Anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Lycopus lucidus Turcz. var. hirtus Regel

Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Extract Promotes Human Dermal Papilla Cell Cytoprotective Effect and Hair Regrowth Rate in C57BL/6 Mice

Hair loss is a disease that requires accurate diagnosis and type-specific medical treatment. Many hair loss treatments have some side effects, such as hormone-related effects, so there is a need for safe and effective hair loss treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 (HY7015) and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. (LT) extract on hair regrowth and protection. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the effects of HY7015 and/or LT extract on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) of cytoprotective functions such as proliferations, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and growth factor expressions. In animal experiments, we investigated hair regrowth rate, hair follicle formation and secretion of growth factors in telogenic C57BL/6 mice. We confirmed the cytoprotective effects of HY7015 and LT through regulations of proliferation, SOD and IL-1β in HFDPC. In mouse experiments, oral administration of HY7015 and LT promoted hair regrowth as well as hair follicle maturation in the dermal skin of C57BL/6 mice, and upregulated VEGF and IGF-1 growth factor levels in mouse serum. In summary, our data demonstrate that ingestions of HY7015 and LT can promote hair regrowth by enhancing cytoprotective effects and expressions of growth factors.

Pimarane Diterpenoids from Aerial Parts of Lycopus lucidus and Their Antimicrobial Activity

The ethyl acetate fraction obtained from aerial parts of L. lucidus was subjected for isolation of new bioactive compounds, which enabled isolation of five new pimarane-type diterpenoids, namely, 3β, 8β, 12β, 18-tetrahydroxy pimar-15-ene (10), 7α, 8β, 12β, 18-tetrahydroxy pimar-15-ene (11), 3β, 8β, 11β, 12α, 18-pentahydroxy pimar-15-ene (12), 12β acetoxy, 8β, 3β, 18-trihydroxy pimar-15-ene (13), and 3β acetoxy, 8β, 12β, 18-trihydroxy pimar-15-ene (14), along with nine known compounds. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. The isolated new pimarane diterpenoids were examined for antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria strains. Among them, the compound 3β, 8β, 12β, 18-tetrahydroxy pimar-15-ene (10) was most effective, exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 15.62 µg/mL against Staphylococcus epidermidis, 31.25 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, 62.5 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 125 µg/mL against Escherichia coli.

Effect of Fractions from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Leaves on Genomic DNA Oxidation and Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

We investigated the inhibitory effects of fractions from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. leaves on genomic DNA oxidation, nitric oxide (NO) production and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Oxidative damage of genomic DNA was detected after Fenton reaction with H₂O₂ using DNA electrophoresis. Western blotting was performed to compare the expression levels of MMP-2 in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced HT-1080 cells. Lipopolysacchride (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells was measured using Griess reagent.

RESULTS

All fractions (n-Hexane, 85% aq. MeOH, n-BuOH, and water fractions) from the leaves of L. lucidus Turcz. significantly inhibited intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p<0.05). Particularly, 85% aq. MeOH and n-BuOH fractions showed higher ROS inhibitory activity than the other fractions. n-Hexane, 85% aq. MeOH, n-BuOH and water (0.05 mg/mL) fractions significantly inhibited oxidative DNA damage by 57.97%, 68.48%, 58.97%, and 68.39%, respectively (p <0.05). Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with each fraction reduced LPS-induced NO production in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). n-Hexane and 85% aq. MeOH fractions notably reduced MMP-2 secretion levels of in the culture supernatants from HT-1080 cells.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these results indicated that L. lucidus Turcz. leaves can be exploited as plant based sources of antioxidants in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and food industries.

Lycopus lucidus Turcz Exerts Neuroprotective Effects Against H2O2-Induced Neuroinflammation by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Cortical Neurons

Purpose

Lycopus lucidus Turcz (LLT) is a potent traditional medicinal herb that exerts therapeutic effects, regulating inflammatory disorders. However, the precise mechanisms by which LLT plays a potent role as an anti-inflammatory agent are still unknown, and in particular, the effects of LLT on cortical neurons and related mechanisms of neuroinflammation have not been studied. The NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is one of the most well known as an important driver of inflammation. We therefore hypothesized that LLT, as an effective anti-inflammatory agent, might have neurotherapeutic potential by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in cortical neurons.

Materials and Methods

Primary cortical neurons were isolated from the embryonic rat cerebral cortex, and H₂O₂ was used to stimulate neuron damage in vitro. After treatment with LLT at three concentrations (10, 25, and 50 µg/mL), the expression of iNOS, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and IL-10 was determined by immunocytochemistry, qPCR, and ELISA. Neuron apoptosis was also evaluated using Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining FACS analysis. Neural regeneration-related factors (BDNF, NGF, synaptophysin, NT3, AKT, and mTOR) were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and qPCR.

Results

LLT effectively protected cultured rat cortical neurons from H₂O₂-induced neuronal injury by significantly inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, it significantly reduced caspase-1 activation, which is induced by inflammasome formation and regulated the secretion of IL-1β/IL-18. We demonstrated that LLT enhances axonal elongation and synaptic connectivity upon H₂O₂-induced neuronal injury in rat primary cortical neurons.

