Bisacurone inhibits adhesion of inflammatory monocytes or cancer cells to endothelial cells through down-regulation of VCAM-1 expression

Curcuma longa extract reduces serum inflammatory markers and postprandial hyperglycemia in healthy but borderline participants with overweight and glycemia in the normal/prediabetes range: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial

The spice turmeric, which has the Latin name Curcuma longa (C. longa), has various physiological effects. This study evaluated the effects of a hot water mixture with supercritical carbon dioxide C. longa extracts, CLE, and the potential active components of C. longa, turmeronols A and B and bisacurone on inflammation and glucose metabolism. First, we investigated the effect of CLE and the potential active components of C. longa on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages. We found a significant decrease in the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and nitric oxide with CLE, turmeronol A, and bisacurone, Significant inhibition of each of these substances was also observed, except for TNF-α with turmeronol B. The second part of our work was a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy but borderline adults aged 40 to 69 years with overweight and normal/prediabetes glycemia. We compared blood inflammatory and glycometabolic markers in the CLE (n = 55) and placebo groups (n = 55). We found significantly lower serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and hemoglobin A1c levels in the CLE group. This group also showed significant improvements in postprandial hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity indices. Our findings indicate that CLE may reduce low-grade inflammation and thus improve insulin sensitivity and postprandial hyperglycemia. Clinical trial registration: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000051492, UMIN-CTR, UMIN000045106.

Bisacurone gel ameliorated burn wounds in experimental rats via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and angiogenic properties

PURPOSE

To investigate putative mechanism of wound healing for chitosan-based bisacurone gel against secondary burn wounds in rats.

METHODS

A second-degree burn wound with an open flame using mixed fuel (2 mL, 20 seconds) was induced in Sprague Dawley rats (male, 180-220 g, n = 15, each) followed by topical treatments with either vehicle control (white petroleum gel, 1%), silver sulfadiazine (1%) or bisacurone gel (2.5, 5, or 10%) for 20 days. Wound contraction rate and paw withdrawal threshold were monitored on various days. Oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide), pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), growth factors (transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor C using real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay) levels, and histology of wound skin were assessed at the end.

RESULTS

Bisacurone gel showed 98.72% drug release with a 420.90-442.70 cps viscosity. Bisacurone gel (5 and 10%) significantly (p < 0.05) improved wound contraction rate and paw withdrawal threshold. Bisacurone gel attenuated oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and water content. It also enhanced angiogenesis (hydroxyproline and growth factor) and granulation in wound tissue than vehicle control.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that bisacurone gel can be a potential candidate to treat burn wounds via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and angiogenic properties.

Hypolipidemic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcuma longa-Derived Bisacurone in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains various compounds that potentially improve health. Bisacurone is a turmeric-derived compound but has been less studied compared to other compounds, such as curcumin. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects of bisacurone in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Mice were fed HFD to induce lipidemia and orally administered bisacurone daily for two weeks. Bisacurone reduced liver weight, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and blood viscosity in mice. Splenocytes from bisacurone-treated mice produced lower levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α upon stimulation with a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and TLR1/2 ligand, Pam3CSK4, than those from untreated mice. Bisacurone also inhibited LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production in the murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7. Western blot analysis revealed that bisacurone inhibited the phosphorylation of IKKα/β and NF-κB p65 subunit, but not of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, p38 kinase and p42/44 kinases, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in the cells. Collectively, these results suggest that bisacurone has the potential to reduce serum lipid levels and blood viscosity in mice with high-fat diet-induced lipidemia and modulate inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB-mediated pathways.

Suppressive Effects of Turmeric Extract on Muscle Atrophy in Dexamethasone-Treated Mice and Myotubes

Sarcopenia is the decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and functions, which decreases the quality of life in elderly people. This study investigated the suppressive effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract (TE) on muscle atrophy in dexamethasone (DEX)-treated mice and C2C12 myotubes. DEX treatment significantly decreased the muscle weight and significantly increased Fbxo32 and Murf1 expression in mice, and these changes were suppressed by the supplementation of an AIN-93 based diet with 2% TE. A similar pattern was observed in FBXO32 and MuRF1 protein expression. In C2C12 myotubes, DEX treatment significantly increased FBXO32 and MuRF1 gene and protein expression, and these increases were significantly suppressed by TE supplementation at a concentration of 200 µg/mL. Furthermore, one of the five TE fractions, which were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography had a similar effect with TE supplementation. The present study proposes the suppressive effect of turmeric on sarcopenia.

