Are plant-based functional foods better choice against cancer than single phytochemicals? A critical review of current breast cancer research

Cell plasticity modulation by flavonoids in resistant breast carcinoma targeting the nuclear factor kappa B signaling

Cancer cell plasticity plays a crucial role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis and is implicated in the multiple cancer defense mechanisms associated with therapy resistance and therapy evasion. Cancer resistance represents one of the significant obstacles in the clinical management of cancer. Some reversal chemosensitizing agents have been developed to resolve this serious clinical problem, but they have not yet been proven applicable in oncological practice. Activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a frequently observed biomarker in chemoresistant breast cancer (BC). Therefore, it denotes an attractive cellular target to mitigate cancer resistance. We summarize that flavonoids represent an essential class of phytochemicals that act as significant regulators of NF-κB signaling and negatively affect the fundamental cellular processes contributing to acquired cell plasticity and drug resistance. In this regard, flavokawain A, icariin, alpinetin, genistein, wogonin, apigenin, oroxylin A, xanthohumol, EGCG, hesperidin, naringenin, orientin, luteolin, delphinidin, fisetin, norwogonin, curcumin, cardamonin, methyl gallate and catechin-3-O-gallate, ampelopsin, puerarin, hyperoside, baicalein, paratocarpin E, and kaempferol and also synthetic flavonoids such as LFG-500 and 5,3'-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,4'-pentamethoxyflavone have been reported to specifically interfere with the NF-κB pathway with complex signaling consequences in BC cells and could be potentially crucial in re-sensitizing unresponsive BC cases. The targeting NF-κB by above-mentioned flavonoids includes the modification of tumor microenvironment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, growth factor receptor regulations, and modulations of specific pathways such as PI3K/AKT, MAP kinase/ERK, and Janus kinase/signal transduction in BC cells. Besides that, NF-κB signaling in BC cells modulated by flavonoids has also involved the regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle, and changes in the activity of cancer stem cells, oncogenes, or controlling of gene repair. The evaluation of conventional therapies in combination with plasticity-regulating/sensitizing agents offers new opportunities to make significant progress towards a complete cure for cancer.

Salvia officinalis L. exerts oncostatic effects in rodent and in vitro models of breast carcinoma

Introduction: Based on extensive data from oncology research, the use of phytochemicals or plant-based nutraceuticals is considered an innovative tool for cancer management. This research aimed to analyze the oncostatic properties of Salvia officinalis L. [Lamiaceae; Salviae officinalis herba] using animal and in vitro models of breast carcinoma (BC). Methods: The effects of dietary administered S. officinalis in two concentrations (0.1%/SAL 0.1/and 1%/SAL 1/) were assessed in both syngeneic 4T1 mouse and chemically induced rat models of BC. The histopathological and molecular evaluations of rodent carcinoma specimens were performed after the autopsy. Besides, numerous in vitro analyses using two human cancer cell lines were performed. Results and Conclusion: The dominant metabolites found in S. officinalis propylene glycol extract (SPGE) were representatives of phenolics, specifically rosmarinic, protocatechuic, and salicylic acids. Furthermore, the occurrence of triterpenoids ursolic and oleanolic acid was proved in SPGE. In a mouse model, a non-significant tumor volume decrease after S. officinalis treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the mitotic activity index of 4T1 tumors by 37.5% (SAL 0.1) and 31.5% (SAL 1) vs. controls (set as a blank group with not applied salvia in the diet). In addition, salvia at higher doses significantly decreased necrosis/whole tumor area ratio by 46% when compared to control tumor samples. In a rat chemoprevention study, S. officinalis at a higher dose significantly lengthened the latency of tumors by 8.5 days and significantly improved the high/low-grade carcinomas ratio vs. controls in both doses. Analyses of the mechanisms of anticancer activities of S. officinalis included well-validated prognostic, predictive, and diagnostic biomarkers that are applied in both oncology practice and preclinical investigation. Our assessment in vivo revealed numerous significant changes after a comparison of treated vs. untreated cancer cells. In this regard, we found an overexpression in caspase-3, an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and a decrease in MDA, ALDH1, and EpCam expression. In addition, salvia reduced TGF-β serum levels in rats (decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α levels were with borderline significance). Evaluation of epigenetic modifications in rat cancer specimens in vivo revealed a decline in the lysine methylations of H3K4m3 and an increase in lysine acetylation in H4K16ac levels in treated groups. Salvia decreased the relative levels of oncogenic miR21 and tumor-suppressive miR145 (miR210, miR22, miR34a, and miR155 were not significantly altered). The methylation of ATM and PTEN promoters was decreased after S. officinalis treatment (PITX2, RASSF1, and TIMP3 promoters were not altered). Analyzing plasma metabolomics profile in tumor-bearing rats, we found reduced levels of ketoacids derived from BCAAs after salvia treatment. In vitro analyses revealed significant anti-cancer effects of SPGE extract in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines (cytotoxicity, caspase-3/-7, Bcl-2, Annexin V/PI, cell cycle, BrdU, and mitochondrial membrane potential). Our study demonstrates the significant chemopreventive and treatment effects of salvia haulm using animal or in vitro BC models.

Medicinal herbs consumption in relation to cardiometabolic indices and coronary artery stenosis in participants undergoing coronary angiography: A cross-sectional study

Few studies have investigated the association between herbal medicine consumption and coronary artery disease severity. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between the frequency of medicinal herbs consumption and coronary artery stenosis (CAS), lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and blood pressure level in participants undergoing coronary angiography. This study was conducted on 662 participants aged 35-75 years. Serum cardiometabolic markers were measured using standard kits. The extent and severity of CAS were evaluated using the Gensini score (GS) and syntax score (SS). Higher consumption of Thymus vulgaris and Sumac was associated with decreased odds of artery-clogging according to the GS. A higher intake of Thymus vulgaris and Mentha was associated with lower levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Monthly intake of Thymus vulgaris, and weekly/daily intake of Mentha, Nigella Sativa, and Cuminum Cyminum were associated with lower low-density lipoprotein. Weekly/daily intake of Turmeric and Thymus vulgaris were associated with lower high-density lipoprotein levels and monthly intake of Mentha was related to lower serum FBS levels. Higher consumption of Mentha, Mentha pulegium L, Lavandula angustifolia, and Nigella Sativa was associated with lower levels of systolic blood pressure. According to the results of the present study, herbs consumption might be related to a reduction in CAS risk factors.

Significance of flavonoids targeting PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway in therapy-resistant cancer cells - A potential contribution to the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

BACKGROUND

Cancer management faces multiple obstacles, including resistance to current therapeutic approaches. In the face of challenging microenvironments, cancer cells adapt metabolically to maintain their supply of energy and precursor molecules for biosynthesis and thus sustain rapid proliferation and tumor growth. Among the various metabolic adaptations observed in cancer cells, the altered glucose metabolism is the most widely studied. The aberrant glycolytic modification in cancer cells has been associated with rapid cell division, tumor growth, cancer progression, and drug resistance. The higher rates of glycolysis in cancer cells, as a hallmark of cancer progression, is modulated by the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), a downstream target of the PI3K/Akt signaling, the most deregulated pathway in cancer.

AIM OF REVIEW

We provide a detailed overview of current, primarily experimental, evidence on the potential effectiveness of flavonoids to combat aberrant glycolysis-induced resistance of cancer cells to conventional and targeted therapies. The manuscript focuses primarily on flavonoids reducing cancer resistance via affecting PI3K/Akt, HIF-1α (as the transcription factor critical for glucose metabolism of cancer cells that is regulated by PI3K/Akt pathway), and key glycolytic mediators downstream of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling (glucose transporters and key glycolytic enzymes).