Conclusion

It was first demonstrated in vitro that LLT suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation, attenuates inflammation and apoptosis, and consequently promotes neuroprotection and the stimulation of neuron repair, suggesting that it is a promising therapeutic for neurological diseases.

Phytochemicals against anti-diabetic complications: targeting the advanced glycation end product signaling pathway

The role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is not limited to diabetes and diabetes-related complications. There are multiple modulators, including the receptor for advanced glycation end products, high mobility group box 1, glyoxalase 1, nuclear factor-kappa B, tumor necrosis factor-α, chronic unpredictable stress, reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory cytokines, which interact with AGE signaling and control diabetes, modulating these interacting modulators. The progression of diabetes, as well as related complications, can be controlled and treated. Natural products rich in bioactive constituents can interact with AGEs and their related mediators through various signaling cascades, thereby controlling and preventing the progression of diabetes. This review provides a deeper assessment of the signaling pathway, interactions between phytochemicals and AGEs, and its mediators, to develop a multifold therapeutic approach to prevent and treat diabetes and its related complications.

Nanocarriers From Natural Lipids With In Vitro Activity Against Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni (CJ) is the most prevalent zoonotic pathogen of chicken meat and related products, which may lead to gastroenteritis and autoimmune diseases in humans. Although controlling this bacterium is important, CJ strains resistance against traditional antibiotic therapy has been increased. Vegetable oils and fats are natural biomaterials explored since the Ancient times, due to their therapeutic properties. Nanotechnology has promoted the miniaturization of materials, improving bioavailability and efficacy, while reducing the toxicity of loaded active molecules. In this work, a screening of 28 vegetable oils was firstly performed, in order to select anti-CJ candidates by the disc diffusion test. Thus, the selected liquid lipids were used as active molecules in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) formulations. The three resultant systems were characterized in terms of particle size (~200 nm), polydispersity index (~0.15), and zeta potential (~-35mV), and its physicochemical stability was confirmed for a year, at 25°C. The structural properties of NLC were assessed by infrared (FTIR-ATR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The spherical nanoparticle morphology and narrow size distribution was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron (FE-SEM) analyses, respectively. Then, the in vitro antimicrobial activity test determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each formulation against CJ strains, in both free (1-3 mg/ml^-1) and sessile (0.78 mg/ml^-1) forms. Finally, the in vitro biocompatibility of NLC was demonstrated through cell viability using VERO cell line, in which F6 was found twice less cytotoxic than pure olibanum oil. Considering the abovementioned achieved, F6 formulation is able to be evaluated in the in vivo anti-CJ efficacy assays.

Involvement of TGF-β and Autophagy Pathways in Pathogenesis of Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review on Biological and Pharmacological Insights

Despite recent advancements in clinical drugs, diabetes treatment still needs further progress. As such, ongoing research has attempted to determine the precise molecular mechanisms of the disorder. Specifically, evidence supports that several signaling pathways play pivotal roles in the development of diabetes. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of diabetes still need to be explored. This study examines exciting new hallmarks for the strict involvement of autophagy and TGF-β signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of diabetes and the design of novel therapeutic strategies. Dysregulated autophagy in pancreatic β cells due to hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation is associated with diabetes and accompanied by dysregulated autophagy in insulin target tissues and the progression of diabetic complications. Consequently, several therapeutic agents such as adiponectin, ezetimibe, GABA tea, geniposide, liraglutide, guava extract, and vitamin D were shown to inhibit diabetes and its complications through modulation of the autophagy pathway. Another pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, appears to play a part in the progression of diabetes, insulin resistance, and autoimmunity in both type 1 and 2 diabetes and complications in diabetes. Subsequently, drugs that target TGF-β signaling, especially naturally derived ones such as resveratrol, puerarin, curcumin, hesperidin, and silymarin, as well as Propolis, Lycopus lucidus, and Momordica charantia extracts, may become promising alternatives to current drugs in diabetes treatment. This review provides keen insights into novel therapeutic strategies for the medical care of diabetes.

Essential Oil from Arnica Montana L. Achenes: Chemical Characteristics and Anticancer Activity

Mountain arnica Arnica montana L. is a source of several metabolite classes with diverse biological activities. The chemical composition of essential oil and its major volatile components in arnica may vary depending on the geographical region, environmental factors, and plant organ. The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of essential oil derived from A. montana achenes and to investigate its effect on induction of apoptosis and autophagy in human anaplastic astrocytoma MOGGCCM and glioblastoma multiforme T98G cell lines. The chemical composition of essential oil extracted from the achenes was examined with the use of Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry GC-MS. Only 16 components of the essential oil obtained from the achenes of 3-year-old plants and 18 components in the essential oil obtained from the achenes of 4-year-old plants constituted ca. 94.14% and 96.38% of the total EO content, respectively. The main components in the EO from the arnica achenes were 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (39.54 and 44.65%), cumene (13.24 and 10.71%), thymol methyl ether (8.66 and 8.63%), 2,6-diisopropylanisole (8.55 and 8.41%), decanal (7.31 and 6.28%), and 1,2,2,3-tetramethylcyclopent-3-enol (4.33 and 2.94%) in the 3- and 4-year-old plants, respectively. The essential oils were found to exert an anticancer effect by induction of cell death in anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme cells. The induction of apoptosis at a level of 25.7–32.7% facilitates the use of this secondary metabolite in further studies focused on the development of glioma therapy in the future. Probably, this component plays a key role in the anticancer activity against the MOGGCCM and T98G cell lines. The present study is the first report on the composition and anticancer activities of essential oil from A. montana achenes, and further studies are required to explore its potential for future medicinal purposes.

