An ethanol extract of Poria cocos inhibits the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells via the mitochondria-mediated caspase activation pathway

Anti-inflammatory and anti-lung cancer activities of low-molecular-weight and high-sulfate-content sulfated polysaccharides extracted from the edible fungus Poria cocos

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPSs) have excellent physicochemical properties, attracting research interest in the pharmaceutical industry. A previous study extracted SPS (named Suc40) from the edible fungus, Poria cocos and demonstrated that it exhibited anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. In this study, three fractions of Suc40, Suc40 F1, Suc40 F2, and Suc40 F3, with different molecular weights and sulfate contents were prepared through gel-filtration column chromatography. The molecular weights of F1, F2, and F3 were approximately 616.23, 82.57, and 6.21 kDa, respectively, and their sulfate content were 0.23, 1.65, and 1.90 mmol/g, respectively. The fractions' anti-inflammatory activities were determined by assessing their ability to suppress inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Suc40 F2 and Suc40 F3 suppressed interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by 60 % and 35 %, respectively. Suc40 F2 and Suc40 F3 suppressed protein kinase B (AKT)/p38 and p38 signaling, which resulted in anti-inflammatory effects. The fractions' anti-lung cancer activity was evaluated by assessing their H1975 cell proliferation inhibition. Suc40 F3 at a concentration of 800 μg/ml exhibited maximal cell proliferation inhibition. The low molecular weight and high sulfate content of Suc40 F3 were associated with its enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-lung cancer activities.

Elucidating the anti-cancer potential of Cinnamomum tamala essential oil against non-small cell lung cancer: A multifaceted approach involving GC-MS profiling, network pharmacology, and molecular dynamics simulations

Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T.Nees & Eberm., or Indian Bay Leaf, is a well-known traditional ayurvedic medicine used to treat various ailments. However, the molecular mechanism of action of Cinnamomum tamala essential oil (CTEO) against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains elusive. The present study aims to decipher the molecular targets and mechanism of CTEO in treating NSCLC. GC-MS analysis detected 49 constituents; 44 successfully passed the drug-likeness screening and were identified as active compounds. A total of 3961 CTEO targets and 4588 anti-NSCLC-related targets were acquired. JUN, P53, IL6, MAPK3, HIF1A, and CASP3 were determined as hub genes, while cinnamaldehyde, ethyl cinnamate and acetophenone were identified as core compounds. Enrichment analysis revealed that targets were mainly involved in apoptosis, TNF, IL17, pathways in cancer and MAPK signalling pathways. mRNA expression, pathological stage, survival analysis, immune infiltrate correlation and genetic alteration analysis of the core hub genes were carried out. Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) curve revealed that HIF1A and CASP3 are linked to worse overall survival in Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cancer patients compared to normal patients. Ethyl cinnamate and cinnamaldehyde showed high binding energy with the MAPK3 and formed stable interactions with MAPK3 during the molecular dynamic simulations for 100 ns. The MM/PBSA analysis revealed that van der Waals (VdW) contributions predominantly account for a significant portion of the compound interactions within the binding pocket of MAPK3. Density functional theory analysis showed cinnamaldehyde as the most reactive and least stable compound. CTEO exhibited selective cytotoxicity by inhibiting the proliferation of A549 cells while sparing normal HEK293 cells. CTEO triggered apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle, increasing ROS accumulation, causing mitochondrial depolarisation, and elevating caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 levels in A549 cells. The above study provides insights into the pharmacological mechanisms of action of Cinnamomum tamala essential oil against non-small cell lung cancer treatment, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy.

Chemical structures, extraction and analysis technologies, and bioactivities of edible fungal polysaccharides from Poria cocos: An updated review

Poria cocos is a popular medicinal food. Polysaccharides are the key component of Poria cocos, forming 70-90 % of the dry sclerotia mass. Recent studies indicate that Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP-Cs) have multiple beneficial functions and applications. A literature search was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed databases. For this review, we provided an updated research progress in chemical structures, various extraction and analysis technologies, bioactivities of PCP-Cs, and insights into the directions for future research. The main polysaccharides identified in Poria cocos are water-soluble polysaccharides and acidic polysaccharides. Hot water, alkali, supercritical fluid, ultrasonic, enzyme, and deep eutectic solvent-based methods are the most common methods for PCP-Cs extraction. Technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, are commonly used to evaluate the qualities of PCP-Cs. In addition, PCP-Cs have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroregulatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and gut microbiota regulatory properties. Future research is needed to focus on scaling up extraction, enhancing quality control, elucidating mechanisms of bioactivities, and the utilisation of PCP-Cs in food industries. Overall, Poria cocos is a good source of edible fungi polysaccharides, which can be developed into functional foods with potential health benefits.

