Flavonoids with DNA strand-scission activity from Rhus javanica var. roxburghiana

A comprehensive review on ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Rhus chinensis Mill

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhus chinensis Mill., firstly recorded as herbal medicine in Shan Hai Jing, have been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review targets on the ethnomedicinal applications of R. chinensis and to gather the phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological data which support the therapeutic potential of R. chinensis in treatment on different diseases, with emphasis on the naturally occurring compounds and detailed pharmacological developments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information of R. chinensis was collected based on a variety of popular databases such as Scifinder, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar and other published materials (books and Ph.D. and M. Sc. Dissertations). The keywords "Rhus chinensis", "Rhus amela", "Rhus javanica", "Rhus osbeckii", "Rhus semialata", and "Schinus indicus" were applied to search the literature related in this review.

RESULTS

152 natural compounds of R. chinensis belong to different classes are presented in this review, including flavonoids, lignans, coumarins, simple phenolics, urushiols, tannins, triterpenoids, steroids and other types of constituents. Among them, flavonoids, lignans, and triterpenoids are most frequently reported components. The pharmacological effects of R. chinensis were numerous and complicated, including anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, hepatoprotective, anti-proliferation, enzyme-inhibiting, anti-oxidants and so on.

CONCLUSION

In order to discover more compounds with novel structures to both enrich chemical context of genus Rhus and expand the variety of constituents, the phytochemical research is urgent and indispensable. Anti-diarrhea, the most widely application of R. chinensis traditionally, is insufficient in underlying mechanism exploration. And for other activities, in-depth studies on the mechanism of pharmacological effects in vivo and in vitro are both needed. Meanwhile, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, quality control and preclinical and clinical data are urgent to assess the rationale and safety of the medicinal and food application of R. chinensis.

Sodium fluoride promotes apoptosis by generation of reactive oxygen species in human lymphocytes

Fluoride generated the attention of toxicologists due to its deleterious effects at high concentrations in human populations suffering from fluorosis and with in vivo experimental models. Interest in its undesirable effects has resurfaced due to the awareness that this element interacts with cellular systems even at low doses. This study focused on examining the adverse effects of inorganic fluoride (NaF) on human lymphocyte cells in vitro. Mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, cell cycle progression, and mode of cell death were combined with genotoxic endpoints. Data demonstrated that NaF at lower concentrations, although not significantly cytotoxic and genotoxic, induced oxidative stress leading to apoptotic cell death. The results also suggested that at low concentrations (<1 μg/ml), NaF may affect cell cycle progression. Taken together, our findings confirm earlier reports on mechanisms involved in NaF-induced apoptosis.

In vitro action of flavonoids in the canine malignant histiocytic cell line DH82

Cancer is commonly diagnosed in dogs over the age of 10 and is a leading cause of death due to the lack of effective drugs. Flavonoids possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties and have been studied as chemopreventive agents in human cancer therapy. However, the literature on dogs is sparse. In this study, we analyzed the effect of nine flavonoids on cell viability, DNA damage and topoisomerase IIa/IIb gene expression in a canine tumor cell line (DH82). Apigenin, luteolin, trans-chalcone and 4-methoxychalcone showed the highest degree of cytotoxicity in the absence of considerable DNA damage, whereas genistein exhibited low cytotoxicity but induced a high level of DNA damage. These five flavonoids inhibited topoisomerase IIa and IIb gene expression to variable extents and with variable specificity. Genistein exerted a lower inhibitory effect on the two topoisomerases than luteolin and apigenin. trans-Chalcone and 4-methoxychalcone exerted greater inhibition of topoisomerase IIa expression than topoisomerase IIb. The differences in the effects between genistein and luteolin and apigenin might be explained by the position of ring B, whereas the more specific effect of chalcones on topoisomerase IIa might be due to their open chain structure.