Natural Products and Synthetic Analogs as a Source of Antitumor Drugs

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease and one of the major issues of health concern, especially for the public health system globally. Nature is a source of anticancer drugs with abundant pool of diverse chemicals and pharmacologically active compounds. In recent decade, some natural products and synthetic analogs have been investigated for the cancer treatment. This article presents the utilization of natural products as a source of antitumor drugs.

Chemopreventive efficacy of juniper berry oil (Juniperus communis L.) on azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemopreventive effects of juniper berry (JB) oil on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups: Control, AOM, AOM + JB, and JB groups. Whereas the control group was fed with standard pellet feed, the AOM and AOM + JB groups were administered of AOM (15 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously once every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. AOM + JB and JB groups additionally received JB oil (100 µl/kg) orally. At the end of the 16-week experimental period, blood and tissue samples were obtained from the rats following necropsy. The macroscopic findings showed that the application of JB oil significantly decreased adenoma and adenocarcinoma formation both numerically and dimensionally. Immunohistochemically, CEA, COX-2, and Ki-67 immune-expressions decreased, and the immune-expression of caspase-3 increased in AOM + JB treated rats. Additionally, JB oil supplementation ameliorated antioxidant defense systems and lipid peroxidation within the colon tissue of AOM + JB treated rats. These results reveal that the JB oil acted as a chemopreventive dietary agent, inhibiting cell proliferation and COX-2 expression and inducing apoptosis, resulting in a significant reduction in colon tumor formation.

Lycopus lucidus Turcz. ex Benth. Attenuates free fatty acid-induced steatosis in HepG2 cells and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to metabolic diseases such as obesity and insulin resistance.

PURPOSE

We studied whether an ethanol extract of Lycopus lucidus Turcz. ex Benth (LLE) exhibited effects on lipid metabolism in NAFLD.

STUDY DESIGN

An in vitro modelwas established by treatment of HepG2 cells with a 1 mM free fatty acid (FFA) mixture (oleic acid/palmitic acid, 2:1). C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% fat) for 14 weeks to induce obesity and were treated with or without LLE (100 or 200  mg/kg daily by oral gavage).

METHODS

HepG2 cells were exposed to 1 mM FFA, with or without LLE (250 - 1000  mg/ml). Intracellular lipid contents were measured by Oil Red O staining and a Nile Red assay. The body weight, relative liver weight, hepatic lipids, triglycerides (TGs), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured in the mice. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), TG, TC, glucose, insulin, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were determined by biochemical or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Histologic analysis was performed in the liver. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the expression of key enzymes of hepatic lipid metabolism.

RESULTS

LLE significantly decreased the intracellular lipid accumulation in FFA-treated HepG2 cells. LLE not only remarkably decreased the expression of lipogenesis genes but also increased β-oxidation in FFA-induced HepG2 cells. In the in vivo study, LLE treatment significantly decreased the body weight, relative liver weight, serum ALT, TC, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as the serum glucose, insulin, leptin, and TNF-α levels in HFD-fed mice. The hepatic TG and TC contents were significantly reduced in the LLE-treated groups. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein 1 decreased, while that of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α increased in the LLE-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that LLE may exert protective effects against NAFLD-related obesity and metabolic disease.

Lycopus lucidus Turcz Inhibits the Osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 Cells and Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rat Model

Lycopus lucidus (LL) is a perennial herb that is traditionally used in Asia to treat edema, wound healing, and gynecological diseases such as irregular menstruation and menstrual pain. We hypothesized that LL would decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis, which is a condition related to gynecological diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of a water extract of LL on osteoclastogenesis in vitro and osteoporosis in vivo. In vitro study, we used RAW 264.7 cells as osteoclast precursor cell. Osteoclast differentiation was induced by receptor activator nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). We investigated the effect of LL on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, and osteoclast-related genes. In vivo study, we used ovariectomized- (OVX-) induced osteoporosis rat model. OVX-induced Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into sham, OVX, 17β-estradiol (100 μg/kg), wLL-L (15.2 mg/kg), and wLL-H (152 mg/kg) groups. Drugs were administered orally once daily for 9 weeks. wLL inhibited the formation of TRAP-positive osteoclasts; TRAP activity; pit formation; transcription factors (the nuclear factor of activated T-cell cytoplasmic 1 and c-fos); and osteoclast-related genes such as TRAP, carbonic anhydrase II, cathepsin K, osteoclast-associated receptor, and the d2 isoform of the vacuolar ATPase Vo domain. Also, wLL prevented loss of the trabecular area in the OVX femur without change of estrogen level. These results indicate that wLL is able to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and protect bone loss in the OVX-induced osteoporosis model without the influence of hormones like estrogen.