A Hot Water Extract of Curcuma longa L. Improves Fasting Serum Glucose Levels in Participants with Low-Grade Inflammation: Reanalysis of Data from Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials

The dietary spice Curcuma longa L. (C. longa), also known as turmeric, has various biological effects. A hot water extract of C. longa was shown to have anti-inflammatory activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with the disruption of glucose homeostasis, but the effect of C. longa extract on glucose metabolism in humans is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of C. longa extracts on serum glucose levels in the presence of low-grade inflammation. We reanalyzed our published data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in overweight participants aged 50 to 69 years and performed a stratified analysis using the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). In both studies, participants took a test food with a hot water extract of C. longa (C. longa extract group, n = 45 per study) or without C. longa extract (placebo group, n = 45 per study) daily for 12 weeks, and we measured the levels of serum hsCRP and fasting serum glucose. The mean baseline hsCRP value was used to stratify participants into two subgroups: a low-hsCRP subgroup (baseline mean hsCRP < 0.098 mg/dL) and a high-hsCRP subgroup (baseline mean hsCRP ≥ 0.098 mg/dL). In the low-hsCRP subgroup, we found no significant difference in fasting serum glucose levels between the two groups in either study, but in the high-hsCRP subgroup, the C. longa extract group had significantly lower levels of serum hsCRP (p < 0.05) and fasting serum glucose (p < 0.05) than the placebo group in both studies. In conclusion, a hot water extract of C. longa may help to improve systemic glucose metabolism in people with chronic low-grade inflammation.

Bisacurone attenuates diabetic nephropathy by ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetes nephropathy (DN) is a serious diabetic problem that may progress to renal failure. The root of Curcuma longa L., often known as turmeric, provides various health benefits. Bisacurone is a bioactive terpenoid found in small amounts in turmeric that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study focuses on the potential protective effects of bisacurone against DN via reducing renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetes was created in rats by feeding them a high-fat/high-sugar diet for 8 weeks, followed by a low dose of streptozotocin and Bisacurone (50 and 100 μg/kg bisacurone) given for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

In diabetic rats, bisacurone reduced hyperglycemia, protected against body weight (BW) loss, lowered renal markers, reduced lipid profile alterations and avoided histological abnormalities. Bisacurone treatment reduced oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while enhancing antioxidant defenses through superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Furthermore, bisacurone treatment activated the renal Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway but attenuated the high levels of NFκB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Cox2, and iNOS. Bisacurone also reduced Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome c but increased Bcl-2 in the kidneys of diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, bisacurone reduces DN by reducing hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, while also increasing Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Role of Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: Focus on Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms

Atherosclerosis is a chronic lipid-driven and maladaptive inflammatory disease of arterial intima. It is characterized by the dysfunction of lipid homeostasis and signaling pathways that control the inflammation. This article reviews the role of inflammation and lipid accumulation, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with more emphasis on cellular mechanisms. Furthermore, this review will briefly highlight the role of medicinal plants, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNAs in the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of atherosclerosis. Lipid homeostasis at various levels, including receptor-mediated uptake, synthesis, storage, metabolism, efflux, and its impairments are important for the development of atherosclerosis. The major source of cholesterol and lipid accumulation in the arterial wall is proatherogenic modified low-density lipoprotein (mLDL). Modified lipoproteins, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and LDL binding with proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix in the intima of blood vessels, cause aggregation of lipoprotein particles, endothelial damage, leukocyte recruitment, foam cell formation, and inflammation. Inflammation is the key contributor to atherosclerosis and participates in all phases of atherosclerosis. Also, several studies have shown that microRNAs and lncRNAs have appeared as key regulators of several physiological and pathophysiological processes in atherosclerosis, including regulation of HDL biogenesis, cholesterol efflux, lipid metabolism, regulating of smooth muscle proliferation, and controlling of inflammation. Thus, both lipid homeostasis and the inflammatory immune response are closely linked, and their cellular and molecular pathways interact with each other.

