Antiproliferative and Apoptosis Inducing Effects of Non-Polar Fractions from Lawsonia inermis L. in Cervical (HeLa) Cancer Cells

In silico and in vitro studies on the anti-cancer activity of artemetin, vitexicarpin and penduletin compounds from Vitex negundo

Vitex negundo L. (V. negundo) is one of the important medicinal and anticancer enhancer herbs. This plant is commonly used in the preparation of traditional drugs to treat numerous diseases. Inspired by the medicinal properties of this plant, the current study aimed to investigate antiproliferative potential and the primary molecular mechanisms of the apoptotic induction against human HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines, by pure compounds isolated from targeted fractions of V. negundo which were characterized by NMR, FTIR and HRMS analysis and identified as artemetin (FLV1), vitexicarpin (FLV2), and penduletin (FLV3) compounds. The FLV1, FLV2, and FLV3 compounds were evaluated for the antiproliferative potential against HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines by cell viability assay and exhibited IC₅₀ values of 2.3, 23.9 and 5.6 µM and 3.9, 25.8, and 6.4 µM, respectively. In addition, those compounds increased the level of reactive oxygen species production, induced cell death occurred via apoptosis, demonstrated by Annexin V-staining cells, contributed significantly to DNA damage, and led to the activation of caspase3/caspase8 pathways.Additionally, molecular docking was also conducted to rationalize the cancer cells inhibitory and to evaluate the ability of the FLV1, FLV2, and FLV3 compounds to be developed as good drug candidates for cancers treatment.

Targeting Akt/NF-κB/p53 Pathway and Apoptosis Inducing Potential of 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic Acid, Bis (2-Methyl Propyl) Ester Isolated from Onosma bracteata Wall. against Human Osteosarcoma (MG-63) Cells

Onosma bracteata Wall. is an important medicinal and immunity-enhancing herbs. This plant is commonly used in the preparation of traditional Ayurvedic drugs to treat numerous diseases. Inspired by the medicinal properties of this plant, the present study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative potential and the primary molecular mechanisms of the apoptotic induction against human osteosarcoma (MG-63) cells. Among all the fractions isolated from O. bracteata, ethyl acetate fraction (Obea) showed good antioxidant activity in superoxide radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay with an EC50 value of 95.12 and 80.67 µg/mL, respectively. Silica gel column chromatography of ethyl acetate (Obea) fraction of O. bracteata yielded a pure compound, which was characterized by NMR, FTIR, and HR-MS analysis and was identified as 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid, bis (2-methyl propyl) ester (BDCe fraction). BDCe fraction was evaluated for the antiproliferative potential against human osteosarcoma MG-63, human neuroblastoma IMR-32, and human lung carcinoma A549 cell lines by MTT assay and exhibited GI50 values of 37.53 μM, 56.05 μM, and 47.12 μM, respectively. In Mg-63 cells, the BDCe fraction increased the level of ROS and simultaneously decreased the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) potential by arresting cells at the G0/G1 phase, suggesting the initiation of apoptosis. Western blotting analysis revealed the upregulation of p53, caspase3, and caspase9 while the expressions of p-NF-κB, p-Akt and Bcl-xl were decreased. RT-qPCR studies also showed upregulation in the expression of p53 and caspase3 and downregulation in the expression of CDK2, Bcl-2 and Cyclin E genes. Molecular docking analysis displayed the interaction between BDCe fraction with p53 (−151.13 kcal/mol) and CDK1 (−133.96 kcal/mol). The results of the present work suggest that the BDCe fraction has chemopreventive properties against osteosarcoma (MG-63) cells through the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via Akt/NF-κB/p53 pathways. This study contributes to the understanding of the utilization of BDCe fraction in osteosarcoma treatment.

Diacetoxy iodobenzene mediated regioselective synthesis and characterization of novel [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines: apoptosis inducer, antiproliferative activities and molecular docking studies