Incorporation of ifosfamide into various essential oils -based nanoemulsions ameliorates its apoptotic effect in the cancers cells

The chemotherapeutic drugs, loaded in nanocarriers, have recently attracted the pharmaceutical industries due to their limited adverse side effects. The objective of the current study was to incorporate the ifosfamide (IFO) into two different essential oils-based nanoemulsions, lemon (LEM-IFO) and salvia (SAL-IFO). The antiproliferation activities of the resulted formulas were evaluated in the MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HeLa cervical cancers cells. The cytotoxic effect of the NE formulas was detected by the MTT assay, DAPI stain and light microscopy. The z-average diameters range of LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO, determined by the zetasizer, were 49.15–61.81 nm and 56.64–64.62 nm, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO, applied into the HeLa cells, were 0.165 ± 0.025 and 0.141 ± 0.035 mM, respectively, whereas the IC₅₀ of LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO subjected into the MCF-7 cells were 0.200 ± 0.005 mM and 0.270 ± 0.025 mM, respectively. The IC₅₀ of the free IFO was markedly larger than LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO when applied into MCF-7 cells (9.20 ± 2.01 mM) and HeLa cells (7.69 ± 1.88 mM). Among the tested formulas, LEM-IFO and SAL-IFO have the greatest apoptotic effect on the MCF-7 and HeLa cells, respectively. Solubilizing the IFO in the essential oils-based NE has ameliorated the antitumor efficacy of IFO.

Terpenes from essential oils and hydrolate of Teucrium alopecurus triggered apoptotic events dependent on caspases activation and PARP cleavage in human colon cancer cells through decreased protein expressions

This study focused on characterizing the Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic fractions of Teucrium alopecurus in the context of cancer prevention and therapy. The goal was also to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved and to determine its efficacy against cancer by triggering apoptosis and suppressing tumorigenesis in human colon cancer. The data here clearly demonstrated that oily fractions of Teucrium alopecurus act as free radical scavengers, antibacterial agent and inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116, U266, SCC4, Panc28, KBM5, and MCF-7 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The results of live/dead and colony formation assays further revealed that Teucrium essential oil has the efficacy to suppress the growth of colon carcinoma cells. In addition, essential oil of Teucrium alopecurus induced apoptosis, as indicated by cleavage of caspases-3, -8, and -9 and poly-adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase. Moreover, Teucrium alopecurus essential oil suppressed gene expression involved in survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis in human colon cancer cells. No sign of toxicity was detected in vivo after treatment with increasing concentrations of essential oil. Oral administration of T.alopecurus inhibited LPS-induced colon inflammation. This anticancer property of this specie Teucrium alopecurus fractions could be due to their phenolic and/or sesquiterpene content (d-limonene, α-Bisabolol, Humulene, Thymol, and (+)-epi-Bicyclosesquiphellandrene). Hence our study reveals the anticancer activity of Teucrium alopecurus oil mediated through the suppression of cell growth, cell proliferation, and the induction of apoptosis of cancer cells. Thus, it has potential to be developed as an anticancer agent; however more in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted.

Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in vivo and in vitro

Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root (FPLR) on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro was first evaluated. Oral administration of FPLR (100 mg/kg bw) to mice significantly reduced the CCl₄-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, and total bilirubin. FPLR also increased the hepatic GSH contents and antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the hepatic MDA level. Histopathological examinations further confirmed that the FPLR could protect the liver from CCl₄-induced damage. Further research indicated that FPLR prevented the DNA fragmentation caused by CCl₄ based on TUNEL assay. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that pretreatment with FPLR significantly inhibited the elevation of hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, iNOS, COX-2, and Caspase-3 in CCl₄-treated mice. In vitro experiments showed that FPLR remarkably reduced BRL hepatocyte apoptosis and damage caused by CCl₄ treatment. These findings indicate that FPLR could be developed as a functional food or medication for therapeutic purpose and prevention of hepatic injury.

Ethanol Extract of Lycopus lucidus Turcz. ex Benth Inhibits Metastasis by Downregulation of Runx-2 in Mouse Colon Cancer Cells

Lycopus lucidus Turcz. ex Benth (LT) has been broadly used as a traditional medicinal herb in Asia including Korea, China, and Japan due to its noted ability to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. However, its anticancer mechanism is not understood. This study aims to elucidate the effects of ethanol extracts of LT (ELT) relative to the role of Runt-related transcription factor- (Runx-) 2 in the invasive and metastatic potentials of mouse colon cancer to determine the underlying mechanisms involved. ELT was evaluated for the antimetastasis activity using CT-26 colon cancer using wound healing, transwell matrigel, and western blot analysis. We used Runx-2-specific siRNA to further determine the relationship between Runx-2 and matrix metalloprotease- (MMP-) 9 in the migration and invasion of CT-26 cells. Runx-2 was first demonstrated to be a transcription factor that plays a remarkable role in diverse biological processes of chondrocytes and osteoblasts, but recently, Runx-2 has been reported to be associated with the progression of certain human cancers. ELT was not altered in its effects on growth inhibition. However, ELT significantly inhibited wound closure and cell invasion in a dose-dependent manner. ELT decreased the metastasis by regulating the activity of MMP-9 and Runx-2 at the translational levels. Our results demonstrate that ELT decreases metastasis by inhibiting the Runx-2–MMP-9 axis. We suggest that it can be used as a novel agent in therapeutic strategies for combating colon cancer.

