Inhibitory Effect of Alpha-Mangostin to Dengue Virus Replication and Cytokines Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Dengue havoc: overview and eco-friendly strategies to forestall the current epidemic

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that affects over 100 nations around the world, including Africa, America, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. Those who get infected by virus for the second time are at greater risk of having persistent dengue symptoms. Dengue fever has yet to be treated with a long-lasting vaccination or medication. Because of their ease of use, mosquito repellents have become popular as a dengue prevention technique. However, this has resulted in environmental degradation and harm, as well as bioaccumulation and biomagnification of hazardous residues in the ecosystem. Synthetic pesticides have caused a plethora of serious problems that were not foreseen when they were originally introduced. The harm caused by the allopathic medications/synthetic pesticides/chemical mosquito repellents has paved the door to employment of eco-friendly/green approaches in order to reduce dengue cases while protecting the integrity of the nearby environment too. Since the cases of dengue have become rampant these days, hence, starting the medication obtained from green approaches as soon as the disease is detected is advisable. In the present paper, we recommend environmentally friendly dengue management strategies, which, when combined with a reasonable number of vector control approaches, may help to avoid the dengue havoc as well as help in maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.

α-Mangostin and lawsone methyl ether in tooth gel synergistically increase its antimicrobial and antibiofilm formation effects in vitro

OBJECTIVES

α-Mangostin (α-MG) and lawsone methyl ether (LME) show antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities. The objectives of this study were to develop a herbal tooth gel containing α-MG and LME plus fluoride and determine its antimicrobial, anti-biofilm formation, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and enamel microhardness effects.

METHODS

Antimicrobial assays against Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans were performed. The microbes' ultrastructural morphology was assessed using Transmission Electron Microscopy. The effect on microbial biofilm formation was tested by a broth microdilution. Cell viability was assessed with MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated by measuring inhibition of nitric oxide production. Enamel microhardness was measured via Vickers microhardness testing. The enamel chemical composition was investigated with Fourier Transform Spectrometer. The enamel surface morphology and fluoride content were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The results show synergistic effects of α-MG and LME on antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm formation without cytotoxicity at a therapeutic dose. At a higher dose, the tooth gel inhibited proliferation of cancer cell line. Enamel microhardness was increased after brushing with the tooth gel plus fluoride. A large amount of fluoride was detected on the enamel surface.

CONCLUSION

The tooth gel containing α-MG and LME synergized its antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm formation and inhibited oral cancer cell proliferation. Incorporating fluoride into the tooth gel increased enamel microhardness. Thus, the herbal tooth gel containing α-MG and LME plus fluoride may be useful for preventing dental caries and promoting oral health.

Biochemical features and therapeutic potential of α-Mangostin: Mechanism of action, medicinal values, and health benefits

α-Mangostin (α-MG) is a natural xanthone obtained from the pericarps of mangosteen. It exhibits excellent potential, including anti-cancer, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and induces apoptosis. α-MG controls cell proliferation by modulating signaling molecules, thus implicated in cancer therapy. It possesses incredible pharmacological features and modulates crucial cellular and molecular factors. Due to its lesser water solubility and pitiable target selectivity, α-MG has limited clinical application. As a known antioxidant, α-MG has gained significant attention from the scientific community, increasing interest in extensive technical and biomedical applications. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems were designed to improve the pharmacological features and efficiency of α-MG. This review is focused on recent developments on the therapeutic potential of α-MG in managing cancer and neurological diseases, with a special focus on its mechanism of action. In addition, we highlighted biochemical and pharmacological features, metabolism, functions, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and pre-clinical applications of α-MG.

