Cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects of naringenin-oxime relative to naringenin on normal and cancer cell lines

The Fundamental Role of Oxime and Oxime Ether Moieties in Improving the Physicochemical and Anticancer Properties of Structurally Diverse Scaffolds

The present review explores the critical role of oxime and oxime ether moieties in enhancing the physicochemical and anticancer properties of structurally diverse molecular frameworks. Specific examples are carefully selected to illustrate the distinct contributions of these functional groups to general strategies for molecular design, modulation of biological activities, computational modeling, and structure-activity relationship studies. An extensive literature search was conducted across three databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scifinder, enabling us to create one of the most comprehensive overviews of how oximes and oxime ethers impact antitumor activities within a wide range of structural frameworks. This search focused on various combinations of keywords or their synonyms, related to the anticancer activity of oximes and oxime ethers, structure-activity relationships, mechanism of action, as well as molecular dynamics and docking studies. Each article was evaluated based on its scientific merit and the depth of the study, resulting in 268 cited references and more than 336 illustrative chemical structures carefully selected to support this analysis. As many previous reviews focus on one subclass of this extensive family of compounds, this report represents one of the rare and fully comprehensive assessments of the anticancer potential of this group of molecules across diverse molecular scaffolds.

Preliminary in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of Uncaria gambier (Hunt) Roxb extract as a potential herbal-based pulpotomy medicament

BACKGROUND

The downfall of formocresol as a pulpotomy medicament highlights the importance of cytotoxic evaluation and the establishment of a safe concentration of dental material prior to its usage in the oral cavity. Uncaria gambir is an herbal plant that possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential as an alternative medicament for pulpotomy. However, there are not many studies published on its cytotoxicity, with some using non-standardised techniques and reported variable outcomes. Here, we investigated the concentration and time-dependent toxicity of Uncaria gambir extract towards the M3CT3-E1 cell line and compared it with the gold standard pulpotomy medicament: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

METHODS

Uncaria gambir extracts at concentrations ranging from 1000 to 7.8 µg/ml and MTA eluates at 4- and 48 h setting times were prepared. 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and culture media were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Cell viability on days 1, 2, 3 and 7 was analysed using Alamar Blue and Live and Dead Cell assay. Any morphological cellular changes were evaluated using transmission electron microscopes (TEM). Data were analysed using a two-way mixed Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The interaction between the concentration and exposure time on the fluorescence intensity of Uncaria gambir extract and MTA 48 h was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). No cytotoxic effects on the cells were exerted by both MTA 48 h and Uncaria gambir extract at a concentration below 500 µg/mL. TEM analysis and Live and Dead Cell assay for both materials were comparable to the negative control. No significant differences in fluorescent intensity were observed between Uncaria gambir extract at 500 µg/mL and MTA 48 h (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Uncaria gambir extracts at a maximum concentration of 500 μg/mL are non-cytotoxic over time and are comparable to the MTA.

Propolis Enhances 5-Fluorouracil Mediated Antitumor Efficacy and Reduces Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer: An in Vitro and in Vivo Study

In this study, we investigated the combined treatment of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Anatolian propolis extract (PE) on colorectal cancer (CRC)using in vitro and in vivo studies. We exposed luciferase-transfected (Lovo-Luc CRC) cells and healthy colon cells (CCD-18Co) to varying concentrations of 5-FU and PE to assess their genotoxic, apoptotic, and cytotoxic effects, as well as their intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) levels. We also developed a xenograft model in nude mice and evaluated the anti-tumor effects of PE and 5-FU using various methods. Our findings showed that the combination of PE and 5-FU had selectivity against cancer cells, particularly at higher doses, and enhanced the anti-tumor effectiveness of 5-FU against colon CRC. The results suggest that PE can reduce side effects and increase the effectiveness of 5-FU through iROS generation in a dose-dependent manner.

