Willow bark extract (BNO1455) and its fractions suppress growth and induce apoptosis in human colon and lung cancer cells

Molecular insights into binding of bioactive compounds from essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi with human programmed cell death protein 1

The human programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is expressed on the surface of T cells and contributes significantly to tumor immunity. Herein, six major compounds (carvacrol, thymol, β-phellandrene, α-terpinene, myrcene D, and α-pinene) from Trachyspermum ammi were studied for their intermolecular interactions and stability against PD-1. All tested compounds displayed docking energy (-4.2 to -3.7 kcal/mol) with PD-1. The highest docking scores of -4.2 and -4.1 kcal/mol were recorded for carvacrol and thymol, respectively. Also, a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation predicted the stability of carvacrol- and thymol-docked PD-1 complex. Maximum of < 30 Å and < 12 Å root-mean-square deviation were observed for carvacrol and thymol at the end of the 100 ns simulation with respect to protein (Cα atoms), indicating retention and displacement of carvacrol and thymol from the initial binding pocket, respectively. Moreover, the endpoint binding free energies support the higher binding affinity of carvacrol (-22.87 ± 5.52 kcal/mol) than thymol (-16.83 ± 1.30 kcal/mol). The equicrural states of the respective ligands were supported by the respective root mean square fluctuation, where no significant deviations in the atoms of the ligands were observed. These findings suggest that carvacrol and thymol inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 axis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Unveiling the potential anti-cancer activity of calycosin against multivarious cancers with molecular insights: A promising frontier in cancer research

BACKGROUND

Calycosin may be a potential candidate regarding chemotherapeutic agent, because already some studies against multivarious cancer have been made with this natural compound.

AIM

This review elucidated a brief overview of previous studies on calycosin potential effects on various cancers and its potential mechanism of action.

METHODOLOGY

Data retrieved by systematic searches of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus by using keywords including calycosin, cancer types, anti-cancer mechanism, synergistic, and pharmacokinetic and commonly used tools are BioRender, ChemDraw Professional 16.0, and ADMETlab 2.0.

RESULTS

Based on our review, calycosin is available in nature and effective against around 15 different types of cancer. Generally, the anti-cancer mechanism of this compound is mediated through a variety of processes, including regulation of apoptotic pathways, cell cycle, angiogenesis and metastasis, oncogenes, enzymatic pathways, and signal transduction process. These study conducted in various study models, including in silico, in vitro, preclinical and clinical models. The molecular framework behind the anti-cancer effect is targeting some oncogenic and therapeutic proteins and multiple signaling cascades. Therapies based on nano-formulated calycosin may make excellent nanocarriers for the delivery of this compound to targeted tissue as well as particular organ. This natural compound becomes very effective when combined with other natural compounds and some standard drugs. Moreover, proper use of this compound can reverse resistance to existing anti-cancer drugs through a variety of strategies. Calycosin showed better pharmacokinetic properties with less toxicity in human bodies.

CONCLUSION

Calycosin exhibits excellent potential as a therapeutic drug against several cancer types and should be consumed until standard chemotherapeutics are available in pharma markets.

Willow Bark (Salix spp.) Used for Pain Relief in Arthritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This study intends to assess the analgesic effects, physical facilitation, and safety of willow bark use in patients with arthritis. Our study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relative randomized controlled trials (RCTs) describing the efficacy or adverse events of willow bark in patients with arthritis until 12 April 2023. We used Cochrane ROB 2.0 and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system to evaluate the quality of studies and evidence. The meta-analysis was carried out by the fix-effects model. This study included five studies with six RCTs consisting of 329 patients with arthritis. The results showed significant differences in pain relief and improvement in physical status for patients with arthritis between willow bark treatment and placebo groups, and no significant differences in the risk of all adverse events in patients with arthritis between willow bark treatment and placebo. Owing to the potential bias, the certainty and evidence of our findings are still inadequate. Therefore, further RCTs are needed to confirm our results.

Protective Effect of Willow (Salix babylonica L.) on Fish Resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus

Vibrio spp. cause vibriosis in many saltwater and freshwater aquatic species, such as fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus are among the few Vibrio species commonly found in infections in fish. This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and evaluating the antibacterial activities of Salix babylonica L. The ethyl acetate (LL2) and methanolic (LL3) extracts were used to evaluate the resistance of strains as V. parahaemolyticus LBT6 and VTCC 12233, and two strains of V. alginolyticus, NG20 and ATCC 17749, and compared their efficacy with cefotaxime in order to find an alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of vibriosis. The obtained results show that the LL2 extract, with its major components identified as chrysoeriol, luteolin, and β-sitosterol, exhibited a bacteriostatic effect against all the tested strains. In parallel, the LL3 extract, with the four major compounds luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, salicin, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, showed significant bactericidal activity against these four strains; the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) varied from 2.0 to 3.0 μg/mL and from 3.5 to 5.0 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the LL3 extract could effectively increase the survival rate of the challenged fish at a dose of 5% (w/w) for the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and 3% (w/w) for the sea bass (Lates calcarifer). The LL3 extract showed a potential application of S. babylonica L. in the prevention and treatment of vibriosis in fish.