Poria cocos Lanostane Triterpenoids Extract Promotes Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Production in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Rats

The global aging population is expanding at an increasingly rapid pace, with approximately one-fourth of the world's population expected to be composed of elderly individuals by 2050. Aging skin is one of the major characteristics expressed in the elderly. The study comprehensively utilizes both cell and animal experiments to confirm the skin anti-aging effects of Poria cocos (P. cocos), which is one of the most important traditional Chinese medicines classified as tonic Chinese medicine, commonly used to treat physical weakness and aging-associated diseases. We demonstrate in this study that P. cocos lanostane triterpenoids extract (Lipucan®) ameliorates aging skin and promotes collagen accumulation and hyaluronic acid production in galactose-induced aging rats. Purified lanostane triterpenoids were initially identified as active components in P. cocos, which significantly increased collagen and hyaluronic acid levels in cultured human skin cells.

Synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of pachymic acid derivatives as potential cytotoxic agents

Pachymic acid, a well-known natural lanostane-type triterpenoid, exhibits various pharmacological properties. In this study, 18 derivatives of pachymic acid were synthesized by modifying their molecular structures and evaluated for their anticancer activity against two human cancer cell lines using the CCK-8 assay. Structure-activity relationship studies according to the in vitro cytotoxicity unexpectedly found one promising derivative A17 (namely tumulosic acid, also found in Poria cocos), which had stronger anti-proliferative activity than the positive drug cisplatin against HepG2 and HSC-2 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 7.36 ± 0.98 and 2.50 ± 0.15 μM, respectively. Further pharmacological analysis demonstrated that A17 induced HSC-2 cell cycle arrest at the S phase, cell apoptosis, and autophagy. Western blotting confirmed the regulatory effects of A17 on cell cycle arrest-, apoptosis-, and autophagy-related proteins expression. In addition, A17 regulated the AKT and AMPK pathways in HSC-2 cells. These results demonstrated that A17 possesses great potential as an anticancer agent.

Graphical Abstract

Influence of Radio Frequency Heating on the Pasteurization and Drying of Solid-State Fermented Wolfiporia cocos Products

Rice bran and soybean residue are high in nutrients and active ingredients. They are used as media in the solid-state fermentation of Wolfiporia cocos. They not only reduce raw material costs, but also raise the economic value and applications of soybean residues and rice bran. After 30 days of fermentation, the moisture content (w.b.) of the W. cocos product was approximately 40%, requiring it to be pasteurized and dried later. The objective of this research is to use radio frequency (RF) rapid heating technology to pasteurize and dry the solid-state fermented product. A 500 g bag of solid-state fermented W. cocos product took only 30 and 200 s at the RF electrode gap of 15 cm to pasteurize and reduce the moisture content (w.b.) below 15%, respectively; therefore, the methods can be used instead of the traditional 60 min autoclave sterilization and 100 min hot air drying at 45 °C. After RF treatment, the fermented W. cocos product was white, indicating that browning was prevented; the product contained 5.03% mycelium, 9.83% crude polysaccharide, 4.43% crude triterpene, 3.54 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (DW) of total polyphenols, and 0.38 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW of flavonoid contents and showed a good antioxidant capacity.

Analysis of weighted gene co-expression network of triterpenoid-related transcriptome characteristics from different strains of Wolfiporia cocos

The fungus Wolfiporia cocos has wide-ranging and important medicinal value, and its dried sclerotia are used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Modern studies have shown that triterpenoid, the active ingredient of W. cocos, have a variety of pharmacological effects. The aim of our research was to determine the key genes related to triterpenoid biosynthesis, which may be useful for the genetic modification of cell-engineered bacteria for triterpenoid biosynthesis. In this study, two monospore strains, DZAC-WP-H-29 (high-yielding) and DZAC-WP-L-123 (low-yielding), were selected from the sexually propagated offspring of strain 5.78 of W. cocos, and the mycelia were cultured for 17, 34, and 51 days, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method was used to analyze transcriptional expressions. The results show that eight core genes (ACAT1-b, hgsA, mvd1, SQLE, erg6, TAT, erg26, and erg11) are associated with the triterpenoid synthesis pathway, and Pm20d2 and norA outside the pathway may be important genes that influence the biosynthesis and accumulation of W. cocos triterpenoid. The biosynthesis of W. cocos triterpenoid is closely related to the expression of sterol metabolic pathway genes. The role of these genes in triterpenoid synthesis complements our knowledge on the biosynthesis and accumulation of W. cocos triterpenoid, and also provides a reference for the target gene modification of engineered bacteria for the fermentation production of triterpenoid.