Antiproliferative Activity and Impact on Human Gut Microbiota of New O-Alkyl Derivatives of Naringenin and Their Oximes

Naringenin is a 5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavanone naturally occurring mainly in citrus fruits, characterized by a wide spectrum of biological activity. Chemical modifications based on alkylation and oximation in most cases increase its bioactivity. The aim of our research was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity and influence on selected representatives of the human gut microbiota of new synthesized O-alkyl derivatives (A1–A10) and their oximes (B1–B10), which contain hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl and undecyl chains attached to the C-7 or to both the C-7 and C-4′ positions in naringenin. To the best of our knowledge, compounds A3, A4, A6, A8–A10 and B3–B10 have not been described in the scientific literature previously. The anticancer activity was tested on human colon cancer cell line HT-29 and mouse embryo fibroblasts 3T3-L1 using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. We also determined the impacts of all compounds on the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial activity was expressed in terms of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) values. For 7,4′-di-O-hexylnaringenin (A2), 7-O-undecylnaringenin (A9) and their oximes (B2, B9), which were safe for microbiota (MIC > 512 µg/mL) and almost all characterized by high cytotoxicity against the HT-29 cell line (A2: IC₅₀ > 100 µg/mL; A9: IC₅₀ = 17.85 ± 0.65 µg/mL; B2: IC₅₀ = 49.76 ± 1.63 µg/mL; B9: IC₅₀ = 11.42 ± 1.17 µg/mL), apoptosis assays were performed to elucidate their mechanisms of action. Based on our results, new compound B9 induced an apoptotic process via caspase 3/7 activation, which proved its potential as an anticancer agent.

Fermentation Extract of Naringenin Increases the Expression of Estrogenic Receptor β and Modulates Genes Related to the p53 Signalling Pathway, miR-200c and miR-141 in Human Colon Cancer Cells Exposed to BPA

The estrogenic receptor beta (ERβ) protects against carcinogenesis by stimulating apoptosis. Bisphenol A (BPA) is related to promoting cancer, and naringenin has chemoprotective activities both can bind to ERβ. Naringenin in the colon is metabolized by the microbiota. Cancer involves genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, including miRNAs. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the co-exposure effect of colonic in vitro fermented extract of naringenin (FEN) and BPA, to elucidate molecular effects in HT-29 colon cancer cell line. For this, we quantified genes related to the p53 signaling pathway as well as ERβ, miR-200c, and miR-141. As an important result, naringenin (IC50 250 µM) and FEN (IC50 37%) promoted intrinsic pathways of apoptosis through phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) (+2.70, +1.72-fold, respectively) and CASP9 (+3.99, +2.03-fold, respectively) expression. BPA decreased the expression of PTEN (−3.46-fold) gene regulated by miR-200. We suggest that once co-exposed, cells undergo a greater stress forcing them to mediate other extrinsic apoptosis mechanisms associated with death domain FASL. In turn, these findings are related to the increase of ERβ (5.3-fold with naringenin and 13.67-fold with FEN) gene expression, important in the inhibition of carcinogenic development.

Participation of the Serotonergic System and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Antidepressant-like Effect of Flavonoids

Depressive disorders are among the most disabling diseases experienced around the world, and their incidence has significantly increased over the last few decades due to multiple environmental, social, and biological factors. The search for new pharmacological alternatives to treat depression is a global priority. In preclinical research, molecules obtained from plants, such as flavonoids, have shown promising antidepressant-like properties through several mechanisms of action that have not been fully elucidated, including crossing of the blood brain barrier (BBB). This review will focus on discussing the main findings related to the participation of the serotonergic system and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the antidepressant-like effect of some flavonoids reported by behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular studies. In this sense, evidence shows that depressive individuals have low levels of serotonin and BDNF, while flavonoids can reverse it. Finally, the elucidation of the mechanism used by flavonoids to modulate serotonin and BDNF will contribute to our understanding of the neurobiological bases underlying the antidepressant-like effects produced by these natural compounds.

