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Chaudhry GES, Md Akim A, Sung YY, Sifzizul TMT. Cancer and apoptosis: The apoptotic activity of plant and marine natural products and their potential as targeted cancer therapeutics. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:842376. [PMID: 36034846 PMCID: PMC9399632 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.842376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial, multi-stage disease, including complex cascades of signaling pathways—the cell growth governed by dysregulated and abrupt cell division. Due to the complexity and multi-regulatory cancer progression, cancer is still a challenging disease to treat and survive. The screening of extracts and fractions from plants and marine species might lead to the discovery of more effective compounds for cancer therapeutics. The isolated compounds and reformed analogs were known as future prospective contenders for anti-cancer chemotherapy. For example, Taxol, a potent mitotic inhibitor discovered from Taxus brevifolia, suppresses cell growth and arrest, induces apoptosis, and inhibits proliferation. Similarly, marine sponges show remarkable tumor chemo preventive and chemotherapeutic potential. However, there is limited research to date. Several plants and marine-derived anti-cancer compounds having the property to induce apoptosis have been approved for clinical trials. The anti-cancer activity kills the cell and slows the growth of cancer cells. Among cell death mechanisms, apoptosis induction is a more profound mechanism of cell death triggered by naturally isolated anti-cancer agents. Evading apoptosis is the major hurdle in killing cancer cells, a mechanism mainly regulated as intrinsic and extrinsic. However, it is possible to modify the apoptosis-resistant phenotype of the cell by altering many of these mechanisms. Various extracts and fractions successfully induce apoptosis, cell-cycle modulation, apoptosis, and anti-proliferative activity. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop new anti-cancer drugs of natural origins to reduce the effects on normal cells. Here, we’ve emphasized the most critical elements: i) A better understanding of cancer progression and development and its origins, ii) Molecular strategies to inhibit the cell proliferation/Carcino-genesis, iii) Critical regulators of cancer cell proliferation and development, iv) Signaling Pathways in Apoptosis: Potential Targets for targeted therapeutics, v) Why Apoptosis induction is mandatory for effective chemotherapy, vi) Plants extracts/fractions as potential apoptotic inducers, vii) Marine extracts as Apoptotic inducers, viii) Marine isolated Targeted compounds as Apoptotic inducers (FDA Approved/treatment Phase). This study provides a potential therapeutic option for cancer, although more clinical studies are needed to verify its efficacy in cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gul-e-Saba Chaudhry
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Gul-e-Saba Chaudhry, ,
| | - Abdah Md Akim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health sciences, University of Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Yeong Yik Sung
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
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An updated review on the antimicrobial and pharmacological properties of the genus Uncaria (Rubiaceae). J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Villegas Vílchez LF, Ascencios JH, Dooley TP. GlucoMedix®, an extract of Stevia rebaudiana and Uncaria tomentosa, reduces hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension in rat models without toxicity: a treatment for metabolic syndrome. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:62. [PMID: 35260150 PMCID: PMC8905912 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03538-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this in vivo study is to evaluate in five rat models the pharmacologic effects and toxicity of a commercial hydro-alcoholic extract, GlucoMedix®, derived from Stevia rebaudiana and the pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria Tomentosa (Willd.) DC, for use as a treatment for metabolic syndrome. The extract contains phytochemicals of Stevia (e.g., steviol glycosides) and Uncaria (e.g., pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids, but lacks tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids). METHODS The pharmacologic assessments in three rat models include reductions in chemically induced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia (cholesterol and triglycerides), and hypertension, all of which are comorbidities of metabolic syndrome. Acute toxicity and 28-day subacute toxicity were assessed in rat models at doses higher than those used in the efficacy models. RESULTS The acute oral toxicity was evaluated in Holtzman rats and the extract did not produce acute toxic effects or lethality, with the LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (extract wet weight). Furthermore, subacute oral toxicity was evaluated in rats for 28 days at daily doses as high as 2000 mg/kg without toxicity or abnormal clinical chemistry or hematological effects. Daily oral doses of 250 - 1000 mg/kg were used to evaluate the treatment effects in hyperglycemic (alloxan-induced and glibenclamide-controlled), hyperlipidemic (cholesterol-induced and atorvastatin-controlled), and hypertensive (L-NAME-induced and enalapril-controlled) rat models. Alloxan-induced hyperglycemia was reduced in a dose-dependent manner within 28 days or less. Cholesterol-induced hyperlipidemic rats exhibited dose-dependent reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides at 21 days. Furthermore, GlucoMedix® produced a dose-dependent decrease in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats at 28 days. CONCLUSIONS The five in vivo rat models revealed that the all-natural phytotherapy GlucoMedix® is a safe and effective treatment for hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. This extract is expected to affect multiple comorbidities of metabolic syndrome, without any acute or subacute oral toxicity in humans. Although multiple prescription drugs are well known for the treatment of individual comorbidities of metabolic syndrome, no drug monotherapy concurrently treats all three comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- León F Villegas Vílchez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Sciences, Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Quality Control Service, Research and Development Laboratories, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Julio Hidalgo Ascencios
- Quality Control Service, Research and Development Laboratories, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Stevia and Uncaria extract (GlucoMedix®) reduces glucose levels and the need for medications in type 2 diabetes: an open label case series of six patients. CLINICAL PHYTOSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s40816-021-00332-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
GlucoMedix® is an all-natural phytotherapy consisting of a hydro-alcoholic extract of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni and pentacyclic chemotype Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. Ex Schult.) DC. The nutraceutical product has potential for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.