Phytochemical Investigation of Marker Compounds from Indigenous Korean Salix Species and Their Antimicrobial Effects

Salix species, including willow trees, are distributed in the temperate regions of Asian countries, including South Korea. Willow trees are used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases. Due to the medicinal properties of willow trees, pharmacological studies of other Salix spp. have gained attention; however, only a few studies have investigated the phytochemicals of these species. As part of our ongoing natural product research to identify bioactive phytochemicals and elucidate their chemical structures from natural resources, we investigated the marker compounds from indigenous Korean Salix species, namely, Salix triandra, S. chaenomeloides, S. gracilistyla, S. koriyanagi, S. koreensis, S. pseudolasiogyne, S. caprea, and S. rorida. The ethanolic extract of each Salix sp. was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with thin-layer chromatography and liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry-based analysis, and marker compounds of each Salix sp. were isolated. The chemical structures of the marker compounds (1−8), 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2-O-acetylsalicin (2), 1-O-p-coumaroyl glucoside (3), picein (4), isograndidentatin B (5), 2′-O-acetylsalicortin (6), dihydromyricetin (7), and salicin (8) were elucidated via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a G6545B Q-TOF MS system with a dual electrospray ionization source. The identified marker compounds 1−8 were examined for their antimicrobial effects against plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Dihydromyricetin (7) exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, inducing 32.4% inhibition at a final concentration of 125 μg/mL with an MIC50 value of 250 μg/mL. Overall, this study isolated the marker compounds of S. triandra, S. chaenomeloides, S. gracilistyla, S. koriyanagi, S. koreensis, S. pseudolasiogyne, S. caprea, and S. rorida and identified the anti-Staphylococcus aureus bacterial compound dihydromyricetin.

Ellagic acid as a potent anticancer drug: A comprehensive review on in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and drug delivery studies

Ellagic acid as a polyphenol or micronutrient, which can be naturally found in different vegetables and fruits, has gained considerable attention for cancer therapy due to considerable biological activities and different molecular targets. Ellagic acid with low hydrolysis and lipophilic and hydrophobic nature is not able to be absorbed in circulation. So, accumulation inside the intestinal epithelial cells or metabolization to other urolithins leads to the limitation of direct evaluation of EA effects in clinical studies. This review focuses on the studies which supported anticancer activity of pure or fruit-extracted ellagic acid through in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and drug delivery methods. The results demonstrate ellagic acid modulates the expression of various genes incorporated in the cancer-related process of apoptosis and proliferation, inflammation related-gens, and oxidative-related genes. Moreover, the ellagic acid formulation in carriers composed of lipid, silica, chitosan, iron- bovine serum albumin nanoparticles obviously enhanced the stable release and confident delivery with minimum loss. Also, in silico analysis proved that ellagic acid was able to be placed at a position of cocrystal ADP, in the deep cavity of the protein target, and tightly interact with binding pocket residues leading to suppression of substrate availability of protein and its activation inhibition.

Numerical modelling of WNT/β-catenin signal pathway in characterization of EMT of colorectal carcinoma cell lines after treatment with Pt(IV) complexes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is at the top of the most common cancer types in the world, with significant mortality rates among both men and women. Deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway and cell-cell junctions' components, acquisition of invasive phenotype, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion are important for development and progression of colorectal cancer. Numerical simulation presents method for estimation of the Wnt pathway via its individual components in cells, thus providing information about EMT, migratory and invasive potential. By using this numerical model, the effectiveness of treatment in EMT suppression can be assessed. Furthermore, the model can be adapted to ``every'' cell type, application time or duration of treatment can be also modified.

METHODS

We characterized colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (HCT-116, SW-480) from the aspect of EMT, via markers β-catenin and E-cadherin using numerical modeling. To confirm the numerical model, cells were treated with sublethal concentrations of platinum(IV) complexes and their ligands. We confirmed β-catenin regulated expression of mesenchymal markers: N-cadherin, Vimentin and MMP-9, and decreased E-cadherin expression. Treatment-induced changes were determined in the protein expression of tested markers and results showed cell-specific responses. Molecular docking was performed to investigate exact effects of treatments on E-cadherin and β-catenin in cell-cell junctions and individually in tested cells.

RESULTS

The application of the numerical model via β-catenin and E-cadherin (experimentally measured), is largely valid for the categorization of EMT progression in cells. This numerical modeling better characterizes cells with single cell migration, higher expression of mesenchymal markers, and advanced mesenchymal phenotype like HCT-116 cell line. The model was validated for the treatments and results show HCT-116 cells as more sensitive to applied compounds, among which ligands were more potent in reducing migration and invasiveness. Anti-migratory/invasive effects were due to increased E-cadherin, cytoplasmic β-catenin expression and suppressed mesenchymal markers. In silico methods showed higher affinity of tested chemicals towards free β-catenin, which is the key for regulation of migratory/invasive potential.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that, no matter individual properties of cell lines and EMT degree, de novo formation of intercellular junctions stands in the basis of anti-migratory/invasive process.