Essential Oils from Neotropical Piper Species and Their Biological Activities

The Piper genus is the most representative of the Piperaceae reaching around 2000 species distributed in the pantropical region. In the Neotropics, its species are represented by herbs, shrubs, and lianas, which are used in traditional medicine to prepare teas and infusions. Its essential oils (EOs) present high yield and are chemically constituted by complex mixtures or the predominance of main volatile constituents. The chemical composition of Piper EOs displays interspecific or intraspecific variations, according to the site of collection or seasonality. The main volatile compounds identified in Piper EOs are monoterpenes hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenoids, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenoids and large amounts of phenylpropanoids. In this review, we are reporting the biological potential of Piper EOs from the Neotropical region. There are many reports of Piper EOs as antimicrobial agents (fungi and bacteria), antiprotozoal (Leishmania spp., Plasmodium spp., and Trypanosoma spp.), acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity against different tumor cells lines (breast, leukemia, melanoma, gastric, among others). These studies can contribute to the rational and economic exploration of Piper species, once they have been identified as potent natural and alternative sources to treat human diseases.

Antinflammatory and anticancer effects of terpenes from oily fractions of Teucruim alopecurus, blocker of IκBα kinase, through downregulation of NF-κB activation, potentiation of apoptosis and suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene expression

Teucrium alopecurus is an endemic plant limited to southern Tunisia. In the present study, the chemical composition, anticancer and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitory effects of Teucrium alopecurus leaf essential oil was investigated. The analysis of Teucrium alopecurus (TA-1) with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) showed that α-Bisabolol, (+)-epi-Bicyclosesquiphellandrene and α-Cadinol, were found in relatively high amounts (16.16%, 15.40% and 8.52%, respectively). Cell viability was determined by 3-(4-5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2-5-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis assay were determined by flow cytometry. TA-1 functions as an anticancer agent by triggering apoptosis potentiated by chemotherapeutic agents and TNF in human myeloid leukemia cells (KBM5) through a mechanism involving poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and initiator and effector caspases activation. Moreover, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that TA-1 downregulated nuclear localization of NF-κB and its phosphorylation induced by TNF-α and this, allows the suppression of the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB and the inhibition of the phosphorylation of p65 phosphorylation and the p50-p65 heterodimer nuclear translocation, causing attenuation of NF-κB-regulated antiapoptotic (Survivin, Bcl-2, c-IAP1/2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and cFLIP), invasion (ICAM1), metasatsis (MMP-9), and angiogenesis (VEGF) gene expression in KBM5; and finally reporter gene expression. Furthermore, treatment with essential oil and TNF-α suppressed the NF-κB DNA binding activity. Finally, the activation of nuclear factor-κB induced by different plasmids (TNFR1, TRADD, TRAF2, NIK, TAK1/TAB1, and IKKβ) was inhibited following treatment with TA-1. Overall, TA-1 inhibits NF-κB activation and further growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Chemical composition and evaluation of the antibacterial and Cytotoxic activities of the essential oil from the leaves of Myracrodruon urundeuva

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the in vitro activity of essential oil extracted from the leaves of Myracrodruon urundeuva.

METHODS

The oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and characterized by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution technique and the MIF was determined by using growth indicator CTT (2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium) and CBM in BHI agar. The oil's cytotoxicity was evaluated in HeLa, HEK-293, and Vero E6 cells using MTT, 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium.

RESULTS

The oil showed chemical markers, including α-pinene (87.85%), trans-caryophyllene (1.57%), limonene (1.49%) and β -pinene (1.42%), and activity against all strains: Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = MBC = 0.22 mg/mL), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC = 0.11 mg/mL and MBC = 0.22 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC = 0.88 mg/mL and MBC = 1.75 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = MBC = 7 mg/mL) and Salmonella Enteritidis (MIC = MBC = 0.44 mg/mL). In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed that the oil is not toxic and has slight antitumor activity.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the M. urundeuva oil results are promising, with prospects of being pharmacologically viable.

Innovative "Green" and Novel Strategies for the Extraction of Bioactive Added Value Compounds from Citrus Wastes-A Review

Citrus is a major processed crop that results in large quantities of wastes and by-products rich in various bioactive compounds such as pectins, water soluble and insoluble antioxidants and essential oils. While some of those wastes are currently valorised by various technologies (yet most are discarded or used for feed), effective, non-toxic and profitable extraction strategies could further significantly promote the valorisation and provide both increased profits and high quality bioactives. The present review will describe and summarize the latest works concerning novel and greener methods for valorisation of citrus by-products. The outcomes and effectiveness of those technologies such as microwaves, ultrasound, pulsed electric fields and high pressure is compared both to conventional valorisation technologies and between the novel technologies themselves in order to highlight the advantages and potential scalability of these so-called "enabling technologies". In many cases the reported novel technologies can enable a valorisation extraction process that is "greener" compared to the conventional technique due to a lower energy consumption and reduced utilization of toxic solvents.