On the Reaction of 2-Alkanoylnaphthohydroquinones with Hydroxylamine: Access to Cytotoxic 2-(Hydroxyamino)-1,4-naphthoquinone and Their 3-(Hydroxyimino)alkyl Analogous

Oximes are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Frequently, modification of biologically active carbonyl compounds into oximes leads to increased activity. The present study reports the reactivity of 2-alkanoylnaphthohydroquinones against hydroxylamine under aerial conditions. Results show that, depending on the structure of the hydroquinones, the reaction proceeds through two different chemical pathways to produce 2-(hydroxyamino)-1,4-naphthoquinone and their C-3 (hydroxyimino)alkyl derivatives. Both the formation of the quinoid compounds under aerial oxidation and C-C cleavage reactions of hemiaminal intermediates are discussed. In vitro screening of the substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones on a panel of cancer cells reveals moderate cytotoxic activities. Compound 19, 2-(hydroxyamino)-1,4-naphthoquinone, stands out by its anticancer potency against prostate cancer cells as shown by the lowest IC50 value (8.08 μM) and the best selectivity index (3.90).

Synergism Potentiates Oxidative Antiproliferative Effects of Naringenin and Quercetin in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer as of 2020. Quercetin (Que) and Naringenin (Nar) are predominantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables and have shown promising antiproliferative effects in multiple studies. It is also known that the bioactive effects of these flavonoids are more pronounced in whole fruit than in isolation. This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of Que and Nar (CoQN) in MCF-7 BC cells. MCF-7 cells were treated with a range of concentrations of Que, Nar or CoQN to determine cell viability. The IC₅₀ of CoQN was then used to investigate caspase 3/7 activity, Bcl-2 gene expression, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential to evaluate oxidative stress and apoptosis. CoQN treatment produced significant cytotoxicity, reduced Bcl-2 gene expression and increased caspase 3/7 activity compared to either Nar or Que. Furthermore, CoQN significantly increased lipid peroxidation and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) compared to either Nar or Que. Therefore, CoQN treatment has potential pharmacological application in BC chemotherapy by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in MCF-7 BC cells. The results of this study support the increased consumption of whole fruits and vegetables to reduce cell proliferation in cancer.

Naringenin: A potential flavonoid phytochemical for cancer therapy

Naringenin is an important phytochemical which belongs to the flavanone group of polyphenols, and is found mainly in citrus fruits like grapefruits and others such as tomatoes and cherries plus medicinal plants derived food. Available evidence demonstrates that naringenin, as herbal medicine, has important pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer activities. Collected data from in vitro and in vivo studies show the inactivation of carcinogens after treatment with pure naringenin, naringenin-loaded nanoparticles, and also naringenin in combination with anti-cancer agents in various malignancies, such as colon cancer, lung neoplasms, breast cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate tumors, oral squamous cell carcinoma, liver cancer, brain tumors, skin cancer, cervical and ovarian cancer, bladder neoplasms, gastric cancer, and osteosarcoma. Naringenin inhibits cancer progression through multiple mechanisms, like apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis hindrance, and modification of various signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, NF-ĸB, and TGF-β pathways. In this review, we demonstrate that naringenin is a natural product with potential for the treatment of different types of cancer, whether it is used alone, in combination with other agents, or in the form of the naringenin-loaded nanocarrier, after proper technological encapsulation.

Regulation of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinases syntheses by bioflavonoids and photobiomodulation in human gingival fibroblasts

