 2.5 µ g/ml and above concentrations and OA moderately effective up to 5 µg/ml serial concentrations. Cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by QC and GA and moderately but significantly by OA.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate the anticancer activity of QC, GA, and OA phytochemicals, which is consistent with the previous reports. However, this is the first report showing the anticancer activity of these phytochemicals derived from S. cumini in the ovarian cancer cells. These data suggest that there is a potential to develop these phytochemicals as anticancer therapeutic agents either as monotherapeutic agents or in combination with commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, which needs to be explored.

Evaluation of the Anti-cancer Effect of Syzygium cumini Ethanolic Extract on HT-29 Colorectal Cell Line

INTRODUCTION

GLOBOCAN 2018 data indicates the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer that is the third lethal and fourth most diagnosed cancer in the world. There has been significant progress in cancer therapy while the ability of cancerous cells to survive is one of the main challenges in cancer research. Still, conventional therapies like surgery, chemo, and radiotherapy are widely used options. Therefore, efforts put in action by researchers in the field of drug design, molecular genetics, and biomedicine to come across safer substances with the minimum unwanted side effects to be utilized in cancer treatment. Plant-derived compounds are ideal options as they might have a better outcome with minimal side effects.

METHODS

In the current research, the anti-cancer effect of Syzygium cumini ethanolic extract (SCE) was evaluated on the HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line. To this end, the apoptosis rate and proliferation of HT-29 cell lines after exposure to SCE were investigated through MTT, and other methods including DNA damage assessment and scratch test also employed to evaluate the metastasis and cell migration capacity of HT-29 after treatment with SCE. Behind that, expression ration of genes involved in the process of apoptosis has been studied, including Bax and Bcl-2 that were measured by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Based on the MTT test, SCE suppresses the growth of HT-29 cell lines drastically. Expression analysis of the ratio of desired genes (Bax: Bcl-2) also changed significantly after treatment by SCE. DNA damage test confirmed DNA lost its integrity and gone through apoptosis, and wound healing suggests the lower change of metastasis after treatment by SCE.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of this study suggests that Syzygium cumini might be contemplating as a future chemotherapeutic agent and suitable candidate for in vivo trial.

Antiproliferative activity of Syzygium coriaceum, an endemic plant of Mauritius, with its UPLC-MS metabolite fingerprint: A mechanistic study

Flowering plants from the Syzygium genus have long been used in different ethnomedicinal systems worldwide and have been under scrutiny for their biological activities. Syzygium coriaceum, an endemic plant of Mauritius has been poorly studied for its potential application against cancer. Herein, Syzygium coriaceum leaf extract has been investigated for its anticancer effect against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The anticancer activity was assessed using cell proliferation assays, flow cytometry, JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and the COMET assay. Un-targeted metabolite profiling via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution qTOF-MS (UPLC-MS) and aided by molecular networking was employed to identify the crude extract metabolites. S. coriaceum treatment induced a dose-dependent increase in lactate dehydrogenase leakage into the culture media, peaking up to 47% (p ≤ 0.0001), compared to untreated control. Moreover, at 40 μg/mL, S. coriaceum led to 88.1% (p ≤ 0.0001) drop in mitochondrial membrane potential and 5.7% (p ≤ 0.001) increased in the number of the cell population in G0/G1 phase as well as increased (p < 0.05) the proportion of cells undergoing apoptotic/necrotic cell death. More so, at 10 μg/mL, S. coriaceum induced DNA damage which was 19 folds (p < 0.001) higher than that of untreated control cells. Metabolite profiling indicated the presence of 65 metabolites, out of which 59 were identified. Tannins, flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds, and organic acids were the most predominant classes of compounds detected. Our findings showed that the presence of tannins and flavonoids in S. coriaceum leaf extract could account for the multiple mechanisms of actions underlying the antiproliferative effect against HepG2 cells.

Mechanistic insights into dimethyl cardamonin-mediated pharmacological effects: A double control of the AMPK-HMGB1 signaling axis

Dimethyl cardamonin (DMC) has been isolated from diverse plants, notably from Cleistocalyx operculatus. We have reviewed the pharmacological properties of this natural product which displays anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-cancer properties. The pharmacological activities essentially derive from the capacity of DMC to interact with the protein targets HMGB1 and AMPK. Upon binding to HMGB1, DMC inhibits the nucleocytoplasmic transfer of the protein and its extracellular secretion, thereby blocking its alarmin function. DMC also binds to the AMP site of AMPK to activate phospho-AMPK and then to trigger downstream signals leading to the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic effects. AMPK activation by DMC reinforces inhibition of HMGB1, to further reduce the release of the alarmin protein, likely contributing to the anticancer effects. The characterization of a tight control of DMC over the AMPK-HMGB1 axis not only helps to explain the known activities of DMC but also suggests opportunities to use this chalcone to treat other pathological conditions such as the acute respiratory distress syndrome (which affects patients with COVID-19). DMC structural analogues are also evoked.

Therapeutic application of Carica papaya leaf extract in the management of human diseases

INTRODUCTION

Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) belongs to the family Caricaceae and is well known for its therapeutic and nutritional properties all over the world. The different parts of the papaya plant have been used since ancient times for its therapeutic applications. Herein, we aimed to review the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antiviral activities of papaya leaf.

METHODS

All information presented in this review article regarding the therapeutic application of Carica papaya leaf extract has been acquired by approaching various electronic databases, including Scopus, Google scholar, Web of science, and PubMed. The keywords Carica papaya, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and phytochemicals were explored until December 2019.

RESULTS

The papaya plant, including fruit, leaf, seed, bark, latex, and their ingredients play a major role in the management of disease progression. Carica papaya leaf contains active components such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids, which are responsible for its medicinal activity. Additionally, the leaf juice of papaya increases the platelet counts in people suffering from dengue fever.