The inhibition of Mpro, the primary protease of COVID-19, by Poria cocos and its active compounds: a network pharmacology and molecular docking study

Poria cocos is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that can clear dampness, promote diuresis, and strengthen the spleen and stomach. Poria cocos has been detected in many TCM compounds that are used for COVID-19 intervention. However, the active ingredients and mechanisms associated with the effect of Poria cocos on COVID-19 remain unclear. In this paper, the active ingredients of Poria cocos, along with their potential targets related to COVID-19, were screened using TCMSP, GeneCards, and other databases, by means of network pharmacology. We then investigated the active components, potential targets, and interactions, that are associated with COVID-19 intervention. The primary protease of COVID-19, Mpro, is currently a key target in the design of potential inhibitors. Molecular docking techniques and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the active components of Poria cocos could bind stably to the active site of Mpro with high levels of binding activity. Pachymic acid is based on a triterpene structure and was identified as the main component of Poria cocos; its triterpene active component has low binding energy with Mpro. The pachymic acid of Mpro activity was further characterized and the IC₅₀ was determined to be 18.607 μmol L⁻¹. Our results indicate that pachymic acid exhibits a certain inhibitory effect on the Mpro protease.

The inhibition of Mpro, the primary protease of COVID-19, by Poria cocos.

The effect of Poria cocos ethanol extract on the intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbiota in mice with breast cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Poria cocos Wolf has been used in traditional East-Asian medicine for centuries to effectively treat various gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea for its tonic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activities. Previous studies have revealed that the tumor development would induce intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction to the patients with breast cancer.

AIM OF STUDY

To investigate the effect and the mechanism of ethanol extract of Poria cocos (PC) on intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbiota in the mice with breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups (the normal control, model, PC and positive control group). Intestinal histopathological was evaluated by H&E staining. The difference of the intestinal microbiota in each group was studied by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The level of plasma endotoxin, D -lactic acid (D-LA) and diamine oxidase (DAO) were measured by ELISA. The putrescine content in serum and urine were detected by HPLC. Expression of the tight junction (TJ) proteins, phosphorylated p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 were determined by western blotting.

RESULTS

Our results showed that tumor development prominently induced the intestinal damage and microbiome dysbiosis in mice. PC prominently remit such histologic damage through enhancing the expression of TJ proteins and decreasing the levels of DAO, D-LA and endotoxin via upregulating the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. Furthermore, PC increased the diversity of the intestinal microbiota and strikingly changed the structure and composition of the gut microbiota in the mice by increasing the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and decreasing the sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio and inflammatory associated bacteria Mucispirillum, S24-7 and Staphylococcus. Moreover, PICRUSt analysis and the putrescine detection might indicate that PC might be involved in the putrescine metabolism in the mice. Correlation analysis indicated that Prevotella, Rikenellaceae and Bacteroidetes were significantly correlated with Claudin-8 and p38-MAPK expression (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PC could improve the dysbacteriosis and repair the intestinal barrier function in the mice with breast cancer. This study provide more data to support the application of PC in breast cancer treatment.

The Lanostane Triterpenoids in Poria cocos Play Beneficial Roles in Immunoregulatory Activity

Poria cocos (Schwein) F.A. Wolf (syn. Wolfiporia cocos) dried sclerotium, called fuling, is an edible, saprophytic fungus commonly used as a tonic and anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine. It is traditionally used in combination with other traditional Chinese medicines to enhance immunity. This study showed that P. cocos extract (Lipucan®) containing lanostane triterpenoids has no immunotoxicity and enhances non-specific (innate) immunity though activating natural killer cells and promotes interferon γ (IFN-γ) secretion by Type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells immune response. In addition, P. cocos extract significantly decreased interleukin (IL-4 and IL-5) secretion by Type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells immune response, which are related to the allergy response. The purified lanostane triterpenoids were first identified as active ingredients of P. cocos with enhanced non-specific immunity by promoting interferon γ (IFN-γ) secretion in a preliminary study. Our findings support that the P. cocos extract plays beneficial roles in immunoregulatory activity.

