Pharmacokinetic study of luteolin, apigenin, chrysoeriol and diosmetin after oral administration of Flos Chrysanthemi extract in rats

Insights into seed coats of nine cultivars of Australian lupin: Unravelling LC-QTOF MS-based biochemical profiles, nutritional, functional, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties together with rationalizing antidiabetic mechanism by in silico approaches

Lupins, and other legumes, have attained international interest due to their reported remarkable health benefits. Currently, the seed coats are discarded as waste or animal feed. The research presented here summarizes the potential for incorporating the seed coats into 'whole grain' foods. We aimed to identify metabolites found in the seed coats of nine commercial Australian cultivars of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius and L. albus species), and to evaluate and compare their functional, nutritional, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties, along with in silico exploration of mechanisms of action for selected identified secondary metabolites. The seed coats were found to contain 79 to 90% dietary fibers and substantial quantity of essential macrometals. LC-QTOF MS-based, untargeted bioactive metabolite profiling explored a total of 673 chemical entities, and identified 63 bioactive secondary metabolites including: biophenols, unsaturated fatty acids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, and dietary prebiotics (insoluble fibers). The seed coats from these nine cultivars show substantial antioxidant activity. The cultivars of L. angustifolius inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase significantly in vitro. Moreover, in silico docking and dynamic simulation along with ADME/T analysis suggest that quercetin 3-methyl ether and 8-C-methylquercetin 3-methyl ether as molecules, novel in lupin seed coats, are responsible for the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. The findings indicated that lupin seed coats might be beneficial food components, rather than be discarded as 'mill waste'.

Comprehensive Secondary Metabolite Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser Fruits

BACKGROUND

Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) is a well-recognized medicinal plant with recorded therapeutical attributes. However, a thorough assessment of active compounds in its fruits is lacking, limiting their use and valorization in pharmacological industries.

METHODS

Thus, this study investigated variations in the fruits' secondary metabolite (SM) profiles, as well as antioxidant activities in aqueous (WA) and ethanol (ET) extracts.

RESULTS

Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry identified 541 SMs, of which 14 and 1 (di-O-glucosylquinic acid) were specifically detected in ET and WA, respectively. Phenolic acids (36.97%), flavonoids (28.10%), terpenoids (12.20%), and alkaloids (9.98%) were the dominant SMs. The SM profiles of the fruits in WA and ET were quite different. We revealed 198 differentially extracted (DE) metabolites between WA and ET, including 62 flavonoids, 57 phenolic acids, 45 terpenoids, 14 alkaloids, etc. Most DE flavones (36 out of 40), terpenoids (45 out of 45), and alkaloids (12 out of 14) had higher content in ET. Catechin and its derivatives, procyanidins, and tannins had higher content in WA. ABTS and DPPH assays showed that the antioxidant activity of ET was significantly higher than that of WA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings will facilitate the efficient extraction and evaluation of specific active compounds in N. cadamba.

Flavonoid compounds and their synergistic effects: Promising approaches for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis with emphasis on keratinocytes - A systematic and mechanistic review

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disorder, causes rapid and excessive skin cell growth due to immune system dysfunction. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids have anti-psoriatic effects by modulating various molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation, cytokine production, keratinocyte proliferation, and more. This study reviewed experimental data reported in scientific literature and used network analysis to identify the potential biological roles of flavonoids' targets in treating psoriasis. 947 records from Web of Sciences, ScienceDirect database, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane library were reviewed without limitations until June 26, 2023. 66 articles were included in the systematic review. The ten genes with the highest scores, including interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12A, IL-1β, IL-6, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Janus kinase 2 (JAK 2), Jun N-terminal kinase (JUN), Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), were identified as the hub genes. KEGG pathway analysis identified connections related to inflammation and autoimmune responses, which are key characteristics of psoriasis. IL-6, STAT3, and JUN's presence in both hub and enrichment genes suggests their important role in flavonoid's effect on psoriasis. This comprehensive study highlights how flavonoids can target biological processes in psoriasis, especially when combined for enhanced effectiveness.

Luteolin exerts anti-tumour immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma by accelerating CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration

Luteolin, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, has been utilized for several decades in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous research has demonstrated its anti-tumour efficacy, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of luteolin in H22 tumour-bearing mice. luteolin effectively inhibited the growth of solid tumours in a well-established mouse model of HCC. High-throughput sequencing revealed that luteolin treatment could enhance T-cell activation, cell chemotaxis and cytokine production. In addition, luteolin helped sustain a high ratio of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the spleen, peripheral blood and tumour tissues. The effects of luteolin on the phenotypic and functional changes in tumour-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes were also investigated. Luteolin restored the cytotoxicity of tumour-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes in H22 tumour-bearing mice. The CD8+ T lymphocytes exhibited intensified phenotype activation and increased production of granzyme B, IFN-γ and TNF-α in serum. The combined administration of luteolin and the PD-1 inhibitor enhanced the anti-tumour effects in H22 tumour-bearing mice. Luteolin could exert an anti-tumour immune response by inducing CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration and enhance the anti-tumour effects of the PD-1 inhibitor on H22 tumour-bearing mice.

The Influence of Planting Sites on the Chemical Compositions of Chrysanthemum morifolium Flowers (Chuju) as Revealed by Py-GC/MS Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Chuju, a cultivar of Chrysanthemum morifolium, has been traditionally cultivated for over 2000 years in China for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. To date, investigations into the chemical composition of this plant have indicated that it contains compounds with extensive biological activities, although detailed information on the chemical composition of Chuju remains scarce. In the present study, the chemical compositions of Chuju flowers were investigated across five sites in the core Chuju planting area in Anhui province, China. Analytical pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used to explore variations in flower chemical fingerprints from different Chuju planting sites. The study identified approximately 200 components in Chuju flowers and stems, including high levels of fatty acids, lipids, polysaccharides and terpenoids. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that 16 chemical compounds were influential determinants of the chemical fingerprint and could be used to distinguish two clusters in the five core planting areas. The established Py-GC/MS analytical workflow could provide a basis for determining the chemical fingerprints of Chuju and help elucidate that products contain a reproducible content of bioactive compounds and overall quality for potential development of health and medicinal purposes.

Polymeric pH-Responsive Metal-Supramolecular Nanoparticles for Synergistic Chemo-Photothermal Therapy

Stimuli-responsive drug delivery carriers, particularly those exhibiting pH sensitivity, have attracted significant scholarly interest due to their promising potential in anticancer therapeutic applications. This phenomenon can primarily be ascribed to the inherently acidic nature of tumor microenvironments. However, pH-responsive carriers frequently require the incorporation of functional groups or materials sensitive to pH changes. Given the pH-sensitive characteristics of metal coordination with natural small-molecule drugs, organometallic supramolecules present a facile and effective strategy for integrating pH-responsive behavior into these systems. Meanwhile, utilizing the natural compound luteolin in conjunction with iron ions (Fe3+) through the advanced engineering technique of flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) results in the synthesis of stable, highly loaded nanoparticles (NPs) exhibiting a supramolecular photothermal effect. Our experimental findings substantiate that the photothermal effect persists over time, even after the pH-responsive release phase has ended. Consequently, these polymeric pH-responsive metallic supramolecular nanoparticles integrate chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, creating a synergistic approach to cancer treatment. This bifunctional platform, which exhibits both pH-responsive and photothermal properties, presents a highly promising avenue for biomedical applications, particularly in the area of tumor therapies. Its dual function offers a potentially efficacious approach to tumor treatment.