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

The working hypothesis of the manuscript proposes HIF-1α - the transcription factor critical for glucose metabolism of cancer cells regulated by PI3K/Akt pathway as an attractive target for application of flavonoids to mitigate cancer resistance. Phytochemicals represent a source of promising substances for cancer management applicable to primary, secondary, and tertiary care. However, accurate patient stratification and individualized patient profiling represent crucial steps in the paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM / 3PM). The article is focused on targeting molecular patterns by natural substances and provides evidence-based recommendations for the 3PM relevant implementation.

Comparative Anticancer Potential of Green Tea Extract and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on Breast Cancer Spheroids

Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, breast cancer remains the leading cause of death in many countries. Green tea (GT) has been proposed to play a crucial role in cancer chemoprevention. Although extensive research has been conducted on GT phytochemicals, most experimental studies concentrate mainly on commercial formulations or isolated catechins. This study presents a comparative investigation into the anticancer properties of green tea extract (GTE) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in a three-dimensional (3D) MCF-7 breast cancer cell culture. MCF-7 spheroids were exposed to GTE or EGCG, and effects on 3D culture formation, growth, cell viability, and migration were examined. GTE inhibits cell migration and the formation of breast cancer spheroids more effectively than EGCG, while inducing more pronounced morphological changes in the spheroids' structure. These findings suggest that the food matrix improves GTE effects on breast cancer spheroids, supporting the hypothesis that a mixture of phytochemicals might enhance its anticancer potential.

Network Pharmacology Combined with Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and In Vitro Experimental Validation Reveals the Therapeutic Potential of Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil (Thyme Oil) against Human Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a major global health issue for women. Thyme oil, extracted from Thymus vulgaris L., has shown promising anticancer effects. In the present study, we investigated how Thyme oil can influence breast cancer treatment using a multimethod approach. We used network pharmacology to identify the active compounds of Thyme oil, their molecular targets, and the pathways involved in breast cancer. We found that Thyme oil can modulate several key proteins (EGFR, AKT1, ESR1, HSP90AA1, STAT-3, SRC, IL-6, HIF1A, JUN, and BCL2) and pathways (EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, prolactin signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, ERBB signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway) related to breast cancer progression. We then used molecular docking and dynamics to study the interactions and stability of the Thyme oil-compound complexes. We discovered three potent compounds (aromadendrene, α-humulene, and viridiflorene) that can bind strongly to important breast cancer proteins. We also performed in vitro experiments on MCF-7 cells to confirm the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects of Thyme oil. We observed that Thyme oil can inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation at a concentration of 365.37 μg/mL. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological mechanism of Thyme oil in breast cancer treatment and suggest its potential as a new or adjuvant therapy. Further studies are needed to validate and optimize the therapeutic efficacy of Thyme oil and its active compounds.

Synergistic effects of flavonoids and paclitaxel in cancer treatment: a systematic review

Paclitaxel is a natural anticancer compound with minimal toxicity, the capacity to stabilize microtubules, and high efficiency that has remained the standard of treatment alongside platinum-based therapy as a remedy for a variety of different malignancies. In contrast, polyphenols such as flavonoids are also efficient antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and have now been shown to possess potent anticancer properties. Therefore, the synergistic effects of paclitaxel and flavonoids against cancer will be of interest. In this review, we use a Boolean query to comprehensively search the well-known Scopus database for literature research taking the advantage of paclitaxel and flavonoids simultaneously while treating various types of cancer. After retrieving and reviewing the intended investigations based on the input keywords, the anticancer mechanisms of flavonoids and paclitaxel and their synergistic effects on different targets raging from cell lines to animal models are discussed in terms of the corresponding involved signaling transduction. Most studies demonstrated that these signaling pathways will induce apoptotic / pro-apoptotic proteins, which in turn may activate several caspases leading to apoptosis. Finally, it can be concluded that the results of this review may be beneficial in serving as a theoretical foundation and reference for future studies of paclitaxel synthesis, anticancer processes, and clinical applications involving different clinical trials.

Food Technology forecasting: A based bibliometric update in functional chocolates

Technology forecasting (TF) based on bibliometric tools allows knowing the technological trends of developed topics based on experience and current knowledge, thus anticipating future changes. To reduce hunger and improve nutrition, the food-based topic is of central concern, especially functional food. Among these, various studies on chocolates have been performed. On a global scale, these products are at the level of patents, with China leading it, vastly outperforming the cocoa-producing countries. Though no known functional chocolates are sold under that specific name, chocolates on the market serve as "carriers" of bioactive compounds. Unfortunately, they cannot be attributed to health properties since these properties have to be evaluated with in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Launching functional chocolate on the market is possible; however, it would be a long-term process involving previous stages such as studying its ingredients' bioactive properties, laboratory-level product development, functional properties, and quality and acceptance parameters. For research purposes, it is possible to speak of functional chocolates, potentially functional chocolates, or chocolates enriched with bioactive compounds since the development of research does not necessarily involve launching the product on the market.

Cytotoxicity screening of Thymus vulgaris L. in breast cancer: in vitro study

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths due to its aggressive course. There is an increasing need for alternative therapy strategies, including herbal medications, to treat the disease because of its high incidence. Medicinal plants, such as Thymus vulgaris L. (T. vulgaris), have recently attracted great interest due to the antitumor properties of their extracts. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain whether T. vulgaris had any cytotoxic effects on two different breast cancer cell lines. MTT test was applied to evaluate the effect of T. vulgaris on cell viability. TUNEL method was used to determine its apoptotic effect. LC3 and Beclin-1 expression levels were determined by immunofluorescence staining method and its autophagic effect was evaluated. Our findings demonstrate that T. vulgaris greately lowers proliferation, both in terms of concentration and duration. Consistent with decreased proliferation, an increase in apoptotic and autophagic cell death were also observed. The migration capacity of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was greatly suppressed by T. vulgaris, while significantly reducing colony formation. This study is the first to look into how T. vulgaris methanol extract affects breast cancer cells. All of these findings demonstrate that T. vulgaris prevents breast cancer cells from developing a malignant phenotype. It is possible to say that the methanol extract of T. vulgaris is suitable for the treatment of breast cancer, including aggressive types. However, in vivo research should support these results.

Targeting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by the Phytopolyphenol Carnosol: ROS-Dependent Mechanisms

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks the expression of the three hormone receptors (i.e., estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor), is characterized by a high proliferative index, high invasiveness, poor prognosis, early relapse, and a tendency to be present in advanced stages. These characteristics rank TNBC among the most aggressive and lethal forms of breast cancer. The lack of the three receptors renders conventional hormonal therapy ineffective against TNBC. Moreover, there are no clinically approved therapies that specifically target TNBC, and the currently used chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, taxanes, and other platinum compounds, have a limited clinical effect and develop chemoresistance over time. Phytochemicals have shown efficacy against several types of cancer, including TNBC, by targeting several pathways involved in cancer development and progression. In this review, we focus on one phytochemical carnosol, a natural polyphenolic terpenoid with strong anti-TNBC effects and its ROS-dependent molecular mechanisms of action. We discuss how carnosol targets key pathways and proteins regulating the cell cycle, growth, epigenetic regulators, invasion, and metastasis of TNBC. This review identifies carnosol as a potential novel targeting protein degradation molecule.

Therapy-resistant breast cancer in focus: Clinically relevant mitigation by flavonoids targeting cancer stem cells

Significant limitations of the reactive medical approach in breast cancer management are clearly reflected by alarming statistics recorded worldwide. According to the WHO updates, breast malignancies become the leading cancer type. Further, the portion of premenopausal breast cancer cases is permanently increasing and demonstrates particularly aggressive patterns and poor outcomes exemplified by young patients with triple-negative breast cancer that lacks targeted therapy. Accumulating studies suggest the crucial role of stem cells in tumour biology, high metastatic activity, and therapy resistance of aggressive breast cancer. Therefore, targeting breast cancer stem cells is a promising treatment approach in secondary and tertiary breast cancer care. To this end, naturally occurring substances demonstrate high potential to target cancer stem cells which, however, require in-depth analysis to identify effective anti-cancer agents for cost-effective breast cancer management. The current article highlights the properties of flavonoids particularly relevant for targeting breast cancer stem cells to mitigate therapy resistance. The proposed approach is conformed with the principles of 3P medicine by applying predictive diagnostics, patient stratification and treatments tailored to the individualised patient profile. Expected impacts are very high, namely, to overcome limitations of reactive medical services improving individual outcomes and the healthcare economy in breast cancer management. Relevant clinical applications are exemplified in the paper.