Experimental and clinical reports on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Curcuma longa and curcumin, an updated and comprehensive review

Curcuma longa (C. longa) or turmeric is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially for treating inflammatory conditions C. longa and its main constituent, curcumin (CUR), showed various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. The updated knowledge of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of C. longa and CUR is provided in this review article. Pharmacological effects of C. longa, and CUR, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, were searched using various databases and appropriate keywords until September 2020. Various studies showed anti-inflammatory effects of C. longa and CUR, including decreased white blood cell, neutrophil, and eosinophil numbers, and its protective effects on serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as phospholipase A2 and total protein in different inflammatory disorders. The antioxidant effects of C. longa and CUR were also reported in several studies. The plant extracts and CUR decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels but increased thiol, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels in oxidative stress conditions. Treatment with C. longa and CUR also improved immunoglobulin E (Ig)E, pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 4 (IL)-4, transforming growth factor-beta, IL-17, interferon-gamma levels, and type 1/type 2 helper cells (Th1)/(Th2) ratio in conditions with disturbance in the immune system. Therefore C. longa and CUR showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, indicating a potential therapeutic effect of the plant and its constituent, CUR, for treating of inflammatory, oxidative, and immune dysregulation disorders.

Preparation and Characterization of Liposomal β-Caryophyllene (Rephyll) by Nanofiber Weaving Technology and Its Effects on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Crossover-Designed, and Placebo-Controlled Study

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a complex spreading out, which is related to swelling of muscles, tenderness, rigidity, pain, disruption of muscle fiber, alteration in the kinematics of joint, acute tissue damage, and reduction in power and strength. β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a potent phytocannabinoid, could play an important role in managing DOMS because of its wide diversity of biological activities, particularly its anti-inflammatory activity; however, its poor stability in light, temperature, high volatility, and insolubility can restrict the medical practices. In this study, liposomal β-caryophyllene (Rephyll) was designed and established in powder form constructed by the nanofiber weaving technology to improve the bioavailability of BCP with improved stability. Rephyll was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and in vitro release studies revealed that Rephyll can be an auspicious drug delivery arrangement for BCP. The effects of Rephyll were evaluated by a randomized, double-blinded, crossover-designed, placebo-controlled study. The oral consumption of Rephyll significantly reduced the pain visual assessment score, revealing that Rephyll effectively reduced DOMS with improved recovery without any side effects due to the bioavailable form of the phytocannabinoid BCP in the liposomal powder formulation.

Bisacurone suppresses hepatic lipid accumulation through inhibiting lipogenesis and promoting lipolysis

Turmeric and its components have various health beneficial functions. However, little is known about function of bisacurone, which is one of the sesquiterpenes in turmeric, at the compound level. In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of bisacurone on hepatic lipid accumulation and its mechanism in HepG2 cells and ICR mice. In HepG2 cells, bisacurone significantly inhibited fatty acid-induced intracellular lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Bisacurone at 10 µM increased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1A accompanied by phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase. In the liver of ICR mice, bisacurone decreased total lipids, triglyceride, and cholesterol contents. Bisacurone at 10 mg/kg body weight increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, and its downstream acetyl-CoA carboxylase as a rate-limiting enzyme for lipogenesis, while it decreased the nuclear translocation level of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein as the major transcription factors for lipogenesis. On the other hand, bisacurone promoted lipolysis by up-expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1A. Thus, bisacurone might be a valuable food factor for preventing hepatic lipid accumulation by inhibiting lipogenesis and promoting lipolysis through phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase.

Hot Water Extract of Curcuma longa L. Improves Serum Inflammatory Markers and General Health in Subjects with Overweight or Prehypertension/Mild Hypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

To investigate the effect of a hot water extract of C. longa L. (WEC) containing anti-inflammatory agents, bisacurone, and turmeronol on chronic inflammation, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted in middle-aged and elderly subjects aged 50–69 years with overweight or prehypertension/mild hypertension. The subjects consumed 900 mg WEC tablets, containing 400 μg bisacurone, 80 μg turmeronol A and 20 μg turmeronol B (WEC group: n = 45), or placebo tablets without WEC (placebo group: n = 45) daily for 12 weeks. Serum inflammatory and metabolic markers were measured. The subjects also completed the MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) and the Profile of Mood States scale (POMS). In the WEC group, the serum levels of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 decreased significantly. Compared with the placebo group, the WEC group had significantly lower serum levels of glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and triglycerides, as well as higher serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The WEC group also showed significant improvement of SF-36 scores (for general health, vitality, mental health, and mental summary component) and POMS scores for positive mood states (vigor-activity and friendliness). In conclusion, WEC may ameliorate chronic low-grade inflammation, thus contributing to the improvement of associated metabolic disorders and general health.