This study aimed to evaluate the separately effects of bioflavonoids proanthocyanidins, from grape seed extract (GSE) and synthetic naringenin (NA), as well as photobiomodulation (PBM) by low-level laser therapy on interleukin (IL)-6 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) syntheses by human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). For this purpose, a connective tissue exposure (ulceration) model of HGF, stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), was used. Initially, the highest non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic concentrations of bioflavonoids were determined by cell viability and micronuclei formation assays. Then, HGF were exposed to different stimuli: culture medium (negative control), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), TNF-α, NA, GSE, TNF-α + NA, TNF-α + GSE, PBM (3 J/cm², 0.025 W, 780 nm), and TNF-α + PBM. Next, IL-6, MMP-2, and MMP-9 syntheses were assessed. The concentration of 10 μg/mL of bioflavonoids increased cell viability at 24 and 48 h and did not present cytotoxic or genotoxic effects on HGF after 24, 48, and 72 h of contact. This concentration was selected for the assessment of bioflavonoids potential in modulating inflammatory mediators. TNF-α exposure enhanced IL-6 (170%), MMP-2 (10%), and MMP-9 (20%) syntheses, while a decrease of MMP-2 by 55% after exposure to TNF-α + GSE and 20% after TNF-α + NA and TNF-α + PBM was observed. MMP-9 synthesis was decreased by 35% after TNF-α + NA, 20% after TNF-α + GSE, and 30% after PBM. IL-6 was down-regulated by GSE in the presence of TNF-α (80%). In conclusion, TNF-α up-regulated IL-6 and MMPs, while bioflavonoids and PBM down-regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 syntheses; GSE also decreased IL-6 synthesis, demonstrating the individual promising potential of these therapies for ulceration management.

Anticancer potential of Naringenin, Biosynthesis, Molecular target, and structural perspectives

Numerous novel medicinal agents isolated from plant sources were used as indigenous remedies for the management and treatment of various types of cancer diseases. Naringenin is a naturally occurring flavanone glycoside and aglycone (genin) moiety of naringin, predominantly found in citrus and grapefruits, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for the management of a variety of diseases. A huge number of scientific papers have been published on naringenin describing its detailed studies and its therapeutic application in different diseases. The current study highlights, a comprehensive study on naringenin concerning its biosynthesis, molecular targets/pathways involved in carcinogenesis, mechanism of actions (MOAs), and structure-activity relationships (SARs), and patents granted have been highlighted. Naringenin and its derivatives has remarkable anti-cancer activity due to their inhibitory potential against diverse targets namely ABCG2/P-gp/BCRP, 5a-reductase, 17-bhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, aromatase, proteasome, HDAC/Situin-1, VEGF, VEGFR-2 kinase, MMP-2/9, JAK/STAT signaling pathways, CDC25B, tubulin, topoisomerase-II, cathepsin-K, Wnt, NF-kB, B-Raf and mTOR, etc. With the huge knowledge of molecular targets, structural intuition, and SARs, the current study may be beneficial to design more potent, safe, effective, and economic anti-cancer naringenin. This is concluded that naringenin is a promising natural product for the management and therapy of cancer. Further evolution for pharmacological importance, clinical research, and trials are required to manifest its therapeutic action on metabolic syndrome in the human community.

Combinatorial Effect of Temozolomide and Naringenin in Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Lines

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a grade IV, lethal, and the most common type of brain tumor. GBM can acquire resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) recommended for its treatment. Naringenin (NAG), a flavonoid generally found in grapefruit, has antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been reported that phytochemicals can reduce resistance and improve the efficacy of a chemo-resistant drug. The combinatorial effect of TMZ and NAG on cell proliferation was evaluated using 3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the apoptosis in the U87MG and LN229 GBM cells were evaluated by change in fluorescence intensity. The effect of NAG and TMZ on anchorage-independent single-cell colony formation and cell migration was investigated. NAG and TMZ demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic effects on U87MG and LN229 cell lines. The combination index value being less than one indicated the synergistic action of the two drugs in restricting the growth of the cells. The NAG and TMZ together resulted in higher fluorescence intensity as compared to the alone drug. Further, the study showed a marked reduction in the migration of the cells and the formation of a single cell colony.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1952438.