Potential Treatment Options for Neuroblastoma with Polyphenols through Anti-Proliferative and Apoptotic Mechanisms

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an extracranial tumor of the peripheral nervous system arising from neural crest cells. It is the most common malignancy in infants and the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The current treatment for high-risk NB involves chemotherapy and surgical resection followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell rescue and radiation treatment. However, those with high-risk NB are susceptible to relapse and the long-term side effects of standard chemotherapy. Polyphenols, including the sub-class of flavonoids, contain more than one aromatic ring with hydroxyl groups. The literature demonstrates their utility in inducing the apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells, mostly in vitro and some in vivo. This review explores the use of various polyphenols outlined in primary studies, underlines the pathways involved in apoptotic activity, and discusses the dosage and delivery of these polyphenols. Primary studies were obtained from multiple databases with search the terms “neuroblastoma”, “flavonoid”, and “apoptosis”. The in vitro studies showed that polyphenols exert an apoptotic effect on several NB cell lines. These polyphenols include apigenin, genistein, didymin, rutin, quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, butein, bisphenols, and various plant extracts. The mechanisms of the therapeutic effects include calpain-dependent pathways, receptor-mediated apoptosis, and, notably, and most frequently, mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, including the mitochondrial proteins Bax and Bcl-2. Overall, polyphenols demonstrate potency in decreasing NB proliferation and inducing apoptosis, indicating significant potential for further in vivo research.

Desert Endemic Plants in Algeria: A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Polyphenolic Compounds and Pharmacological Activities

Due to their robust antioxidant capabilities, potential health benefits, wide variety of biological activities, and strong antioxidant qualities, phenolic compounds are substances that have drawn considerable attention in recent years. The main goal of the review is to draw attention to saharian Algerian medicinal plants and the determination of their bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory importance), and to present their chemical composition as well as in vivo and in vitro studies, clinical studies, and other studies confirming their real impact on human health. Research results have revealed a rich variety of medicinal plants used to treat various disease states in this region. Based on in vivo and in vitro studies, biological activity, and clinical studies, a list of 34 species of desert plants, belonging to 20 botanical families, useful both in preventive actions and in the treatment of neoplastic diseases has been established, and polyphenolic compounds have been identified as key to the health potential of endemic diseases and desert plants. It has been shown that people who follow a diet rich in polyphenols are less prone to the risk of many cancers and chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. In view of the increasing antioxidant potential of these plant species, as well as the increasing trade in herbal products from the Sahara region, phytosanitary and pharmaceutical regulations must change in this respect and should be in line with Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and the sustainable use and development of plant products must be addressed at the same time.

Phytochemicals: A potential therapeutic intervention for the prevention and treatment of cachexia

Cachexia, a multifactorial and often irreversible wasting syndrome, is often associated with the final phase of several chronic disorders. Although cachexia is characterized by skeletal muscle wasting and adipose tissue loss, it is a syndrome affecting different organs, which ultimately results in systemic complications and impaired quality of life. The pathogenesis and underlying molecular mechanisms of cachexia are not fully understood, and currently there are no effective standard treatments or approved drug therapies to completely reverse cachexia. Moreover, adequate nutritional interventions alone cannot significantly improve cachexia. Other approaches to ameliorate cachexia are urgently needed, and thus, the role of medicinal plants has received considerable importance in this respect due to their beneficial health properties. Increasing evidence indicates great potential of medicinal plants and their phytochemicals as an alternative and promising treatment strategy to reduce the symptoms of many diseases including cachexia. This article reviews the current status of cachexia, the molecular mechanisms of primary events driving cachexia, and state-of-the-art knowledge that reports the preventive and therapeutic activities of multiple families of phytochemical compounds and their pharmacological mode of action, which may hold promise as an alternative treatment modality for the management of cachexia. Based on our review of various in vitro and in vivo models of cachexia, we would conclude that phytochemicals may have therapeutic potential to attenuate cachexia, although clinical trials are required to unequivocally confirm this premise.

Effect of Different Proportions of Phenolics on Antioxidant Potential: Pointers for Bioactive Synergy/Antagonism in Foods and Nutraceuticals

Phenolic compounds include a broad variety of antioxidant plant substances such as flavonoids that have in common an aromatic ring with one or more hydroxyl groups. Nutraceuticals and health food supplements are designed from flavonoids as well as pure phytochemicals, often in isolation. However, studies on synergistic and antagonistic effects of such compounds are relatively few. In the current study, dual combinations prepared from five phenolic compounds (flavonoid and non-flavonoid) including rutin hydrate, quercetin dihydrate, hydroquinone, kaempferol, and resveratrol were tested for their antioxidant activities using DPPH^· radical scavenging assay. The synergistic antioxidant interactions among these phenolics were evaluated by comparing their individual antioxidant effect with that obtained by a mixture of two compounds in various ratios. Quercetin dihydrate showed the highest antioxidant activity. Many combinations were found statistically synergistic in particular ratios. Rutin hydrate and resveratrol showed maximum synergy (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 ratio). Antagonistic interactions were also identified. The results of this study could be used by industries to develop more potent nutraceutical supplements or guide the researchers for further bioactivity validation using in vivo assays.

Anti-breast cancer effects of phytochemicals: primary, secondary, and tertiary care

Breast cancer incidence is actually the highest one among all cancers. Overall breast cancer management is associated with challenges considering risk assessment and predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention of metastatic disease, appropriate treatment options, and cost-effectiveness of approaches applied. Accumulated research evidence indicates promising anti-cancer effects of phytochemicals protecting cells against malignant transformation, inhibiting carcinogenesis and metastatic spread, supporting immune system and increasing effectiveness of conventional anti-cancer therapies, among others. Molecular and sub-/cellular mechanisms are highly complex affecting several pathways considered potent targets for advanced diagnostics and cost-effective treatments. Demonstrated anti-cancer affects, therefore, are clinically relevant for improving individual outcomes and might be applicable to the primary (protection against initial cancer development), secondary (protection against potential metastatic disease development), and tertiary (towards cascading complications) care. However, a detailed data analysis is essential to adapt treatment algorithms to individuals’ and patients’ needs. Consequently, advanced concepts of patient stratification, predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention, and treatments tailored to the individualized patient profile are instrumental for the cost-effective application of natural anti-cancer substances to improve overall breast cancer management benefiting affected individuals and the society at large.

Plant-Based Diets and Cancer Risk: What is the Evidence?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent (past 5 years) available evidence regarding the association between plant-based diets on cancer risk from clinical trials and observational studies. Biological mechanisms and gaps in the current literature will also be discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a lack of intervention studies but there are abundant observational studies assessing the association between plant-based diets and cancer risk, including multiple longitudinal cohort studies and similar data from case-control studies that demonstrate a decreased overall cancer risk with plant-based diets. Case-control studies support a decreased risk of colorectal and breast cancers with plant-based diets, but results for specific cancers remain inconsistent in cohort studies. Current evidence from observational studies indicates an inverse association between plant-based diets and overall cancer risk. Future research should include intervention studies, address inconsistencies in dietary assessment methods and provide greater detail on underrepresented groups.