Luteolin: A promising multifunctional natural flavonoid for human diseases

Natural products are closely associated with human health. Luteolin (LUT), a flavonoid polyphenolic compound, is widely found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. It is noteworthy that LUT exhibits a variety of beneficial pharmacological properties and holds significant potential for clinical applications, particularly in antitumor, anti-convulsion, diabetes control, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, anti-oxidation, anti-cardiovascular, and other aspects. The potential mechanism of action has been partially elucidated, including the mediation of NF-κB, toll-like receptor, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, AMPK/mTOR, and Nrf-2, among others. The review that aimed to comprehensively consolidate essential information on natural sources, pharmacological effects, therapeutic and preventive potential, as well as potential mechanisms of LUT. The objective is to establish a theoretical basis for the continued development and application of LUT.

Strategies for the quality control of Chrysanthemi Flos: Rapid quantification and end-to-end fingerprint conversion based on FT-NIR spectroscopy

INTRODUCTION

Chrysanthemi Flos (CF) is widely used as a natural medicine or tea. Due to its diverse cultivation regions, CF exhibits varying quality. Therefore, the quality and swiftness in evaluation holds paramount significance for CF.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to construct a comprehensive evaluation strategy for assessing CF quality using HPLC, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and chemometrics, which included the rapid quantification analyses of chemical components and the Fourier transform (FT)-NIR to HPLC conversion of fingerprints.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 145 CF samples were utilised for data collection via NIR spectroscopy and HPLC. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were optimised using various spectral preprocessing and variable selection methods to predict the chemical composition content in CF. Both direct standardisation (DS) and PLSR algorithms were employed to establish the fingerprint conversion model from the FT-NIR spectrum to HPLC, and the model's performance was assessed through similarity and cluster analysis.

RESULTS

The optimised PLSR quantitative models can effectively predict the content of eight chemical components in CF. Both DS and PLSR algorithms achieve the calibration conversion of CF fingerprints from FT-NIR to HPLC, and the predicted and measured HPLC fingerprints are highly similar. Notably, the best model relies on CF powder FT-NIR spectra and DS algorithm [root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 2.7590, R2 = 0.8558]. A high average similarity (0.9184) prevails between predicted and measured fingerprints of test set samples, and the results of the clustering analysis exhibit a high level of consistency.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive strategy provides a novel and dependable approach for the rapid quality evaluation of CF.

Exploring the efficacy and molecular mechanism of Danhong injection comprehensively in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by combining meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking methods

BACKGROUND

Danhong injection, a compound injection of Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) at present as an adjuvant treatment. However, the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanism of IPF are still unclear. This study will evaluate and explore the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanism of Danhong injection in the treatment of IPF.

METHODS

In meta-analysis, the computer was used to search 8 databases (PubMed, EMbase, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP) to collect the RCTs, and RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0 were used for statistical analysis. It has been registered on PROSPERO: CRD42020221096. In network pharmacology, the main chemical components and targets of the chemical components of Danhong injection were obtained in TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction databases. The main targets of IPF were obtained through Gencards, Disgenet, OMIM, TTD, and DRUGBANK databases. The String platform was used to construct PPI networks. Cytoscape 3.8.2 was used to construct the "Danhong components - IPF targets-pathways" network. The molecular docking verification was conducted by Auto Dock.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs were finally included with a total of 896 patients. The meta-analysis showed that Danhong injection could improve the clinical efficiency ([OR] = 0.25, 95% CI [0.15, 0.41]), lung function, arterial blood gas analysis, inflammatory cytokines, and serum cytokines associated with pulmonary fibrosis of IPF patients, respectively (P < .05). The core active components of Danhong injection on IPF were Luteolin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol, and the core targets were PTGS2, AR, ESR1, PPARG, and RELA. Danhong injection mainly improved IPF through PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint path in cancer, pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc.

CONCLUSION

These results provided scientific basis for the clinical use of Danhong injection for the treatment of IPF, and provided a new direction to explore the potential mechanism of action of Danhong injection.

Altitudinal variation of dragon fruit metabolite profiles as revealed by UPLC-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics analysis

BACKGROUND

Geographical factors affect the nutritional, therapeutic and commercial values of fruits. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp) is a popular fruit in Asia and a potential functional food with diverse pharmacological attributes. Although it is produced in various localities, the information related to the altitudinal variation of dragon fruit nutrients and active compounds is scarce. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the variations in metabolite profiles of H. polyrhizus (variety Jindu1) fruit pulps from three different altitudes of China, including Wangmo (WM, 650 m), Luodian (LD, 420 m), and Zhenning (ZN, 356 m). Jindu1 is the main cultivated pitaya variety in Guizhou province, China.

RESULTS

The LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy)-based widely targeted metabolic profiling identified 645 metabolites, of which flavonoids (22.64%), lipids (13.80%), phenolic acids (12.40%), amino acids and derivatives (10.39%), alkaloids (8.84%), and organic acids (8.37%) were dominant. Multivariate analyses unveiled that the metabolite profiles of the fruit differed regarding the altitude. Fruits from WM (highest altitude) were prime in quality, with higher levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, nucleotides and derivatives, amino acids and derivatives, and vitamins. Fruits from LD and ZN had the highest relative content of phenolic acids and terpenoids, respectively. We identified 69 significantly differentially accumulated metabolites across the pulps of the fruits from the three locations. KEGG analysis revealed that flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and isoflavonoid biosynthesis were the most differentially regulated. It was noteworthy that most active flavonoid compounds exhibited an increasing accumulation pattern along with the increase in altitude. Vitexin and isovitexin were the major differentially accumulated flavonoids. Furthermore, we identified two potential metabolic biomarkers (vitexin and kaempferol 3-O-[2-O-β-D-galactose-6-O-a-L-rhamnose]-β-D-glucoside) to discriminate between dragon fruits from different geographical origins.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide insights into metabolic changes in dragon fruits grown at different altitudes. Furthermore, they show that growing pitaya at high altitudes can produce fruit with higher levels of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids.

Pharmacological Activities of Lonicerae japonicae flos and Its Derivative-"Chrysoeriol" in Skin Diseases

Chrysoeriol is an active ingredient derived from the Chinese medicinal herb (CMH) "Lonicerae japonicae flos" in the dried flower bud or bloomed flower of Lonicera japonica Thunberg. Dermatoses are the most common diseases in humans, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, moles, and fungal infections, which are temporary or permanent and may be painless or painful. Topical corticosteroids are widely used in Western medicine, but there are some side effects when it is continuously and regularly utilized in a large dosage. Chrysoeriol is a natural active ingredient, nontoxic, and without any adverse reactions in the treatment of dermatological conditions.