Bioactive compounds from Taraxacum officinale extracts obtained by optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction

In this study, the extraction of plant species Taraxacum officinale (F. H. Wigg) was optimized providing the maximum extraction of phenolic compounds using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction parameters were as follows: extraction temperature of 60°C, extraction time of 30 min and 1:32.7 g/mL solid-liquid ratio for ethanol extract, and 60°C, 30 min, 1:14.2 g/mL ratio for acetone extract. The optimized extracts exhibited different biological activities. Ethanol extract showed better DPPH radicals scavenging activity and reducing power compared to acetone extract. The extracts had low antibacterial activity. In addition, the extracts had no effect on the healthy MRC-5 cell line, while acetone extract reduced the viability of HCT-116 carcinoma cells. This paper provides a basis for further research on the optimization of dandelion extraction under different conditions and testing the bioactivity of this medicinal plant.

Medicinal Plants with Anti-Leukemic Effects: A Review

Leukemia is a leukocyte cancer that is characterized by anarchic growth of immature immune cells in the bone marrow, blood and spleen. There are many forms of leukemia, and the best course of therapy and the chance of a patient’s survival depend on the type of leukemic disease. Different forms of drugs have been used to treat leukemia. Due to the adverse effects associated with such therapies and drug resistance, the search for safer and more effective drugs remains one of the most challenging areas of research. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are important to improving outcomes. Almost half of the drugs utilized nowadays in treating cancer are from natural products and their derivatives. Medicinal plants have proven to be an effective natural source of anti-leukemic drugs. The cytotoxicity and the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of these plants to leukemic cells and their isolated compounds were investigated. Effort has been made throughout this comprehensive review to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in leukemia therapies using plant-derived compounds and the crude extracts from various medicinal plants. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of these plants are discussed.

Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Medicinal Uses of Plants of the Genus Salix: An Updated Review

The Willows (genus Salix), with more than 330–500 species and 200 hybrids, are trees, shrubs or prostrate plants that are widely distributed in Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia. The genus is traditionally used in folk medicine and represents a valuable source of biologically active compounds among them salicin, a prodrug for salicylic acid. Altogether, 322 secondary metabolites were characterized in the genus including flavonoids 94) (flavonols, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, flavan-3-ols (catechins and procyanidins), chalcones, dihydrochalcone, anthocyanins, dihydroflavonols), phenolic glycosides (76), organic acids (28), and non-phenolic glycosides (17), sterols and terpenes (17), simple phenolics 13) and lignans 7) in addition to volatiles and fatty acids (69). Furthermore, willows exert analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiobesity, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective activities. The current review provides an updated summary of the importance of willows, their chemical composition and pharmacological activities.

The Protective Effect of Polyphenols for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers that threaten people in many countries. It is a multi-factorial chronic disease caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but it is mainly related to lifestyle factors, including diet. Plentiful plant foods and beverages are abundant in polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. These compounds participate in host nutrition and disease pathology regulation in different ways. Polyphenolic compounds have been used to prevent and inhibit the development and prognosis of cancer, and examples include green tea polyphenol (-)epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), curcumin, and resveratrol. Of course, there are more known and unknown polyphenol compounds that need to be further explored for their anticancer properties. This article focuses on the fact that polyphenols affect the progression of CRC by controlling intestinal inflammation, epigenetics, and the intestinal microbe in the aspects of prevention, treatment, and prognosis.

Hygrophorus eburneus, edible mushroom, a promising natural bioactive agent

It is known that many edible mushrooms have important medicinal properties, including effects on different types of cancers. This is the first report regarding the neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidative and anticancer activities of the acetone extract of edible mushroom Hygrophorus eburneus. Neuroprotective potential was evaluated by measuring the capacity of the extract to inhibit acetylcholinesterase. In this assay, the tested extract showed activity against acetylcholinesterase in a dose-dependent manner where the percentage of inhibition ranged from 13.19 to 46.44 %. The antimicrobial potential was determined by the microdilution method against five species of bacteria and eight species of fungi and the results of this method exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity of H. eburneus with MIC values ranging from 6.25 to 25 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the scavenging capacity of the tested sample on DPPH and superoxide anion radicals, by the reducing power assay and by measuring the amounts of total phenolics in extract. As a result of the study, H. eburneus extract showed a potent antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ were 102.93 μg/mL for DPPH radical scavenging activity and 123.27 μg/mL for superoxide anion radicals scavenging) while absorbances for reducing power assay were from 0.0235 to 0.1161. The total phenolic content in the extract was 9.27 µg PE/mg. Finally, anticancer effects were evaluated by MTT test for cytotoxicity, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining for detection of the type of cell death and wound healing assay for antimigratory effects on human colorectal cancer cell line (HCT-116) and human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). The results for cytotoxicity and apoptosis were measured after 24 and 72 h and for anti-migratory effect after 12 and 24 h. The tested H. eburneus mushroom extract expressed cell selectivity, with notable cytotoxic effects observed on HCT-116 cells, with a strong proapoptotic potential. The migration of HCT-116 cells was significantly inhibited, while MDA-MB-231 cells were less sensitive to the treatment. The results of this study revealed that the tested extract had relatively strong neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. It suggests that this mushroom can be proposed as a novel source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