Modulatory Effects of Biosynthesized Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated with Curcumin and Paclitaxel on Tumorigenesis and Metastatic Pathways-In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally, and diagnosing it early and finding potential drug candidates against multi-drug resistant metastatic breast cancers provide the possibilities of better treatment and extending life. Methods: The current study aimed to evaluate the synergistic anti-metastatic activity of Curcumin (Cur) and Paclitaxel (Pacli) individually, the combination of Curcumin–Paclitaxel (CP), and also in conjugation with gold nanoparticles (AuNP–Curcumin (Au-C), AuNP–Paclitaxel (Au-P), and AuNP–Curcumin–Paclitaxel (Au-CP)) in various in vitro and in vivo models. Results: The results from combination treatments of CP and Au-CP demonstrated excellent synergistic cytotoxic effects in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA MB 231 and 4T1) in in vitro and in vivo mouse models. Detailed mechanistic studies were performed that reveal that the anti-cancer effects were associated with the downregulation of the expression of VEGF, CYCLIN-D1, and STAT-3 genes and upregulation of the apoptotic Caspase-9 gene. The group of mice that received CP combination therapy (with and without gold nanoparticles) showed a significant reduction in the size of tumor when compared to the Pacli alone treatment and control groups. Conclusions: Together, the results suggest that the delivery of gold conjugated Au-CP formulations may help in modulating the outcomes of chemotherapy. The present study is well supported with observations from cell-based assays, molecular and histopathological analyses.

Systemic Effects Reflected in Specific Biomarker Patterns Are Instrumental for the Paradigm Change in Prostate Cancer Management: A Strategic Paper

Prostate cancer (PCa) is reported as the most common malignancy and second leading cause of death in America. In Europe, PCa is considered the leading type of tumour in 28 European countries. The costs of treating PCa are currently increasing more rapidly than those of any other cancer. Corresponding economic burden is enormous, due to an overtreatment of slowly developing disease on one hand and underestimation/therapy resistance of particularly aggressive PCa subtypes on the other hand. The incidence of metastatic PCa is rapidly increasing that is particularly characteristic for young adults. PCa is a systemic multi-factorial disease resulting from an imbalanced interplay between risks and protective factors. Sub-optimal behavioural patterns, abnormal stress reactions, imbalanced antioxidant defence, systemic ischemia and inflammation, mitochondriopathies, aberrant metabolic pathways, gene methylation and damage to DNA, amongst others, are synergistically involved in pathomechanisms of PCa development and progression. To this end, PCa-relevant systemic effects are reflected in liquid biopsies such as blood patterns which are instrumental for predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention and personalisation of medical services (PPPM/3P medicine) as a new paradigm in the overall PCa management. This strategic review article highlights systemic effects in prostate cancer development and progression, demonstrates evident challenges in PCa management and provides expert recommendations in the framework of 3P medicine.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Induces Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits Human Brain Glioblastoma GBM 8401/Luc2 Cell Xenograft Tumor in Subcutaneous Nude Mice In Vivo

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) has biological activities, including anticancer effects in vitro; however, its anticancer effects in human glioblastoma (GBM) cells have not been examined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the tumor inhibitory effect and molecular mechanism of BDMC on human GBM 8401/luc2 cells in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies have shown that BDMC significantly reduced cell viability and induced cell apoptosis in GBM 8401/luc2 cells. Furthermore, BDMC induced apoptosis via inhibited Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein) and increased Bax (pro-apoptotic proteins) and cytochrome c release in GBM 8401/luc2 cells in vitro. Then, twelve BALB/c-nude mice were xenografted with human glioblastoma GBM 8401/luc2 cancer cells subcutaneously, and the xenograft nude mice were treated without and with BDMC (30 and 60 mg/kg of BDMC treatment) every 3 days. GBM 8401/luc2 cell xenografts experiment showed that the growth of the tumors was significantly suppressed by BDMC administration at both doses based on the reduction of tumor size and weights. BDMC did not change the body weight and the H&E histopathology analysis of liver samples, indicating that BDMC did not induce systemic toxicity. Meanwhile, treatment with BDMC up-regulated the expressions of BAX and cleaved caspase-3, while it down-regulated the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and XIAP in the tumor tissues compared with the control group. This study has demonstrated that BDMC presents potent anticancer activity on the human glioblastoma GBM 8401/luc2 cell xenograft model by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and shows the potential for further development to the anti-GBM cancer drug.

Screening of Hibiscus and Cinnamomum Plants and Identification of Major Phytometabolites in Potential Plant Extracts Responsible for Apoptosis Induction in Skin Melanoma and Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Carcinogenesis is a major concern that severely affects the human population. Owing to persistent demand for novel therapies to treat and prohibit this lethal disease, research interest among scientists is drawing its huge focus toward natural products, as they have minimum toxicity comparable with existing treatment methods. The plants produce secondary metabolites, which are known to have the anticancer potential for clinical drug development. Furthermore, the use of nanocarriers could boost the solubility and stability of phytocompounds to obtain site-targeting delivery. The identification of potential phytochemicals in natural compounds would be beneficial for the synthesis of biocompatible nanoemulsions. The present study aimed to investigate the potential cytotoxicity of ethanol extracts of Hibiscus syriacus and Cinnamomum loureirii Nees plant parts on human skin melanoma (G361) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. Importantly, biochemical analysis results showed the presence of high phenol (50-55 µgGAE/mg) and flavonoids [42-45 µg quercetin equivalents (QE)/mg] contents with good antioxidant activity (40-58%) in C. loureirii Nees plants extracts. This plant possesses potent antiproliferative activity (60-90%) on the malignant G361 and A549 and cell lines correlated with the production of nitric oxide. Especially, C. loureirii plant extracts have major metabolites that exhibit cancer cell death associated with cell cycle arrest. These findings support the potential application of Cinnamomum for the development of therapeutic nanoemulsion in future cancer therapy.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Extract Induces p53-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Inhibits Migration of Breast Cancer Cells

Green tea (GT) has been shown to play an important role in cancer chemoprevention. However, the related molecular mechanisms need to be further explored, especially regarding the use of GT extract (GTE) from the food matrix. For this study, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epigallocatechin (EGC) were identified in GTE, representing 42 and 40% of the total polyphenols, respectively. MDA-MB-231 (p53-p.R280K mutant) and MCF-7 (wild-type p53) breast tumor cells and MCF-10A non-tumoral cells were exposed to GTE for 24–48 h and cell viability was assessed in the presence of p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α. GTE selectively targeted breast tumor cells without cytotoxic effect on non-tumoral cells and p53 inhibition led to an increase in viable cells, especially in MCF-7, suggesting the involvement of p53 in GTE-induced cytotoxicity. GTE was also effective in reducing MCF-7 and MDA-MD-231 cell migration by 30 and 50%, respectively. An increment in p53 and p21 expression stimulated by GTE was observed in MCF-7, and the opposite phenomenon was found in MDA-MB-231 cells, with a redistribution of mutant-p53 from the nucleus and no differences in p21 levels. All these findings provide insights into the action of GTE and support its anticarcinogenic potential on breast tumor cells.

Flavonoids against non-physiologic inflammation attributed to cancer initiation, development, and progression—3PM pathways

Inflammation is an essential pillar of the immune defense. On the other hand, chronic inflammation is considered a hallmark of cancer initiation and progression. Chronic inflammation demonstrates a potential to induce complex changes at molecular, cellular, and organ levels including but not restricted to the stagnation and impairment of healing processes, uncontrolled production of aggressive ROS/RNS, triggered DNA mutations and damage, compromised efficacy of the DNA repair machinery, significantly upregulated cytokine/chemokine release and associated patho-physiologic protein synthesis, activated signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, abnormal tissue remodeling, and created pre-metastatic niches, among others. The anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoids demonstrate clinically relevant potential as preventive and therapeutic agents to improve individual outcomes in diseases linked to the low-grade systemic and chronic inflammation, including cancers. To this end, flavonoids are potent modulators of pro-inflammatory gene expression being, therefore, of great interest as agents selectively suppressing molecular targets within pro-inflammatory pathways. This paper provides in-depth analysis of anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids, highlights corresponding mechanisms and targeted molecular pathways, and proposes potential treatment models for multi-level cancer prevention in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM / 3PM). To this end, individualized profiling and patient stratification are essential for implementing targeted anti-inflammatory approaches. Most prominent examples are presented for the proposed application of flavonoid-conducted anti-inflammatory treatments in overall cancer management.