METHODS

Nine electronic databases were searched, including WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), without regard to language constraints. The pharmacological activities of chrysoeriol from Lonicerae japonicae flos to fight against skin diseases were explained and evaluated through the literature review of either in vitro or in vivo studies.

RESULTS

Chrysoeriol decreased the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. These were transcriptionally regulated by NF-κB and STAT3 to combat skin inflammation. It also showed promising actions in treating many skin ailments including wound healing, depigmentation, photoprotection, and antiaging.

CONCLUSION

The cutaneous route is the best delivery approach to chrysoeriol across the skin barrier. However, toxicity, dosage, and safety assessments of chrysoeriol in a formulation or nanochrysoeriol on the human epidermis for application in skin diseases must be further investigated.

Role of Luteolin as Potential New Therapeutic Option for Patients with Glioblastoma through Regulation of Sphingolipid Rheostat

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor, still considered incurable. In this study, conducted on primary GBM stem cells (GSCs), specifically selected as the most therapy-resistant, we examined the efficacy of luteolin, a natural flavonoid, as an anti-tumoral compound. Luteolin is known to impact the sphingolipid rheostat, a pathway regulated by the proliferative sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and the proapoptotic ceramide (Cer), and implicated in numerous oncopromoter biological processes. Here, we report that luteolin is able to inhibit the expression of SphK1/2, the two kinases implicated in S1P formation, and to increase the expression of both SGPL1, the lyase responsible for S1P degradation, and CERS1, the ceramide synthase 1, thus shifting the balance toward the production of ceramide. In addition, luteolin proved to decrease the expression of protumoral signaling as MAPK, RAS/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and cyclins involved in cell cycle progression. In parallel, luteolin succeeded in upregulation of proapoptotic mediators as caspases and Bcl-2 family and cell cycle controllers as p53 and p27. Furthermore, luteolin determined the shutdown of autophagy contributing to cell survival. Overall, our data support the use of luteolin as add-on therapy, having demonstrated a good ability in impairing GSC viability and survival and increasing cell sensitivity to TMZ.

Niosomes gel of apigenin to improve the topical delivery: development, optimization, ex vivo permeation, antioxidant study, and in vivo evaluation

Niosomes (NS) are the promising and novel carrier of the drug for effective transdermal delivery. Apigenin (AN) is a natural bioactive compound and has various pharmacological activities. AN is poorly water soluble which directly affects therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this research work was to develop the AN-NS gel to improve transdermal delivery. The thin-film hydration method was used for the development of AN-NS. The optimized AN-NS (AN-NS2) has a vesicle size of 272.56 ± 12.49 nm, PDI is 0.249, zeta potential is -38.7 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 86.19 ± 1.51%. The FTIR spectra of the AN-NS2 depicted that AN encapsulated in the NS matrix. AN-NS2 formulation was successfully incorporated into chitosan gel and evaluated. The optimized AN-NS2 gel (AN-NS2G4) has 2110 ± 14cps of viscosity, 10.40 ± 0.21g.cm/sec of spreadability, and 99.65 ± 0.53% of drug content. AN-NS2G4 displayed significantly (p < 0.05) higher AN released (67.64 ± 3.03%) than pure AN-gel (37.31 ± 2.87%). AN-NS2G4 showed the Korsmeyer Peppas release model. AN-NS2G4 displayed significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity (90.72%) than pure AN (64.53%) at 300 µg/ml. AN-NS2G4 displayed significantly (p < 0.05) higher % inhibition of swelling than pane AN-gel in carrageenin-induced paw oedema in rats. The finding concluded that niosomes-laden gel is a good carrier of drugs to improve transdermal delivery and therapeutic efficacy.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds for Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms of action and pharmacological properties

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a global public health priority characterized by high mortality rates in adults and an increasing prevalence in aging populations worldwide. Despite significant advancements in comprehending the pathogenesis of AD since its initial report in 1907, there remains a lack of effective curative or preventive measures for the disease. In recent years, natural compounds sourced from diverse origins have garnered considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents for AD, owing to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. This review aims to consolidate the therapeutic effects of natural compounds on AD, specifically targeting the reduction of β-amyloid (Aβ) overproduction, anti-apoptosis, autophagy, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, the identified compounds exhibiting these effects predominantly originate from plants. This review provides valuable insights into the potential of natural compounds as a reservoir of novel therapeutic agents for AD, thereby stimulating further research and contributing to the development of efficacious treatments for this devastating disease.

Luteolin inhibits subretinal fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in laser-induced mouse model via suppression of Smad2/3 and YAP signaling

BACKGROUND

Subretinal fibrosis (SF) accounts for vision loss in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) even treated with adequate intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. Currently, there is no treatment available to prevent or treat SF caused by nAMD.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the potential effects of luteolin on SF and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as the underlying molecular pathways both in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Seven-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were employed to establish laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and SF. One day after the laser induction, luteolin was administered intravitreally. SF and CNV were assessed with the immunolabeling of collagen type I (collagen I) and isolectin B4 (IB4), respectively. RPE65 and α-SMA colocalization in the lesions was used to evaluate the extent of EMT in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by using immunofluorescence. In vitro, luteolin was administered to TGFβ1-treated primary human RPE (phRPE) cells. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the change of EMT-related molecules, epithelial markers, and relevant signaling pathways. The functional changes associated with EMT were investigated using the scratch assay, Transwell migration assay, and collagen gel contraction assay. CCK-8 was used to determine the cell viability of phRPE cells.

RESULTS

On day 7 and 14 after laser induction in mice, intravitreal injection of luteolin dramatically decreased the immunolabeled sizes of both collagen I and IB4, as well as the amount of colocalized double immunostaining of α-SMA and RPE65 in laser-induced SF lesions. In vitro, TGFβ1-treated phRPE cells demonstrated increased cell migration and contraction capacity, accompanied with considerable overexpression of fibronectin, α-SMA, N-cadherin and vimentin, as well as downregulation of E-cadherin and ZO-1. The above changes were largely inhibited by luteolin co-incubation. Mechanistically, luteolin could evidently decrease the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, whereas increase the phosphorylation of YAP in TGFβ1-treated phRPE cells.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that luteolin exhibits the anti-fibrotic effect in a laser-induced mouse model by inhibiting EMT of RPE cells via deactivating Smad2/3 and YAP signaling, which provides a potential natural compound for the prevention and treatment of SF and fibrosis-related diseases.

Nanoparticles loaded with pharmacologically active plant-derived natural products: Biomedical applications and toxicity

Pharmacologically active natural products have played a significant role in the history of drug development. They have acted as sources of therapeutic drugs for various diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases. However, most natural products suffer from poor water solubility and low bioavailability, limiting their clinical applications. The rapid development of nanotechnology has opened up new directions for applying natural products and numerous studies have explored the biomedical applications of nanomaterials loaded with natural products. This review covers the recent research on applying plant-derived natural products (PDNPs) nanomaterials, including nanomedicines loaded with flavonoids, non-flavonoid polyphenols, alkaloids, and quinones, especially their use in treating various diseases. Furthermore, some drugs derived from natural products can be toxic to the body, so the toxicity of them is discussed. This comprehensive review includes fundamental discoveries and exploratory advances in natural product-loaded nanomaterials that may be helpful for future clinical development.