Medicinal Herbs Effective Against Atherosclerosis: Classification According to Mechanism of Action

Atherosclerosis is a widespread and chronic progressive arterial disease that has been regarded as one of the major causes of death worldwide. It is caused by the deposition of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in the tunica intima which leads to narrowing of the blood vessels, loss of elasticity, and arterial wall thickening, thus causing difficulty in blood flow. Natural products have been used as one of the most important strategies for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases for a long time. In recent decades, as interests in natural products including medicinal herbs have increased, many studies regarding natural compounds that are effective against atherosclerosis have been conducted. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief over-view of the natural compounds that have been used for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, and their mechanisms of action based on recent research.

Non-Curcuminoids from Turmeric and Their Potential in Cancer Therapy and Anticancer Drug Delivery Formulations

Over the past decades curcuminoids have been extensively studied for their biological activities such as antiulcer, antifibrotic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antimutagenic, antifertility, antidiabetic, anticoagulant, antivenom, antioxidant, antihypotensive, antihypocholesteremic, and anticancer activities. With the perception of limited toxicity and cost, these compounds forms an integral part of cancer research and is well established as a potential anticancer agent. However, only few studies have focused on the other bioactive molecules of turmeric, known as non-curcuminoids, which are also equally potent as curcuminoids. This review aims to explore the comprehensive potency including the identification, physicochemical properties, and anticancer mechanism inclusive of molecular docking studies of non-curcuminoids such as turmerones, elemene, furanodiene (FN), bisacurone, germacrone, calebin A (CA), curdione, and cyclocurcumin. An insight into the clinical studies of these curcumin-free compounds are also discussed which provides ample evidence that favors the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Like curcuminoids, limited solubility and bioavailability are the most fragile domain, which circumscribe further applications of these compounds. Thus, this review credits the encapsulation of non-curcuminoid components in diverse drug delivery systems such as co-crystals, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, polar-non-polar sandwich (PNS) technology, which help abolish their shortcomings and flaunt their ostentatious benefits as anticancer activities.

Hot water extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) prevents non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice by inhibiting hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation

Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, has long been used as a medicinal herb with various biological effects. A hot water extract of C. longa (WEC) has been reported to show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but its effect on hepatic inflammation is poorly understood. In the present study, to investigate the effect of WEC on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-methionine, choline-deficient diet with 0·175 % WEC (WEC group) or without WEC (control group) for 6 or 12 weeks. Although hepatic steatosis was similar in the WEC group and the control group, WEC suppressed the elevation of plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, which are markers of hepatocellular damage. Compared with the control group, the WEC group had higher hepatic levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase, as well as a lower hepatic level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. WEC also reduced hepatic expression of mRNA for inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, F4/80 and CC motif chemokine receptor 2. Histological examination revealed that WEC suppressed hepatic recruitment of F4/80+ monocytes/macrophages and inhibited hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, WEC inhibited hepatic expression of mRNA for molecules related to fibrosis, such as transforming growth factor-β, α-smooth muscle actin, type I collagen (α1-chain) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. These findings suggest that dietary intake of WEC prevents the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by alleviating hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation.

Inhibitory effect of the compounds from the water extract of Curcuma longa on the production of PGE2 and NO in a macrophage cell line stimulated by LPS

We wished to search for the compounds contributing to the anti-inflammatory effects of the water extract of Curcuma longa (WEC). WEC was fractioned and the fractions were evaluated with regard to their inhibitory effect on the production of nitric oxide (NO) from the macrophage cell line stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Compounds in the active fractions were isolated and identified. One isolated compound was identified as new: (6S)-2-methyl-5-hydroxy-6-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-heptene-4-one (1). Four isolated compounds were identified as known: (6S)-2-methyl-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-heptene-4-one (4), bisabolone-4-one (5), curcumenone (6), and turmeronol A (8). Three isolated compounds were not identified their stereostructures but their planar structures: 2-methyl-6-(4-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-2-heptene-4-one (2), 2-methyl-6-(2,3-epoxy-4-methyl-4-cyclohexene)-2-heptene (3), and 4-methylene-5-hydroxybisabola-2,10-diene-9-one (7). Compounds 1, 4, 7 and 8 inhibited production of prostaglandin E2 and NO. Others inhibited NO production only. These results (at least in part) show the active compounds contributing to the anti-inflammatory effects of WEC, and may be useful for elucidating its various beneficial physiologic effects.