Microbiome Assisted Tumor Microenvironment: Emerging Target of Breast Cancer

The microbiome assisted tumor microenvironment (TME) supports the tumors by modulating multiple mechanisms. Recent studies reported that microbiome dysbiosis is the main culprit of immune suppressive phenotypes of TME. Further, it has been documented that immune suppressive stimulate metastatic phenotype in TME via modulating signaling pathways, cell differentiation, and innate immune response. This review aims at providing comprehensive developments in microbiome and breast TME interface. The combination of microbiome and breast cancer, breast TME and microbiome or microbial dysbiosis, microbiome and risk of breast cancer, microbiome and phytochemicals or anticancer drugs were as used keywords to retrieve literature from PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus, Web of Science from 2015 onwards. Based on the literature, we presented the impact of TME assisted microbiome dysbiosis and estrobolome in breast cancer risk, drug resistance, and antitumor immunity. We have discussed the influence of antibiotics on the breast microbiome. we also presented the possible dietary phytochemicals that target microbiome dysbiosis to restore the tumor suppression immune environment in breast TME. We presented the microbiome as a possible marker for breast cancer diagnosis. This study will help in the identification of microbiome as a novel target and diagnostic markers and phytochemicals and microbiome metabolites for breast cancer treatment.

Triptolide suppresses the growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by a high incidence of metastasis and poor survival. As epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is well recognized as a major factor initiating tumor metastasis, developing EMT inhibitor could be a feasible treatment for metastatic NSCLC. Recent studies show that triptolide isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F attenuated the migration and invasion of breast cancer, colon carcinoma, and ovarian cancer cells, and EMT played important roles in this process. In the present study we investigated the effect of triptolide on the migration and invasion of NSCLC cell lines. We showed that triptolide (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 nM) concentration-dependently inhibited the migration and invasion of NCI-H1299 cells. Triptolide treatment concentration-dependently suppressed EMT in NCI-H1299 cells, evidenced by significantly elevated E-cadherin expression and reduced expression of ZEB1, vimentin, and slug. Furthermore, triptolide treatment suppressed β-catenin expression in NCI-H1299 and NCI-H460 cells, overexpression of β-catenin antagonized triptolide-caused inhibition on EMT, whereas knockout of β-catenin enhanced the inhibitory effect of triptolide on EMT. Administration of triptolide (0.75, 1.5 mg/kg per day, ip, every 2 days) for 18 days in NCI-H1299 xenograft mice dose-dependently suppressed the tumor growth, restrained EMT, and decreased lung metastasis, as evidence by significantly decreased expression of mesenchymal markers, increased expression of epithelial markers as well as reduced number of pulmonary lung metastatic foci. These results demonstrate that triptolide suppresses NSCLC metastasis by targeting EMT via reducing β-catenin expression. Our study implies that triptolide may be developed as a potential agent for the therapy of NSCLC metastasis.

Targeting phytoprotection in the COVID-19-induced lung damage and associated systemic effects-the evidence-based 3PM proposition to mitigate individual risks

The risks related to the COVID-19 are multi-faceted including but by far not restricted to the following: direct health risks by poorly understood effects of COVID-19 infection, overloaded capacities of healthcare units, restricted and slowed down care of patients with non-communicable disorders such as cancer, neurologic and cardiovascular pathologies, among others; social risks-restricted and broken social contacts, isolation, professional disruption, explosion of aggression in the society, violence in the familial environment; mental risks-loneliness, helplessness, defenceless, depressions; and economic risks-slowed down industrial productivity, broken delivery chains, unemployment, bankrupted SMEs, inflation, decreased capacity of the state to perform socially important programs and to support socio-economically weak subgroups in the population. Directly or indirectly, the above listed risks will get reflected in a healthcare occupation and workload which is a tremendous long-term challenge for the healthcare capacity and robustness. The article does not pretend to provide solutions for all kind of health risks. However, it aims to present the scientific evidence of great clinical utility for primary, secondary, and tertiary care to protect affected individuals in a cost-effective manner. To this end, due to pronounced antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, naturally occurring plant substances are capable to protect affected individuals against COVID-19-associated life-threatening complications such as lung damage. Furthermore, they can be highly effective, if being applied to secondary and tertiary care of noncommunicable diseases under pandemic condition. Thus, the stratification of patients evaluating specific health conditions such as sleep quality, periodontitis, smoking, chronic inflammation and diseases, metabolic disorders and obesity, vascular dysfunction, and cancers would enable effective managemenet of COVID-19-associated complications in primary, secondary, and tertiary care in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3PM).

Antiproliferative effect of extracts and fractions of the root of Terminalia avicennioides (Combretaceae) Guill and Perr. on HepG2 and Vero cell lines

Background

Terminalia avicennioides Guill and Perr (Combretaceae) is an important West African medicinal plant. The plant is used locally against microbes and parasites in both humans and animals and studies have demonstrated its cytotoxicity potential. Thus, this study was carried out to test the cytotoxic effect of the extracts and fractions of the root of the medicinal plant Terminalia avicennioides Guill and Perr (Combretaceae) in two different cell lines.

Methods

Methanol, ethanol, 30 % ethanol, hot water and cold water extracts and ethylacetate, hexane, chloroform, butanol and residual water fractions, were evaluated at 1000, 750, 500, 250, 100 and 50 µg/mL concentrations, with doxorubicin as positive control. The cells were incubated with the extracts for 48 h at 37 °C in a 5 % CO2 humidified incubator. The inhibition of cell viability, determined with the methyl blue thiazole tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, was used to assess the anti-proliferative effect of the extracts, in normal Vero Monkey kidney and human liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines.

Results

There was a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability in both the HepG2 and Vero cell lines. For HepG2 cells, antiproliferative effect was highest for the hexane fraction (viability ranged from 19.63 ± 1.10 % to 70.30 ± 1.78 % for 1000 and 50 µg/mL, respectively. For Vero cells, the highest antiproliferative effect, at 1000 µg/mL, was with hexane fraction (cell viability 21.37 ± 3.50 %), while at 50 µg/mL the chloroform fraction demonstrated the highest effect (viability of 86.10 ± 1.95 %).

Conclusions

The extracts and fractions from the root of Terminalia avicennioides have antiproliferative effect on the Vero and HepG2 cell lines tested. However, the extracts and fractions were not more toxic to the HepG2 than to the Vero cells. The cytotoxic effect of stem-bark and leaf extracts could be evaluated in the future to determine its anticancer potential.

In Vitro Anticancer Activity and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Status Determined by Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. Dry Extracts

Lichens represent an important resource for common traditional medicines due to their numerous metabolites that can exert diverse pharmacological activities including anticancer effects. To find new anticancer compounds with fewer side effects and low tumor resistance, a bioprospective study of Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. (U. barbata), a lichen from the Călimani Mountains (Suceava county, Romania) was performed. The aim of this research was to investigate the anticancer potential, morphologic changes, wound healing property, clonogenesis, and oxidative stress biomarker status of four extracts of U. barbata in different solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate), and also of usnic acid (UA) as a positive control on the CAL-27 (ATCC^® CRL-2095™) oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) cell line and V79 (ATCC^® CCL-93™) lung fibroblasts as normal cells. Using the MTT assay and according to IC₅₀ values, it was found that the most potent anticancer property was displayed by acetone and ethyl acetate extracts. All U. barbata extracts determined morphological modifications (losing adhesion capacity, membrane shrinkage, formation of abnormal cellular wrinkles, and vacuolization) with higher intensity in tumor cells than in normal ones. The most intense anti-migration effect was established in the acetone extract treatment. The clonogenic assay showed that some U. barbata extracts decreased the ability of cancer cells to form colonies compared to untreated cells, suggesting a potential anti-tumorigenic property of the tested extracts. Therefore, all the U. barbata extracts manifest anticancer activity of different intensity, based, at least partially, on an imbalance in antioxidant defense mechanisms, causing oxidative stress.