Preliminary phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxic and inhibition of lipopolysaccaride - induced NOS (iNOS) expression in BALB/c mice liver by Ziziphus oenoplia Mill. fruit

BACKGROUND

Ziziphus oenoplia Mill. is an ethnomedicinal plant and its fruit has been traditionally used by Puliar tribes of Anamalai Hills, Tamil Nadu, India to treat various ailments. Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, cytotoxic and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene downregulation activities of Z. oenoplia fruit (ZOF) were studied.

METHODS

To explore bioactive compounds present in the ripened fruits, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were done. Free radical scavenging, hepatoprotective, inhibition of iNOS gene expression and cytotoxic activities of ethanol extract of fruit were also studied.

RESULTS

Total flavonoid content of ZOFwas estimated as 69 µg/mg catechin equivalent. HPTLC densitogram confirmed the presence of quercetin and GC-MS analysis showed a total of 16 compounds of 87.66 % with quinic acid as a major compound which accounted for 22.29 %. Free radical-scavenging activity of ethanolic fruit extract was ranged from 160.12 to 650.23 µg/mL. An amount of 1.5 µg lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced severe inflammation in BALB/c mice liver, followed by treatment with ethanolic fruit extract of 100 µg concentration, exhibited significant hepatoprotection and reverse transcriptase polymerase (RT-PCR) analysis showed downregulation of iNOS gene expression in hepatocytes at transcriptional level. ZOF also showed significant cytotoxicity and propidium iodide staining confirmed the induction of apoptosis in cervical cancer cells (HeLa).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of the present study prove that ZOF is a rich source of bioactive compounds with a wide range of pharmacological activities. Hence, consumption of this wild edible fruit will be a cost-effective and easily available natural nutritional source for health protection.

The Concept of Wind in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The use of folk medicine has been widely embraced in many developed countries under the name of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) and is now becoming the mainstream in the UK and the rest of Europe, as well as in North America and Australia. Diversity, easy accessibility, broad continuity, relatively low cost, base levels of technological inputs, fewer side effects, and growing economic importance are some of the positive features of folk medicine. In this framework, a critical need exists to introduce the practice of folk medicine into public healthcare if the goal of reformed access to healthcare facilities is to be achieved. The amount of information available to public health practitioners about traditional medicine concepts and the utilization of that information are inadequate and pose many problems for the delivery of primary healthcare globally. Different societies have evolved various forms of indigenous perceptions that are captured under the broad concept of folk medicine, e.g., Persian, Chinese, Grecian, and African folk medicines, which explain the lack of universally accepted definitions of terms. Thus, the exchange of information on the diverse forms of folk medicine needs to be facilitated. Various concepts of Wind are found in books on traditional medicine, and many of those go beyond the boundaries established in old manuscripts and are not easily understood. This study intends to provide information, context, and guidance for the collection of all important information on the different concepts of Wind and for their simplification. This new vision for understanding earlier Chinese medicine will benefit public health specialists, traditional and complementary medicine practitioners, and those who are interested in historical medicine by providing a theoretical basis for the traditional medicines and the acupuncture that is used to eliminate Wind in order to treat various diseases.

Chemical Composition and Bio-efficacy of Essential Oils from Italian Aromatic Plants: Mentha suaveolens, Coridothymus capitatus, Origanum hirtum and Rosmarinus officinalis

The chemical composition, antifungal, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the essential oils (EOs) of mint (Mentha suaveolens), thyme (Coridothymus capitatus), oregano (Origanum hirtum) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were investigated. The antifungal properties of the EOs were investigated against four species of Candida by a microdilution method. Cytotoxicity was tested on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines using the MTT test. DPPH• and ABTS•+ spectrophotometric assays and DPPH•- ABTS•+(HP)TLC-bioautographic assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. The main compounds of thyme and oregano EOs were carvacrol and thymol, respectively; piperitenone oxide and γ-terpinene were the most abundant compounds of mint and rosemary EOs, respectively. All EOs showed activity against all Candida species in a range between 760 ± 290 to 3120 ± 0.0 μg/mL. Among the EOs, that of M. suaveolens showed a stronger cytotoxic activity on HaCaT cells. Thyme, oregano and rosemary EOs exhibited important antioxidant activities by ABTS•+ assay compared with trolox.

Purified Essential Oil from Ocimum sanctum Linn. Triggers the Apoptotic Mechanism in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Background:

Essential oil of Ocimum sanctum Linn. exhibited various pharmacological activities including antifungal and antimicrobial activities. In this study, we analyzed the anticancer and apoptosis mechanisms of Ocimum sanctum essential oil (OSEO).

Objective:

To trigger the apoptosis mechanism in human breast cancer cells using OSEO.

Materials and Methods:

OSEO was extracted using hydrodistillation of the leaves. Cell proliferation was determined using different concentrations of OSEO. Apoptosis studies were carried out in human breast cancer cells using propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst staining.

Results:

We found that OSEO inhibited proliferation (IC₅₀ = 170 μg/ml) of Michigan cancer foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells in a dose-dependent manner. The OSEO also induced apoptosis as evidenced by the increasing number of PI-stained apoptotic nucleic of MCF-7 cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that treatment with OSEO (50–500 μg/ml) increased the apoptotic cells population (16–84%) dose dependently compared to the control. OSEO has the ability to up-regulate the apoptotic genes p53 and Bid and as well as elevates the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate that OSEO has the ability as proapoptotic inducer and it could be developed as an anticancer agent.