Effect of a water extract of Curcuma longa on emotional states in healthy participants

Physiological symptoms of mood disturbances, such as fatigue or anxiety, are closely related to inflammation in the central nervous system or the whole body. Curcuma longa is widely used as a dietary spice and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. To investigate the effect of a water extract of C. longa (WEC) on emotional states, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted with healthy participants. Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned to receive five tablets containing 150 mg WEC and 0.40 mg bisacurone (L-WEC group), five tablets containing 900 mg WEC and 2.40 mg bisacurone (H-WEC group), or matching placebo tablets (placebo group) daily for 8 weeks. Participant emotional states were measured every 4 weeks using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). The changes from week 0 to week 8 in the fatigue score of the POMS were significantly lower in the L-WEC group than in the placebo group. This result suggests that daily intake of 150 mg WEC may positively influence emotional fatigue, and further investigation focused on emotional fatigue is needed.

Sulforaphane exerts anti-angiogenesis effects against hepatocellular carcinoma through inhibition of STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF signalling

Angiogenesis plays an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the inhibition of which is explored for cancer prevention and treatment. The dietary phytochemical sulforaphane (SFN) is known for its anti-cancer properties in vitro and in vivo; but until now, no study has focused on the role of SFN in HCC tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, in vitro cell models using a HCC cell line, HepG2, and human endothelial cells, HUVECs, as well as ex vivo and in vivo models have been used to investigate the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effect of SFN. The results showed that SFN decreased HUVEC cell viability, migration and tube formation, all of which are important steps in angiogenesis. More importantly, SFN markedly supressed HepG2-stimulated HUVEC migration, adhesion and tube formation; which may be due to its inhibition on STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF signalling in HepG2 cells. In addition, SFN significantly reduced HepG2 tumor growth in a modified chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, associated with a decrease of HIF-1α and VEGF expression within tumors. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the inhibitory effect of SFN on HCC tumor angiogenesis as well as tumor growth, and indicate that SFN has potential for the prevention and treatment of HCC.

Chemical constituents and biological research on plants in the genus Curcuma

Curcuma, a valuable genus in the family Zingiberaceae, includes approximately 110 species. These plants are native to Southeast Asia and are extensively cultivated in India, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Peru, Australia, and the West Indies. The plants have long been used in folk medicine to treat stomach ailments, stimulate digestion, and protect the digestive organs, including the intestines, stomach, and liver. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in investigations regarding the chemical and pharmacological properties, as well as in clinical trials of certain Curcuma species. This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the chemistry and briefly discusses the biological activities of Curcuma species. A total of 720 compounds, including 102 diphenylalkanoids, 19 phenylpropene derivatives, 529 terpenoids, 15 flavonoids, 7 steroids, 3 alkaloids, and 44 compounds of other types isolated or identified from 32 species, have been phytochemically investigated. The biological activities of plant extracts and pure compounds are classified into 15 groups in detail, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.

A hot water extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) suppresses acute ethanol-induced liver injury in mice by inhibiting hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a widely used spice that has various biological effects, and aqueous extracts of turmeric exhibit potent antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity. Bisacurone, a component of turmeric extract, is known to have similar effects. Oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines play an important role in ethanol-induced liver injury. This study was performed to evaluate the influence of a hot water extract of C. longa (WEC) or bisacurone on acute ethanol-induced liver injury. C57BL/6 mice were orally administered WEC (20 mg/kg body weight; BW) or bisacurone (60 µg/kg BW) at 30 min before a single dose of ethanol was given by oral administration (3·0 g/kg BW). Plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were markedly increased in ethanol-treated mice, while the increase of these enzymes was significantly suppressed by prior administration of WEC. The increase of alanine aminotransferase was also significantly suppressed by pretreatment with bisacurone. Compared with control mice, animals given WEC had higher hepatic tissue levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, as well as lower hepatic tissue levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TNF-α protein and IL-6 mRNA. These results suggest that oral administration of WEC may have a protective effect against ethanol-induced liver injury by suppressing hepatic oxidation and inflammation, at least partly through the effects of bisacurone.

