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Zhang Y, Huang Y, Li Z, Wu H, Zou B, Xu Y. Exploring Natural Products as Radioprotective Agents for Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3585. [PMID: 37509245 PMCID: PMC10377328 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an important cancer treatment. However, in addition to killing tumor cells, radiotherapy causes damage to the surrounding cells and is toxic to normal tissues. Therefore, an effective radioprotective agent that prevents the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation is required. Numerous synthetic substances have been shown to have clear radioprotective effects. However, most of these have not been translated for use in clinical applications due to their high toxicity and side effects. Many medicinal plants have been shown to exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In recent years, new agents obtained from natural products have been investigated by radioprotection researchers, due to their abundance of sources, high efficiency, and low toxicity. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the radioprotective effects of natural products, including ROS scavenging, promotion of DNA damage repair, anti-inflammatory effects, and the inhibition of cell death signaling pathways. In addition, we systematically review natural products with radioprotective properties, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and saponins. Specifically, we discuss the polyphenols apigenin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin; the polysaccharides astragalus, schisandra, and Hohenbuehelia serotina; the saponins ginsenosides and acanthopanax senticosus; and the alkaloids matrine, ligustrazine, and β-carboline. However, further optimization through structural modification, improved extraction and purification methods, and clinical trials are needed before clinical translation. With a deeper understanding of the radioprotective mechanisms involved and the development of high-throughput screening methods, natural products could become promising novel radioprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Huang
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hanyou Wu
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Bingwen Zou
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Zhang X, Chen X, Wang L, He C, Shi Z, Fu Q, Xu W, Zhang S, Hu S. Review of the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicines as a Therapeutic Option for Ionizing Radiation Induced Damage. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:617559. [PMID: 33658941 PMCID: PMC7917257 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.617559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation damage refers to acute, delayed, or chronic tissue damage associated with ionizing radiation. Specific or effective therapeutic options for systemic injuries induced by ionizing radiation have not been developed. Studies have shown that Chinese herbal Medicine or Chinese Herbal Prescription exhibit preventive properties against radiation damage. These medicines inhibit tissue injuries and promote repair with very minimal side effects. This study reviews traditional Chinese herbal medicines and prescriptions with radiation protective effects as well as their mechanisms of action. The information obtained will guide the development of alternative radioprotectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Changhao He
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongyu Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Fu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Xu
- Beijing Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shujing Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Sumin Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Yi J, Zhu J, Zhao C, Kang Q, Zhang X, Suo K, Cao N, Hao L, Lu J. Potential of natural products as radioprotectors and radiosensitizers: opportunities and challenges. Food Funct 2021; 12:5204-5218. [PMID: 34018510 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo00525a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Natural products can be used as natural radiosensitizers and radioprotectors, showing promising effects in cancer treatments in combination with radiotherapy, while reducing ionizing radiation (IR) damage to normal cells/tissues. The different effects of natural products on irradiated normal and tumor cells/tissues have attracted more and more researchers' interest. Nonetheless, the clinical applications of natural products in radiotherapy are few, which may be related to their low bioavailability in the human body. Here, we displayed the radiation protection and radiation sensitization of major natural products, highlighted the related molecular mechanisms of these bioactive substances combined with radiotherapy to treat cancer, and critically reviewed their deficiency and improved measures. Lastly, several clinical trials were presented to verify the clinical application of natural products as radiosensitizers and radioprotectors. Further clinical evaluation is still needed. This review provides a reference for the utilization of natural products as radiosensitizers and radioprotectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Yi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jiaqing Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Changcheng Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Qiaozhen Kang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xiaomiao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Keke Suo
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Nana Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Limin Hao
- Institute of Quartermaster Engineering and Technology, Academy of Military Sciences PLA China, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Jike Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Dong J, Liang W, Wang T, Sui J, Wang J, Deng Z, Chen D. Saponins regulate intestinal inflammation in colon cancer and IBD. Pharmacol Res 2019; 144:66-72. [PMID: 30959159 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The saponins are natural surface-active glycosides which are the principal components of many popular herbal medicinal plants such as ginseng, astragalus, and bupleurum. Recent studies have suggested that saponins can exert strong anti-inflammatory effects and induce immune homeostasis in many diseases. Intestinal-inflammation-related digestive diseases include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, necrotizing enterocolitis and radiation proctitis, as well as intestinal inflammation caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The pathogenesis of these diseases is poorly understood, and the patients with these diseases suffer from mental stress and physical pain, while their families (and society) experience heavy economic losses. Results from animal experiments suggest that saponins can suppress intestinal inflammation, promote intestinal barrier repair, maintain the diversity of the intestinal flora, and decrease the incidence rate of colon-inflammation-related colon cancer. In this review, we discuss new findings regarding the effects of saponins on intestinal inflammation and digestive diseases with intestinal inflammation. In addition, we provide a summary of the underlying mechanism for saponins-induced treatment on intestinal-inflammation-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyi Dong
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | | | - Jingru Sui
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- laboratory Animal Center, Dalian Medical University, China.
| | - Zhaobin Deng
- Dalian University Affiliated Xinhua Hospital, China.