SUMMARY

OSEO inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells with an IC50 of 170 μg/mL

OSEO at 500 μg/mL increased the population of apoptotic cells by 84%

OSEO up-regulated the expression of apoptotic genes and as well increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio.

Abbreviations used: BAX: BAX BCL2-associated X protein; BCL2: B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2; BID: BH3 Interacting domain death agonist; OSEO: Ocimum sanctum essential oil; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium; MCF-7: Michigan cancer foundation-7; RT-PCR: Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Properties of Aniba parviflora Essential Oils from the Amazon

Essential oils (EOs) from leaves and branches of Aniba parviflora (Meisn.) Mez were obtained by hydrodistillation and their chemical compositions determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Oxygenated sesquiterpenoids were the most representative compound class in both EOs ( ≅ 40%). However, the leaf EO was rich in β-phellandrene (15.1%), linalool (14.1%), and γ-eudesmol (12.9%). The EO from the branches showed high concentrations of γ-eudesmol (16.8%), β-caryophyllene (15.7%), linalool (12.4%), β-phellandrene (6.7%), and bicyclogermacrene (6.0%). The EOs were screened for radical-scavenging activity using the DPPH assay. In the DPPH assay, the EOs showed an antioxidant activity with TEAC values of 296.8 ± 20.2 and 357.3 ± 43.8 mg.TE.mL−1, about one-third that of the Trolox standard. The EOs were subjected to antibacterial screening and displayed promising activity against Escherichia coli (MIC < 19.5 μg.mL−1). In addition, the EOs were tested for cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast tumor cells and the leaf EO (IC50 = 67.9 ± 3.0 μg.mL−1) was more active than that from the branches (IC50 = 102.2 ± 3.0 μg.mL−1).

Chemical Composition, Antioxidative and Anticancer Activities of the Essential Oil: Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma, a Traditional Herb Pair

As a classical herb pair in clinics of traditional Chinese medicine, Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma (HP CR-SR) is used for activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis. The essential components in HP CR-SR and its single herbs were comparatively analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data. 66, 22, and 54 components in volatile oils of Curcumae Rhizoma, Sparganii Rhizoma, and HP CR-SR were identified, and total contents accounted for 75.416%, 91.857%, and 79.553% respectively. The thirty-eight components were found in HP CR-SR, and not detected in single herbs Curcumae Rhizoma and Sparganii Rhizoma. The highest radical trapping action was seen by an essential oil of HP CR-SR (IC50 = 0.59 ± 0.04 mg/mL). Furthermore, the HP CR-SR essential oil showed more remarkable cytotoxicity on tumor cell lines than that of the single herbs Curcumae Rhizoma and Sparganii Rhizoma in a dose-dependent manner: IC50 values showing 32.32 ± 5.31 μg/mL (HeLa), 34.76 ± 1.82 μg/mL (BGC823), 74.84 ± 1.66 μg/mL (MCF-7), 66.12 ± 11.23 μg/mL (SKOV3), and 708.24 ± 943.91 μg/mL (A549), respectively. In summary, the essential oil of HP CR-SR is different from any one of Curcumae Rhizoma and Sparganii Rhizoma, nor simply their superposition, and HP CR-SR oil presented more remarkable anticancer and antioxidant activities compared with Curcumae Rhizoma and Sparganii Rhizoma oils.

Evaluation of antitumor property of extracts and steroidal alkaloids from the cultivated Bulbus Fritillariae ussuriensis and preliminary investigation of its mechanism of action

BACKGROUND

Cancer is well known as a leading cause of death in the world. At present, it is the very active area to search for anticancer drugs from natural products. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor property of chloroform extract (CE), n-hexane extract (HE), water extract (WE) and steroidal alkaloids from the cultivated Bulbus Fritillariae ussuriensis (BFU) and its preliminary mechanism for its action was investigated.

METHODS

Firstly, cytotoxicity of the different extracts from BFU against Lewis lung carcinoma cell line (LLC), Human ovarian cancer cell line (A2780), human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2), human lung carcinoma cell line (A549) was measured by MTT assay. Then, we identified the compounds from the active extract of BFU by bioassay guided isolation, determined their antitumor activity in vitro, and detected cell cycle distribution using flow cytometry. Moreover, the extract of BFU which showed remarked anti-proliferative activity in vitro was further evaluated using S180 and LLC tumor models. Additionally, a preliminary investigation of the mechanism of the action was carried out by using histological and immunohistochemical staining technique.

RESULTS

The results showed that CE and the purified total alkaloids of BFU (TAFU) exhibited stronger cytotoxic activity than the others (WE and HE). We further isolated the four main steroidal alkaloids from TAFU, and found all alkaloids showed significant cytotoxicity, and peimisine induced G0/G1 phase arrest and increased apoptosis. The results showed that TAFU had significant antitumor activity and low toxicity in vivo. Additionally, the immunohistochemical examinations signified that TAFU remarkably increased caspase-3 expression and reduced microvessel density (MVD) in tumor tissues of transplantable S180 and LLC tumor models.

CONCLUSIONS

These results achieved suggested that the steroidal alkaloids could hold a good potential for use as an antitumor drug. Notably, our finding is the first report on the antitumor activity of extracts and steroidal alkaloids from the cultivated BFU in vitro and in vivo and its mechanisms.