The Phytochemical α-Mangostin Inhibits Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth by Downregulating E6/E7-HPV Oncogenes and KCNH1 Gene Expression

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. The main factor associated with the onset and progression of this neoplasia is the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The HPV-oncogenes E6 and E7 are critical drivers of cellular transformation, promoting the expression of oncogenes such as KCNH1. The phytochemical α-mangostin (AM) is a potent antineoplastic and antiviral compound. However, its effects on HPV oncogenes and KCNH1 gene expression remain unknown. This study evaluated the effects of AM on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution and gene expression, including its effects on tumor growth in xenografted mice. AM inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, being the most sensitive cell lines those with the highest number of HPV16 copies. In addition, AM promoted G1-cell cycle arrest in CaSki cells, while led to cell death in SiHa and HeLa cells. Of interest was the finding of an AM-dependent decreased gene expression of E6, E7 and KCNH1 both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the modulation of cytokine expression, Ki-67, and tumor growth inhibition. On these bases, we suggest that AM represents a good option as an adjuvant for the treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.

Alpha-mangostin inhibits viral replication and suppresses nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated inflammation in dengue virus infection

Severe dengue virus (DENV) infection results from viral replication and dysregulated host immune response, which trigger massive cytokine production/cytokine storm. The result is severe vascular leakage, hemorrhagic diathesis, and organ dysfunction. Subsequent to previously proposing that an ideal drug for treatment of DENV infection should efficiently inhibit both virus production and cytokine storm, we discovered that α-mangostin (α-MG) from the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit could inhibit both DENV infection and cytokine/chemokine production. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of α-MG. Time-of-drug-addition and time-of-drug-elimination studies suggested that α-MG inhibits the replication step of the DENV life cycle. α-MG inhibited polymerization activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) with IC50 values of 16.50 μM and significantly reduced viral RNA and protein syntheses, and virion production. Antiviral and cytokine/chemokine gene expression profiles of α-MG-treated DENV-2-infected cells were investigated by polymerase chain reaction array. α-MG suppressed the expression of 37 antiviral and cytokine/chemokine genes that relate to the NF-κB signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses revealed that α-MG inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation in DENV-2-infected cells in association with reduced RANTES, IP-10, TNF-α, and IL-6 production. These results suggest α-MG as a potential treatment for DENV infection.

The metabolic and molecular mechanisms of α‑mangostin in cardiometabolic disorders (Review)

α-mangostin is a xanthone predominantly encountered in Garcinia mangostana. Extensive research has been carried out concerning the effects of this compound on various diseases, including obesity, cancer and metabolic disorders. The present review suggests that α-mangostin exerts promising anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on various pathways in cardiometabolic diseases. The anti-obesity effects of α-mangostin include the reduction of body weight and adipose tissue size, the increase in fatty acid oxidation, the activation of hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase and Sirtuin-1, and the reduction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ expression. Hepatoprotective effects have been revealed, due to reduced fibrosis through transforming growth factor-β 1 pathways, reduced apoptosis and steatosis through reduced sterol regulatory-element binding proteins expression. The antidiabetic effects include decreased fasting blood glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity and the increased expression of GLUT transporters in various tissues. Cardioprotection is exhibited through the restoration of cardiac functions and structure, improved mitochondrial functions, the promotion of M2 macrophage populations, reduced endothelial and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis, and reduced acid sphingomyelinase activity and ceramide depositions. The antioxidant effects of α-mangostin are mainly related to the modulation of antioxidant enzymes, the reduction of oxidative stress markers, the reduction of oxidative damage through a reduction in Sirtuin 3 expression mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α signaling pathways, and to the increase in Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 expression levels. The anti-inflammatory effects of α-mangostin include its modulation of nuclear factor-κB related pathways, the suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, increased macrophage polarization to M2, reduced inflammasome occurrence, increased Sirtuin 1 and 3 expression, the reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, the reduced expression of Toll-like receptors and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels. These effects demonstrate that α-mangostin may possess the properties required for a suitable candidate compound for the management of cardiometabolic diseases.