Identification of potential therapeutic target of naringenin in breast cancer stem cells inhibition by bioinformatics and in vitro studies

Cancer therapy is a strategic measure in inhibiting breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) pathways. Naringenin, a citrus flavonoid, was found to increase breast cancer cells' sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Bioinformatics study and 3D tumorsphere in vitro modeling in breast cancer (mammosphere) were used in this study, which aims to explore the potential therapeutic targets of naringenin (PTTNs) in inhibiting BCSCs. Bioinformatic analyses identified direct target proteins (DTPs), indirect target proteins (ITPs), naringenin-mediated proteins (NMPs), BCSC regulatory genes, and PTTNs. The PTTNs were further analyzed for gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and hub protein selection. Mammospheres were cultured in serum-free media. The effects of naringenin were measured by MTT-based cytotoxicity, mammosphere forming potential (MFP), colony formation, scratch wound-healing assay, and flow cytometry-based cell cycle analyses and apoptosis assays. Gene expression analysis was performed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-RT PCR). Bioinformatics analysis revealed p53 and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) as PTTNs, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that TGF-ß and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways are regulated by PTTNs. Naringenin demonstrated cytotoxicity and inhibited mammosphere and colony formation, migration, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the mammosphere. The mRNA of tumor suppressors P53 and ERα were downregulated in the mammosphere, but were significantly upregulated upon naringenin treatment. By modulating the P53 and ERα mRNA, naringenin has the potential of inhibiting BCSCs. Further studies on the molecular mechanism and formulation of naringenin in BCSCs would be beneficial for its development as a BCSC-targeting drug.

Combination of Balsamin and Flavonoids Induce Apoptotic Effects in Liver and Breast Cancer Cells

Flavonoids such as naringenin, quercetin, and naringin are known to exhibit anticancer properties. In this study, we examined the effects of these flavonoids on cell viability and apoptotic pathways of cancer cells, either singly or in combination with the type 1 ribosome inactivating protein, Balsamin. Treatment with flavonoids (naringenin, quercetin, and naringin) plus Balsamin for 48 h reduced HepG2 and MCF-7 cell viability, increased the activation of caspase-3 and -8, and induced apoptosis through up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic genes. Out of the three flavonoids tested, the Balsamin-Naringenin and Balsamin-Quercetin combinations appeared to be most effective compared to the Balsamin-Naringin combination. Balsamin combined with flavonoids also activated endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress–mediated apoptosis in breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, which was not activated by Balsamin treatment alone. These experimental results showed that Balsamin combined with flavonoids can reduce HepG2 and MCF-7 cells viability and induce apoptosis, which could be considered as a promising therapeutic approach to sensitize cells to Balsamin treatment, thereby improving its efficacy in breast or liver cancer therapy.

Development and Optimization of Naringenin-Loaded Chitosan-Coated Nanoemulsion for Topical Therapy in Wound Healing

The potential role of naringenin (NAR), a natural flavonoid, in the treatment of chronic wound has prompted the present research to deliver the drug in nanoemulsion (NE) form, where synergistic role of chitosan was achieved through development of chitosan-coated NAR NE (CNNE). The NE consisted of Capryol 90, Tween 20 and Transcutol P, which was fabricated by low-energy emulsification method to encapsulate NAR within the oil core. The optimization of the formulated NEs was performed using Box-Behnken statistical design to obtain crucial variable parameters that influence globule size, size distribution and surface charge. Finally, the optimized formulation was coated with different concentrations of chitosan and subsequently characterized in vitro. The size of the CNNE was found to be increased when the drug-loaded formulation was coated with chitosan. Controlled release characteristics depicted 67-81% release of NAR from the CNNE, compared to 89% from the NE formulation. Cytotoxicity study of the formulation was performed in vitro using fibroblast cell line (NIH-3T3), where no inhibition in proliferation of the cells was observed with CNNE. Finally, the wound healing potential of the CNNE was evaluated in an abrasion-created wound model in experimental animals where the animals were treated and compared histologically at 0 and 14 days. Significant improvement in construction of the abrasion wound was observed when the animals were treated with formulated CNNE, whereas stimulation of skin regeneration was depicted in the histological examination. Therefore, it could be summarized that the chitosan coating of the developed NAR NE is a potential platform to accelerate healing of wounds.