Methods
Six adult Hispanic type 2 diabetic patients were included in an outpatient retrospective open label physician-sponsored case series study. GlucoMedix® extract of Stevia plus pentacyclic chemotype Uncaria was administered orally at doses of 2 ml, diluted in water, two or three times daily. The patients’ blood glucose levels were recorded historically, at baseline, and thereafter while taking GlucoMedix® orally.
Results
When treated with GlucoMedix®, with or without coincident advice to modify diet, all six patients manifested reductions in blood glucose levels. At baseline four of the six patients were administering one or more prescription treatments for hyperglycemia, e.g., Glibenclamide, Metformin, Vildagliptin, or Insulin. Two patients displayed substantial reductions in glucose of 50 and 70 mg/dl, and in conjunction with the removal of their prior drug treatments of Glibenclamide plus Metformin or of Vildagliptin. An Insulin-treated patient experienced a 50 mg/dl reduction while ceasing Metformin and was subsequently able to reduce the dose of Insulin by half. Thus, in three patients GlucoMedix® abrogated in whole or in part the requirement for pharmaceutical or biologic therapies to achieve substantial beneficial reductions in glycemic levels.
Conclusions
In this proof-of-principle study oral GlucoMedix® was an effective treatment for hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic individuals. This all-natural phytotherapy can be used beneficially in conjunction with existing pharmaceutical or biological therapy regimens, and in some cases can replace in whole or in part the requirement for pharmaceutical or biologic therapies. These in-life results suggest that this natural product approach can serve as an alternative to prescription monotherapies or multimodal therapies for the regulation of hyperglycemia.
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The Most Competent Plant-Derived Natural Products for Targeting Apoptosis in Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040534. [PMID: 33916780 PMCID: PMC8066452 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a challenging problem for the global health community, and its increasing burden necessitates seeking novel and alternative therapies. Most cancers share six basic characteristics known as "cancer hallmarks", including uncontrolled proliferation, refractoriness to proliferation blockers, escaping apoptosis, unlimited proliferation, enhanced angiogenesis, and metastatic spread. Apoptosis, as one of the best-known programmed cell death processes, is generally promoted through two signaling pathways, including the intrinsic and extrinsic cascades. These pathways comprise several components that their alterations can render an apoptosis-resistance phenotype to the cell. Therefore, targeting more than one molecule in apoptotic pathways can be a novel and efficient approach for both identifying new anticancer therapeutics and preventing resistance to therapy. The main purpose of this review is to summarize data showing that various plant extracts and plant-derived molecules can activate both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways in human cancer cells, making them attractive candidates in cancer treatment.
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The Hydroalcoholic Extract of Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) Inhibits the Infection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) In Vitro. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6679761. [PMID: 33680061 PMCID: PMC7929665 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6679761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious problem for public health since it was identified in the province of Wuhan (China) and spread around the world producing high mortality rates and economic losses. Nowadays, the WHO recognizes traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine for treating COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the antiviral potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Uncaria tomentosa stem bark from Peru against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. The antiviral activity of U. tomentosa against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro was assessed in Vero E6 cells using cytopathic effect (CPE) and plaque reduction assay. After 48 h of treatment, U. tomentosa showed an inhibition of 92.7% of SARS-CoV-2 at 25.0 μg/mL (p < 0.0001) by plaque reduction assay on Vero E6 cells. In addition, U. tomentosa induced a reduction of 98.6% (p=0.02) and 92.7% (p=0.03) in the CPE caused by SARS-CoV-2 on Vero E6 cells at 25 μg/mL and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively. The EC50 calculated for the U. tomentosa extract by plaque reduction assay was 6.6 μg/mL (4.89–8.85 μg/mL) for a selectivity index of 4.1. The EC50 calculated for the U. tomentosa extract by TCID50 assay was 2.57 μg/mL (1.05–3.75 μg/mL) for a selectivity index of 10.54. These results showed that U. tomentosa, known as cat's claw, has an antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2, which was observed as a reduction in the viral titer and CPE after 48 h of treatment on Vero E6 cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that U. tomentosa stem bark could be promising in the development of new therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
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Treatment with Uncaria tomentosa Promotes Apoptosis in B16-BL6 Mouse Melanoma Cells and Inhibits the Growth of B16-BL6 Tumours. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26041066. [PMID: 33670520 PMCID: PMC7922471 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26041066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncaria tomentosa is a medicinal plant native to Peru that has been traditionally used in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. In this study, the effectiveness of U. tomentosa as an anti-cancer agent was assessed using the growth and survival of B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells. B16-BL6 cell cultures treated with both ethanol and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) extracts of U. tomentosa displayed up to 80% lower levels of growth and increased apoptosis compared to vehicle controls. Treatment with ethanolic extracts of Uncaria tomentosa were much more effective than treatment with aqueous extracts. U. tomentosa was also shown to inhibit B16-BL6 cell growth in C57/bl mice in vivo. Mice injected with both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of U. tomentosa showed a 59 ± 13% decrease in B16-BL6 tumour weight and a 40 ± 9% decrease in tumour size. Histochemical analysis of the B16-BL6 tumours showed a strong reduction in the Ki-67 cell proliferation marker in U. tomentosa-treated mice and a small, but insignificant increase in terminal transferase dUTP nick labelling (TUNEL) staining. Furthermore, U. tomentosa extracts reduced angiogenic markers and reduced the infiltration of T cells into the tumours. Collectively, the results in this study concluded that U. tomentosa has potent anti-cancer activity that significantly inhibited cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