Evaluation of anticancer activities of Poria cocos ethanol extract in breast cancer: In vivo and in vitro, identification and mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Poria cocos Wolf (P. cocos), a well-known traditional East-Asian medicinal and edible fungus, is one of the most important components in Chinese medicine formulas like "Guizhi fuling wan" to treat hyperplasia of mammary glands and breast cancer.

AIMING OF STUDY

In this study, we attempted to verify the anticancer efficacy of the ethanol extract of P. cocos (PC) on the breast cancer as well as to investigate its most active compound and its underlying molecular mechanism in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The key anti-cancer components were separated and purified through chromatography and identified by spectral analyses. The in vivo anti-breast cancer efficacy and side effects of PC were evaluated in BALB/c nude mice that have been subcutaneously injected with breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of PC were evaluated in vitro by cell viability assays and flow cytometry. The protein levels were examined via western blotting.

RESULTS

Pachymic acid (PA), separated and identified as the most active compound, induced the significant cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231(IC₅₀ value, 2.13 ± 0.24 μg/mL) and was not active against the normal breast epithelium cells MCF-10A. The in vivo experiment revealed that PC could significantly inhibit the tumor development and the final mean tumor weight of the mice in the PC group (0.51 ± 0.12g) was significantly lower than that in the model group (1.22 ± 0.45g). Notably, compared to the first-line anticancer drug cisplatin, PC showed less side effects on the function of the vital organs and the muscle strength of the mice. Among in vitro study, PC significantly inhibited the cell growth of MDA-MB-231 by inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrested at G₀/G₁ phase in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of cell cycle-associated cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK2, and CDK4 were downregulated, while p53 and p21 expression were upregulated following the PA treatment. In addition, PA downregulated the apoptotic regulator Bcl-2, increased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and promoted the release of cytochrome c and the activation of cleaved caspase-3, -9 and caspase -8 via mitochondria-mediated and death receptor-mediated signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

This study verified the anticancer efficacy of PC on breast cancer in vivo and in vitro through induction of cell apoptosis and G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest. The data also suggested that PA could be developed as an efficacious agent for breast cancer treatment with less side effects.

Proton NMR and HR-LC/MS based phytochemical analysis of methanolic fraction of Alectra parasitica A. Rich. rhizomes

INTRODUCTION

Alectra parasitica (Scrophulariaceae/Orobanchaceae) is a rarely occurring parasitic plant grows on roots of Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae). As per Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, it can be used in treatment of various diseases. So far, this plant has not been explored phyto-chemically in detail. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is mostly occurring type of lung cancer, which so far can be treated by chemotherapy approach including cisplatin.

AIM

Present research work was aimed towards preparation of methanolic fraction of A. parasitica rhizomes; its phytochemical analysis by 1H-NMR and HR-LC/MS; evaluation of its anti-cancer property against NSCLC-A549 cell line.

METHODS

For preparation of methanolic fraction (MF), A. parasitica rhizome powder was defatted; extracted with combination of water and alcohol (1:1); added with lead acetate and then sulphuric acid; fractionation of ethyl acetate fraction with methanol. After phytochemical analysis of MF by preliminary chemical testing, TLC, 1H-NMR and HR-LC/MS techniques, MF was screened for its anti - cancer property against NSCLC-A549 cell line by MTT assay.

RESULTS

Detail phytochemical analysis reflected successful preparation of tannin-less MF of A. parasitica rhizomes. Different types of analytical techniques first time proved the proved the presence of various types of phytochemicals in this plant. On MTT assay, it was found that MF has anti-cancer property against NSCLC-A549 cell line with IC50 value, 306.51 μg/ml.

CONCLUSION

MF contains different phytochemicals like iridoids, flavonoids, steroid glycosides and also strigalactones; which cumulatively exert anti-cancer effect on A549. Appearance of all these compounds is significant in chemotaxonomic surveillance of this rare plant and specially, strigalactones can be proved important in establishing their parasitism with host plant.

A Unique Naphthone Derivative and a Rare 4,5-seco-Lanostane Triterpenoid from Poria cocos

A previously undescribed naphthalenone derivative, sohiracillinone (1), and a novel 4,5-seco-lanostane triterpenoid, 11β-ethoxydaedaleanic acid A (2) were isolated with two new lanostane triterpenoids, ceanphytamic acids A (3) and B (4), from the EtOH extract of Poria cocos along with 17 known compounds 5⁻21. The absolute configuration of sohiracillinone (1) was unambiguously identified by NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The structures of other new compounds were elucidated on the basis of NMR and mass spectroscopy (MS), and the cytotoxic activities of all the isolated components were evaluated.