The anti-Zika virus and anti-tumoral activity of the citrus flavanone lipophilic naringenin-based compounds

Flavonoids are natural products widely recognized for their plurality of applications such as antiviral, antiproliferative, antitumor activities and, antioxidant properties. The flavanone naringenin is presented in citrus fruits and has been studied to combat recurrent diseases that still lack effective treatment. Research groups have been investing efforts to the development of new, safe and active candidates to combat these agents or conditions and despite good results recently reported against the Zika virus (ZIKV) and tumor cells, the use of citrus naringenin is limited due to its low bioavailability. Structural exchanges through functionalization, for example, attaching lipophilic groups instead of hydroxyl groups, can further enhance biological properties. Here, the synthesis and characterization of regioselective naringenin mono-7-O-ethers and both mono and di-fatty acid esters, structurally lipophilic ones were demonstrated. Finally, in vitro studies of anti-ZIKV action and antiproliferative activities against melanoma (B16-F10) and breast carcinoma (4T1) cells showed the ether derivatives were actives, with IC₅₀ ranging from 6.76, 18.5 and 22.6 μM to 28.53, 45.1 and 32.3 μM referring to ZIKV, B16-F10 and 4T1 cell lines, respectively. The lipophilic ethers present the ability to inhibit selectively ZIKV-replication in human cells and inhibitions. This class of modifications in flavonoid molecules could be further explore in the future development of specific anti-ZIKV compounds.

Augmented Therapeutic Efficacy of Naringenin Through Microemulsion-Loaded Sericin Gel Against UVB-Induced Photoaging

Naringenin (NAR) is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits such as grapes and oranges. Recently, NAR has demonstrated its potential in inhibition of photoaging. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of sericin (SR) gel loaded with NAR microemulsion (ME) to inhibit UVB-induced photoaging and prevention of epidermoid carcinoma in animal model. NAR -ME was prepared and optimized through Box-Behnken design. The optimized ME was loaded into sericin (SR) gel. The formulations were subjected to various in vitro, in vivo and cytotoxicity studies over A431 cell lines. The optimized ME revealed a globule size of 249.05 ± 3.78 nm, 6.7 ± 0.5 pH and 73.1 ± 2.11% release over a period of 24 h respectively. Cytotoxicity studies revealed a depression in IC₅₀ value in NAR -ME (65.11 ± 1.54 μg/ml) when compared with NAR (118.1 ± 2.09 μg/ml). The NAR-ME-SR gel displayed enhanced therapeutic potential when compared with plain NAR, in terms of augmented antiproliferative activity. Graphical abstract.

Correlation between Antioxidant/Antimutagenic and Antiproliferative Activity of Some Phytochemicals

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapeutic drugs have high toxicity associated with undesirable side-effects. Now, natural products are the most important anti-cancer agents because of their low toxicity and potential effectiveness.

METHODS

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of amygdalin, naringenin and ellagic acid against breast, colon, and liver cell lines was estimated. The antimutagenic, free radical-, superoxide radical-, and hydroxyl radical- scavenging activities of these phytochemicals were measured. The expression of p53, bid, bax, bcl2, and caspases 9, 3, and 7 was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in breast and liver cells. In addition, the active Caspase 3 protein was estimated in liver cells.

RESULTS

Ellagic acid showed the highest antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. Amygdalin and naringenin with low and moderate antioxidant profiles showed a corresponding low and moderate cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, respectively. Naringenin and ellagic acid had a significant antimutagenic activity which was detected by the Salmonella test. Ellagic acid offered a much better antimutagenic activity than naringenin. The apoptotic pathway evoked by ellagic acid in HepG2 and MCF-7 cells was investigated. The results showed that a caspase-dependent and a caspase-independent apoptosis occurred in MCF-7 and HepG2, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The antimutagenic/antioxidant properties are well correlated with the antiproliferative activity of the phytochemicals investigated. This study proved that some easy, quick and cheap assays could predict the antiproliferative activity of many nutraceuticals. Finally, this platform could help in the discovery of new anticancer agents where hundreds of compounds are investigated in the pipeline of drug discovery.