A comparative study on schizophyllan and chitin nanoparticles for ellagic acid delivery in treating breast cancer

In this study, following encapsulation of ellagic acid (EA), an anti-cancer agent, loaded in schizophyllan (EA/SPG-NP) and chitin (EA/Ch-NP) nanoparticles, its release in 95% ethanol, and different mediums of digestive systems with pH ranging 1.5 to 7.4, were examined before investigating for treatment of breast cancer MCF-7cells. Following synthesis, the EA was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, XRD, DLS and zeta potential analysis. Loading capacity of schizophyllan and chitin were 30.08 and 79.52%, respectively, while SEM images indicated respective size distributions of 217.8 and 39.82 nm, with the corresponding zeta potentials being +27 and -9.14 mV. As EA was loaded in nanoparticles, antioxidant activity, examined by DPPH method, of the free EA was found to be higher than both EA/SPG-NP and EA/Ch-NP, but lower than the latter at 7.4 pH. Interestingly, scavenging activities for EA and EA/SPG-NP reduced for higher pH. The MTT cytotoxicity indicated that EA/SPG-NP and EA/Ch-NP inhibited effectively cell growth of breast cancer cell lines at IC₅₀ of 60 and 115 μg/ml, respectively.

Do recent research studies validate the medicinal plants used in British Columbia, Canada for pet diseases and wild animals taken into temporary care?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

There are insufficient safe and effective treatments for chronic pain in pets. In cases such as osteoarthritis there is no commercially available cure and veterinarians use NSAIDs to manage pain. Pet owners may have to plan for a lifetime of plant-based treatment for the conditions that lead to chronic pain in pets. Phytopharmacotherapies have the advantage of being less toxic, cheap or free, readily available, are more likely to be safe for long-term use and have the potential to reset the immune system to normal functioning.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the recently published medicinal plant research that matches unpublished data on ethnoveterinary medicines (EVM) used for pets in Canada (British Columbia) to see if the EVM data can provide a lead to the development of necessary drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 2003 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 participants who were organic farmers or holisitic medicinal/veterinary practitioners obtained using a purposive sample. A draft manual prepared from the data was then evaluated by participants at a participatory workshop that discussed the plant-based treatments. A copy of the final version of the manual was given to all research participants. In 2018, the recently published research matching the EVM data was reviewed to see if the EVM practices could serve as a lead for further research.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Medicinal plants are used to treat a range of conditions. The injuries treated in pets in British Columbia included abscesses (resulting from an initial injury), sprains and abrasions. Dogs were also treated with medicinal plants for rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain and articular cartilage injuries. More than 40 plants were used. Anal gland problems were treated with Allium sativum L., Aloe vera L., Calendula officinalis L., Plantago major L., Ulmus fulva Michx., Urtica dioica L. and Usnea longissima Ach. Arctium lappa, Hydrangea arborescens and Lactuca muralis were used for rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain in pets. Asthma was treated with: Linum usitatissimum L., Borago officinalis L., Verbascum thapsus L., Cucurbita pepo L., Lobelia inflata L., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Pets with heart problems were treated with Crataegus oxyacantha L., Cedronella canariensis (L.) Willd. ex Webb & Berth, Equisetum palustre L., Cypripedium calceolus L., Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson, Humulus lupulus L., Valeriana officinalis L., Lobelia inflata L., Stachys officinalis (L.) Trev., and Viscum album L. The following plants were used for epilepsy, motion sickness and anxiety- Avena sativa L., Valeriana officinalis, Lactuca muralis (L.) Fresen., Scutellaria lateriflora L., Satureja hortensis L., and Passiflora incarnata L. Plants used for cancer treatment included Phytolacca decandra, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Rumex acetosella, Arctium lappa, Ulmus fulva, Rheum palmatum, Frangula purshiana, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ulmus fulva, Althea officinalis, Rheum palmatum, Rumex crispus and Plantago psyllium. Trifolium pratense was used for tumours in the prostate gland. Also used were Artemisia annua, Taraxacum officinale and Rumex crispus. This review of plants used in EVM was possible because phytotherapy research of the plants described in this paper has continued because few new pharmaceutical drugs have been developed for chronic pain and because treatments like glucocorticoid therapy do not heal. Phytotherapuetic products are also being investigated to address the overuse of antibiotics. There have also been recent studies conducted on plant-based functional foods and health supplements for pets, however there are still gaps in the knowledge base for the plants Stillingia sylvatica, Verbascum thapsus, Yucca schidigera and Iris versicolor and these need further investigation.