A hot water extract of Curcuma longa inhibits adhesion molecule protein expression and monocyte adhesion to TNF-α-stimulated human endothelial cells

The recruitment of arterial leukocytes to endothelial cells is an important step in the progression of various inflammatory diseases. Therefore, its modulation is thought to be a prospective target for the prevention or treatment of such diseases. Adhesion molecules on endothelial cells are induced by proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and contribute to the recruitment of leukocytes. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hot water extract of Curcuma longa (WEC) on the protein expression of adhesion molecules, monocyte adhesion induced by TNF-α in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment of HUVECs with WEC significantly suppressed both TNF-α-induced protein expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte adhesion. WEC also suppressed phosphorylation and degradation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) induced by TNF-α in HUVECs, suggesting that WEC inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Chinese Herbal Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: Experimental Evidence and Mechanisms

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Research into the disease has led to many compelling hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic lesion formation and the resulting complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Herbal medicine has been widely used in China as well as other Asian countries for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years; however, the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicine in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis have not been well studied. In this review, we briefly describe the mechanisms of atherogenesis and then summarize the research that has been performed in recent years regarding the effectiveness and mechanisms of antiatherogenic Chinese herbal compounds in an attempt to build a bridge between traditional Chinese medicine and cellular and molecular cardiovascular medicine.

Inhibitory effect of endostar on specific angiogenesis induced by human hepatocellular carcinoma

To investigate the effect of endostar on specific angiogenesis induced by human hepatocellular carcinoma, this research systematically elucidated the inhibitory effect on HepG2-induced angiogenesis by endostar from 50 ng/mL to 50000 ng/mL. We employed fluorescence quantitative Boyden chamber analysis, wound-healing assay, flow cytometry examination using a coculture system, quantitative analysis of tube formation, and in vivo Matrigel plug assay induced by HCC conditioned media (HCM) and HepG2 compared with normal hepatocyte conditioned media (NCM) and L02. Then, we found that endostar as a tumor angiogenesis inhibitor could potently inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration in response to HCM after four- to six-hour action, inhibit HCM-induced HUVEC migration to the lesion part in a dose-dependent manner between 50 ng/mL and 5000 ng/mL at 24 hours, and reduce HUVEC proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion. Endostar inhibited HepG2-induced tube formation of HUVECs which peaked at 50 ng/mL. In vivo Matrigel plug formation was also significantly reduced by endostar in HepG2 inducing system rather than in L02 inducing system. It could be concluded that, at cell level, endostar inhibited the angiogenesis-related biological behaviors of HUVEC in response to HCC, including migration, adhesion proliferation, and tube formation. At animal level, endostar inhibited the angiogenesis in response to HCC in Matrigel matrix.

HSPA12B inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Heat shock protein A12B (HSPA12B) is a newly discovered member of the HSP70 protein family. This study investigated the effects of HSPA12B on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the possible mechanisms involved. A HUVECs inflammatory model was induced by LPS. Overexpression of HSPA12B in HUVECs was achieved by infection with recombinant adenoviruses encoding green fluorescence protein-HSPA12B. Knockdown of HSPA12B was achieved by siRNA technique. Twenty four hours after virus infection or siRNA transfection, HUVECs were stimulated with 1 μg/ml LPS for 4 hrs. Endothelial cell permeability ability was determined by transwell permeability assay. The binding rate of human neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) with HUVECs was examined using myeloperoxidase assay. Cell migrating ability was determined by the wound-healing assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of interested genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The release of cytokines interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α was measured by ELISA. HSPA12B suppressed LPS-induced HUVEC permeability and reduced PMN adhesion to HUVECs. HSPA12B also inhibited LPS-induced up-regulation of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokine expression. By contrast, knockdown of HSPA12B enhanced LPS-induced increases in the expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, HSPA12B activated PI3K/Akt signalling pathway and pharmacological inhibition of this pathway by Wortmannin completely abrogated the protection of HSPA12B against inflammatory response in HUVECs. Our results suggest that HSPA12B attenuates LPS-induced inflammatory responses in HUVECs via activation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.

Anti-atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia effects of herbal mixture, Artemisia iwayomogi Kitamura and Curcuma longa Linne, in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLGICAL RELEVANCE

Artemisiaiwayomogi Kitamura and Curcuma longa Linne. (ACE) has been popularly used to treat atherosclerosis as well as hyperlipidemia in the Asian countries.

OBJECTIVE

Antiatherosclerotic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of ACE were evaluated at protein and gene expression level by using apoE(-/-) mice.

