Cytotoxicity and inhibition of leukemic cell proliferation by sesquiterpenes from rhizomes of Mah-Lueang (Curcuma cf. viridiflora Roxb.)

Biological activities of extracts and compounds from Thai Kae-Lae (Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological properties of Kae-Lae (Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner), a traditional medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic recipes in Thailand. To achieve this objective, heartwood samples were collected from 12 sources across Thailand. Fractional extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol) and the dominant compounds (morin, resveratrol, and quercetin) were examined for their abilities on cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antileukaemic activity (Wilms' tumour 1 protein was used as a well-known biomarker for leukaemic cell proliferation).

METHODS

The study used MTT to assess cytotoxicity in leukaemic cells (K562, EoL-1, and KG-1a). Antioxidant activities were evaluated using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by detecting IL-2, TNF-α, and NO using appropriate detection kits. Wilms' tumour 1 protein expression was measured by Western blotting to determine the anti-leukaemic activity. The inhibition of cell migration was also analyzed to confirm anticancer progression.

RESULTS

Among the tested extract fraction, ethyl acetate No. 001 displayed strong cytotoxicity specifically in EoL-1 cells, while n-hexane No. 008 demonstrated this effect in three cell lines. Resveratrol, on the other hand, displayed cytotoxicity in all the tested cells. Additionally, the three major compounds, morin, resveratrol, and quercetin, exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, resveratrol demonstrated a noteworthy decreased Wilms' tumour 1 protein expression and a reduction in cell proliferation across all cells. Moreover, ethyl acetate No. 001, morin, and resveratrol effectively inhibited MCF-7 cell migration. None of these compounds showed any impact on red blood cell haemolysis.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Kae-Lae has promising chemotherapeutic potential against leukaemic cells, with fractional extracts (ethyl acetate and n-hexane) and resveratrol exhibiting the most potent cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cell migration activities.

Terpenoids from Curcumae Rhizoma: Their anticancer effects and clinical uses on combination and versus drug therapies

Cancer is a fatal disease with high mortality and low survival rate worldwide. At present, there is still no known cure for most cancers. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents a noteworthy reservoir for anticancer agents in drug discovery and development. Curcumae Rhizoma (called Ezhu in Chinese) is widely prescribed in TCM for anticancer therapy owing to its broad-spectrum antineoplastic activities. Especially, the terpenoids isolated from the essential oil of Curcumae Rhizoma form an integral part of cancer research and are well established as a potential anticancer agent. For example, β-elemene has been developed into a new drug for the treatment of solid tumors in China, and is currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States. The review aims to systematically summarize the recent advances on the anticancer effects and related molecular mechanisms of Curcumae Rhizoma, and its terpenoids (β-elemene, Furanodiene, Furanodienone, Germacrone, Curcumol, Curdione). In addition, we evaluated and compared the anticancer efficacy and clinical use of the terpenoids with combination therapies and traditional therapies. Therefore, this review provides sufficient evidence for the anticancer therapeutic potential of Curcumae Rhizoma and its terpenoids, and will contribute to the development of potential anticancer drugs.

Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Effects of Diarylheptanoids Isolated from Curcuma comosa Rhizomes on Leukaemic Cells

Curcuma comosa belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. In this study, two natural compounds were isolated from C. comosa, and their structures were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance. The isolated compounds were identified as 7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-1-phenyl-(1E)-1-heptene (1) and trans-1,7-diphenyl-5-hydroxy-1-heptene (2). Compound 1 showed the strongest cytotoxicity effect against HL-60 cells, while its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were stronger than those of compound 2. Compound 1 proved to be a potent antioxidant, compared to ascorbic acid. Neither compounds had any effect on red blood cell haemolysis. Furthermore, compound 1 significantly decreased Wilms' tumour 1 protein expression and cell proliferation in KG-1a cells. Compound 1 decreased the WT1 protein levels in a time- and dose- dependent manner. Compound 1 suppressed cell cycle at the S phase. In conclusion, compound 1 has a promising chemotherapeutic potential against leukaemia.

Biologically active metabolite(s) from haemolymph of red-headed centipede Scolopendra subspinipes possess broad spectrum antibacterial activity

The discovery of novel antimicrobials from animal species under pollution is an area untapped. Chinese red-headed centipede is one of the hardiest arthropod species commonly known for its therapeutic value in traditional Chinese medicine. Here we determined the antibacterial activity of haemolymph and tissue extracts of red-headed centipede, Scolopendra subspinipes against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Lysates exhibited potent antibacterial activities against a broad range of bacteria tested. Chemical characterization of biologically active molecules was determined via liquid chromatography mass spectrometric analysis. From crude haemolymph extract, 12 compounds were identified including: (1) l-Homotyrosine, (2) 8-Acetoxy-4-acoren-3-one, (3) N-Undecylbenzenesulfonic acid, (4) 2-Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, (5) 3H-1,2-Dithiole-3-thione, (6) Acetylenedicarboxylate, (7) Albuterol, (8) Tetradecylamine, (9) Curcumenol, (10) 3-Butylidene-7-hydroxyphthalide, (11) Oleoyl Ethanolamide and (12) Docosanedioic acid. Antimicrobial activities of the identified compounds were reported against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, that possibly explain centipede’s survival in harsh and polluted environments. Further research in characterization, molecular mechanism of action and in vivo testing of active molecules is needed for the development of novel antibacterials.

Costunolide and parthenolide from Champi Sirindhorn (Magnolia sirindhorniae) inhibit leukemic cell proliferation in K562 and molt-4 cell lines

The magnolia plant has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. This study was designed to investigate the effects of active compounds from Thai Champi Sirindhorn (Magnolia sirindhorniae) on leukemic biomarker Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) protein expressions in K562 and Molt-4 cells. Costunolide (1) and parthenolide (2) were the major components used in this study, they were purified from ethyl acetate fractions. Costunolide (1) and parthenolide (2) had strong cytotoxic effects in K562 and Molt-4 cells measured with MTT assays. Their activities were compared to standard commercial costunolide (3) and parthenolide (4). Costunolide (1) and parthenolide (2) decreased WT1 protein levels and total cell numbers in K562 and Molt-4 cells. Both purified costunolide (1) and standard commercial costunolide (3) decreased WT1 protein levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the active compounds from M. sirindhorniae were identified as promising sources for bioactive compounds for further applications in traditional medicine.

Characterization and Biological Properties of Zederone and Zedoarondiol from Rhizomes of En-Lueang (Curcuma cf. amada)

Curcuma cf. amada Roxb., also known as En-Lueang in Thailand, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and grows from rhizomes. These rhizomes have been used in the Thai and Ayurveda systems of medicine. However, to our knowledge, no biologically active compounds isolated from En-Lueang have been reported. In this study, natural compounds were isolated from En-Lueang and their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. The two isolated compounds were identified as zederone (1) and zedoarondiol (2) and their cytotoxicities against KG1a cells were investigated. The EtOH extract and EtOAc fraction showed stronger cytotoxic activity than n-hexane fraction against KG1a cells. In contrast, compound 1 showed strong cytotoxicity against KG1a cells, but low cytotoxicity toward normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, all the extracts and 1 had no effect on red blood cell hemolysis. The antioxidant properties of 1 were almost 2-fold higher than that of 2, in accordance with its total phenolic content of 8.8 mg/g, which is 2-fold higher than that of 2 (4.1 mg/g). In summary, two sesquiterpene compounds with leukemic cytotoxicity activity against the KG1a cell line were identified in En-Lueang extracts.