Interplay between hydrogen bonding and n→π* interaction in an analgesic drug salicin

The competition and cooperation between weak intermolecular interactions are important in determining the conformational preferences of molecules. Understanding the relative strengths of these effects in the context of potential drug candidates is therefore essential. We use a combination of gas-phase spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations to elucidate the nature of such interactions for the analgesic salicin [2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl β-d-glucopyranoside], an analog of aspirin found in willow bark. Of several possible conformers, only three are observed experimentally, and these are found to correspond with the three lowest energy conformers obtained from density functional theory calculations and simulated Franck-Condon spectra. Natural bond orbital analyses show that these are characterized by a subtle interplay between weak n→π* interaction and conventional strong hydrogen bond, with additional insights into this interaction provided by analysis of quantum theory of atoms in molecules and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory calculations. In contrast, the higher energy conformers, which are not observed experimentally, are mostly stabilized by the hydrogen bond with negligible contribution of n→π* interaction. The n→π* interaction results in a preference for the benzyl alcohol group of salicin to adopt a gauche conformation, a characteristic also found when salicin is bound to the β-glucosidase enzyme. As such, understanding the interplay between these weak interactions has significance in the rationalization of protein structures.

Polyphenols of Salix aegyptiaca modulate the activities of drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes, and level of lipid peroxidation

Background

Salix aegyptiaca is known for its medicinal properties mainly due to the presence of salicylate compounds. However, it also contains other beneficial phytochemicals such as gallic acid, quercetin, rutin and vanillin. The aim of the study was to examine the redox potential, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of these phytochemicals along with acetylsalicylic acid.

Methods

The redox potential and antioxidant activity of gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, vanillin and acetylsalicylic acid were determined by oxidation-reduction potential electrode method and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. In ex vivo studies, antioxidant activity of these phytochemicals was determined by lipid peroxidation and carbonyl content assay in the liver of mice. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by protein denaturation method. Six-week old C57BL/6 mice treated with gallic acid (100 mg/kg body weight) and acetylsalicylic acid (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) to investigate their in vivo modulatory effects on the specific activities of drug metabolizing phase I and phase II enzymes, antioxidant enzymes and level of lipid peroxidation in liver.

Results

The order of ability to donate electron and antioxidant activity was found to be: gallic acid > quercetin > rutin > vanillin > acetylsalicylic acid. In ex vivo studies, the similar pattern and magnitude of inhibitory effects of these phytochemicals against peroxidative damage in microsomes and protein carbonyl in cytosolic fraction were observed. In in vivo studies, gallic acid and acetylsalicylic acid alone or in combination, enhanced the specific activities of drug metabolizing phase I and phase II enzymes as well as antioxidant enzymes and also inhibited lipid peroxidation in liver.

Conclusions

These findings show a close link between the electron donation and antioxidation potential of these phytochemicals, and in turn their biological activity. Gallic acid, quercetin, rutin and vanillin were found to be better electron donors and antioxidants and therefore, might be mainly responsible for the antioxidant properties of S. aegyptiaca, while acetylsalicylic acid provided its maximum anti-inflammatory activity.

Proapoptotic and Antimigratory Effects of Pseudevernia furfuracea and Platismatia glauca on Colon Cancer Cell Lines

The aim of this study is to investigate cytotoxic, proapoptotic, antimigratory and pro-antioxidant effects of methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of lichens Pseudevernia furfuracea and Platismatia glauca on colorectal cancer (HCT-116 and SW-480) cell lines. We compared the cytotoxic effects on colorectal cancer cells with the effects obtained from normal human fibroblast (MRC-5) cell line. Tetrazolium (MTT) test evaluated the cytotoxic effects, Transwell assay evaluated cell migration, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescent method followed the apoptosis, while prooxidant/antioxidant effects were determined spectrophotometrically through concentration of redox parameters. The tested extracts showed considerable cytotoxic effect on cancer cells with no observable cytotoxic effect on normal cells. Ethyl acetate and acetone extract of P. furfuracea induced the highest cytotoxicity (IC₅₀=(21.2±1.3) µg/mL on HCT-116, and IC₅₀=(51.3±0.8) µg/mL on SW-480 cells, respectively, after 72 h), with noteworthy apoptotic and prooxidant effects, and antimigratory potential of methanol extract. P. glauca extracts induced cytotoxic effects on HCT-116 cells after 72 h (IC₅₀<40 μg/mL), while only methanol and acetone extracts had cytotoxic effects on SW-480 cells after 24 h, with proapoptotic/necrotic activity, as a consequence of induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, lichen extracts changed to a great extent cell viability and migratory potential of colorectal cancer cell lines. HCT-116 cells were more sensitive to treatments, P. furfuracea had better proapoptotic and antimigratory effects, and both investigated lichen species might be a source of substances with anticancer activity.