Production, Transmission, Pathogenesis, and Control of Dengue Virus: A Literature-Based Undivided Perspective

Dengue remains one of the most serious and widespread mosquito-borne viral infections in human beings, with serious health problems or even death. About 50 to 100 million people are newly infected annually, with almost 2.5 billion people living at risk and resulting in 20,000 deaths. Dengue virus infection is especially transmitted through bites of Aedes mosquitos, hugely spread in tropical and subtropical environments, mostly found in urban and semiurban areas. Unfortunately, there is no particular therapeutic approach, but prevention, adequate consciousness, detection at earlier stage of viral infection, and appropriate medical care can lower the fatality rates. This review offers a comprehensive view of production, transmission, pathogenesis, and control measures of the dengue virus and its vectors.

Mucoadhesive film containing α-mangostin shows potential role in oral cancer treatment

Background

Oral cancer is often preceded by a mucosal lesion called an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD). Many plant-derived compounds are of value in medicine. The objectives of this study were to develop a soluble mucoadhesive film containing α-mangostin (α-MG), a compound extracted from the peel of mangosteen fruit, and determine its activities against oral cancer cells, against human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) pseudovirus, and its anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

A soluble mucoadhesive film containing α-MG was prepared. Oral squamous carcinoma cell line (SCC25), murine macrophage cells (RAW264.7), and human gingival fibroblast cell line were cultured. Anticancer activity and viability of SCC25 cells in response to α-MG film solution were determined by MTT assay. HPV-16 pseudovirus was constructed and effects of the film solution on attachment and post-attachment steps of the infection were investigated. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by nitric oxide (NO) inhibition. Fibroblast cell migration was determined by in vitro scratch assay.

Results

The soluble α-MG film showed cytotoxic effects on SCC25 cells in concentration > 125 µg/ml with IC₅₀ of 152.5 µg/ml. Antiviral activity against HPV-16 pseudovirus was observed at attachment step, but not at post-attachment step. The film also possessed a strong anti-inflammatory effect and promoted wound healing without cytotoxicity.

Conclusions

Mucoadhesive film containing α-MG has a cytotoxic effect on oral squamous carcinoma cell line and an inhibitory effect on HPV-16 pseudovirus at attachment step. The α-MG film also shows a potent anti-inflammatory activity and enhances wound healing. Thus, the soluble α-MG film may have a potential role in treating oral cancer.

Investigation of HIV-1 Viral Protein R Inhibitory Activities of Twelve Thai Medicinal Plants and Their Commercially Available Major Constituents

Viral protein R (Vpr) is an accessory protein in Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and has been suggested as an attractive target for HIV disease treatment. Investigations of the ethanolic extracts of twelve Thai herbs revealed that the extracts of the Punica granatum fruits, the Centella asiatica aerials, the Citrus hystrix fruit peels, the Caesalpinia sappan heartwoods, the Piper betel leaves, the Alpinia galangal rhizomes, the Senna tora seeds, the Zingiber cassumunar rhizomes, the Rhinacanthus nasutus leaves, and the Plumbago indica roots exhibited the anti-Vpr activity in HeLa cells harboring the TREx plasmid encoding full-length Vpr (TREx-HeLa-Vpr cells). Moreover, the investigation of the selected main constituents in Punica granatum, Centella asiatica, A. galangal, and Caesalpinia sappan indicated that punicalagin, asiaticoside, ellagic acid, madecassic acid, madecassoside, zingerone, brazilin, and asiatic acid possessed anti-Vpr activities at the 10 μM concentration. Among the tested extracts and compounds, the extracts from Centella asiatica and Citrus hystrix and the compounds, punicalagin and asiaticoside, showed the most potent anti-Vpr activities without any cytotoxicity, respectively.