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
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Kim HG, Jang SS, Lee JS, Kim HS, Son CG. Panax ginseng Meyer prevents radiation-induced liver injury via modulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis. J Ginseng Res 2016; 41:159-168. [PMID: 28413320 PMCID: PMC5386123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy is one of the most important modalities in cancer treatment; however, normal tissue damage is a serious concern. Drug development for the protection or reduction of normal tissue damage is therefore a clinical issue. Herein, we evaluated the protective properties of Panax ginseng Meyer and its corresponding mechanisms. Methods C56BL/6 mice were orally pretreated with P. ginseng water extract (PGE; 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, or 100 mg/kg) or intraperitoneally injected melatonin (20 mg/kg) for 4 d consecutively, then exposed to 15-Gy X-ray radiation 1 h after the last administration. After 10 d of irradiation, the biological properties of hematoxicity, fat accumulation, histopathology, oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis signals were examined in the hepatic tissue. Results The irradiation markedly induced myelosuppression as determined by hematological analysis of the peripheral blood. Steatohepatitis was induced by X-ray irradiations, whereas pretreatment with PGE significantly attenuated it. Oxidative stress was drastically increased, whereas antioxidant components were depleted by irradiation. Irradiation also notably increased serum liver enzymes and hepatic protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Those alterations were markedly normalized by pretreatment with PGE. The degree of irradiation-induced hepatic tissue apoptosis was also attenuated by pretreatment with PGE, which was evidenced by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nick-end labeling assay, western blotting, and gene expressions analysis, particularly of apoptotic molecules. Conclusion We suggest that PGE could be applicable for use against radiation-induced liver injury, and its corresponding mechanisms involve the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Geug Kim
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, Daehung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seong-Soon Jang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Daehung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Lee
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, Daehung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyo-Seon Kim
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, Daehung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, Daehung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- Corresponding author. Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9 Daehung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 34929, Korea.Liver and Immunology Research CenterDaejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University176-9 Daehung-roJung-guDaejeon34929Korea
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Zhang Q, Yang B, Zhai X, Zhao K, Wu Z, Zhu Q, Zhang J, Wei X, Zhao Y, Cai J, Zhu Z. Protective Effects of Ginsenosides Rb2 on Irradiation-Induced Hematopoietic System Injury in the Mice. INT J PHARMACOL 2014. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2014.524.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Sathyanath R, Hanumantha Rao BR, Kim HG, Cho JH, Son CG. Saponin and non-saponin fractions of red ginseng ameliorate cisplatin-induced pica in rats. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2013; 51:1052-1060. [PMID: 23746311 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.775660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nausea and vomiting are considered as the foremost unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy experienced by 20-90% of cancer patients. OBJECTIVE In the present study, the effects of Korean Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) (RG), ginseng saponin (GS) and non-saponin (GNS) on cisplatin (CP)-induced pica and gastric damage in rats were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rats were treated with RG (25, 50, 100 mg/kg b.wt.), GS (5 and 10 mg/kg 100 mg/kg b.wt.) and GNS (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) before or after a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (6 mg/kg b.wt.). Kaolin together with normal food intake, normal food alone, body weight, histological examination of stomach and small intestine were used as indices of CP-induced pica in rats. RESULTS Pre-treatment with RG (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) attenuated CP-induced kaolin intake at 24 h. CP-induced kaolin intake decreased upon post-treatment of rats with RG (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) at 48 h. The incidence of body weight reduction at 48 and 72 h diminished in rats post-treated with RG (50 mg/kg b.wt.). Pre-treatment with GS (5 and 10 mg/kg b.wt.) and GNS (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) attenuated CP-induced kaolin intake while normal food intake was not improved in 24 and 48 h. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The gastro-protective effects of RG, GS and GNS were further confirmed by histopathological (damage in glandular portion and villi with dilated appearance) findings. The study indicates that both the red GS and GNS improve feeding behavior against CP-induced pica in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Sathyanath
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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