METHOD

Apoprotein E deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice were randomly divided into five groups and fed freely Western diet (WD) which contained ACE (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) or curcumin (50mg/kg). The C57/BLJ mice were used as normal and which were fed the WD. After 10 weeks of being fed the WD, the atherosclerosis related mediators and hyperlipidemia induced hepatic steatosis were analyzed in serum, aorta tissue or hepatic tissues.

RESULTS

Ten-week feeding of WD considerably increased the serum lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride, TC/HDL ratio and glucose, and also elevated the total reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α; and interlukin-6, IL-6) in the serum levels. ACE treatment significantly resolved these alterations. The aortic lesion formation was significantly decreased as were lipid formations by ACE treatment. Moreover, ACE not only caused significant decreases of the lipid drops on the hepatic tissues, but also restored the antioxidant components. The gene expression levels including SREBP-1c, FAS, SCD-1, PPAR-α, CPT-1, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in hepatic tissue were altered by Western diet fed in apoE(-/-) mice, while ACE treatment significantly normalized those alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACE treatment is beneficial for atherosclerosis in arterial area and hyperlipidemia induced hepatic tissue steatosis.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-enhanced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression promotes macrophage and glioblastoma cell interaction and tumor cell invasion

Activated EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling plays an instrumental role in glioblastoma (GBM) progression. However, how EGFR activation regulates the tumor microenvironment to promote GBM cell invasion remains to be clarified. Here, we demonstrate that the levels of EGFR activation in tumor cells correlated with the levels of macrophage infiltration in human GBM specimens. This was supported by our observation that EGFR activation enhanced the interaction between macrophages and GBM cells. In addition, EGF treatment induced up-regulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in a PKCε- and NF-κB-dependent manner. Depletion of VCAM-1 interrupted the binding of macrophages to GBM cells and inhibited EGF-induced and macrophage-promoted GBM cell invasion. These results demonstrate an instrumental role for EGF-induced up-regulation of VCAM-1 expression in EGFR activation-promoted macrophage-tumor cell interaction and tumor cell invasion and indicate that VCAM-1 is a potential molecular target for improving cancer therapy.

Flavonoids from Citrus unshiu Marc. inhibit cancer cell adhesion to endothelial cells by selective inhibition of VCAM-1

Citrus fruits have been used as edible fruit and a component of traditional medicine for various diseases including cancer since ancient times. Herein, we investigated the anticancer activity of flavonoids of Citrus unshiu Marc. (FCM) focusing on anti-metastatic effects. We prepared FCM and performed experiments using MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. FCM inhibited TNF-induced cancer cell adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) without showing any toxicity. FCM inhibited the expression of VCAM-1, but not of ICAM-1, on MDA-MB-231 cells as well as HUVECs. FCM inhibited protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation, but not Akt phosphorylation. FCM also inhibited cancer cell invasion in a dose-dependent manner, but not MMP-9 expression. In conclusion, this study suggested that FCM inhibits TNF-induced cancer cell adhesion to HUVECs by inhibiting VCAM-1 through inhibition of PKC, providing evidence that FCM have anti-metastatic activity by inhibiting adhesion molecules and invasion on human breast cancer cells.

Curcumin-free turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities: Identification of novel components of turmeric

Turmeric, a dried powder derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been used for centuries in certain parts of the world and has been linked to numerous biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antigrowth, anti-arthritic, anti-atherosclerotic, antidepressant, anti-aging, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, wound healing, and memory-enhancing activities. One component of turmeric is curcumin, which has been extensively studied, as indicated by more than 5600 citations, most of which have appeared within the past decade. Recent research has identified numerous chemical entities from turmeric other than curcumin. It is unclear whether all of the activities ascribed to turmeric are due to curcumin or whether other compounds in turmeric can manifest these activities uniquely, additively, or synergistically with curcumin. However, studies have indicated that turmeric oil, present in turmeric, can enhance the bioavailability of curcumin. Studies over the past decade have indicated that curcumin-free turmeric (CFT) components possess numerous biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities. Elemene derived from turmeric is approved in China for the treatment of cancer. The current review focuses on the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities exhibited by CFT and by some individual components of turmeric, including turmerin, turmerone, elemene, furanodiene, curdione, bisacurone, cyclocurcumin, calebin A, and germacrone.