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Ciani F, Cocchia N, Calabrò V, Pollice A, Maruccio L, Carotenuto D, Esposito L, Avallone L, Tafuri S. Uncaria tomentosa: A promising source of therapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of oxidative stress and cancer. Cancer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819547-5.00045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ferreira AO, Polonini HC, Dijkers ECF. Postulated Adjuvant Therapeutic Strategies for COVID-19. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E80. [PMID: 32764275 PMCID: PMC7565841 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of COVID-19 patients is still growing exponentially worldwide due to the high transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therapeutic agents currently under investigation are antiviral drugs, vaccines, and other adjuvants that could relieve symptoms or improve the healing process. In this review, twelve therapeutic agents that could play a role in prophylaxis or improvement of the COVID-19-associated symptoms (as add-on substances) are discussed. Agents were identified based on their known pharmacologic mechanism of action in viral and/or nonviral fields and are postulated to interact with one or more of the seven known mechanisms associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus: (i) regulation of the immune system; (ii) virus entrance in the cell; (iii) virus replication; (iv) hyperinflammation; (v) oxidative stress; (vi) thrombosis; and (vii) endotheliitis. Selected agents were immune transfer factor (oligo- and polypeptides from porcine spleen, ultrafiltered at <10 kDa; Imuno TF®), anti-inflammatory natural blend (Uncaria tomentosa, Endopleura uchi and Haematoccocus pluvialis; Miodesin®), zinc, selenium, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol, ferulic acid, spirulina, N-acetylcysteine, glucosamine sulfate potassium hydrochloride, trans-resveratrol, and maltodextrin-stabilized orthosilicic acid (SiliciuMax®). This review gives the scientific background on the hypothesis that these therapeutic agents can act in synergy in the prevention and improvement of COVID-19-associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson O. Ferreira
- Fagron. Lichtenauerlaan 182, 3062 Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (H.C.P.); (E.C.F.D.)
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Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC.: A Review on Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10082668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. (Family: Rubiaceae), commonly known as cat’s claw, is a tropical medicinal vine originating at the Amazon rainforest and other areas of South and Central America. It has been traditionally used to treat asthma, abscesses, fever, urinary tract infections, viral infections, and wounds and found to be effective as an immune system rejuvenator, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent. U. tomentosa is rich in many phytoconstituents such as oxindole and indole alkaloids, glycosides, organic acids, proanthocyanidins, sterols, and triterpenes. Biological activities of U. tomentosa have been examined against various microorganisms and parasites, including pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and Plasmodium, Babesia and Theileria parasites. Several formulations of cat’s claw (e.g., tinctures, decoctions, capsules, extracts, and teas) are recently available in the market. The current review covers the chemical constituents, biological activities, pharmacokinetics, and toxic properties of U. tomentosa extracts.
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α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Promotes Cholangiocarcinoma Progression and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:2843-2853. [PMID: 30949902 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma is one of the most deadly malignant tumors characterized by a tendency of local invasiveness and metastasis at the early phase, high recurrence rate, and difficulty in treatment. Alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) is highly expressed in a variety of tumors, including cholangiocarcinoma, and may promote tumor progression, but the mechanisms are largely unknown. AIMS Our study is the first to expound upon the role that α7-nAChR plays in cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS We assessed 50 human cholangiocarcinoma tissue samples and 20 normal biliary samples using immunohistochemical staining to find the correlation between α7-nAChR expression and clinicopathological characteristics. We used human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines QBC939 and RBE and α7-nAChR gene knockdown RBE cell lines generated by shRNA lentivirus transfection to investigate the biological functions of α7-nAChR in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasiveness in vitro. Further, western blotting was used to detect apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related signaling proteins. Cholangiocarcinoma xenografts in nude mice were used for tumorigenicity assays in vivo. RESULTS The expression of α7-nAChR was high in cholangiocarcinoma tissues and was closely related to a shorter survival time in patients. α7-nAChR knockdown decreased cell proliferation ability, increased early apoptosis, and weakened cell migration and invasion. Apoptosis-related proteins and components of the EMT process were altered after α7-nAChR knockdown. Moreover, nude mice xenograft experiments confirmed that α7-nAChR could promote cholangiocarcinoma in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of α7-nAChR induces cholangiocarcinoma progression by blocking apoptosis and promoting the EMT process. As an effective molecular biomarker and prognostic factor, α7-nAChR is a promising therapeutic target in cholangiocarcinoma.