Therapeutic potential of phytoconstituents of edible fruits in combating emerging viral infections

Plant-derived bioactive molecules display potential antiviral activity against various viral targets including mode of viral entry and its replication in host cells. Considering the challenges and search for antiviral agents, this review provides substantiated data on chemical constituents of edible fruits with promising antiviral activity. The bioactive constituents like naringenin, mangiferin, α-mangostin, geraniin, punicalagin, and lectins of edible fruits exhibit antiviral effect by inhibiting viral replication against IFV, DENV, polio, CHIKV, Zika, HIV, HSV, HBV, HCV, and SARS-CoV. The significance of edible fruit phytochemicals to block the virulence of various deadly viruses through their inhibitory action against the entry and replication of viral genetic makeup and proteins are discussed. In view of the antiviral property of active constituents of edible fruits which can strengthen the immune system and reduce oxidative stress, they are suggested to be diet supplements to combat various viral diseases including COVID-19. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Considering the increasing threat of COVID-19, it is suggested to examine the therapeutic efficacy of existing antiviral molecules of edible fruits which may provide prophylactic and adjuvant therapy with their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory effects. Several active molecules like geraniin, naringenin, (2R,4R)-1,2,4-trihydroxyheptadec-16-one, betacyanins, mangiferin, punicalagin, isomangiferin, procyanidin B2, quercetin, marmelide, jacalin lectin, banana lectin, and α-mangostin isolated from various edible fruits have showed promising antiviral properties against different pathogenic viruses. Especially flavonoid compounds extracted from edible fruits possess potential antiviral activity against a wide array of viruses like HIV-1, HSV-1 and 2, HCV, INF, dengue, yellow fever, NSV, and Zika virus infection. Hence taking such fruits or edible fruits and their constituents/compounds as dietary supplements could deliver adequate plasma levels in the body to optimize the cell and tissue levels and could lead to possible benefits for the preventive measures for this pandemic COVID-19 situation.

In Vitro Antiviral Activity of α-Mangostin against Dengue Virus Serotype-2 (DENV-2)

Dengue virus (DENV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, is a threat for global health as it infects more than 100 million people yearly. Approved antiviral therapies or vaccines for the treatment or prevention of DENV infections are not available. In the present study, natural compounds were screened for their antiviral activity against DENV by in vitro cell line-based assay. α-Mangostin, a xanthanoid, was observed to exert antiviral activity against DENV-2 under pre-, co- and post-treatment testing conditions. The antiviral activity was determined by foci forming unit (FFU) assay, quantitative RT-PCR and cell-based immunofluorescence assay (IFA). A complete inhibition of DENV-2 was observed at 8 µM under the co-treatment condition. The possible inhibitory mechanism of α-Mangostin was also determined by docking studies. The molecular docking experiments indicate that α-Mangostin can interact with multiple DENV protein targets such as the NS5 methyltransferase, NS2B-NS3 protease and the glycoprotein E. The in vitro and in silico findings suggest that α-Mangostin possesses the ability to suppress DENV-2 production at different stages of its replication cycle and might act as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent against DENV-2.

Alpha-mangostin inhibits dengue virus production and pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression in dendritic cells

Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted to humans via the bite of an Aedes mosquito, causing dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndrome. In the human skin, DENV first infects keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Monocytes that are recruited to the site of infection and differentiate into monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) are also infected by DENV. DENV-infected DCs secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to modulate the immune response. The viral load and massive pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production, referred to as a 'cytokine storm', are associated with disease severity. We propose that an ideal drug for treatment of DENV infection should inhibit both virus production and the cytokine storm, and previously, we reported that alpha-mangostin (α-MG) inhibits both DENV replication and cytokine production in hepatocytes. However, the effect of α-MG on DENV-infected moDCs remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of α-MG on DENV infection and pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production in primary moDCs generated ex vivo from monocytes of healthy individuals. α-MG at the non-toxic concentrations of 20 and 25 μM reduced DENV production by more than 10-fold and 1,000-fold, respectively. Treatment with α-MG efficiently inhibited the infection of immature moDCs by all four serotypes of DENV. Time-of-addition studies suggested that α-MG (25 μM) inhibits DENV at the early stage of replication. In addition, α-MG markedly reduced cytokine/chemokine (TNF-α, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL10, IL6, IL1β, IL10, and IFN-α) transcription in DENV-infected immature moDCs. These findings suggest the potential of α-MG to be developed as a novel anti-DENV drug.