Antioxidant Activity and Neuroprotective Activity of Stilbenoids in Rat Primary Cortex Neurons via the PI3K/Akt Signalling Pathway

Antioxidant activity and neuroprotective activity of three stilbenoids, namely, trans-4-hydroxystilbene (THS), trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxy-stilbene (resveratrol, RES), and trans-3′,4′,3,5-tetrahydroxy-stilbene (piceatannol, PIC), against β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity in rat primary cortex neurons were evaluated. THS, RES, and PIC significantly scavenged DPPH• and •OH radicals. All three stilbenoids were able to inhibit Aβ neurotoxicity by decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Specifically, stilbenoids significantly promoted Akt phosphorylation; suppressed Bcl-2/Bax expression; and inhibited caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP cleavage. Molecular docking between stilbenoids with Akt indicated that stilbenoids could form hydrogen bond interactions with the COOH-terminal region of Akt. Additionally, the neuroprotective activity of stilbenoids correlated with the number and position of hydroxyl groups. The lack of meta-dihydroxyl groups on THS did not affect its neuroprotective activity in comparison with RES, whereas the ortho-dihydroxyl moiety on PIC significantly enhanced neuroprotective activity. These results provide new insights into the correlation between the biological activity and chemical structure of stilbenoids.

Cytotoxic Constituents from the Sclerotia of Poria cocos against Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Inducing Mitochondrial Apoptosis

Previous studies have revealed the antitumor potential of Poria cocos Wolf against a broad spectrum of cancers. However, the biological activity of P. cocos against lung cancer, which is known as the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, and its underlying chemical and molecular basis, remain to be investigated. We aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of P. cocos toward human lung adenocarcinoma cells with different p53 statuses, to identify the bioactive constituents of P. cocos, and explicate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of these constituents in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. An EtOH extract of the sclerotia of P. cocos exhibited cytotoxicity toward four human lung cancer cell lines: A549, H1264, H1299, and Calu-6, regardless of their p53 status. Chemical investigation of the extract resulted in the isolation of two triterpenoids, dehydroeburicoic acid monoacetate (1) and acetyl eburicoic acid (4); a sterol, 9,11-dehydroergosterol peroxide (2); and a diterpenoid, dehydroabietic acid (3). All of the isolated compounds were cytotoxic to the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, exhibiting IC₅₀ values ranging from 63.6 μM to 171.0 μM at 48 h of treatment. The cytotoxicity of the extract and the isolated compounds were found to be mediated by apoptosis, and accompanied by elevated Bax expression and/or Bcl-2 phosphorylation along with caspase-3 activation. Our data demonstrate that the sclerotium of P. cocos and its four bioactive constituents (1⁻4) exert cytotoxicity against human lung adenocarcinoma cells, regardless of their p53 status, by inducing apoptosis associated with mitochondrial perturbation, and proposing the potential to employ P. cocos in the treatment of lung cancer.

Anti-Cancerous Potential of Polysaccharide Fractions Extracted from Peony Seed Dreg on Various Human Cancer Cell Lines Via Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

In this study, four homo/heterogenous polysaccharides (HBSS, CHSS, DASS, and CASS) extracted from peony seed dreg with respective molecular weights of 3467, 4677, 229, and 56 kDa were evaluated for anti-cancerous attributes in prostate cancer cells (Pc-3), colon cancer cells (HCT-116), human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), cervical cancer (Hela cells) and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells as control. Among them, CASS and DASS extracted by alkali, consisted of 34.43% Gal, 26.39% Ara, 21.80% Glc and 35.77% Ara, 19.35% Gal, 17.77% Man, respectively. CASS fraction had the most significant inhibitory effects on all the cell lines used whereas HBSS had least effect. The CASS shown remarkable inhibition and cytotoxic effects in Hela cells followed by other cell lines as compared to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). CASS arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase except MCF-7 cells and increased apoptotic cells percentage varied in different treated cells. CASS down regulated the expression of Cyclin A/B1/D1/E1, CDK-1/2/4/6 and p15/16/21/27 excluding p53. The notable change in expression of proteins (Cytochrome C, Bax, Bcl-2, p-Caspase-3, -8, -9, and PARP) was observed followed by Apaf-1 and Survivin. These findings indicated that CASS has an anti-cancerous potential in the treatment of human cancers which make it a potent candidate in functional foods.