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Lee J, Lee J, Park H, Kim J. The potential use of bromelain as a natural oral medicine having anticarcinogenic activities. Food Sci Nutr 2019; 7:1656-1667. [PMID: 31139378 PMCID: PMC6526645 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromelain (BR), a protease extracted from Ananas comosus, reportedly possesses pharmacological activities including the reduction of thrombogenesis, and antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of BR on oral cancer cells. The effect of BR on the viability of Ca9-22 and SCC25 cells was determined using the MTT assay. These cells were also treated with different doses of BR, and Western blotting was conducted to monitor apoptosis. Finally, flow cytometry analysis was performed to identify sub-G1 populations of oral cancer cells. After treatment, the viability of both Ca9-22 and SCC25 cells was markedly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner. BR induced poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and lamin A/C degradation, and generated cleavage products. Flow cytometry analysis showed that BR treatment significantly increased the sub-G1 population. Our findings therefore indicate that BR has potential as a novel, natural anticarcinogenic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung‐Ha Lee
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of DentistryPusan National UniversityYangsanKorea
| | - Jin‐Tae Lee
- Department of Cosmeceutical ScienceDaegu Haany UniversityDaeguKorea
| | - Hae‐Ryoun Park
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of DentistryPusan National UniversityYangsanKorea
- BK21 PLUS Project, School of DentistryPusan National UniversityYangsanKorea
| | - Jin‐Bom Kim
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of DentistryPusan National UniversityYangsanKorea
- BK21 PLUS Project, School of DentistryPusan National UniversityYangsanKorea
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Elgawish RA, Abdelrazek HMA, Ismail SAA, Loutfy NM, Soliman MTA. Hepatoprotective activity of Uncaria tomentosa extract against sub-chronic exposure to fipronil in male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:199-207. [PMID: 30387063 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3615-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The effects of fipronil (FPN) on the liver of rats were studied. Rats (n = 6) were treated with 9.7 mg/kg (1/10 of FPN LD50), and other rats (n = 6) received 120 mg/kg of 10% Uncaria tomentosa extract, while a mixture of 9.7 mg/kg FPN and 120 mg/kg of 10% Uncaria tomentosa extract were administered orally to the rats (n = 6) daily for 6 weeks. Body, hepatic weights, liver enzymes, and lipid profile were determined. Hepatic activities of MDA, TNO, TAC, TNF-α, and IL-6 in liver homogenate were measured. Immunohistochemistry of NF-kB and liver histopathology were performed. Fipronil-treated rats had a significant (P = 0.02) lower weight gain. Moreover, relative liver weight was significantly (P = 0.003) increased in FPN-treated rats. Rats administrated with FPN exhibited a significantly (P = 0.02) higher liver enzymes and promoted levels of MDA, TNO, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P < 0.0001) than that in the other groups. Immunostaining of NF-κB was increased (P < 0.0001) in FPN-treated rats. Interestingly, Uncaria tomentosa alone or with FPN decreased the liver immunostaining of NF-κB. In conclusion, FPN produced liver injury through lipid peroxidation and stimulation of NF-κB. However, Uncaria tomentosa combated the oxidative stress and liver damage induced by FPN via inhibition of NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Abdelrahman Elgawish
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Heba M A Abdelrazek
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A A Ismail
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M Loutfy
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohamed T A Soliman
- Department of Clinical Pathology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Bisha University, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Bina F, Soleymani S, Toliat T, Hajimahmoodi M, Tabarrai M, Abdollahi M, Rahimi R. Plant-derived medicines for treatment of endometriosis: A comprehensive review of molecular mechanisms. Pharmacol Res 2018; 139:76-90. [PMID: 30412733 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease with inflammatory lesions at extra-uterine sites, causing pelvic pain and fertility reduction. Conventional therapies primarily focus on reducing systemic levels of estrogens; however, they do not have desirable effectiveness and possess considerable side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of endometriosis. In this paper, electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and Google Scholar were searched to obtain any studies evaluating any herbal products in the management of endometriosis. Data were collected from 1980 to 2018. Most of studies investigating the effect of herbal medicines in endometriosis were in vitro and animal and only three clinical trials were found; one on Pinus pinaster bark extract (Pycnogenol) and two on Chinese herbal formulas. The studies on phytochemicals had mostly focused on polyphenolic compounds (epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein) and sesquiterpenes (β-caryophyllene, parthenolide). Various molecular mechanisms of action have been involved in beneficial effects of herbal medicines and phytochemicals including anti-inflammatory (via reduction of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin -1, interleukin -6, interleukin -8, transforming growth factor-beta, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-kappa B, growth factors, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), antioxidant (through downregulation of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species and upregulation of superoxide dismutase), anti-proliferative and apoptotic (via enhancing Bcl-2-associated X protein/ B-cell lymphoma-2 and caspase3, 8 and 9 activity), anti-angiogenic (by downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors/ vascular endothelial growth factor), anti-invasive (via decreasing expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and matrix metalloproteinases), immunomodulatory, and estrogen modulating activities. So, medicinal plants seem to be a valuable source for identifying new drugs for treatment of endometriosis; however, since most of studies are preclinical, further clinical trials are required to achieve more conclusive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Bina
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Soleymani
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Toliat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mannan Hajimahmoodi
- Department of Drug and Food Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malihe Tabarrai
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roja Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Evidence-based Evaluation of Cost-Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Group, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Gong G, Cao Y, Wang F, Zhao G. Planar Chiral Ferrocene Cyclopalladated Derivatives Induce Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis and Antimetastasis in Cancer Cells. Organometallics 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.7b00897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guidong Gong
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yuan Cao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Fei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Clinical Translation, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, PR Chian
| | - Gang Zhao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
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Uncaria tomentosa Leaves Decoction Modulates Differently ROS Production in Cancer and Normal Cells, and Effects Cisplatin Cytotoxicity. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22040620. [PMID: 28417940 PMCID: PMC6154711 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22040620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncaria tomentosa is a woody vine with a long history of use in traditional Peruvian medicine and nowadays supplements containing this vine as ingredient are available. Immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of Uncaria tomentosa have been suggested and attributed mainly to the presence of tetracyclic or pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids. However, the synergic action of different compounds occurring in extracts and modulation of redox processes may significantly influence the anticancer activity of Uncaria tomentosa. The aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time the cytotoxic effects of the tetracyclic alkaloids free aqueous extract (decoction) of dried Uncaria tomentosa leaf blades in normal and cancer cells, and to assess the effect of the tested extract on cisplatin (CDDP) cytotoxicity. Tested Uncaria tomentosa extract was not cytotoxic for NHDF cells, but demonstrated cytotoxic effect against HepG2 cells. The extract increased ROS production in HepG2 cells, which resulted in decreased GSH level, leading to apoptosis of these cells through activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7. A reduction of NF-κB active form was observed in cancer cells. In normal cells the extract did not affect ROS production, GSH level and NF-κB activity, and maintained cell viability. HepG2 cells incubation with Uncaria tomentosa decoction and simultaneously with CDDP resulted in an increase in CDPP cytotoxic activity against HepG2, while under the same conditions Uncaria tomentosa prevents NHDF cell viability reduction due to CDDP. The results indicate that Uncaria tomentosa leaves decoction modulates differently cancer and normal cells oxidative metabolism and, enhanced cytotoxicity of CDDP against cancer cells and at the same time increased normal healthy cells resistance to cisplatin. Further studies are needed to confirm our observations and to describe underlying molecular mechanism, and the potential usefulness of Uncaria tomentosa decoction in adjuvant therapy for cancer.