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from black garlic extract prevents TNFα-induced monocytic cell adhesion to HUVECs by suppression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression, reactive oxygen species generation and NF-κB activation

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is a common Maillard reaction product; the reaction occurs during heat-processing and the preparation of many types of foods and beverages. Although 5-HMF has been proposed to have harmful effects, recently, its beneficial effects, including antioxidant, cytoprotective and antitumor effects have become increasingly apparent. It was found recently that a chloroform extract of aged black garlic shows antiinflammatory properties when administered to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This study investigated the antiinflammatory potential of 5-HMF purified from the chloroform extract of aged black garlic in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated HUVECs. Treatment of HUVECs with 5-HMF strongly suppressed TNF-α-induced cell surface and total protein expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as well as their mRNA expression. In addition, 5-HMF significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced reactive oxygen species formation, and markedly reduced THP-1 monocyte adhesion to TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. Furthermore, 5-HMF significantly inhibited NF-κB transcription factor activation in TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. The data provide new evidence of the antiinflammatory properties of 5-HMF in support of its potential therapeutic use for the prevention and management of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis through mechanisms involving the inhibition of VCAM-1 expression and NF-κB activation in vascular endothelial cells.

Phytochemicals: cancer chemoprevention and suppression of tumor onset and metastasis

Carcinogenesis is a multi-step process which could be prevented by phytochemicals. Phytochemicals from dietary plants and other plant sources such as herbs are becoming increasingly important sources of anticancer drugs or compounds for cancer chemoprevention or adjuvant chemotherapy. Phytochemicals can prevent cancer initiation, promotion, and progression by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects which are mediated by integrated Nrf2, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 signaling pathways. In addition, phytochemicals from herbal medicinal plants and/or some dietary plants developed in recent years have been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. In advanced tumors, a series of changes involving critical signaling molecules that would drive tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and becoming invasive. In this review, we will discuss the potential molecular targets and signaling pathways that mediate tumor onset and metastasis. In addition, we will shed light on some of the phytochemicals that are capable of targeting these signaling pathways which would make them potentially applicable to cancer chemoprevention, treatment and control of cancer progression.

Anthocyanins from black soybean seed coats stimulate wound healing in fibroblasts and keratinocytes and prevent inflammation in endothelial cells

Wound healing is a complex process that includes inflammation, tissue formation, and remodeling. While wound healing is accompanied by inflammatory reactions, chronic inflammation impairs acute wound healing. In this study, we investigated whether anthocyanins from black soybean seed coats could stimulate wound healing while preventing excessive inflammation. At 24h of treatment with anthocyanins, fibroblasts showed a significant increase in migration at 100 microg/mL whereas the migration of keratinocytes increased significantly at 50 and 100 microg/mL compared to control. Treatment of anthocyanins for 48 h significantly stimulated the migration of both human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes at 50 and 100 microg/mL concentrations. Treatment of cells with anthocyanins stimulated wound-induced VEGF production in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. However, anthocyanins inhibited ROS accumulation and VEGF production in TNF-alpha-stimulated endothelial cells. Furthermore, treatment of anthocyanins reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the adhesion of inflammatory monocytes to endothelial cells. Anthocyanins also blocked both the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) p65 into the nucleus and the phosphorylation of the inhibitory factor kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha). Thus, treatment with anthocyanins from black soybean seed coats may be a potential therapeutic strategy to promote wound healing and to prevent inflammation in a persistent inflammatory condition.

Screening of herbal medicines for the recovery of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

The goal of this study was to quantitatively determine the recovery effects of herbal medicines (HM) on the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. In the present study, the recovery effects of 239 HM on HEK 293 cells that had been damaged by cisplatin were evaluated by a mitochondrial activity MTS assay. After the first round of screening, candidate HM were selected based on a recovery rate of greater than 20%. The efficacy of the selected herbs was then determined by dose response kinetic analysis. Of the extracts evaluated, 7 HM (Paeonia suffruticosa (PS), Curcuma longa (CL), Centipeda minima (CM), Loranthus parasiticus (LP), Pulsatilla dahurica (PD), Sinapis alba (SA), and Scutellaria barbata (SB)) had a strong recovery effect on cisplatin-induced damage in HEK 293 cells. An LDH assay showed that LP, CM, SB, CL, SA, and PS had the best recovery effect, whereas a comet assay indicated that PS, SB, SA, PD, and CL had the best recovery effect. Taken together, these results suggest that SB, CL, PS, and SA are the best candidate HM for the recovery of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, additional studies should be conducted to determine if these HM possess novel therapeutic agents that can be used for the prevention or treatment of renal disorders.