Indian Indigenous Fruits as Radioprotective Agents: Past, Present and Future

Ionising radiation has been an important modality in cancer treatment and its value is immense when surgical intervention is risky or might debilitate/adversely affect the patient. However, the beneficial effect of radiation modality is negated by the damage to the adjacent healthy tissue in the field of radiation. Under these situations, the use of radioprotective compounds that can selectively protect normal tissues against radiation injury is considered very useful. However, research spanning over half a century has shown that there are no ideal radioprotectors available. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) approved amifostine or WR-2721 (Walter Reed-2721) [chemically S-2-(3-aminopropyl-amino) ethyl phosphorothioic acid] is toxic at their optimal concentrations. This has necessitated the need for agents that are safe and easily acceptable to humans.

BACKGROUND

Dietary agents with beneficial effects like free radical scavenging, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects are recognized as applicable and have been investigated for their radioprotective properties. Studies in these lines have shown that the fruits of Aegle marmelos (stone apple or bael), Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica(Indian gooseberry/amla), Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana (black plum / jamun), Mangifera indica (mango) and Grewia asiatica (phalsa or falsa) that are originally reported to be indigenous to India have been investigated for their usefulness as a radioprotective agent.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to summarize beneficial effects of the Indian indigenous fruits stone apple, mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, and phalsa in mitigating radiation-induced side effects, emphasize the underlying mechanism of action for the beneficial effects and address aspects that merit detail investigations for these fruits to move towards clinical application in the near future.

METHODS

The authors data mined in Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for publications in the field from 1981 up to July 2020. The focus was on the radioprotection and the mechanism responsible for the beneficial effects, and accordingly, the articles were collated and analyzed.

RESULTS

This article emphasizes the usefulness of stone apple, mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, and phalsa as radioprotective agents. From a mechanistic view, reports are suggestive that the beneficial effects are mediated by triggering free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, this review addresses the beneficial effects of mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, stone apple and phalsa as radioprotective agents. The authors suggest that future studies should be directed at understanding the selective radioprotective effects with tumor-bearing laboratory animals to understand their usefulness as radioprotective drug/s during radiotherapy and as a food supplement to protect people getting exposed to low doses of radiation in occupational settings. Phase I clinical trial studies are also required to ascertain the optimal dose and the schedule to be followed with the standardized extract of these fruits. The most important aspect is that these fruits are a part of the diet, have been consumed since the beginning of mankind, are non-toxic, possess diverse medicinal properties, have easy acceptability all of which will help take research forward and be of benefit to patients, occupational workers, agribased sectors and pharma industries.

The Potential of Sweetpotato as a Functional Food in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Implications for Health: A Review

Increasing urbanization in developing countries has resulted in busier lifestyles, accompanied by consumption of fast foods. The consequence is an increased prevalence in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Food-based approaches would be cheaper and more sustainable in reducing these NCDs compared to drugs, which may have side effects. Studies have suggested that consuming functional foods could potentially lower NCD risks. Sweetpotato is regarded as a functional food because it contains bioactive compounds. Recently, sweetpotato has gained attention in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but research has focused on its use in alleviating micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin A deficiency, particularly the orange-fleshed variety of sweetpotato. Some studies conducted in other parts of the world have investigated sweetpotato as a functional food. There is a need to characterize the sweetpotato varieties in SSA and determine how processing affects their bioactive components. This review highlights some of the studies conducted in various parts of the world on the functionality of sweetpotato, its bioactive compounds, and how these are influenced by processing. In addition, the potential health benefits imparted by sweetpotato are expounded. The knowledge gaps that remain in these studies are also addressed, focusing on how they can direct sweetpotato research in SSA.

A plant-based medicinal food inhibits the growth of human gastric carcinoma by reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background

Natural products, especially those with high contents of phytochemicals, are promising alternative medicines owing to their antitumor properties and few side effects. In this study, the effects of a plant-based medicinal food (PBMF) composed of six medicinal and edible plants, namely, Coix seed, Lentinula edodes, Asparagus officinalis L., Houttuynia cordata, Dandelion, and Grifola frondosa, on gastric cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated in vivo.

Methods

A subcutaneous xenograft model of gastric cancer was successfully established in nude mice inoculated with SGC-7901 cells. The tumor-bearing mice were separately underwent with particular diets supplemented with three doses of PBMF (43.22, 86.44, and 172.88 g/kg diet) for 30 days. Tumor volumes were recorded. Histopathological changes in and apoptosis of the xenografts were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining, respectively. Serum levels of TNF-α, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression levels of β-catenin, GSK-3β, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, MMP-2/9, Snail, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3/9, and Cyclin D1 were evaluated via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression levels of GSK-3β, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Ki-67 were determined by immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

PBMF treatment efficiently suppressed neoplastic growth, induced apoptosis, and aggravated necrosis in the xenografts of SGC-7901 cells. PBMF treatment significantly decreased the serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and significantly increased that of TNF-α. Furthermore, PBMF treatment notably upregulated the mRNA expression levels of GSK-3β, E-cadherin, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 but substantially downregulated those of β-catenin, N-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail, and Cyclin D1 in tumor tissues. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was upregulated at the mRNA level. Moreover, PBMF treatment remarkably increased the protein expression levels of GSK-3β and E-cadherin but notably reduced those of Ki-67 and N-cadherin in tumor tissues.

Conclusions

The PBMF concocted herein exerts anti-gastric cancer activities via epithelial–mesenchymal transition reversal, apoptosis induction, and proliferation inhibition. The underlying molecular mechanisms likely rely on suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03301-6.

Potential anticancer activities of Rhus coriaria (sumac) extract against human cancer cell lines

Therapeutic strategies of plant origin are a better choice as both dietary plant products or its isolated active constituents against the development and progression of cancer. The present study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of sumac (Rhus coriaria) against different human cancer MCF-7, PC-3, and SKOV3 cell lines. In addition, the study tries to explore a prospective mechanism of action, assessment of in vitro enzyme-inhibitory capacity of sumac extract against hCA I, II, IX, and XII. In the present study, the potential antitumor effects of sumac (Rhus coriaria) were explored in the human cancer cell lines; MCF-7, PC-3, and SKOV3 using in vitro assays. Apoptotic, cell survival, ELISA immunoassays were also conducted to reveal the inhibitory effects of sumac extract against hCA I, II, IX, and XII. In addition, both Clioquinol and Acetazolamide (AZM) were used as standards to explore the in vitro enzyme-inhibitory capacity of sumac extract against hCA I, II, IX, and XII. The hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria (Sumac) was subjected to phytochemical analysis using GC/MS assays. Sumac at non-cytotoxic doses of 50 and 100 µM significantly modulates the growth of the MCF-7, PC-3, and SKOV3 cancer cells with a higher inhibitory effect and selectivity to carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms; hCA I, II, hCA IX, and XII. The data showed that sumac at doses of 50 and 100 µM significantly inhibited the growth, proliferation, and viability of cancer cells by activating the apoptotic process via caspase-3 overexpression and the regulation of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein.

Boronic Acid-Functionalized Scholl-Coupling Mesoporous Polymers for Online Solid-Phase Extraction of Brassinosteroids from Plant-Derived Foodstuffs

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are natural, nontoxic, non-hazardous, biosafe, and eco-friendly plant hormones, possessing diverse pharmacological activities. However, little is known about the type and content of BRs in frequently consumed plant-derived foodstuffs because of their low abundance and high abundance of interference. In this study, a selective, accurate, and sensitive method based on the online solid-phase extraction using the boronic acid-functionalized Scholl-coupling microporous polymer was developed for the analysis of BRs in plant-derived foodstuffs. Under optimum conditions, an excellent linearity (R² ≥ 0.9970) and lower limits of detection (0.010-0.070 pg mL^-1) were obtained. The high relative recoveries were in the range of 90.33-109.34% with relative standard deviations less than 9.73%. The method was successfully used for the determination of BRs in fifteen plant-derived foodstuffs. The present work offers a valuable tool for exploring BRs from the plant-derived foodstuffs and can provide useful information for developing functional foods.