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Zhang Q, Zhao JJ, Xu J, Feng F, Qu W. Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Uncaria. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 173:48-80. [PMID: 26091967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Uncaria belongs to the family Rubiaceae, which mainly distributed in tropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Africa and Southeast America. Their leaves and hooks have long been thought to have healing powers and are already being tested as a treatment for asthma, cancer, cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and rheumatism. The present review aims to provide systematically reorganized information on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Uncaria to support for further therapeutic potential of this genus. To better understanding this genus, information on the stereo-chemistry and structure-activity relationships in indole alkaloids is also represented. MATERIAL AND METHODS The literature study of this review is based on various databases search (SCIFinder, Science Direct, CNKI, Wiley online library, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Wanfang Data, Medalink, Google scholar, ACS, Tropicos, Council of Heads of Australasian Herbaria, The New York Botanical Garden, African Plants Database at Genera Botanical Garden, The Plant List and SEINet) and library search for Biological Abstract and some local books on ethnopharmacology. RESULTS 19 species of the genus Uncaria are found to be important folk medicines in China, Malaysia, Phillippines, Africa and Southeast America, etc, and have been served for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, hyperpyrexia, hypertension and headaches, etc. More than 200 compounds have been isolated from Uncaria, including indole alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, phenols, phenylpropanoids, etc. As characteristic constituents, indole alkaloids have been considered as main efficacy component for hypertension, epilepsy, depressant, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, pharmacokinetic and metabolism investigation reveal that the indole alkaloids are likely to be absorbed, metabolized and excreted at early time points. Moreover, the specific inhibition of CYP isozymes can regulate their hydroxylation metabolites at C-10 and C-11. CONCLUSION Preliminary investigations on pharmacological properties of the Uncaria species have enlightened their efficacious remedy for hypertension, asthma, cancer, diabetes, rheumatism and neurodegenerative diseases. To ensure the safety and effectiveness in clinical application, research on bioactive compounds, pharmacological mechanisms and toxicity of the genus Uncaria as well as the stereo-chemistry and structure-activity relationships of indole alkaloids seem very important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiao Jiao Zhao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Bailon-Moscoso N, Romero-Benavides JC, Tinitana-Imaicela F, Ostrosky-Wegman P. Medicinal plants of Ecuador: a review of plants with anticancer potential and their chemical composition. Med Chem Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-015-1335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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de Paula LCL, Fonseca F, Perazzo F, Cruz FM, Cubero D, Trufelli DC, Martins SPDS, Santi PX, da Silva EA, del Giglio A. Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. J Altern Complement Med 2015; 21:22-30. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2014.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Carvalho Lopes de Paula
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Fonseca
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, São Paulo, Brazil
- Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Melo Cruz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Cubero
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Damila Cristina Trufelli
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Patrícia Xavier Santi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana Araújo da Silva
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Auro del Giglio
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, ABC Foundation, Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, São Paulo, Brazil
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Effect of Uncaria tomentosa Extract on Apoptosis Triggered by Oxaliplatin Exposure on HT29 Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:274786. [PMID: 25505920 PMCID: PMC4244697 DOI: 10.1155/2014/274786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background/Aim. The use of herbal products as a supplement to minimize the effects of chemotherapy for cancer treatment requires further attention with respect to the activity and toxicity of chemotherapy. Uncaria tomentosa extract, which contains oxindole alkaloids, is one of these herbal products. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Uncaria tomentosa extract modulates apoptosis induced by chemotherapy exposure. Materials and Methods. Colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT29 cells) were grown in the presence of oxaliplatin and/or Uncaria tomentosa extract. Results. The hydroalcoholic extract of Uncaria tomentosa enhanced chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, with an increase in the percentage of Annexin positive cells, an increase in caspase activities, and an increase of DNA fragments in culture of the neoplastic cells. Moreover, antioxidant activity may be related to apoptosis. Conclusion. Uncaria tomentosa extract has a role for cancer patients as a complementary therapy. Further studies evaluating these beneficial effects with other chemotherapy drugs are recommended.