Compound Library Screening Identified Cardiac Glycoside Digitoxin as an Effective Growth Inhibitor of Gefitinib-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via Downregulation of α-Tubulin and Inhibition of Microtubule Formation

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) dominates over 85% of all lung cancer cases. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutation is a common situation in NSCLC. In the clinic, molecular-targeting with Gefitinib as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for EGFR downstream signaling is initially effective. However, drug resistance frequently happens due to additional mutation on EGFR, such as substitution from threonine to methionine at amino acid position 790 (T790M). In this study, we screened a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound library consisting of 800 single compounds in TKI-resistance NSCLC H1975 cells, which contains substitutions from leucine to arginine at amino acid 858 (L858R) and T790M mutation on EGFR. Attractively, among these compounds there are 24 compounds CC50 of which was less than 2.5 μM were identified. We have further investigated the mechanism of the most effective one, Digitoxin. It showed a significantly cytotoxic effect in H1975 cells by causing G2 phase arrest, also remarkably activated 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Moreover, we first proved that Digitoxin suppressed microtubule formation through decreasing α-tubulin. Therefore, it confirmed that Digitoxin effectively depressed the growth of TKI-resistance NSCLC H1975 cells by inhibiting microtubule polymerization and inducing cell cycle arrest.

Childhood autoimmune hepatitis in a paediatric unit of a tertiary care hospital

INTRODUCTION

Although childhood autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been extensively investigated in the West, data on AIH in the East is lacking. We aimed to investigate AIH's clinical, biochemical and histological features, as well as its outcomes, in one of Singapore's two major paediatric units.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of children diagnosed with AIH in the paediatric unit of National University Hospital, Singapore, over the last 12 years. Children with de novo AIH after liver transplantation were excluded. The demographic and clinical features of the patients, and their laboratory, treatment and clinical outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

This study comprised ten patients (six females, four males), with a median age of 5.1 (range 2.1-13.8) years at diagnosis. Five patients had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Seven patients had type 1 AIH, and three had autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC) and IBD; none had type 2 AIH. The median level of aspartate aminotransferase at diagnosis was 183 (range 45-2,649) U/L. Prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day was prescribed at diagnosis for eight patients. Two patients were lost to follow-up and were treated symptomatically when they re-presented with end-stage liver disease. Azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil was prescribed after 3-7 months of treatment. Normalisation of aminotransferase levels took an average of 5.3 (range 1-39) months.

CONCLUSION

AIH is a rare but important cause of liver pathology. Children in this region with elevated aminotransferases or unexplained hepatomegaly should be screened for AIH.

Salicin from Willow Bark can Modulate Neurite Outgrowth in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells

Salicin from willow bark has been used throughout centuries in China and Europe for the treatment of pain, headache, and inflammatory conditions. Recently, it could be demonstrated that salicin binds and activates the bitter taste receptor TAS2R16. Studies on rodent tissues showed the general expression of bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in rodent brain. Here, we demonstrate the expression of hTAS2R16 in human neuronal tissues and the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. The functionality was analyzed in the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y after stimulation with salicin, a known TAS2R16 agonist. In this setting salicin induced in SH-SY5Y cells phosphorylation of ERK and CREB, the key transcription factor of neuronal differentiation. PD98059, an inhibitor of the ERK pathway, as well as probenecid, a TAS2R16 antagonist, inhibited receptor phosphorylation as well as neurite outgrowth. These data show that salicin might modulate neurite outgrowth by bitter taste receptor activation.

Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extracts

Willow bark extract has been used for thousands of years as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic. In spite of its long history of use, relatively few human and animal studies have been published that confirm anecdotal observations. A small number of clinical studies have been conducted that support the use of willow bark extracts in chronic lower back and joint pain and osteoarthritis. Willow bark extracts also are widely used in sports performance and weight loss products presumably because of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, although no human studies have been published that specifically and directly document beneficial effects. In recent years, various in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of willow bark extract is associated with down regulation of the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Although willow bark extracts are generally standardized to salicin, other ingredients in the extracts including other salicylates as well as polyphenols, and flavonoids may also play prominent roles in the therapeutic actions. Adverse effects appear to be minimal as compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin. The primary cause for concern may relate to allergic reactions in salicylate-sensitive individuals.

Antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effect of essential oil extracted from Cyrtomium fortumei (J.) Smith leaves

Cyrtomium fortumei (J.) Smith is an endemic species in China, which has been proved to be an important Chinese herbal medicine. However, chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oil (EO) of C. fortumei (J.) Smith leaves remain unclear. In present study, we isolated EO from the plant by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction assay (SFE-CO₂), and investigated on cancer cells MGC-803, MCF-7, BGC-823, Bcap-37, A375, and A549 in vitro by MTT assay. 26 compounds were identified by GC–MS analysis, and the EO showed significant antitumor activities against MGC-803, Bcap-37, and A549 cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.15 to 0.24 mg/mL), and the activities of its main component were also studied. Subsequent fluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis indicated that the EO could induce apoptosis in MGC-803, Bcap-37, and A549 cell lines, and the apoptosis ratios reached 26.44 % after 48 h of treatment at 0.15 mg/mL in MGC-803 cells. Caspase 3 activity in MGC-803 cells was also determined when the cells treated with the oil, and the activity of caspase 3 enzyme was increased compared to the control. This study suggests that the EO isolated from C. fortumei (J.) Smith could inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cells, and it could induce apoptosis of cancer cells.