Essential oil encapsulations: uses, procedures, and trends

Recently there has been an increased interest towards the biological activities of essential oils (EOs).

Chemical Composition and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Leaves of Mentha piperita Grown in China

The chemical composition, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of essential oil from leaves of Mentha piperita (MEO) grown in China were investigated. Using GC-MS analysis, the chemical composition of MEO was characterized, showing that it was mainly composed of menthol, menthone and menthy acetate. MEO exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities in a croton oil-induced mouse ear edema model. It could also effectively inhibit nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cytotoxic effect was assessed against four human cancer cells. MEO was found to be significantly active against human lung carcinoma SPC-A1, human leukemia K562 and human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, with an IC50 value of 10.89, 16.16 and 38.76 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, MEO had moderate antioxidant activity. The results of this study may provide an experimental basis for further systematic research, rational development and clinical utilization of peppermint resources.

Essential oils and their constituents as anticancer agents: a mechanistic view

Exploring natural plant products as an option to find new chemical entities as anticancer agents is one of the fastest growing areas of research. Recently, in the last decade, essential oils (EOs) have been under study for their use in cancer therapy and the present review is an attempt to collect and document the available studies indicating EOs and their constituents as anticancer agents. This review enlists nearly 130 studies of EOs from various plant species and their constituents that have been studied so far for their anticancer potential and these studies have been classified as in vitro and in vivo studies for EOs and their constituents. This review also highlights in-depth various mechanisms of action of different EOs and their constituents reported in the treatment strategies for different types of cancer. The current review indicates that EOs and their constituents act by multiple pathways and mechanisms involving apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic, increased levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), DNA repair modulation, and others to demonstrate their antiproliferative activity in the cancer cell. The effect of EOs and their constituents on tumour suppressor proteins (p53 and Akt), transcription factors (NF- κB and AP-1), MAPK-pathway, and detoxification enzymes like SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase has also been discussed.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and a pro-apoptotic effect in SGC-7901 of the essential oil from Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem. leaves

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Leaves of Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem. (TSL), a popular vegetable in China, have anti-inflammatory, antidoting, and worm-killing effects and are used in folk medicine for the treatment of enteritis, dysentery, carbuncles, boils, and especially abdominal tumors. Our aim was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and anticancer property of the essential oil from TSL (TSL-EO), especially the pro-apoptotic effect in SGC-7901.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TSL-EO obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed by GC/MS and was tested in vitro against twenty clinically isolated strains of Staphylococcus aureus (SA 1-20), which were either methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two standard strains viz. ATCC 25923 and ATCC 43300. The anticancer activity of TSL-EO was evaluated in vitro against HepG2, SGC7901, and HT29 through MTT assay. Moreover, the apoptosis-inducing activity of TSL-EO in SGC7901 cells was determined by Hoechst 33324 staining and flow cytometry methods. Also, the apoptosis-related proteins viz. Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 were detected by western-blotting.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis showed that TSL-EO contained a high amount of sesquiterpenes (84.64%), including copaene (8.27%), β-caryophyllene (10.16%), caryophyllene (13.18%) and β-eudesmene (5.06%). TSL-EO inhibited the growth of both MSSA and MRSA, with the lowest MIC values of 0.125 and 1mg/ml, respectively. Treatment with TSL-EO for 24h could significantly suppress the viability of three different cancer cell lines (P<0.05). Furthermore, the apoptosis-inducing activity of TSL-EO in SGC7901 cells increased in a dose-dependent manner, potentially resulting from the up-regulated expression of Bax, caspase-3 and down-regulated expression of Bcl-2.

CONCLUSIONS

TSL-EO possessed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells and particularly prominent pro-apoptotic activity in SGC7901 cells. These bioactivities were probably due to the high content of sesquiterpenes. Our results suggested that TSL-EO possessed potential health benefits and could serve as a promising natural food addictive.

Genotoxic and oxidative damage potentials in human lymphocytes after exposure to terpinolene in vitro

Terpinolene (TPO) is a monocyclic monoterpene found in the essential oils of various fir and pine species. Recent reports indicated that several monoterpenes could exhibit antioxidant effects in both human and animal experimental models. However, so far, the nature and/or biological roles of TPO have not been elucidated in human models yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic, oxidative and cytotoxic effects of TPO in cultured human blood cells (n = 5) for the first time. Human blood cells were treated with TPO (0-200 mg/L) for 24 and 48 h, and then cytotoxicity was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay, while DNA damage was also analyzed by micronucleus assay, sister chromatid exchanges assay and 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) level. In addition, biochemical parameters [total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS)] were examined to determine oxidative effects. The results of LDH and MTT assays showed that TPO (at concentrations greater than 100 mg/L) decreased cell viability. In our in vitro test systems, it was observed that TPO had no genotoxicity on human lymphocytes. Again, TPO (at 10, 25, 50 and 75 mg/L) treatment caused statistically important (p < 0.05) increases of TAC levels in human lymphocytes without changing TOS levels. In conclusion, TPO can be a new resource of therapeutics as recognized in this study with its non-genotoxic and antioxidant features.