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Quinovic acid glycosides purified fraction from Uncaria tomentosa induces cell death by apoptosis in the T24 human bladder cancer cell line. Food Chem Toxicol 2014; 67:222-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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E C, Li J, Shao D, Zhang D, Pan Y, Chen L, Zhang X. The Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Receptor Inhibitor Picropodophyllin-Induced Selective Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Through a Caspase-Dependent Mitochondrial Pathway. Oncol Res 2014; 21:103-10. [PMID: 24406046 DOI: 10.3727/096504013x13808175127324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Pilarski R, Gurrola-Díaz CM, García-López PM, Soldevila G, Olejnik A, Grajek W, Gulewicz K. Enhanced proapoptotic response of the promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells treated with an Uncaria tomentosa alkaloid preparation. J Herb Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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24
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Fernandes L, Garcez W, Mantovani M, Figueiredo P, Fernandes C, Garcez F, Guterres Z. Assessment of the in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity of extracts and indole monoterpene alkaloid from the roots of Galianthe thalictroides (Rubiaceae). Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 59:405-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ribeiro AF, de Oliveira Rezende RL, Cabral LM, de Sousa VP. Poly ɛ-caprolactone nanoparticles loaded with Uncaria tomentosa extract: preparation, characterization, and optimization using the Box-Behnken design. Int J Nanomedicine 2013; 8:431-42. [PMID: 23378765 PMCID: PMC3559076 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s38491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this research was to develop and optimize a process for obtaining poly ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles loaded with Uncaria tomentosa (UT) extract. METHODS Nanoparticles were produced by the oil-in-water emulsion solvent evaporation method. Preliminary experiments determined the initial conditions of the organic phase (OP) and of the aqueous phase (AP) that would be utilized for this study. Ultimately, a three-factor three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed during the optimization process. PCL and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentrations (X(1) and X(2), respectively) and the AP/OP volume ratio (X(3)) were the independent variables studied, while entrapment efficiency (Y(1)), particle mean diameter (Y(2)), polydispersity (Y(3)), and zeta potential (Y(4)) served as the evaluated responses. RESULTS PRELIMINARY EXPERIMENTS REVEALED THAT THE OPTIMAL INITIAL CONDITIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF NANOPARTICLES WERE AS FOLLOWS: OP composed of 5 mL ethyl acetate/acetone (3/2) mixture containing UT extract and PCL, and an AP of buffered PVA (pH 7.5) solution. Statistical analysis of the BBD results indicated that all of the studied factors had significant effects on the responses Y(1), Y(2), and Y(4,) and these effects are closely described or fitted by regression equations. Based on the obtained models and the selected desirability function, the nanoparticles were optimized to maximize Y(1) and minimize Y(2). These optimal conditions were achieved using 3% (w/v) PCL, 1% (w/v) PVA, and an AP/OP ratio of 1.7, with predicted values of 89.1% for Y(1) and 280 nm for Y(2). Another batch was produced under the same optimal conditions. The entrapment efficiency of this new batch was measured at 81.6% (Y(1)) and the particles had a mean size of 247 nm (Y(2)) and a polydispersity index of 0.062 (Y(3)). CONCLUSION This investigation obtained UT-loaded nanoparticle formulations with desired characteristics. The BBD approach was a useful tool for nanoparticle development and optimization, and thus should be useful especially in the realm of phytotherapeutics, in which varied compositions may be assessed in quantitative and qualitative terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ferreira Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Bors M, Michałowicz J, Pilarski R, Sicińska P, Gulewicz K, Bukowska B. Studies of biological properties of Uncaria tomentosa extracts on human blood mononuclear cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 142:669-678. [PMID: 22683905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC is a lignified climbing plant from South and Central America, which (under the name of "vilcacora" or "cat's claw") has become highly popular in many countries due to its proven immunostimmulatory and anti-inflammatory activities and also with respect to its anticancer and antioxidative effects. There are insufficient data on the mechanism of U. tomentosa action on normal blood mononuclear cells. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of ethanol and aqueous extracts from bark and leaves of Uncaria tomentosa on the structure and function of human mononuclear cells and to find out whether the kind of extractant used modulates biological activity of the extracts studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plant material consisted of four different extracts: (1) ethanol extract from leaves, (2) aqueous extract from leaves, (3) ethanol extract from bark and (4) aqueous extract from bark. The effect of these extracts on protein damage as well as on free-radical formation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was analyzed. Moreover, changes in viability, size, and granularity as well as apoptotic alterations in human blood mononuclear cells exposed to U. tomentosa extracts were investigated. RESULTS The oxidative changes were observed in mononuclear blood cells exposed to both ethanol and aqueous extracts obtained from bark and leaves. Moreover, in the cells studied the extracts from U. tomentosa induced apoptosis and a decrease in viability of mononuclear blood cells, with the exception of aqueous extract from leaves. Additionally, no statistically significant changes in the cell size were observed both for aqueous extracts from leaves and bark. Changes in the blood mononuclear cell granularity were observed at 250 μg/mL for all extracts examined. The strongest changes were observed for the ethanol extract of the bark, which increased cell granularity at 50 μg/mL and changed cell size at 100 μg/mL. CONCLUSION The conducted research showed differences in biological activity between aqueous and ethanol extracts. It was observed that ethanol extracts exhibited stronger negative effects on mononuclear blood cells. The kind of extractant used had a significant influence of the chemical composition of the tested extracts. The ethanol extract from bark containing a high amount of polyphenols and alkaloids revealed the highest pro-apoptotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Bors
- Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, University of Łódź, Pomorska 141/143, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
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Erasmus N, Solomon MC, Fortuin KA, Henkel RR. Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat ali) extract on human spermatozoa in vitro. Andrologia 2012; 44:308-14. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2012.01282.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N. Erasmus
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville; South Africa
| | - M. C. Solomon
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville; South Africa
| | - K. A. Fortuin
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville; South Africa
| | - R. R. Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville; South Africa
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Paris saponin I induces G₂/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma SGC7901 cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 31:768-772. [PMID: 22173496 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-011-0674-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Paris saponin I (PS I) on human gastric carcinoma cell growth and apoptosis and to explore the potential mechanisms. The proliferation of SGC7901 cells was monitored by the MTT cell viability assay, while the nuclear morphology of apoptotic cells was assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle progression of propidium iodide (PI)-stained SGC7901 cells and the apoptotic rate of annexin V/PI-stained cells. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of several cell cycle proteins, including cyclin B1 and Cdk1, and the apoptosis-regulated proteins Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome c, procaspase-9, and procaspase-3. The MTT assay demonstrated that PS I could induce significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of SGC7901 cell proliferation. Marked morphological changes, including condensation of chromatin, nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic bodies were clearly shown on Hoechst 33258 staining. PSI treatment also resulted in the disruption of the cell cycle at G₂/M and the induction of apoptosis. Following PSI treatment, the cell cycle-related proteins cyclin B1 and Cdk1 were down-regulated. Expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was increased, while anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased. PSI treatment resulted in elevated cytoplasmic cytochrome c and activation of the apoptotic proteases caspase-9 and caspase-3. These data indicate that PS acts as an inhibitor of proli I feration in SGC7901 cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. PSI is a potential therapeutic agent against human gastric carcinoma.