The study of interactions between active compounds of coffee and willow (Salix sp.) bark water extract

Coffee and willow are known as valuable sources of biologically active phytochemicals such as chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and salicin. The aim of the study was to determine the interactions between the active compounds contained in water extracts from coffee and bark of willow (Salix purpurea and Salix myrsinifolia). Raw materials and their mixtures were characterized by multidirectional antioxidant activities; however, bioactive constituents interacted with each other. Synergism was observed for ability of inhibition of lipid peroxidation and reducing power, whereas compounds able to scavenge ABTS radical cation acted antagonistically. Additionally, phytochemicals from willow bark possessed hydrophilic character and thermostability which justifies their potential use as an ingredient in coffee beverages. Proposed mixtures may be used in the prophylaxis or treatment of some civilization diseases linked with oxidative stress. Most importantly, strong synergism observed for phytochemicals able to prevent lipids against oxidation may suggest protective effect for cell membrane phospholipids. Obtained results indicate that extracts from bark tested Salix genotypes as an ingredient in coffee beverages can provide health promoting benefits to the consumers; however, this issue requires further study.

Anticarcinogenic effects of the ethanolic extract of Salix aegyptiaca in colon cancer cells: involvement of Akt/PKB and MAPK pathways

The bark from Salix species of plants has been traditionally consumed for its antiinflammatory properties. Because inflammation frequently accompanies the progress of colorectal cancer (CRC), we have evaluated the anticancer properties of the ethanolic extract from the bark (EEB) of S. aegyptiaca, a Salix species endogenous to the Middle East, using HCT-116 and HT29 CRC cell lines. Fresh bark from S. aegyptiaca was extracted with ethanol, fractionated by solvent-solvent partitioning and the fractions were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Catechin, catechol, and salicin were the most abundant constituents of the extract. Interestingly, EEB showed the highest anticancer effect in the colon cancer cells followed by its fractions in ethyl acetate and water, with catechin, catechol, and salicin showing the least efficacy. EEB could strongly reduce the proliferation of the cancer cells, but not of CCD-18Co, normal colon fibroblast cell line. Accompanying this was cell cycle arrest at G1/S independent of DNA damage in the cancer cells, induction of apoptosis through a p53 dependent pathway and an inhibition of PI3K/Akt and MAP Kinase pathways at levels comparable to known commercial inhibitors. We propose that the combination of the polyphenols and flavonoids in EEB contributes toward its potent anticarcinogenic effects. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Nutrition and Cancer for the following free supplemental resource(s): Supplementary Figure 1 and Supplementary Figure 2.].

Pharmacological Importance of Simple Phenolic Compounds on Inflammation, Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis with a Special Reference to β-D-Salicin and Hydroxybenzoic Acid

Simple phenolic (SP) compounds are natural products that exhibit multiple pharmacological functions. The best known of these compounds is β-D-salicin, the first discovered phenolic glycoside and salicylic acid, or 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (2-HBA). Both of these compounds have attracted the interest of scientists in various interdisciplinary fields, including chemistry, pharmacology and medicine. Although β-D-salicin is found in various plants, it is often associated with willow, as it was first discovered in this species of plant. While the presence of glucose in β-D-salicin improves the physicochemical properties of the benzyl moiety, β-D-salicin itself does not have anti-inflammatory or anti-proliferative activity until it is metabolised into 2-HBA in the gastrointestinal tract and blood stream. Likewise, the majority of 2-acetoxybenzoic acid (2-ABA), or acetoxysalicylic acid also undergoes metabolic hydrolysis into 2-HBA. 2-HBA has been shown to play a role in modulating both inflammation and cancer partly through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It is now clear that 2-HBA most likely acts on the transcription factor NF-κB, which regulates the transcription of COX-2 thereby suppressing inflammation and cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Other phenolates, also exhibit anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation activities like the 4-hydroxybenzoate zinc (4-HBZn) complex, which was previously shown to preferentially inhibit COX-2 compared to 2-HBA and ASA. This review aims to collect all the available information related to β-D-salicin and other SP compounds in order to promote a new perspective of this interesting class of compounds and encourage further research into their pharmacological and clinical properties.

Selective killing of lung cancer cells using carcinoembryonic antigen promoter and double suicide genes, thymidine kinase and cytosine deaminase (pCEA-TK/CD)

The application of gene therapy in cancer treatment is limited by non-specific targeting. In the present study, we constructed a recombinant plasmid, containing a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) promoter and double suicide genes thymidine kinase (TK) and cytosine deaminase (CD), henceforth referred to as pCEA-TK/CD. Our results showed that the CEA promoter can specifically drive target gene expression in CEA-positive lung cancer cells. In the presence of prodrugs 5-flucytosine and ganciclovir, pCEA-TK/CD transfection decreased inhibitory concentration 50 and increased apoptosis and cyclomorphosis. Our result suggests that gene therapy using pCEA-TK/CD may be a promising new approach for treating lung cancer.