Synergistic Combination of Luteolin and Asiatic Acid on Cervical Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

Cervical cancer is an important issue globally because it is the second most common gynecological malignant tumor and conventional treatment effects have been shown to be limited. Lut and AsA are plant-derived natural flavonoid and triterpenoid products that have exhibited anticancer activities and can modulate various signaling pathways. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether Lut combined with AsA could enhance the anticancer effect to inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation and examine the underlying molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. The results of a CCK-8 assay showed that Lut combined with AsA more effectively inhibited the proliferation of CaSki and HeLa cells than Lut or AsA treatment alone. Lut combined with AsA caused apoptosis induction and sub-G1-phase arrest in CaSki and HeLa cells, as confirmed by flow cytometry, mitoROS analysis, antioxidant activity measurement and western blot assay. In addition, Lut combined with AsA significantly inhibited the cell migration ability of CaSki and HeLa cells in a wound-healing assay. Furthermore, Lut combined with AsA induced apoptosis and inhibited migration through downregulated PI3K/AKT (PI3K, AKT and p70S6K), JNK/p38 MAPK and FAK (integrin β1, paxillin and FAK) signaling and upregulated ERK signaling. In an in vivo study, Lut combined with AsA markedly inhibited cervical cancer cell-derived xenograft tumor growth. Collectively, the present study showed that Lut combined with AsA may be used as an anticancer agent to improve the prognosis of cervical cancer. Indeed, with additional research to develop standardized dosages, Lut and AsA combination therapy could also be applied in clinical medicine.

Inhibition of STAT3 signaling contributes to the anti-melanoma effects of chrysoeriol

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high mortality rate. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), an oncoprotein, is considered as an effective target for treating melanoma. Chrysoeriol is a flavonoid compound, and possesses anti-tumor activity in lung cancer, breast cancer and multiple myeloma; while whether it has anti-melanoma effects is still not known. Chrysoeriol has been shown to restrain STAT3 signaling in an inflammation mouse model.

PURPOSE

In this study, the anti-melanoma effects of chrysoeriol and the involvement of STAT3 signaling in these effects were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

CCK8 assays, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, Western blot analyses of cleaved caspase-9 and wound healing assays were used to study the anti-melanoma effects of chrysoeriol in cell models. A B16F10 melanoma bearing mouse model was used to evaluate the in vivo anti-melanoma effects of chrysoeriol. Indicators of cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and angiogeneis in melanoma tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Immune cells in melanoma tissues were analyzed by flow cytometry. STAT3-overactivated cell models were used to investigate the involvement of STAT3 signaling in the anti-melanoma effects of chrysoeriol. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays were conducted to determine whether chrysoeriol binds to Src, an upstream kinase of STAT3.

RESULTS

The results of cell experiments showed that chrysoeriol dose-dependently inhibited viability, proliferation and migration of, and induced apoptosis in, A375 and B16F10 melanoma cells. Chrysoeriol inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3, and downregulated the expression of STAT3-target genes involved in melanoma growth and metastasis. Mouse studies showed that chrysoeriol restrained melanoma growth and tumor-related angiogenesis, and altered compositions of immune cells in melanoma microenvironment. Chrysoeriol also inhibited STAT3 signaling in B16F10 allografts. Chrysoeriol's viability-inhibiting effects were attenuated by over-activating STAT3 in A375 cells. Furthermore, chrysoeriol bound to the protein kinase domain of Src, and suppressed Src phosphorylation in melanoma cells and tissues.

CONCLUSION

This study, for the first time, demonstrates that chrysoeriol has anti-melanoma effects, and these effects are partially due to inhibiting STAT3 signaling. Our findings indicate that chrysoeriol has the potential to be developed into an anti-melanoma agent.

Effects of Chrysoeriol on Adipogenesis and Lipolysis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

We examined the effect of chrysoeriol on adipogenesis and lipolysis and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Chrysoeriol inhibited fat deposition in adipocytes. Treatment with chrysoeriol suppressed the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid-binding protein, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP) α, C/EBPβ, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1. In addition, chrysoeriol significantly elevated the activation of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. Moreover, chrysoeriol increased free glycerol and fatty acid levels and promoted lipolysis in adipocytes. Overexpression of adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase by chrysoeriol led to increased lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Taken together, chrysoeriol showed anti-adipogenic and lipolytic properties in adipocytes.

Molecular Mechanisms of Flavonoids against Tumor Gamma-Herpesviruses and Their Correlated Cancers-A Focus on EBV and KSHV Life Cycles and Carcinogenesis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are cancer-causing viruses that belong to human gamma-herpesviruses. They are DNA viruses known to establish lifelong infections in humans, with the ability to develop various types of cancer. Drug resistance remains the main barrier to achieving effective therapies for viral infections and cancer. Thus, new medications with dual antiviral and anticancer actions are highly needed. Flavonoids are secondary metabolites biosynthesized by plants with diverse therapeutic effects on human health. In this review, we feature the potential role of flavonoids (flavones, protoflavones, isoflavones, flavanones, flavonols, dihydroflavonols, catechins, chalcones, anthocyanins, and other flavonoid-type compounds) in controlling gamma-herpesvirus-associated cancers by blocking EBV and KSHV infections and inhibiting the formation and growth of the correlated tumors, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, gastric cancer, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and primary effusion lymphoma. The underlying mechanisms via targeting EBV and KSHV life cycles and carcinogenesis are highlighted. Moreover, the effective concentrations or doses are emphasized.

Flavonoids as new regulators of mitochondrial potassium channels: contribution to cardioprotection

Objectives

Acute myocardial ischemia is one of the major causes of illness in western society. Reduced coronary blood supply leads to cell death and loss of cardiomyocyte population, resulting in serious and often irreversible consequences on myocardial function. Mitochondrial potassium (mitoK) channels have been identified as fine regulators of mitochondrial function and, consequently, in the metabolism of the whole cell, and in the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotection. Interestingly, mitoK channels represent a novel putative target for treating cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction, and their modulators represent an interesting tool for pharmacological intervention. In this review, we took up the challenge of selecting flavonoids that show cardioprotective properties through the activation of mitoK channels.

Key findings

A brief overview of the main information on mitoK channels and their participation in the induction of cytoprotective processes was provided. Then, naringenin, quercetin, morin, theaflavin, baicalein, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, puerarin, luteolin and proanthocyanidins demonstrated to be effective modulators of mitoK channels activity, mediating many beneficial effects.

Summary

The pathophysiological role of mitoK channels has been investigated as well as the impact of flavonoids on this target with particular attention to their potential role in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders.