Potential Application of Plant-Based Functional Foods in the Development of Immune Boosters

Immune dysfunction, which is responsible for the development of human diseases including cancer, is caused by a variety of factors. Therefore, regulation of the factors influencing the immune response is a potentially effective strategy to counter diseases. Presently, several immune adjuvants are used in clinical practice to enhance the immune response and host defense ability; however, synthetic drugs can exert negative side effects. Thus, the search for natural products of plant origin as new leads for the development of potent and safe immune boosters is gaining considerable research interest. Plant-based functional foods have been shown to exert several immunomodulatory effects in humans; therefore, the application of new agents to enhance immunological and specific host defenses is a promising approach. In this comprehensive review, we have provided an up-to-date report on the use as well as the known and potential mechanisms of bioactive compounds obtained from plant-based functional foods as natural immune boosters. Plant-based bioactive compounds promote immunity through multiple mechanisms, including influencing the immune organs, cellular immunity, humoral immunity, nonspecific immunity, and immune-related signal transduction pathways. Enhancement of the immune response in a natural manner represents an excellent prospect for disease prevention and treatment and is worthy of further research and development using approaches of modern science and technology.

Nutrigenomics and Life Style Facet- A Modulatory Molecular Evidence in Progression of Breast and Colon Cancer with Emerging Importance

Legitimate nutrition assumes a significant role in preventing diseases and, in this way, nutritional interventions establish vital strategies in the area of public health. Nutrigenomics centres on the different genes and diet in an individual and how an individual's genes influence the reaction to bioactive foodstuff. It targets considering the genetic and epigenetic interactions with nutrients to lead to a phenotypic alteration and consequently to metabolism, differentiation, or even apoptosis. Nutrigenomics and lifestyle factors play a vital role in health management and represent an exceptional prospect for the improvement of personalized diets to the individual at risk of developing diseases like cancer. Concerning cancer as a multifactorial genetic ailment, several aspects need to be investigated and analysed. Various perspectives should be researched and examined regarding the development and prognosis of breast and colon cancer. Malignant growth occurrence is anticipated to upsurge in the impending days, and an effective anticipatory strategy is required. The effect of dietary components, basically studied by nutrigenomics, looks at gene expression and molecular mechanisms. It also interrelates bioactive compounds and nutrients because of different 'omics' innovations. Several preclinical investigations demonstrate the pertinent role of nutrigenomics in breast and colon cancer, and change of dietary propensities is conceivably a successful methodology for reducing cancer risk. The connection between the genomic profile of patients with breast or colon cancer and their supplement intake, it is conceivable to imagine an idea of personalized medicine, including nutrition and medicinal services.

Mitochondriopathies as a Clue to Systemic Disorders-Analytical Tools and Mitigating Measures in Context of Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized (3P) Medicine

The mitochondrial respiratory chain is the main site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the cell. Although mitochondria possess a powerful antioxidant system, an excess of ROS cannot be completely neutralized and cumulative oxidative damage may lead to decreasing mitochondrial efficiency in energy production, as well as an increasing ROS excess, which is known to cause a critical imbalance in antioxidant/oxidant mechanisms and a "vicious circle" in mitochondrial injury. Due to insufficient energy production, chronic exposure to ROS overproduction consequently leads to the oxidative damage of life-important biomolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and amino acids, among others. Different forms of mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondriopathies) may affect the brain, heart, peripheral nervous and endocrine systems, eyes, ears, gut, and kidney, among other organs. Consequently, mitochondriopathies have been proposed as an attractive diagnostic target to be investigated in any patient with unexplained progressive multisystem disorder. This review article highlights the pathomechanisms of mitochondriopathies, details advanced analytical tools, and suggests predictive approaches, targeted prevention and personalization of medical services as instrumental for the overall management of mitochondriopathy-related cascading pathologies.

Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac) Demonstrates Oncostatic Activity in the Therapeutic and Preventive Model of Breast Carcinoma

Comprehensive scientific data provide evidence that isolated phytochemicals or whole plant foods may beneficially modify carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncostatic activities of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) using animal models (rat and mouse), and cell lines of breast carcinoma. R. coriaria (as a powder) was administered through the diet at two concentrations (low dose: 0.1% (w/w) and high dose: 1 % (w/w)) for the duration of the experiment in a syngeneic 4T1 mouse and chemically-induced rat mammary carcinoma models. After autopsy, histopathological and molecular analyses of tumor samples in rodents were performed. Moreover, in vitro analyses using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were conducted. The dominant metabolites present in tested R. coriaria methanolic extract were glycosides of gallic acid (possible gallotannins). In the mouse model, R. coriaria at a higher dose (1%) significantly decreased tumor volume by 27% when compared to controls. In addition, treated tumors showed significant dose-dependent decrease in mitotic activity index by 36.5% and 51% in comparison with the control group. In the chemoprevention study using rats, R. coriaria at a higher dose significantly reduced the tumor incidence by 20% and in lower dose non-significantly reduced tumor frequency by 29% when compared to controls. Evaluations of the mechanism of oncostatic action using valid clinical markers demonstrated several positive alterations in rat tumor cells after the treatment with R. coriaria. In this regard, histopathological analysis of treated tumor specimens showed robust dose-dependent decrease in the ratio of high-/low-grade carcinomas by 66% and 73% compared to controls. In treated rat carcinomas, we found significant caspase-3, Bax, and Bax/Bcl-2 expression increases; on the other side, a significant down-regulation of Bcl-2, Ki67, CD24, ALDH1, and EpCam expressions and MDA levels. When compared to control specimens, evaluation of epigenetic alterations in rat tumor cells in vivo showed significant dose-dependent decrease in lysine methylation status of H3K4m3 and H3K9m3 and dose-dependent increase in lysine acetylation in H4K16ac levels (H4K20m3 was not changed) in treated groups. However, only in lower dose of sumac were significant decreases in the expression of oncogenic miR210 and increase of tumor-suppressive miR145 (miR21, miR22, and miR155 were not changed) observed. Finally, only in lower sumac dose, significant decreases in methylation status of three out of five gene promoters-ATM, PTEN, and TIMP3 (PITX2 and RASSF1 promoters were not changed). In vitro evaluations using methanolic extract of R. coriaria showed significant anticancer efficacy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (using Resazurin, cell cycle, annexin V/PI, caspase-3/7, Bcl-2, PARP, and mitochondrial membrane potential analyses). In conclusion, sumac demonstrated significant oncostatic activities in rodent models of breast carcinoma that were validated by mechanistic studies in vivo and in vitro.

Alangium longiflorum Merr. Leaf Extract Induces Apoptosis in A549 Lung Cancer Cells with Minimal NFκB Transcriptional Activation

The chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) is effective in treating many types of cancers. However, due to its pro-inflammatory and cardiotoxic side effects, other remedies have also been explored as alternative treatments. The plant Alangium longiflorum was reported to contain cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, but it is unclear whether this plant would also yield side effects similar to doxorubicin. Hence,  this study investigated cytotoxic activity of A. longiflorum leaf extract against lung cancer cells and compared its pro-inflammatory and cardiotoxic side effects with those of DOX.

METHODS

Cytotoxic activity of A. longiflorum in human lung (A549) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells was initially assessed by MTT assay and then was compared with doxorubicin. Presence of secondary metabolites in the leaf extract was examined by phytochemical screening. The ability of the plant extract to induce apoptosis was determined by measuring caspase-3/7 activity and apoptosis-related gene expression. Pro-inflammatory response was assessed by quantifying NFκB transcriptional activity and nuclear translocation with dual luciferase reporter and immunofluorescence assays, respectively. Cardiotoxicity was measured using zebrafish as a model organism.