Suppression of interleukin (IL)-8 and human beta defensin-2 secretion in LPS-and/or IL-1β-stimulated airway epithelial A549 cells by a herbal formulation against respiratory infections (BNO 1030)

AIM OF THE STUDY

A special ethanolic-aqueous extract from seven traditional medicinal plants (BNO 1030) has been used for several decades to treat recurrent infections of the respiratory tract. Considering the potential role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and human beta defensin-2 (hBD-2) in inflammation, we investigated the effect of BNO 1030 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa or IL-1β-induced inflammatory mediators in A549 human type II alveolar epithelial cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A549 cells were stimulated with LPS (100 μg/ml) or IL-1β (50 ng/ml) in the presence of the preparation and the secretion of IL-8 and hBD-2 were measured after 18 h and 24h in cell free supernatants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Cell viability and cell growth was investigated by propidium iodide uptake and WST-1 assay, respectively.

RESULTS

BNO 1030 inhibited the secretion of IL-8 and hBD-2 at non-cytotoxic concentrations (0.1-100 μg/ml; cell growth inhibitory concentration, 50% (IC(50))=678 ± 87.6 μg/ml). Stimulation by IL-1β led to a 7-fold activation of IL-8 secretion, which was reduced by 37.7 ± 4.1% (p<0.05) after incubation with 100 μg/ml BNO 1030. Inducible hBD-2 was suppressed by 91.8 ± 15.6% (p<0.01) at the same concentration of BNO 1030 (IC(50)=0.7 ± 0.1 μg/ml). The 2-fold increase of IL-8 secretion by LPS-stimulated cells was completely abolished at concentration of 50 μg/ml BNO 1030 (IC(50)=5.7±3.6 μg/ml).

CONCLUSION

BNO 1030 suppressed the secretion of IL-8 and hBD-2 in cultured epithelial A549 cells. These results support its use as a phytotherapeutic product prepared from traditional remedies in inflammatory diseases, especially those affecting the respiratory tract.

The role of cyclooxygenase-2 in cell proliferation and cell death in human malignancies

It is well admitted that the link between chronic inflammation and cancer involves cytokines and mediators of inflammatory pathways, which act during the different steps of tumorigenesis. The cyclooxygenases (COXs) are a family of enzymes, which catalyze the rate-limiting step of prostaglandin biosynthesis. This family contains three members: ubiquitously expressed COX-1, which is involved in homeostasis; the inducible COX-2 isoform, which is upregulated during both inflammation and cancer; and COX-3, expressed in brain and spinal cord, whose functions remain to be elucidated. COX-2 was described to modulate cell proliferation and apoptosis mainly in solid tumors, that is, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, and, more recently, in hematological malignancies. These findings prompt us to analyze here the effects of a combination of COX-2 inhibitors together with different clinically used therapeutic strategies in order to further improve the efficiency of future anticancer treatments. COX-2 modulation is a promising field investigated by many research groups.

Hop proanthocyanidins induce apoptosis, protein carbonylation, and cytoskeleton disorganization in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells via reactive oxygen species

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) have been shown to suppress the growth of diverse human cancer cells and are considered as promising additions to the arsenal of chemopreventive phytochemicals. An oligomeric mixture of PCs from hops (Humulus lupulus) significantly decreased cell viability of human colon cancer HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Hop PCs, at 50 or 100 microg/ml, exhibited apoptosis-inducing properties as shown by the increase in caspase-3 activity. Increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was accompanied by an augmented accumulation of protein carbonyls. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis in combination with 2-alkenal-specific immunochemical detection identified beta-actin and protein disulfide isomerase as major putative targets of acrolein adduction. Incubation of HT-29 cells with hop PCs resulted in morphological changes that indicated disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. PC-mediated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation in the cell culture media was also quantified; but, the measured H2O2 levels would not explain the observed changes in the oxidative modifications of actin. These findings suggest new modes of action for proanthocyandins as anticarcinogenic agents in human colon cancer cells, namely, promotion of protein oxidative modifications and cytoskeleton derangement.

Cytotoxic constituents from the bark of Salix hulteni

Eight compounds were isolated from the bark of Salix hulteni. Based on spectral data, the isolated compounds were identified as 4-hydroxyacetophenone (1), naringenin (2), aromadendrin (3), catechin (4), picein (5), sachaliside 1 (6), 1-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucoside (7), and dihydromyricetin (8). Their cytotoxic activities against brine shrimp and a human lung cancer cell line (H1299) were evaluated.

Willow bark extract: the contribution of polyphenols to the overall effect

The efficacy of willow bark extract in the treatment of painful mobility disorders, such as back pain and arthritis, has been attributed to the content of salicin and its derivatives as pro-drugs of salicylates. However, based on clinical experience and the evidence of experimental pharmacological studies, the fraction of total salicin cannot satisfactorily explain the clinical efficacy of willow bark. In addition, salicins and their metabolites lack the acetylating potential of ASA and must therefore possess a different mechanism of action. A detailed pharmacological screening of the aqueous willow bark extract STW 33-I addressed the question of the identification of fractions contributing to the overall effect. All in vivo and in vitro models studied pointed to relevant contributions of the fraction of polyphenols and flavonoids. The single compounds or their combinations responsible for the effect remain to be elucidated.