Luteolin alleviated damage caused by blue light to Drosophila

Short-wavelength blue light is commonly found in daily life and is harmful to health. In this experiment, we investigated the effect of luteolin on the survival time of Drosophila under the blue light condition of 3000 Lux using Drosophila as the model organism. The results showed that luteolin alleviated the damage suffered by Drosophila under blue light irradiation, significantly prolonged the survival time of Drosophila, prolonged the survival time of male Drosophila in the heat stress assay, increased the activity of female Drosophila in the spontaneous activity assay, and increased the egg production of female Drosophila at the highest concentration, and there was no significant difference in the food intake experiment. We suggest that the increase in survival time of Drosophila under blue light conditions is due to the function of luteolin in resisting oxidative stress.

Improved Activity of Herbal Medicines through Nanotechnology

Phytochemicals or secondary metabolites are substances produced by plants that have been shown to have many biological activities, providing a scientific basis for using herbs in traditional medicine. In addition, the use of herbs is considered to be safe and more economical compared to synthetic medicine. However, herbal medicines have disadvantages, such as having low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Some of them can undergo physical and chemical degradation, which reduces their pharmacological activity. In recent decades, nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations have attracted attention due to their enhanced activity and potential for overcoming the problems associated with herbal medicine. Approaches using nanotechnology-based delivery systems that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and based on lipids, polymers, or nanoemulsions can increase the solubility, stability, bioavailability, and pharmacological activity of herbals. This review article aims to provide an overview of the latest advances in the development of nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations for increased activity, as well as a summary of the challenges these delivery systems for herbal medicines face.

Natural drugs targeting inflammation pathways can be used to treat atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the chronic gradual degradation of arteries in combination with inflammation. Currently, the main research focus has been on interactions between inflammatory cells, inflammatory mediators, and immune mechanisms, while some studies have reported natural drugs were exerting a critical role against AS, whereas the usage of natural drugs was always limited by various factors such as poor penetration across biological barriers, low bioavailability, and unclear mechanisms. Herein, we reviewed the potential targets for inflammation against AS, discussed the underlying mechanisms of natural drugs for AS, particularly highlighted the dilemma of current research, and finally, offered perspectives in this field.

Luteolin-Induced Activation of Mitochondrial BKCa Channels: Undisclosed Mechanism of Cytoprotection

Luteolin (LUT) is a well-known flavonoid that exhibits a number of beneficial properties. Among these, it shows cardioprotective effects, as confirmed by numerous studies. However, its effect on mitochondrial potassium channels, the activation of which is related to cytoprotection, as well as on heart ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage prevention, has not yet been investigated. The large conductance calcium-regulated potassium channel (mitoBKCa) has been identified in both the mitochondria of the vascular endothelial cells, which plays a significant role in the functioning of the cardiovascular system under oxidative stress-related conditions, and in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes, where it is deeply involved in cardiac protection against I/R injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the role of the mitoBKCa channel in luteolin-induced cytoprotection. A number of in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo and in silico studies have confirmed that luteolin activates this channel in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, which in turn leads to the protection of the endothelium and a significant reduction in the extent of damage resulting from myocardial infarction, where this effect was partially abolished by the mitoBKCa channel blocker paxilline. In conclusion, these results suggest that luteolin has cardioprotective effects, at least in part, through the activation of the mitoBKCa channel, shedding light on a new putative mechanism of action.

Health Benefits and Pharmacological Aspects of Chrysoeriol

A flavone, chrysoeriol is synthetized in several plant species. It comes from several natural sources, especially medicinal plants. The identification and isolation of this compound has been carried out and verified by several research teams using different spectral methods. It seems that the concentration of this molecule is variable and fluctuating depending on the source, the part extracted, the region, and the methods of extraction and characterization. The aim of this paper is to highlight the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of chrysoeriol and to provide insight into its pharmacokinetics. Anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-osteoporosis, anti-insecticide, and neuroprotective actions have been shown in a number of studies on this chemical. Different mechanisms in theses pharmacological effects include subcellular, cellular, and molecular targets. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis has proved the good stability of this molecule, showing its promising potential to prevent or treat diseases including cancer, diabetes, inflammation, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiovascular diseases.

Study on the chemical profile of chrysanthemum and the evaluation of the similarities and differences between different cultivars

Chrysanthemum originates in China and has been cultivated for tea and food utilizations over 2 thousand years. According to differences in origin and processing methods, Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. can be categorized into many cultivars. This study aims to investigate the chemical components of chrysanthemum and clarify the similarities and differences between different chrysanthemum varieties. A total of 55 non-volatile components and 66 volatile components in chrysanthemum were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods, respectively. A rapid UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 13 active components in 30 batches chrysanthemum samples of ten different cultivars. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied to analyze the samples. The result indicated that Boju, Huaiju and Chuju were more similar in terms of the ingredient content and Qiju, Jinsihuangju, Huangju, Hangju, Gongju, Fubaiju, Baiju have a high degree of similarity. Furthermore, isochlorogenic acid C, luteolin, apigenin-7-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, apigenin and cryptochlorogenic acid plays an important role in distinguishing different varieties of chrysanthemum. The established strategy explains the similarities and differences between different varieties of chrysanthemums to some extent, and provides certain reference value for the choice of chrysanthemums for eating or medicinal purposes in daily life.

Comparative Analysis of Chemical Composition andAntibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of theEssential Oils from Chrysanthemum morifolium ofDifferent Flowering Stages and Different Parts

The inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat., a well-known traditional Chinese herb, has been proved to have a certain inhibitory effect on some bacteria; however, its main components and acne bacteria inhibition effect remain to be elucidated. In this study, GC-MS was used to analyze the components of different flowering stages and different parts and to study the inhibitory effects of six essential oils on S. aureus and P. acnes and their alleviating effects on THP-1 cell inflammation. GC-MS combined with relative retention index method analyzed results stated that the 5 samples of C. morifolium to detect the 124 kinds of volatile components, including (E)-tibetin spiroether, are first detected in the volatile oil of the C. morifolium, and the content of (E)-tibetin spiroether is higher in immature inflorescence of C. morifolium and decreases as it extends its flowering period. Furthermore, the research results of inhibiting common acne-causing bacteria showed that the bacteriostatic effect of essential oils from JH at different flowering stages was better than that from JM and TJ, while the bacteriostatic effect of essential oil from stem and leaf of C. morifolium (SLC) at different parts was better than the roots of C. morifolium (RC). Finally, it was proved that the essential oil from SLC and C. morifolium could alleviate the inflammation of THP-1 cells induced by P. acnes. In conclusion, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of C. morifolium essential oil may be related to heterospiroolefins compounds, and the antibacterial activity decreases with the prolongation of flowering stage. It was suggested that volatile oil from C. morifolium and SLC could be used as effective components of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory cosmetics.

Antioxidant Effect of Chrysanthemum morifolium (Chuju) Extract on H2O2-Treated L-O2 Cells as Revealed by LC/MS-Based Metabolic Profiling

Chrysanthemum has a long history of being used to attenuate various oxidative stress-related discomforts and diseases; however, its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the antioxidant effect of chrysanthemum aqueous extract was investigated, and the potential mechanisms were explored via a metabolomics study. Chrysanthemum extract could significantly inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-mediated cell death in L-O2 hepatocytes. Propidium iodide staining and annexin V-PI dual staining revealed that the antioxidant effect of chrysanthemum extract was related to the relief of cell cycle arrest and inhibition of non-apoptotic cell damage. The activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were also upregulated by chrysanthemum extract. Through metabolomics studies, it was found that chrysanthemum extract mainly targeted the arginine synthesis pathway and purine metabolism pathway, in which antioxidation-related endogenous substrates including L-arginosuccinate, citrulline and inositol monophosphate were significantly upregulated by chrysanthemum extract. These results indicated that chrysanthemum extract can antagonize oxidative stress through multiple pathways and have potential therapeutic applications.

Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of apigenin and its glycosides in healthy male adults

The bioavailability of apigenin and its O-glycosides in humans was investigated with apigenin-4'-glucuronide (Ap-4'-GlcUA), apigenin-7-glucuronide and apigenin-7-sulfate being identified as in vivo metabolites. Apigenin per se was poorly absorbed with metabolites equivalent to 0.5% of intake excreted in urine 0-24 h post-intake. Consumption of a parsley drink containing apigenin-7-O-(2″-O-apiosyl)glucoside resulted in the peak plasma concentration (C_max) of Ap-4'-GlcUA occurring after 4 h, indicative of absorption in the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Urinary excretion of the three metabolites corresponded to 11.2% of intake. Ingestion of dried powdered parsley leaves with yogurt extended the C_max of Ap-4'-GlcUA to 6 h. Consumption of chamomile tea containing apigenin-7'-O-glucoside resulted in a 2 h C_max of Ap-4'-GlcUA, in keeping with absorption in the upper GIT. Urinary excretion was equivalent to 34% of intake. Intake of the parsley drink provided information on intra- and inter-individual variations in the level of excretion of the apigenin metabolites. CLINICAL TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trail was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03526081.

The chemical profile of Fubai Chrysanthemum (Fubaiju) and its mechanism in preventing cataract based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and network pharmacology

Chrysanthemum is a kind of herb that can be used for both medicine and food. Although it has been shown to affect the redox damage of the lens, but the mechanism of action has not been systematically studied. This study identified the chemical profile of Fubai Chrysanthemum. Meanwhile, network pharmacology and the enrichment of the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway were combined to investigate the substance basis of Fubai Chrysanthemum for preventing cataract. The aqueous extracts of Fubaiju mainly contained 39 compounds. Compared with Gongju, Jinsiju and Wild chrysanthemum, Fubai Chrysanthemum showed a higher scavenging rate of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals and higher content of total flavonoid. 14 chemical differences in four kinds of chrysanthemum were found based on principal component difference analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the main mechanisms of Fubai Chrysanthemum for preventing cataract were affecting the oxidative stress process and regulating cell growth and metabolism. Eventually, 11 key targets of Fubai Chrysanthemum for cataract prevention were identified. The strategy provided a better understanding of the chemical profile of Fubai Chrysanthemum and elucidated that its higher flavonoid content plays an important role in preventing cataract through antioxidant action and regulating cell growth. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Widely targeted metabolome profiling of different colored sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds provides new insight into their antioxidant activities

Sesame seeds are considered worldwide as a functional food due to their nutritional and therapeutical values. Several physiological functions are being associated with sesame seeds and their derived products. However, the phytochemicals responsible for these various proprieties are not well understood. Thus, to acknowledge the diversity and variability of metabolites in sesame seeds of different colors and reveal key metabolites and pathways contributing to differences in antioxidant activities, black, brown, yellow, and white sesame seeds from 12 varieties were subjected to LC-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics analysis. Totally, 671 metabolites were identified and chemically classified. The metabolic compounds varied significantly with the seed coat color and genotype. Many flavonoids, amino acids, and terpenoids were up-regulated in dark seeds. Sixty key differential metabolites were filtered out. Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, amino acids biosynthesis, and tyrosine metabolism were the main differently regulated pathways. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays showed that the antioxidant activities of the seeds increased with the seed coat darkness. Therefore, the pharmacological proprieties of black seeds might be related to their high content of flavonoids and essential amino acids mostly. These findings expand phytochemicals composition information of different colored sesame seeds and provide resources for their comprehensive use and quality improvement.

Luteolin Prevents UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging Damage by Modulating SIRT3/ROS/MAPK Signaling: An in vitro and in vivo Studies

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of luteolin in the mechanism of ultraviolet radiation B (UVB)-induced photoaging. An in vivo photoaging model was established using UVB irradiation of bare skin on the back of rats, and an in vitro photoaging model was established using UVB irradiation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Skin damage was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining, skin and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by DHE and DCF fluorescent probes, mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 staining, and protein expressions were detected by immunofluorescence and Western Blot. Results from animal experiments showed that luteolin reduced UVB-induced erythema and wrinkle formation. Results from cellular assays showed that luteolin inhibited UVB-induced decrease in cell viability. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that luteolin reduced oxidative stress levels, decreased activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and increased collagen expression. Continued cellular experiments using 3-TYP, an inhibitor of Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), revealed a loss of cellular protection by luteolin and a decrease in collagen, suggesting that luteolin acts by targeting and promoting SIRT3. luteolin is involved in the protection of skin cells against UVB radiation-induced ageing via the SIRT3/ROS/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) axis and it may be a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of UVB photoaging.

Luteolin combined with low-dose paclitaxel synergistically inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and induces cell apoptosis on esophageal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Although paclitaxel is a promising frontline chemotherapy agent for various malignancies, the clinical applications have been restricted by side effects, drug resistance, and cancer metastasis. The combination of paclitaxel and other agents could be the promising strategies against malignant tumor, which enhances the antitumor effect through synergistic effects, reduces required drug concentrations, and also suppresses tumorigenesis in multiple ways. In this study, we found that luteolin, a natural flavonoid compound, combined with low-dose paclitaxel synergistically regulated the proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells in vitro, as well as synergistically inhibited tumor growth without obvious toxicity in vivo. The molecular mechanism of inhibiting cell migration and EMT processes may be related to the inhibition of SIRT1, and the mechanism of apoptosis induction is associated with the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway-mediated activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Comparative metabolomics analysis of different sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) tissues reveals a tissue-specific accumulation of metabolites

BACKGROUND

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaves, flowers, especially seeds are used in traditional medicine to prevent or cure various diseases. Its seed's market is expanding. However, the other tissues are still underexploited due to the lack of information related to metabolites distribution and variability in the plant. Herein, the metabolite profiles of five sesame tissues (leaves, fresh seeds, white and purple flowers, and fresh carpels) have been investigated using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomics analysis platform.