Prompt and regioselective synthesis of eleven novel [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines 2a-2k, via intramolecular oxidative-cyclization of 2-(2-arylidenehydrazinyl)-4-methyl-6-phenylpyrimidine derivatives 1a-1k has been demonstrated here using diacetoxy iodobenzene (DIB) as inexpensive and ecofriendly hypervalent iodine(III) reagent in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. Regiochemistry of final product has been established by developing single crystal and studied X-ray crystallographic data for two derivatives 2c and 2h without any ambiguity. These prominent [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines were evaluated for human osteosarcoma bone cancer (MG-63) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines using MTT assay to find potent antiproliferative agent and also on testicular germ cells to find potent apoptotic inducing activities. All compounds show significant cytotoxicity, particularly 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-7-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidine (2g) was found significant apoptotic inducing molecule, as well as the most potent cytotoxic agent against bone cancer (MG-63) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines with GI₅₀ value 148.96 µM and 114.3 µM respectively. Molecular docking studies has been carried out to see the molecular interactions of synthesized compounds with the protein thymidylate synthase (PBD ID: 2G8D).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Lawsonia inermis essential oil: extraction optimization by RSM, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxydation and antiproliferative effects

BACKGROUND

The present study was focused on the optimization of yield of the essential oil extraction from leaves of Lawsonia inermis, and the determination of chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and lipid peroxydation and antiproliferative effects.

METHODS

Henna essential oil (HeEO) were extracted by hydrodistillation; the identification of the chemical composition were done by GC/MS method. HeEO was analyzed for antioxidant power in: (1) chemical system by the DPPH test, the ABTS test and the total antioxidant activity test; and (2) in biological system by lipid peroxydation tests (MDA and DC) in cells culture. The cytotoxicity effects of HeEO were assessed using MTT assay against Raji and HeLa cell lines.

RESULTS

The optimal extraction yield was 6.8 g/100 g d.b. HeEO showed a remarkable anti-oxidant activities including DDPH (42%), ABTS (87%) and the power of ammonium phosphomolybdate (2992 ± 230 mg of HeEO by equivalent to 1 mg of vitamin C in terms of total antioxidant power).

CONCLUSION

Beyond notable antioxidant activities of the HeEo, our results showed a significant decrease in the production of ERO in the Raji cell line. The anti-tumor power of the Henna essential oil shows an interesting cytotoxicity effect (IC₅₀ at 0.26 μg/mL for Raji and at 1.43 μg/mL for HeLa) with a total mortality percentage reaching 60%, for both.

Anti-Proliferative Effects of Methanol and Water Extracts of Pyrrosia piloselloides on the Hela Human Cervical Carcinoma Cell Line

Background:

Cervical cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed neoplasms and a leading cause of cancer death among females worldwide. Limitations with conventional medical treatments have driven researchers to search for alternative approaches using natural products. This study aimed to detemine potential anti-proliferative effects of methanol and water extracts of Pyrrosia piloselloides (P. piloselloides) on the HeLa cell line.

Methods:

3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were performed to determine IC50 concentrations and apoptosis analysis was by flow cytometry. To identify chemical compounds in the extracts, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed.

Results:

P. piloselloides methanol extracts (PPME) showed antiproliferative effects on HeL awith an IC50 of 16.25μg/mL while the P. piloselloides water extract (PPWE) was without influence. Neither extract showed any significant effects on apoptosis. GC-MS analysis, revealed 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (23.1%), allopurinol (8.66%) and 3, 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydropyran-4-one (7.41%) as major components in the PPME, while sulfolan-3-ol (10.1%), linoleic acid (9.06%) and β-sitosterol acetate (7.98%) predominated in the PPWE case.

Conclusion:

This first study of P. piloselloides showed PPME to exert potent anti-proliferative effect on HeLa cell lines. Further research now needs to be performed to establish the mechanisms of inhibition.

Adverse Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extracts and the Major Components in the Stems of Impatiens balsamina L. on Caenorhabditis elegans

Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae), an annual herb found throughout China, has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, our knowledge regarding the adverse effects of I. balsamina in vivo is very limited. In this present study, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans model was employed to fully assess the adverse effects of hydroalcoholic (EtOH 55%) extracts of I. balsamina stems (HAEIBS) in vivo. After exposure to 10 mg/mL HAEIBS, the major organism-level endpoints of C. elegans of percent survival, frequency of head thrash and body bends, and reproduction had decreased by 24%, 30%, and 25%, respectively. The lifespan of C. elegans was also greatly reduced after HAEIBS exposure compared to the controls. The active compounds in HAEIBS were separated using high speed countercurrent chromatograph (HSCCC) and characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Two compounds, lawsone and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (MNQ), and their adverse effects were then more thoroughly detailed in this study. It was found that lawsone is the major toxin in HAEIBS with a higher toxicity than MNQ in terms of negative impact on C. elegans mortality, locomotion, reproduction, and lifespan. Our data also suggests that the C. elegans model may be useful for assessing the possible toxicity of other Chinese medicines, plant extracts, and/or compounds.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves against 2-acetylaminofluorene induced hepatic damage in male Wistar rats

Background

Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant, traditionally known for curing several ailments such as skin diseases, bacterial infections, jaundice, renal lithiases and inflammation etc. The present work deals with assessment of in vitro antioxidant and in vivo hepatoprotective potential of butanolic fraction (But-LI) of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves.