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Gurrola-Díaz CM, García-López PM, Gulewicz K, Pilarski R, Dihlmann S. Inhibitory mechanisms of two Uncaria tomentosa extracts affecting the Wnt-signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 18:683-690. [PMID: 21156346 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2010.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2010] [Revised: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Uncaria tomentosa ("uña de gato"; "cat's claw"), a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest, is commonly used in South American traditional medicine to treat a broad spectrum of diseases. Although recent studies have reported anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties of different alkaloids extracted from this plant, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects have not been elucidated yet. Our study investigates the inhibitory mechanisms of Uncaria tomentosa extracts on the Wnt-signaling pathway, a central regulator of development and tissue homoeostasis. A modified cell-based luciferase assay for screening inhibitors of the Wnt-pathway was used for analysis. Three cancer cell lines displaying different levels of aberrant Wnt-signaling activity were transfected with Wnt-signaling responsive Tcf-reporter plasmids and treated with increasing concentrations of two Uncaria tomentosa bark extracts. Wnt-signaling activity was assessed by luciferase activity and by expression of Wnt-responsive target genes. We show that both, an aqueous and an alkaloid-enriched extract specifically inhibit Wnt-signaling activity in HeLa, HCT116 and SW480 cancer cells resulting in reduced expression of the Wnt-target gene: c-Myc. The alkaloid-enriched extract (B/S(rt)) was found to be more effective than the aqueous extract (B/W(37)). The strongest effect was observed in SW480 cells, displaying the highest endogenous Wnt-signaling activity. Downregulation of Wnt-signaling by a dominant negative-TCF-4 variant in non-cancer cells rendered the cells insensitive towards treatment with B/S(rt). B/Srt was less toxic in non-cancer cells than in cancer cells. Our data suggest that the broad spectrum of pharmacological action of Uncaria tomentosa involves inhibition of the Wnt-signaling pathway, downstream of beta-Catenin activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Magdalena Gurrola-Díaz
- Instituto de Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
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Ben-Arye E, Attias S, Tadmor T, Schiff E. Herbs in hemato-oncological care: an evidence-based review of data on efficacy, safety, and drug interactions. Leuk Lymphoma 2010; 51:1414-23. [PMID: 20528250 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2010.487622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Herbal remedies are clearly a complementary and alternative modality used frequently by patients with hemato-oncological neoplasias during the course of their specific treatment. This review focuses on the potential safety and efficacy of herbs which are either used often or even on a daily basis by patients with hematological malignancies or indicated in the herbal pharmacopeias utilized by various traditional systems of medicine, in order to improve the well-being of patients with these cancers. Traditional medicine worldwide is a source for ongoing laboratory research related to the activity of herbs on cultured cell lines derived from patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Although the number of clinical studies in the field of hemato-oncology is limited, there appears to be potential efficacy in studies of mistletoe (Viscum album), green tea, Indian and Middle-Eastern spices, and some traditional Chinese, American, and European herbs. In addition to the potential efficacy of herbs, safety issues are also reviewed here, particularly, the documented and potential side effects, herb-drug interactions, and matters of quality control. Based on the above issues, the authors suggest enhancing doctor-patient communication regarding herbal use by adopting a patient-centered attitude based on scientific perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Ben-Arye
- Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service and Lin Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District, Israel.
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Dreifuss AA, Bastos-Pereira AL, Avila TV, Soley BDS, Rivero AJ, Aguilar JL, Acco A. Antitumoral and antioxidant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) (Willd. Ex Roem. & Schult) in an in vivo carcinosarcoma model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2010; 130:127-133. [PMID: 20435132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY The present work intended to study the antitumoral and antioxidant effects of Uncaria tomentosa (UT) hydroalcoholic extract in the Walker-256 cancer model. METHODS AND MATERIALS Walker-256 cells were subcutaneously inoculated in the pelvic limb of male Wistar rats. Daily gavage with UT extract (10, 50 or 100 mg kg(-1), Groups UT) or saline solution (Control, Group C) was subsequently initiated, until 14 days afterwards. For some parameters, a group of healthy rats (Baseline, Group B) was added. At the end of treatment the following parameters were evaluated: (a) tumor volume and mass; (b) plasmatic concentration of urea, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); (c) hepatic and tumoral activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and gluthatione (GSH); and (d) hepatic glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity. The reactivity of UT extract with the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was assessed in parallel. RESULTS UT hydroalcoholic extract successfully reduced the tumor growth. In addition, treatment with UT reduced the activity of AST, which had been increased as a result of tumor inoculation, thus attempting to return it to normal levels. UT did not reverse the increase of LDH and GGT plasma levels, although all doses were remarkably effective in reducing urea plasma levels. An important in vitro free radical-scavenging activity was detected at various concentrations of UT extract (1-300 microg mL(-1)). Treatment also resulted in increased CAT activity in liver, while decreasing it in tumor tissue. SOD activity was reduced in liver as well as in tumor, compared to Group C. No statistical significance concerning ALT, GST, LPO or GSH were observed. CONCLUSIONS This data represent an in vivo demonstration of both antitumoral and antioxidant effects of UT hydroalcoholic extract. The antineoplastic activity may result, partially at least, from the ability of UT to regulate redox and metabolism homeostasis.