Comparing Different Solvent Extracts of Rhus semialata var. roxburghiana Stem against Ferrous Ion-Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Mice Liver Mitochondria

Rhus semialata Murr. var. roxburghiana DC. stem ( RSRS) is a Taiwanese native folk medicine for anti-inflammation and the treatment of diarrhea and liver disease. Five extracts and a main constituent, gallic acid, elucidated inhibitory effects on ferrous ion-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) in mice liver mitochondria (IC50: 10.8 ± 0.7 −55.2 ± 0.6 and gallic acid: 36.1 ± 3.1 μg/mL). None of the samples tested induced LPO production. The IC50 values for antioxidant activities were 1) 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging: 1.5 ± 0.08 – 56.2 ± 1.1 μg/mL; 2) superoxide anion radical scavenging: 53.5 ± 0.7 – 226.6 ± 2.1 μg/mL; 3) hydrogen peroxide scavenging: ethyl acetate (EA) and acetone extracts 264.2 ± 4.7 and 208.0 ± 1.9 μg/mL, respectively; and 4) ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP): EA extract, equivalent Trolox 116.4 ± 0.3 μM. The total phenolic content of the extracts was 82.0 ± 2.1 – 455.2 ± 9.3 μg gallic acid equivalents/mg. The highest flavonoid and flavanol contents of the extracts were acetone extract 30.9 ± 2.7 μg rutin equivalents/mg and water extract 10.9 ± 0.05 μg epicatechin equivalents/mg. Next, the gallic acid content of each extract was quantitatively analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which showed one main peak. Based on this evidence, RSRS and gallic acid may be used as a potential antioxidant and LPO inhibitor for developing a natural liver-protective phytochemical.

Les colorants textiles sources de contamination de l’eau : CRIBLAGE de la toxicité et des méthodes de traitement

Les colorants sont largement utilisés dans les imprimeries, les produits alimentaires, cosmétiques et cliniques, mais en particulier dans les industries textiles pour leur stabilité chimique et la facilité de leur synthèse et leur variété de couleurs. Cependant, ces colorants sont à l’origine de la pollution une fois évacués dans l’environnement. La production mondiale des colorants est estimée à plus de 800 000 t•an-1et les colorants azoïques sont majoritaires et représentent 60-70 %. Compte tenu de la composition très hétérogène de ces derniers, leur dégradation conduit souvent à la conception d’une chaîne de traitement physique-chimique et biologique assurant l’élimination des différents polluants par étapes successives. Dés études ont montré que plusieurs colorants azoïques sont toxiques et mutagènes et le traitement biologique de ces colorants semble présenter un intérêt scientifique majeur. Les traitements physico-chimiques communs (adsorption, coagulation/floculation, précipitation etc.) sont couramment utilisés pour les effluents industriels. Malgré leur rapidité, ces méthodes se sont avérées peu efficaces compte tenu des normes exigées sur ces rejets. Le traitement biologique constitue une alternative fiable; en effet, plusieurs microorganismes sont capables de transformer les colorants azoïques en sous-produits incolores. Les bactéries dégradent les colorants azoïques en deux étapes : un clivage de liaison azo, par l’intermédiaire de l’azoréductase, suivi d’une oxydation des amines aromatiques formées lors de la première étape. L’azoréduction constitue alors une étape clé du traitement des effluents chargés de ces colorants.

Antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities of palmarosa and citronella essential oils

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Essential oils of palmarosa and citronella have been extensively used in ancient Indian and South-east Asian traditional medicines.

AIM OF THE STUDY

These essential oils have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial, anti parasitic effects against bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, and viruses. In the present study the oils were tested for their potential antigenotoxic and antioxidant properties in human lymphocyte cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antigenotoxic effect on human lymphocyte cells (measurement of cell viability, DNA damage) was studied using trypan blue dye exclusion test, plasmid pBR322 DNA strand scission, and comet assay. Anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH(+) free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation assay.

RESULTS

The essential oils showed a good antigenotoxic activity against methyl methanesulphonate (MMS) and hydrogen peroxide. In addition, a significant dose dependent antioxidant activity was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide evidence that support the usage of palmarosa and citronella essential oils in traditional herbal preparations. They can constitute a natural source of a new and safe antioxidant.

Oxyresveratrol Protects against DNA Damage Induced by Photosensitized Riboflavin

Riboflavin can be photosensitized to produce reactive oxygen species. In the present study, a DNA damage assay was developed based on the photo reaction of riboflavin. In this test system, oxyresveratrol showed higher DNA protective effect than the well-known antioxidants Trolox and ascorbic acid. The results suggest potential applications for oxyresveratrol as an antiaging agent and a riboflavin stabilizer.