Accelerating healing of excisional wound with alginate hydrogel containing naringenin in rat model

Wounds have always been considered as one of the most common physical damages. Therefore, various researches have been conducted to find an appropriate method to improve wound healing process. Among various materials, since hydrogels have appropriate properties for wound healing, they are widely used for this purpose. In this study, to develop a potential wound dressing, different concentrations of naringenin (0%, 1%, 10% and 20%) were incorporated in alginate hydrogel followed by evaluating its characters such as morphology, swelling properties, weight loss, antibacterial activity, releasing profile of the naringenin, hemo-, and cytocompatibility. Finally, to evaluate the effect of developed hydrogels on wound healing, the full-thickness dermal wound model in rat was used. Our results provided that the prepared hydrogels have appropriate porosity (86.7 ± 5.3%) with the interconnected pores. Moreover, weight loss assessment confirmed that fabricated hydrogels have suitable biodegradability (about 89% after 14 days). MTT assay also revealed the positive effect of hydrogels on cell viabilities, and they have no toxicity effect on cells. In vivo study indicated that the prepared hydrogels had better wound closure than the gauze-treated wound (the control), and alginate/20% naringenin group had the best wound closure among other groups. All in all, this study concluded that alginate/naringenin hydrogel has positive effect on wound healing process, and it can be used to treat skin injuries in the clinic. Graphical abstract.

Synthesis and In Vitro Antitumor Activity of Naringenin Oxime and Oxime Ether Derivatives

Naringenin is one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids exerting several beneficial biological activities. Synthetic modification of naringenin is of continuous interest. During this study our aim was to synthesize a compound library of oxime and oxime ether derivatives of naringenin, and to investigate their biological activities. Two oximes and five oxime ether derivatives were prepared; their structure has been elucidated by NMR and high-resolution mass spectroscopy. The antiproliferative activity of the prepared compounds was evaluated by MTT assay against human leukemia (HL-60) and gynecological cancer cell lines isolated from cervical (HeLa, Siha) and breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) cancers. Tert-butyl oxime ether derivative exerted the most potent cell growth inhibitory activity. Moreover, cell cycle analysis suggested that this derivative caused a significant increase in the hypodiploid (subG1) phase and induced apoptosis in Hela and Siha cells, and induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in MCF-7 cells. The proapoptotic potential of the selected compound was confirmed by the activation of caspase-3. Antioxidant activities of the prepared molecules were also evaluated with xanthine oxidase, DPPH and ORAC assays, and the methyl substituted oxime ether exerted the most promising activity.

Novel O-alkyl Derivatives of Naringenin and Their Oximes with Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity

In our investigation, we concentrated on naringenin (NG)—a widely studied flavanone that occurs in citrus fruits. As a result of a reaction with a range of alkyl iodides, 7 novel O-alkyl derivatives of naringenin (7a–11a, 13a, 17a) were obtained. Another chemical modification led to 9 oximes of O-alkyl naringenin derivatives (7b–13b, 16b–17b) that were never described before. The obtained compounds were evaluated for their potential antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. The results were reported as the standard minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and compared with naringenin and its known O-alkyl derivatives. Compounds 4a, 10a, 12a, 14a, 4b, 10b, 11b, and 14b were described with MIC of 25 µg/mL or lower. The strongest bacteriostatic activity was observed for 7-O-butylnaringenin (12a) against S. aureus (MIC = 6.25 µg/mL). Moreover, the antitumor effect of flavonoids was examined on human colon cancer cell line HT-29. Twenty-six compounds were characterized as possessing an antiproliferative activity stronger than that of naringenin. The replacement of the carbonyl group with an oxime moiety significantly increased the anticancer properties. The IC₅₀ values below 5 µg/mL were demonstrated for four oxime derivatives (8b, 11b, 13b and 16b).