Methods

Antioxidant activity was evaluated using deoxyribose degradation, lipid peroxidation inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. In vivo protective potential of But-LI was assessed at 3 doses [100, 200 & 400 mg/kg body weight (bw)] against 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) induced hepatic damage in male Wistar rats.

Results

But-LI effectively scavenged hydroxyl radicals in deoxyribose degradation assay (IC₅₀ 149.12 μg/ml). Fraction also inhibited lipid peroxidation and demonstrated appreciable reducing potential in FRAP assay. Treatment of animals with 2-AAF resulted in increased hepatic parameters such as SGOT (2.22 fold), SGPT (1.72 fold), ALP (5.68 fold) and lipid peroxidation (2.94 fold). Different concentration of But-LI demonstrated pronounced protective effects via decreasing levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and lipid peroxidation altered by 2-AAF treatment. But-LI administration also restored the normal liver architecture as evident from histopathological studies.

Conclusions

The present experimental findings revealed that phytoconstituents of Lawsonia inermis L. possess potential to effectively protect rats from the 2-AAF induced hepatic damage in vivo possibly by inhibition of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation.

Chemical composition and inhibitory effects of water extract of Henna leaves on reactive oxygen species, DNA scission and proliferation of cancer cells

From the centuries, Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna) is utilized in traditional health care system as a medicinal and cosmetic agent. The present study was intended to assess antiradical, DNA protective and antiproliferative activity of water extract of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves (W-LI). Antioxidant activity was estimated using various in vitro assays such as DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion radical scavenging, FRAP, deoxyribose degradation and DNA protection assay. Growth inhibitory effects of W-LI were assessed using MTT assay against different cancer cell lines viz. HeLa, MCF-7, A549, C6 and COLO-205. From the results of antioxidant assays, it was found that W-LI quenched DPPH and ABTS cation radicals with IC₅₀ value of 352.77 µg/ml and 380.87 µg/ml respectively. It demonstrated hydroxyl radical scavenging potential of 59.75 % at highest test dose of 1000 µg/ml in deoxyribose degradation assay. The results of FRAP assay showed that W-LI also possesses significant reducing activity. Extract inhibited hydroxyl radical induced pBR322 plasmid DNA strand scission, thus conferring DNA protection. Growth inhibition of various cancer cell lines was achieved to the varying extent on treatment with W-LI. Further, it was observed that activity was quite promising against colon cancer COLO-205 cells (GI₅₀ 121.03 µg/ml). HPLC profiling of W-LI revealed the presence of different polyphenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol etc. which might be contributing towards antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. The present study demonstrated that polyphenols rich W-LI extract from leaves of L. inermis possesses ability to inhibit oxidative radicals and cancer cells proliferation.

Different Cell Viability Assays Reveal Inconsistent Results After Bleomycin Electrotransfer In Vitro

The aim of this study was to compare different and commonly used cell viability assays after CHO cells treatment with anticancer drug bleomycin (20 nM), high voltage (HV) electric pulses (4 pulses, 1200 V/cm, 100 µs, 1 Hz), and combination of bleomycin and HV electric pulses. Cell viability was measured using clonogenic assay, propidium iodide (PI) assay, MTT assay, and employing flow cytometry modality to precisely count cells in definite volume of the sample (flow cytometry assay). Results showed that although clonogenic cell viability drastically decreased correspondingly to 57 and 3 % after cell treatment either with HV pulses or combination of bleomycin and HV pulses (bleomycin electrotransfer), PI assay performed ~15 min after the treatments indicated nearly 100 % cell viability. MTT assay performed at 6-72 h time points after these treatments revealed that MTT cell viability is highly dependent on evaluation time point and decreased with later evaluation time points. Nevertheless, in comparison to clonogenic cell viability, MTT cell viability after bleomycin electrotransfer at all testing time points was significantly higher. Flow cytometry assay if used at later times, 2-3 days after the treatment, allowed reliable evaluation of cell viability. In overall, our results showed that in order to estimate cell viability after cell treatment with combination of the bleomycin and electroporation the most reliable method is clonogenic assay. Improper use of PI and MTT assays can lead to misinterpretation of the experimental results.