CONCLUSION

The major findings revealed that papaya leaf extract has strong medicinal properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, clinical trials are needed to explore the medicative potential of papaya leaf. Graphical abstract Graphical abstract showing the medicinal properties of Carica papaya leaf.

Targeting the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway Using Phytocompounds for Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Cancer is a prevalent cause of mortality around the world. Aberrated activation of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway promotes tumorigenesis. Natural agents, including phytochemicals, exhibit potent anticancer activities via various mechanisms. However, the therapeutic potency of phytoconstituents as inhibitors of JAK/STAT signaling against cancer has only come into focus in recent days. The current review highlights phytochemicals that can suppress the JAK/STAT pathway in order to impede cancer cell growth. Various databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SpringerLink, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using relevant keywords. Once the authors were in agreement regarding the suitability of a study, a full-length form of the relevant article was obtained, and the information was gathered and cited. All the complete articles that were incorporated after the literature collection rejection criteria were applied were perused in-depth and material was extracted based on the importance, relevance, and advancement of the apprehending of the JAK/STAT pathway and their relation to phytochemicals. Based on the critical and comprehensive analysis of literature presented in this review, phytochemicals from diverse plant origins exert therapeutic and cancer preventive effects, at least in part, through regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Nevertheless, more preclinical and clinical research is necessary to completely comprehend the capability of modulating JAK/STAT signaling to achieve efficient cancer control and treatment.

<i>Syzygium samarangense</i> Volatile Oil Inhibited Bacteria Growth and Extracellular Protease of <i>Salmonella typhimurium</i>

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Medicinal plants are fast becoming essential pharmaceuticals for disease and infection management. The vast antimicrobial properties of these plants reside in the inhibitory properties of their endogenous secondary metabolites. Therefore, this study aimed to assess if the volatile oil of Syzygium samarangense inhibits enteric bacteria growth and its effect against the caseinolytic activity of the extracellular protease of Salmonella typhimurium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The volatile oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, while the antimicrobial assay was assessed with the microdilution method. The extracellular protease was partially purified by salting out, followed by size-exclusion chromatography. The mode of inhibition of this enzyme was deduced from the enzyme-substrate kinetics using a line-weaver burke plot.

RESULTS

The antimicrobial properties of the oil were reported against ten enteric bacteria. Proteus vulgaris has the highest IC50 value of 0.75±0.004% v/v, while S. typhimurium, the most sensitive bacterium, showed the lowest IC50 value of 0.17±0.005% v/v. The extracellular protease of S. typhimurium was partially purified to achieve 3.73 purification fold and 314.2 μmol min-1 mg-1 protein. The optimal caseinolytic activity of this enzyme was found at pH 7.5 and 40 °C. The protease showed significantly higher activity in the presence of Zn2+ (9.3±0.33 U min-1) as compared to the control (7.0±0.58 U min-1) (p<0.05), however, K+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ba2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+ considerably reduced the enzyme activity. The activity of this enzyme was competitively inhibited by the volatile oil as an inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

The volatile oil of S. samarangense inhibited a wide range of enteric bacteria and, therefore proposed as a potential antimicrobial agent. Inhibiting the extracellular protease of S. typhimurium may be one of its modes of action against these pathogens.

Treatment of the bone marrow stromal stem cell supernatant by nasal administration-a new approach to EAE therapy

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). CNS has its own unique structural and functional features, while the lack of precision regulatory element with high specificity as therapeutic targets makes the development of disease treatment in the bottleneck. Recently, the immunomodulation and neuroprotection capabilities of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) were shown in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the administration route and the safety evaluation limit the application of BMSC. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of BMSC supernatant by nasal administration.

Methods

In the basis of the establishment of the EAE model, the BMSC supernatant were treated by nasal administration. The clinical score and weight were used to determine the therapeutic effect. The demyelination of the spinal cord was detected by LFB staining. ELISA was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors in serum of peripheral blood. Flow cytometry was performed to detect pro-inflammatory cells in the spleen and draining lymph nodes.

Results

BMSC supernatant by nasal administration can alleviate B cell-mediated clinical symptoms of EAE, decrease the degree of demyelination, and reduce the inflammatory cells infiltrated into the central nervous system; lessen the antibody titer in peripheral bloods; and significantly lower the expression of inflammatory factors. As a new, non-invasive treatment, there are no differences in the therapeutic effects between BMSC supernatant treated by nasal route and the conventional applications, i.e. intraperitoneal or intravenous injection.

Conclusions

BMSC supernatant administered via the nasal cavity provide new sights and new ways for the EAE therapy.

Selective and Apoptotic Action of Ethanol Extract of Annona cherimola Seeds against Human Stomach Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cell Line AGS

Annona cherimola is a tree belonging to the family Annonacea, whose fruit (cherimoya) is very desirable, but its seeds are considered waste. Present in these seeds are compounds that have been described as selective antiproliferative agents for cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of ethanol macerate extract (EMCHS) obtained from A. cherimola seeds against the human stomach gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell line and the normal human gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1). The EMCHS extract presented an IC₅₀ of 80.43 μg/mL in AGS cells, and a selectivity index (SI) of 3.5-fold higher than that of cisplatin. In addition, the EMCHS extract showed apoptotic activity in AGS cells since 50 μg/mL. Overxpression of PUMA gene in both cells demonstrate that EMCHS activate the apoptotic route. Future studies should be carried out to elucidate anticancer activity of EMCHS in vivo. This work represents the first showing antiproliferative effects of crude extracts obtained from seeds of A. cherimola in AGS cells.