RESULTS

In total, 776 metabolites belonging to diverse classes were qualitatively and quantitatively identified. The different tissues exhibited obvious differences in metabolites composition. The majority of flavonoids predominantly accumulated in flowers. Amino acids and derivatives, and lipids were identified predominantly in fresh seeds followed by flowers. Many metabolites, including quinones, coumarins, tannins, vitamins, terpenoids and some bioactive phenolic acids (acteoside, isoacteoside, verbascoside, plantamajoside, etc.) accumulated mostly in leaves. Lignans were principally detected in seeds. 238 key significantly differential metabolites were filtered out. KEGG annotation and enrichment analyses of the differential metabolites revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acids biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were the main differently regulated pathways. In addition to the tissue-specific accumulation of metabolites, we noticed a cooperative relationship between leaves, fresh carpels, and developing seeds in terms of metabolites transfer. Delphinidin-3-O-(6"-O-p-coumaroyl)glucoside and most of the flavonols were up-regulated in the purple flowers indicating they might be responsible for the purple coloration.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the metabolic processes in the sesame tissues are differently regulated. It offers valuable resources for investigating gene-metabolites interactions in sesame tissues and examining metabolic transports during seed development in sesame. Furthermore, our findings provide crucial knowledge that will facilitate sesame biomass valorization.

Current Perspective on the Natural Compounds and Drug Delivery Techniques in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Simple Summary

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the belligerent neoplasia that metastasize to other brain regions and invade nearby healthy tissues. However, the treatments available are associated with some limitations, such as high variations in solid tumors and deregulation of multiple cellular pathways. The heterogeneity of the GBM tumor and its aggressive infiltration into the nearby tissues makes it difficult to treat. Hence, the development of multimodality therapy that can be more effective, novel, with fewer side effects, improving the prognosis for GBM is highly desired. This review evaluated the use of natural phytoconstituents as an alternative for the development of a new therapeutic strategy. The key aspects of GBM and the potential of drug delivery techniques were also assessed, for tumor site delivery with limited side-effects. These efforts will help to provide better therapeutic options to combat GBM in future.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the debilitating brain tumors, being associated with extremely poor prognosis and short median patient survival. GBM is associated with complex pathogenesis with alterations in various cellular signaling events, that participate in cell proliferation and survival. The impairment in cellular redox pathways leads to tumorigenesis. The current standard pharmacological regimen available for glioblastomas, such as radiotherapy and surgical resection following treatment with chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide, remains fatal, due to drug resistance, metastasis and tumor recurrence. Thus, the demand for an effective therapeutic strategy for GBM remains elusive. Hopefully, novel products from natural compounds are suggested as possible solutions. They protect glial cells by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting pro-oncogene events and intensifying the potent anti-tumor therapies. Targeting aberrant cellular pathways in the amelioration of GBM could promote the development of new therapeutic options that improve patient quality of life and extend survival. Consequently, our review emphasizes several natural compounds in GBM treatment. We also assessed the potential of drug delivery techniques such as nanoparticles, Gliadel wafers and drug delivery using cellular carriers which could lead to a novel path for the obliteration of GBM.

Identification of herbal components as TRPA1 agonists and TRPM8 antagonists

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are non-selective cation channels that are implicated in analgesia, bowel motility, wound healing, thermoregulation, vasodilation and voiding dysfunction. Many natural products have been reported to affect the activity of TRP channels. We hypothesize that numerous traditional herbal medicines (THMs) might exert their pharmacological activity through modulating the activity of TRP channels. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of flavonoid aglycones and their glycosides, which are the main components of many THMs, on the TRP channel subtypes. A Ca²⁺ influx assay was performed using recombinant human TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV4 and TRPM8 cell lines. Our findings showed that flavonoid aglycones and glycycoumarin activated TRPA1. In particular, isoflavone and chalcone compounds displayed potent TRPA1 agonistic activity. Furthermore, flavone aglycones showed concomitant potent TRPM8 inhibiting activity. Indeed, flavone, isoflavone aglycones, non-prenylated chalcones and glycycoumarin were found to be TRPM8 inhibitors. Hence, flavonoid aglycones metabolized by lactase-phlorizin hydrolase and β-glucosidase in the small intestine or gut microbiota of the large intestine could generate TRPA1 agonists and TRPM8 antagonists.

Luteolin suppresses androgen receptor-positive triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by epigenetic regulation of MMP9 expression via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents up to 20% of all breast cancers. This cancer lacks the expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The current therapeutic strategy for patients with this subtype is the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy and surgery. Luteolin is a natural herbal flavonoid and a potential therapeutic candidate for multiple diseases. The use of a treatment that combines Chinese herbal medicine and western medicine is rising in Asia.

PURPOSE

The present study evaluates the effects and molecular mechanisms involved with luteolin treatment and evaluates whether this herb affects androgen receptor-positive breast cancer cell proliferation or metastasis.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro evaluation of the effect of luteolin on androgen receptor-positive TNBC cell proliferation and metastasis METHODS: Cell viability analysis was used for the cytotoxicity test. Colony formation and Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining-based proliferation experiments were used for cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were used for in vitro migration/invasion. The RT-qPCR analysis was used for gene expression. Furthermore, ChIP-qPCR analysis was used for epigenetic modification of gene promoters.

RESULTS

Luteolin significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of androgen receptor-positive TNBC. Furthermore, luteolin inactivated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The combination of luteolin and inhibitors of AKT/mTOR synergistically repressed an androgen receptor-positive TNBC cell proliferation and metastasis. Luteolin also downregulated MMP9 expression by decreasing the levels of the AKT/mTOR promoting H3K27Ac and H3K56A on the MMP9 promoter region.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that luteolin inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of androgen receptor-positive TNBC by regulating MMP9 expression through a reduction in the levels of AKT/mTOR-inducing H3K27Ac and H3K56Ac.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Thirteen Ingredients after the Oral Administration of Flos Chrysanthemi Extract in Rats by UPLC-MS/MS

A rapid and reliable UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of thirteen bioactive compounds (luteolin, cynaroside, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, isochlorogenic acid C, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, apigenin, apigenin 7-glucoside, acacetin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, tilianin, and hesperidin) in rat plasma. The compounds were separated on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) with a gradient mobile phase system of acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. All compounds were quantitated using Agilent Jet Stream electrospray ionization (AJS ESI) in a negative ion mode. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for all compounds was below 5 ng/mL. The intra- and interday accuracy ranged from -13.0% to 14.0%, and precisions were less than 12.2%. The extraction recoveries of the compounds were in the range of 56.9% to 95.0%, and the matrix effect ranged between 71.6% and 109.3%. Stability studies proved that the thirteen compounds were stable under tested conditions, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 11.4%. This developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of the 13 bioactive compounds after oral administration of Flos Chrysanthemi extract in rat by UPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters of 8 out of the 13 compounds investigated are presented in this paper.

A DNA-encoded library for the identification of natural product binders that modulate poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, a validated anti-cancer target

Natural products have been an invaluable source of drug discovery, but their targets remain largely unknown. Natural products enriched DNA-encoded chemical libraries (nDELs) empower the researchers to rapidly and economically screen numerous natural products against various protein targets, and therefore promote the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms. In this work, we used poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), as an example to explore the usage of nDEL for the functional natural products selection. We used late-stage modification approach to label three positive binders with unique DNA barcodes, whose dissociation constants range from sub-micromolar to micromolar. The selection criterion was set up according to the enrichment of these controls. Five natural products selected by this criterion directly bind to PARP1 in SPR, among which luteolin exhibits the highest inhibitory activity against PARP1. Moreover, luteolin selectively induces accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks and G2/M phase arrest in BRCA-deficient cells. All the findings from these investigations on luteolin support that PARP1 inhibition is one of the mechanisms for its anti-cancer activity.