RESULTS

A. longiflorum leaf extract displayed high cytotoxic activity against A549 versus MCF-7, which led this study to focus further on A549. Phytochemical screening showed that the extract contained terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. The extract induced apoptosis through activation of caspase-3/7 and upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes without causing NFκB transcriptional activation and nuclear localization. The extract also did not significantly reduce heart function in zebrafish.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our data suggested that extract from leaves of A. longiflorum can have the potential to serve as apoptotic agent towards lung cancer without inducing significant cardiotoxicity.

Nano-enabled personalized nutrition: Developing multicomponent-bioactive colloidal delivery systems

There is growing interest in the production of foods and beverages with nutrient and nutraceutical profiles tailored to an individual's specific nutritional requirements. In principle, these personalized nutrition products are formulated based on the genetics, epigenetics, metabolism, microbiome, phenotype, lifestyle, age, gender, and health status of a person. A challenge in this area is to create customized functional food and beverage products that contain the required combination of bioactive agents, such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, prebiotics and probiotics. Nanotechnology may facilitate the development of these kind of products since it can be used to encapsulate one or more bioactive agent in a single colloidal delivery system. This delivery system may contain one or more different kinds of colloidal particle, specifically designed to protect each nutrient in the food, but then deliver it in a bioavailable form after ingestion. This review article provides an overview of the different kinds of bioactives that need to be delivered, as well as some of the challenges associated with incorporating them into functional foods and beverages. It then highlights how nanotech-enabled colloidal delivery systems can be developed to encapsulate multiple bioactive agents in a form suitable for functional food applications, particularly in the personalized nutrition field.

Bioactive Compounds from Plant-Based Functional Foods: A Promising Choice for the Prevention and Management of Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disease that is caused by high serum uric acid levels. It is considered to be closely associated with the development of many chronic diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. While pharmaceutical drugs have been shown to exhibit serious side effects, and bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods have been demonstrated to be active in the treatment of hyperuricemia with only minimal side effects. Indeed, previous reports have revealed the significant impact of bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods on hyperuricemia. This review focuses on plant-based functional foods that exhibit a hypouricemic function and discusses the different bioactive compounds and their pharmacological effects. More specifically, the bioactive compounds of plant-based functional foods are divided into six categories, namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, and others. In addition, the mechanism by which these bioactive compounds exhibit a hypouricemic effect is summarized into three classes, namely the inhibition of uric acid production, improved renal uric acid elimination, and improved intestinal uric acid secretion. Overall, this current and comprehensive review examines the use of bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods as natural remedies for the management of hyperuricemia.

Genoprotective activities of plant natural substances in cancer and chemopreventive strategies in the context of 3P medicine

Severe durable changes may occur to the DNA structure caused by exogenous and endogenous risk factors initiating the process of carcinogenesis. By evidence, a large portion of malignancies have been demonstrated as being preventable. Moreover, the targeted prevention of cancer onset is possible, due to unique properties of plant bioactive compounds. Although genoprotective effects of phytochemicals have been well documented, there is an evident lack of articles which would systematically present the spectrum of anticancer effects by phytochemicals, plant extracts, and plant-derived diet applicable to stratified patient groups at the level of targeted primary (cancer development) and secondary (cancer progression and metastatic disease) prevention. Consequently, clinical implementation of knowledge accumulated in the area is still highly restricted. To stimulate coherent co-development of the dedicated plant bioactive compound investigation on one hand and comprehensive cancer preventive strategies on the other hand, the current paper highlights and deeply analyses relevant evidence available in the area. Key molecular mechanisms are presented to detail genoprotective and anticancer activities of plants and phytochemicals. Clinical implementation is discussed. Based on the presented evidence, advanced chemopreventive strategies in the context of 3P medicine are considered.

Hydroethanolic Extract of Solanum paniculatum L. Fruits Modulates ROS and Cytokine in Human Cell Lines

Solanum paniculatum L. or popularly known as “jurubeba” is an herbal medicinal plant. A few studies have investigated its biological effects; however, research aimed at elucidating the redox balance effects from its fruits has not been reported so far. ROS interplays in various fields of medicine such as chemotherapy. Here, we evaluated antioxidant and inflammatory activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Solanum Paniculatum L. (HESPL) fruits in breast cancer cells, as well as its phytochemical profile. The antioxidant profile (carotenoids and phenolic compounds) was obtained by HPLC-DAD-UV and HPLC-APCI-MS. Cancer cell lines and human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultivated and treated with 1.87-30 μg/mL of HESPL for 24 hrs. Cytotoxicity, oxidative, and inflammation biomarkers were evaluated. The dose of 30 μg/mL of the HESPL extract presented cytotoxicity in the MCF-7 cell line. However, for MDA-MB-231, the cytotoxicity was observed in the dose of 1.87 g/mL. The 1.87 μg/mL and 3.75 μg/mL doses decreased the concentration of IL-6 in MCF-7 cells. In the MDA-MB-231 cells, the HESPL did not decrease the IL-6 concentration; however, in the doses of 15 and 30 μg/mL, an increase in this parameter was observed. The HESPL increased IL-1β concentration in HUVECs. The ROS level in MCF-7 was elevated only at the 30 μg/ml dose. Regarding MDA-MB-231, HESPL promoted increased ROS levels at all doses tested. HUVEC showed no increase in ROS under any dose. HESPL treatment may modulate cytotoxicity, ROS, and cytokine levels due to its phytochemical profile, and it has shown an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effect.

Therapeutic Emergence of Rhein as a Potential Anticancer Drug: A Review of Its Molecular Targets and Anticancer Properties

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second-highest cause of mortality in the world, and it kills nearly 9.6 million people annually. Besides the fatality of the disease, poor prognosis, cost of conventional therapies, and associated side-effects add more burden to patients, post-diagnosis. Therefore, the search for alternatives for the treatment of cancer that are safe, multi-targeted, effective, and cost-effective has compelled us to go back to ancient systems of medicine. Natural herbs and plant formulations are laden with a variety of phytochemicals. One such compound is rhein, which is an anthraquinone derived from the roots of Rheum spp. and Polygonum multiflorum. In ethnomedicine, these plants are used for the treatment of inflammation, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and bacterial and helminthic infections. Increasing evidence suggests that this compound can suppress breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Recent studies have reported that this compound modulates different signaling cascades in cancer cells and can prevent angiogenesis and progression of different types of cancers. The present review highlights the cancer-preventing and therapeutic properties of rhein based on the available literature, which will help to extend further research to establish the chemoprotective and therapeutic roles of rhein compared to other conventional drugs. Future pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies could support this compound as an effective anticancer agent.

WD-3 inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells by regulating the glycolytic pathway

Number 3 Prescription (WD-3) is an herbal remedy used in traditional Chinese medicine that has been shown to improve the outcomes of patients with advanced colon and gastric cancers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of WD-3 on proliferation, glycolysis, and hexokinase 2 expression in breast cancer cells. Four breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, BT-549, MCF-7, and MCF-7/ADR-RES) were treated with different concentrations of WD-3 compared with blank control (phosphate-buffered saline). Each of the breast cancer cell lines was also divided into WD-3, paclitaxel, and blank control group. Cell proliferation and morphology were assessed by MTT assay, nuclear Hoechst 33258 staining, or immunofluorescence. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. High performance liquid chromatography was used for measurement of ATP, ADP, and AMP. Hexokinase 2 expression was analyzed by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. WD-3 inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis in all four breast cancer cell lines, in a dose-dependent manner. ATP and EC (energy charge) were significantly decreased in WD-3-treated BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells. WD-3 significantly downregulated the protein and mRNA expression of hexokinase II in BT-549 cells, however, not in the other three breast cancer cell lines. Our findings indicate that WD-3 targets the glycolytic pathway in breast cancer cells to exert its antitumor activity.