Rhus chinensis and Galla Chinensis--folklore to modern evidence: review

The species Rhus chinensis Mill. (Anacardiaceae) is an important representative of the genus Rhus, which contains over 250 individual species found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Rhus chinensis has long been used by folk medicine practitioners in Asia. Leaves, roots, stem, bark, fruit and particularly the galls on Rhus chinensis leaves, Galla chinensis, are recognized to have preventative and therapeutic effects on different ailments (such as diarrhea, dysentery, rectal and intestinal cancer, diabetes mellitus, sepsis, oral diseases and inflammation). However, it is critical to separate evidence from anecdote. Fortunately, recent scientific research has revealed that Rhus chinensis compounds possess strong antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities. Moreover, compounds isolated from the stem of Rhus chinensis significantly suppressed HIV-1 activity in vitro. Compounds from this plant were also found to inhibit enamel demineralization in vitro and enhance remineralization of dental enamel with fluoride. This review highlights claims from traditional and tribal medicinal lore and makes a contemporary summary of phytochemical, biological and pharmacological findings on this plant material. It aims to show that the pharmaceutical potential of this plant deserves closer attention.

Fern plant-derived protoapigenone leads to DNA damage, apoptosis, and G(2)/m arrest in lung cancer cell line H1299

Protoapigenone, isolated from the native fern plant Thelypteris torresiana, has anticancer activity against some cancer cells. However, the toxicological mechanism for protoapigenone is still unknown. Here, we investigated the anticancer effect of protoapigenone on human lung cancer cell lines. The comet assay showed that DNA damage induced by protoapigenone is dose-dependent. Trypan blue exclusion showed that the cell killing by protoapigenone is both time and dose dependent. The IC(50) of protoapigenone for 12, 24, and 48 h in H1299 cells is 6.11, 2.74, and 1.49 microM, respectively. Flow cytometry showed cell cycle perturbation such as sub-G(1) accumulation (at 1.57 microM for 48 h and at 3.57 microM for 12 and 24 h) and G(2)/M arrest (at 3.57 microM for 12 and 24 h) for protoapigenone. The sub-G(1) accumulation phenomena in the 3.57 microM for 24 h sample were shown to be apoptosis using Annexin V-immunofluorescence/propidium iodide staining. These results suggest protoapigenone is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for lung cancers.

Mutagenicity and genotoxicity of acid yellow 17 and its biodegradation products

Acid yellow 17 (AY17), a very important commercial azo dye used in the textile industry, was degraded by Pseudomonas putida mt-2 at a concentration of up to 200 mg/L. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the biodegradation media revealed the presence of 4-aminobenzensulfonic acid (4-ABS) derived from AY17 azoreduction, which attests the expression of an azoreductase by this bacterium. This amine was identified only in the medium of static incubation, which is consistent with its biotransformation under shaken incubation (i.e., aerobic conditions). The mutagenicity of AY17 and its biodegradation products was evaluated by using Salmonella typhimurium TA102 and TA104. No mutagenicity was observed in the presence or absence of a metabolic activation system (S9). In addition, the ability of tested compounds to induce DNA damage in vitro with the DNA strand scission assay was evaluated. Results showed that only static decolorization culture of AY17 showed a significant ability to induce the pKS plasmid DNA opening. The present study showed that P. putida mt-2, cultivated under aerobic conditions, was able to decolorize, and especially to detoxify, AY17.

Prooxidant action of chebulinic acid and tellimagrandin I: causing copper-dependent DNA strand breaks

The prooxidant activity of two hydrolysable tannins, chebulinic acid and tellimagrandin I, on plasmid DNA and genomic DNA of cultured MRC-5 human embryo lung fibroblasts was assessed. The results revealed that both hydrolysable tannins in combination with Cu(II) induced DNA strand breaks in pBR322 plasmid DNA in a concentration-dependent manner. Chebulinic acid and tellimagrandin I also induced genomic DNA strand breaks of MRC-5 human embryo lung fibroblasts in the presence of Cu(II). After treatment with chebulinic acid or tellimagrandin I alone, the pBR322 plasmid DNA and genomic DNA in MRC-5 cells kept intact. In addition, addition of Cu(I) reagent bathocuproinedisulfonic acid or catalase markedly inhibited the copper-dependent DNA strand breaks by both tannins. However, three typical hydroxyl radical scavengers, DMSO, ethanol and mannitol, did not inhibit the DNA strand breaks. Both tannins were able to reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I). These results indicated that chebulinic acid and tellimagrandin I induced the copper-dependent strand breaks of pBR322 plasmid DNA and MRC-5 genomic DNA with prooxidant action, in which Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox cycle and H(2)O(2) were involved and hydroxyl radical formation is important in the hypothetical mechanism by which DNA strand breaks are formed.