The E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin Switch in Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Signaling, Therapeutic Implications, and Challenges

Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) has been shown to be crucial in tumorigenesis where the EMT program enhances metastasis, chemoresistance and tumor stemness. Due to its emerging role as a pivotal driver of tumorigenesis, targeting EMT is of great therapeutic interest in counteracting metastasis and chemoresistance in cancer patients. The hallmark of EMT is the upregulation of N-cadherin followed by the downregulation of E-cadherin, and this process is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways and transcription factors. In this review, we summarized the recent understanding of the roles of E- and N-cadherins in cancer invasion and metastasis as well as the crosstalk with other signaling pathways involved in EMT. We also highlighted a few natural compounds with potential anti-EMT property and outlined the future directions in the development of novel intervention in human cancer treatments. We have reviewed 287 published papers related to this topic and identified some of the challenges faced in translating the discovery work from bench to bedside.

Metabolic Variations of Flavonoids in Leaves of T. media and T. mairei Obtained by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS

The needles of Taxus species contain a large number of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids. In the present study, the total flavonoid content in leaves of Taxus media and Taxus mairei was 19.953 and 14.464 mg/g, respectively. A total of 197 flavonoid metabolites (70 flavones, 42 flavonols, 26 flavone C-glycosides, 20 flavanones, 15 anthocyanins, 13 isoflavones, 6 flavonolignans, and 5 proanthocyanidins) were identified for the first time by a widely targeted Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method within the two Taxus species, containing 160 common metabolites, with 37 unique metabolites merely determined in T. mairei or T. media. Moreover, 42 differential flavonoid metabolites were screened in the two Taxus species, which showed specific metabolic patterns in isoflavonoid biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways. Compared to T. mairei, a more activated phenylpropanoid pathway was found in T. media, which could be responsible for the higher content of total flavonoids in T. media. Our results provide new insights into the diversity of flavonoid metabolites between T. mairei and T. media, and provide a theoretical basis for the sufficient utilization of Taxus species and the development of novel drugs.

An integration of UPLC-DAD/ESI-Q-TOF MS, GC-MS, and PCA analysis for quality evaluation and identification of cultivars of Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua)

BACKGROUND

Chrysanthemi Flos (CF), as a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has five main cultivars in China, namely "Chuju", "Boju", "Gongju", "Huaiju" and "Hangju". Due to their habitats and processing methods, great quality variations occur yet no systematical study has ever been carried out to evaluate such variations.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aim to establish a new approach that can serve both as a quality control method and as an identification method for cultivars of CF.

METHOD

The components in CF samples were identified by a combination of UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS and GC/MS. Furthermore, a multimodal quantitative method was established by UPLC-UV coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) and the similarity evaluation system (SES), which was used to control and identify four cultivars of CF.

RESULTS

18 compounds of flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were identified and ten of them were quantified using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS. Different cultivars of CF could be clearly distinguished with the fingerprints evaluation and principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 74 volatile compounds were detected by GC/MS. The distinctness of volatile components was observed. By the combination of UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS and GC/MS, an identification and quality control method for CF was successfully established.

CONCLUSION

The combination of UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS and GC/MS could act as a comprehensive multimodal method for both identification and quality control of herbal medicines. This study provided new insights into the overall evaluation method for herbal medicines possessing different cultivars.

Functionality-Independent DNA Encoding of Complex Natural Products

DNA encoded chemical libraries (DELs) link the powers of genetics and chemical synthesis via combinatorial optimization. Through combinatorial chemistry, DELs can grow to the unprecedented size of billions to trillions. To take full advantage of the DEL approach, linking the power of genetics directly to chemical structures would offer even greater diversity in a finite chemical world. Natural products have evolved an incredible structural diversity along with their biological evolution. Herein, we used traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) as examples in a late-stage modification toolbox approach to annotate these complex organic compounds with amplifiable DNA barcodes, which could be easily incorporated into a DEL. The method of end-products labeling also generates a cluster of isomers with a single DNA tag at different sites. These isomers provide an additional spatial diversity for multiple accessible pockets of targeted proteins. Notably, a novel PARP1 inhibitor from TCM has been identified from the natural products enriched DEL (nDEL).

Luteolin, a flavonoid, as an anticancer agent: A review

Many food-derived phytochemicals and their derivatives represent a cornucopia of new anti-cancer compounds. Luteolin (3,4,5,7-tetrahydroxy flavone) is a flavonoid found in different plants such as vegetables, medicinal herbs, and fruits. It acts as an anticancer agent against various types of human malignancies such as lung, breast, glioblastoma, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancers. It also blocks cancer development in vitro and in vivo by inhibition of proliferation of tumor cells, protection from carcinogenic stimuli, and activation of cell cycle arrest, and by inducing apoptosis through different signaling pathways. Luteolin can additionally reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through a mechanism that involves cytoskeleton shrinkage, induction of the epithelial biomarker E-cadherin expression, and by down-regulation of the mesenchymal biomarkers N-cadherin, snail, and vimentin. Furthermore, luteolin increases levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activation of lethal endoplasmic reticulum stress response and mitochondrial dysfunction in glioblastoma cells, and by activation of ER stress-associated proteins expressions, including phosphorylation of eIF2α, PERK, CHOP, ATF4, and cleaved-caspase 12. Accordingly, the present review article summarizes the progress of recent research on luteolin against several human cancers.

Antioxidant constituents of chrysanthemum 'jinsidaju' cultivated in Kaifeng

Dendranthema morifolium cv. 'jinsidaju', cultivated only in Kaifeng, has been eaten for more than 1000 years. During the antioxidant-activity-guided studies on its chemistry and health care function, two new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes, (6R,7R)-7-hydroxybisabol-2,9E,11-triene-4-one (jinsidajuol A, 1) and (6R,7R)-7-hydroxy-11-methoxybisabol-2,9E-diene-4-one (jinsidajuol B, 2), and thirteen known compounds (3-15) were isolated from the flowers. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRMS. 1 and 2 are the first example of bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes isolated from the genus Dendranthema. Compounds 6-8, 12 and 13 exhibited strong scavenging activities on the ABTS radical cation with IC₅₀ 3.33, 5.67, 2.00, 2.50, 5.33 μg/mL, respectively. The IC₅₀ values of all compounds on HepG2 human hepatoma tumor cell line were higher than 50 μM.

Flavonoids in Cancer and Apoptosis

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Although, there are many different approaches to cancer treatment, they are often painful due to adverse side effects and are sometimes ineffective due to increasing resistance to classical anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. Targeting delayed/inhibited apoptosis is a major approach in cancer treatment and a highly active area of research. Plant derived natural compounds are of major interest due to their high bioavailability, safety, minimal side effects and, most importantly, cost effectiveness. Flavonoids have gained importance as anti-cancer agents and have shown great potential as cytotoxic anti-cancer agents promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. In this review, a summary of flavonoids and their effectiveness in cancer treatment targeting apoptosis has been discussed.