Potential protective effects of naringenin against vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity via reduction on apoptotic and oxidative stress markers in rats

Vancomycin (VCM), a glycopeptide antibiotic, is a drug widely used in severe infections. However, VCM induce notable nephrotoxic side effects. Naringenin (NAR) is a natural of flavonoid and are known as strongly antioxidant, nefroprotective, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential protective effects of NAR against VCM-induced nephrotoxicity by measuring apoptotic and oxidative stress markers and evaluating histopathological alterations in rats. For this purpose, we used male Wistar albino rats that divided into seven groups: (i) Control [saline, intraperitoneally (i.p.)], (ii) carboxymethyl cellulose (0.5% CMC, orally), (iii) VCM (400 mg/kg, i.p.), (iv) NAR100 (100 mg/kg, orally), (v) VCM + NAR25 (25 mg/kg, orally), (vi) VCM + NAR50 (50 mg/kg, orally), and (vii) VCM + NAR100 (100 mg/kg, orally) groups. VCM administration was started one day after the first treatment of NAR and continued across 7-day. Caspase-3, -8, and-9 activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured by colorimetric methods in the kidney tissues, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were analyzed based on ELISA in serum. Caspase-3 and -8 activities, NO levels, serum creatinine and BUN levels were significantly higher in VCM group in comparison with VCM + NAR (25, 50, and 100) groups (p < 0.05). Caspase-9 activity and MDA were significantly higher in VCM group compared to VCM + NAR (25 and 50) groups (p < 0.05). Histopathological alterations in VCM group were significantly diminished by administration of NAR, especially NAR 25. In conclusion, NAR 25 and 50 mg have more potent protective effects on VCM-induced nephrotoxicity compared to NAR 100 mg.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel O-Alkyl Derivatives of Naringenin and Their Oximes

O -Alkyl derivatives of naringenin ( 1a - 10a ) were prepared from naringenin using the corresponding alkyl iodides and anhydrous potassium carbonate. The resulting products were used to obtain oximes ( 1b - 10b ). All compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC10536, Staphylococcus aureus DSM799, Candida albicans DSM1386, Alternaria alternata CBS1526, Fusarium linii KB-F1, and Aspergillus niger DSM1957. The resulting biological activity was expressed as the increase in optical density (&#916;OD). The highest inhibitory effect against E. coli ATCC10536 was observed for 7,4'-di- O -pentylnaringenin ( 8a ), 7- O -dodecylnaringenin ( 9a ), naringenin oxime ( NG-OX ), 7,4'-di- O -pentylnaringenin oxime ( 8b ), and 7- O -dodecylnaringenin oxime ( 9b ) (&#916;OD = 0). 7- O -dodecylnaringenin oxime ( 9b ) also inhibited the growth of S. aureus DSM799 (&#916;OD = 0.35) and C. albicans DSM1386 (&#916;OD = 0.22). The growth of A. alternata CBS1526 was inhibited as a result of the action of 7,4'-di- O -methylnaringenin ( 2a ), 7- O -ethylnaringenin ( 4a ), 7,4'-di- O -ethylnaringenin ( 5a ), 5,7,4'-tri- O -ethylnaringenin ( 6a ), 7,4'-di- O -pentylnaringenin ( 8a ), and 7- O -dodecylnaringenin ( 9a ) (&#916;OD in the range of 0.49-0.42) in comparison to that of the control culture (&#916;OD = 1.87). In the case of F. linii KB-F1, naringenin ( NG ), 7,4'-di- O -dodecylnaringenin ( 10a ), 7- O -dodecylnaringenin oxime ( 9b ), and 7,4'-di- O -dodecylnaringenin oxime ( 10b ) showed the strongest effect (&#916;OD = 0). 7,4'-Di- O -pentylnaringenin ( 8a ) and naringenin oxime ( NG-OX ) hindered the growth of A. niger DSM1957 (&#916;OD = 0).