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Li ZF, Wang ZD, Ji YY, Zhang S, Huang C, Li J, Xia XM. Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human HCC MHCC97H cells with Chrysanthemum indicum extract. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:4538-46. [PMID: 19777612 PMCID: PMC2751998 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.4538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effects of Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) on inhibition of proliferation and on apoptosis, and the underlying mechanisms, in a human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) MHCC97H cell line.
METHODS: Viable rat hepatocytes and human endothelial ECV304 cells were examined by trypan blue exclusion and MTT assay, respectively, as normal controls. The proliferation of MHCC97H cells was determined by MTT assay. The cellular morphology of MHCC97H cells was observed by phase contrast microscopy. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell apoptosis with annexin V/propidium iodide (PI), mitochondrial membrane potential with rhodamine 123 and cell cycle with PI in MHCC97H cells. Apoptotic proteins such as cytochrome C, caspase-9, caspase-3 and cell cycle proteins, including P21 and CDK4, were measured by Western blotting.
RESULTS: CIE inhibited proliferation of MHCC97H cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity in rat hepatocytes and human endothelial cells. CIE induced apoptosis of MHCC97H cells in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by flow cytometry. The apoptosis was accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome C and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. CIE arrested the cell cycle in the S phase by increasing P21 and decreasing CDK4 protein expression.
CONCLUSION: CIE exerted a significant apoptotic effect through a mitochondrial pathway and arrested the cell cycle by regulation of cell cycle-related proteins in MHCC97H cells without an effect on normal cells. The cancer-specific selectivity shown in this study suggests that the plant extract could be a promising novel treatment for human cancer.
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Lopes FCM, Rocha A, Pirraco A, Regasini LO, Silva DHS, Bolzani VS, Azevedo I, Carlos IZ, Soares R. Anti-angiogenic effects of pterogynidine alkaloid isolated from Alchornea glandulosa. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2009; 9:15. [PMID: 19463163 PMCID: PMC2694145 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-9-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2008] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Angiogenesis, a complex multistep process that comprehends proliferation, migration and anastomosis of endothelial cells (EC), has a major role in the development of pathologic conditions such as inflammatory diseases, tumor growth and metastasis. Brazilian flora, the most diverse in the world, is an interesting spot to prospect for new chemical leads, being an important source of new anticancer drugs. Plant-derived alkaloids have traditionally been of interest due to their pronounced physiological activities. We investigated the anti-angiogenic potential of the naturally occurring guanidine alkaloid pterogynidine (Pt) isolated from the Brazilian plant Alchornea glandulosa. The purpose of this study was to examine which features of the angiogenic process could be disturbed by Pt. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were incubated with 8 μM Pt and cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and capillary-like structures formation were addressed. Nuclear factor κB (NFκB), a transcription factor implicated in these processes, was also evaluated in HUVEC incubated with Pt. Quantifications were expressed as mean ± SD of five independent experiments and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Dunnet test was used. Results A significant decrease in proliferation and invasion capacity and an effective increase in apoptosis as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), double-chamber and terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively, have been found. Pt also led to a drastic reduction in the number of capillary-like structures formation when HUVEC were cultured on growth factor reduced-Matrigel (GFR-Matrigel) coated plates. In addition, incubation of HUVEC with Pt resulted in reduced NFκB activity. Conclusion These findings emphasize the potential use of Pt against pathological situations where angiogenesis is stimulated as tumor development.
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Marfè G, Morgante E, Di Stefano C, Di Renzo L, De Martino L, Iovane G, Russo MA, Sinibaldi-Salimei P. Sorbitol-induced apoptosis of human leukemia is mediated by caspase activation and cytochrome c release. Arch Toxicol 2007; 82:371-7. [PMID: 18046541 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-007-0261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2007] [Accepted: 10/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that sorbitol induces apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the sorbitol-induced apoptotic process is not yet clearly understood. In the present study, the intracellular signaling pathways of sorbitol-induced apoptosis in human K562 cells were investigated using both morphological analysis and DNA fragmentation technique. In this study, we demonstrated that sorbitol-induced apoptosis in human K562 cells is a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This sorbitol-induced apoptosis in human K562 cells was also accompanied by the up-regulation of Bax, and down-regulation of p-Bcl-2, but no effect on the levels of Bcl-X(L). Moreover, the sorbitol treatment resulted in a significant reduction of mitochondria membrane potential, increase in the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c), and activation of caspase 3. Furthermore, treatment with caspase 3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk) was capable of preventing the sorbitol-induced caspase 3 activity and cell death. These results clearly demonstrate that the induction of apoptosis by sorbitol involves multiple cellular/molecular pathways and strongly suggest that pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial cyt c, and caspase 3, they all participate in sorbitol-induced apoptotic process in human K562 cells.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Caspase 3/biosynthesis
- Cytochromes c/biosynthesis
- DNA/drug effects
- DNA Fragmentation
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Humans
- K562 Cells
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/enzymology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects
- Mitochondria/drug effects
- Mitochondria/enzymology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sorbitol/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Marfè
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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