Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, and its analogs: Effective therapies against different chronic diseases

Supplementation of Saussurea costus root alleviates sodium nitrite-induced hepatorenal toxicity by modulating metabolic profile, inflammation, and apoptosis

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a widely used food ingredient, although excessive concentrations can pose potential health risks. In the present study, we evaluated the deterioration effects of NaNO2 additives on hematology, metabolic profile, liver function, and kidney function of male Wistar rats. We further explored the therapeutic potential of supplementation with S. costus root ethanolic extract (SCREE) to improve NaNO2-induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this regard, 65 adult male rats were divided into eight groups; Group 1: control, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SCREE in 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, Group 5: NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight), Groups 6, 7 and 8 received NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight) in combination with SCREE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Our results revealed that the NaNO2-treated group shows a significant change in deterioration in body and organ weights, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatorenal dysfunction, as well as immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the NaNO2-treated group demonstrated a considerable increase in the expression of TNF-α cytokine and tumor suppressor gene P53 in the kidney and liver, while a significant reduction was detected in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and the apoptosis suppressor gene BCL-2, compared to the control group. Interestingly, SCREE administration demonstrated the ability to significantly alleviate the toxic effects of NaNO2 and improve liver function in a dose-dependent manner, including hematological parameters, lipid profile, and modulation of histopathological architecture. Additionally, SCREE exhibited the ability to modulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the liver and kidney. The phytochemical analysis revealed a wide set of primary metabolites in SCREE, including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, saponins and tannins, while the untargeted UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 183 metabolites in both positive and negative ionization modes. Together, our findings establish the potential of SCREE in mitigating the toxic effects of NaNO2 by modulating metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Together, this study underscores the promise of SCREE as a potential natural food detoxifying additive to counteract the harmful impacts of sodium nitrite.

Potential targets of diosgenin for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma and their bioinformatics and transcriptional profiling analyses

Diosgenin can inhibit the proliferation and cause apoptosis of various tumor cells, and its inhibitory effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we predicted the targets of diosgenin for the treatment of OSCC through the database, then performed bioinformatics analysis of the targets, and further verified the effect of diosgenin on the activity of OSCC cell line HSC-3, the transcriptional profile of the targets and the molecular docking of the targets with diosgenin. The results revealed that there were 146 potential targets of diosgenin for OSCC treatment, which involved signaling pathways such as Ras, TNF, PI3K-AKT, HIF, NF-κB, and could regulate cellular activity through apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation and differentiation, inflammatory response, DNA repair, etc. Diosgenin significantly inhibited HSC-3 cell activity. The genes such as AKT1, MET1, SRC1, APP1, CCND1, MYC, PTGS2, AR, NFKB1, BIRC2, MDM2, BCL2L1, MMP2, may be important targets of its action, not only their expression was regulated by diosgenin but also their proteins had a high binding energy with diosgenin. These results suggest that diosgenin may have a therapeutic effect on OSCC through AKT1, MMP2 and other targets and multiple signaling pathways, which is of potential clinical value.

Diosgenin prevents periodontitis by inhibiting inflammation and promoting osteogenic differentiation

Diosgenin, an essential dietary steroidal sapogenin, possess multiple pharmacological activities. This study aimed to assess the effects of diosgenin on periodontitis and elucidate the mechanisms. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLCs) and a Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g) plus ligation-induced animal model were used for in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. Inflammatory responses, nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) signaling and osteogenesis-related markers were measured both in LPS-stimulated hPDLSCs and in gingival tissue of periodontitis rats. Treatment with diosgenin significantly inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and interleukin (IL)-6 and the activation of NF-κB pathway in LPS-stimulated hPDLSCs. Further, treatment with diosgenin enhanced the expression of osteoblast-related genes and increased the osteogenic differentiation capacity. Further, activation NF-κB pathway largely abolished the protective effects of diosgenin. Consistent with the in vitro studies, in vivo studies showed that administering diosgenin to periodontitis rats significantly lowered the levels of the TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and the inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB in gingival tissue. In addition, osteoblast-related genes were promoted. Diosgenin attenuates periodontitis by adjusting NF-κB signaling to inhibit inflammatory effects and promoting osteogenesis, suggesting diosgenin might be developed as a therapeutic strategy for treating periodontitis in the future.

In vitro Evaluation of Fungal Susceptibility and Inhibition of Virulence by Diosgenin

Fungal infections are a public health problem that mainly affects immunosuppressed people, Candida spp. have been responsible for most sources of contamination and invasive fungal infections described around the world. The need arises to find new therapeutic approaches to combat growing infections. Plants and natural products have been considered a valuable source for discovering new molecules with active ingredients. Diosgenin is a sapogenin found in the families of Leguminosae and Dioscoreaceae, it is obtained mainly from the dioscin saponin through the hydrolysis method, it is a phytochemical that has been highlighted in the treatment of various diseases, as well as in combating microbial resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of fungal strains to diosgenin, as well as verify the association with the reference drug and evaluate the inhibition of the virulence factor through morphological changes in the yeast state to the filamentous form of hyphae and pseudohyphae in strains of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei using the broth microdilution method and microculture technique. Antifungal assays revealed that diosgenin was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains. However, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of the strains evaluated, however further studies are recommended to verify its effectiveness against other virulence factors.

Development of chitosan-folate modified PLGA nanoparticles for targeted delivery of diosgenin as an anticancer agent

Diosgenin as a potential phytoconstituent and steroidal saponin manifested significant anticancer agents against various cancers. To enhance its solubility and bioavailability in cancer treatment, we loaded diosgenin (PubChem CID: 99474) in poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticle coated with folic acid-chitosan (Da-PFC-NPs). The diosgenin nano-formulation was characterized and its antioxidant and anticancer properties were surveyed respectively. The obtained results illustrated that the Da-PFC-NPs were spherical and stable with a size of 218 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.41. The Da-PFC-NPs indicated potential free radical scavenging using ABTS and DPPH assay. Meanwhile, it demonstrated selective toxicity against the TUBO breast cancer cell with IC50 values of 104.45 μg/ml and did not show toxicity on normal cells (I929 cell line). The invivo funding exhibited that Da-PFC-NPs notably  altered the liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM). Besides that, different doses of Da-PFC-NPs (50 and 100 mg/kg) remarkedly enhance the expression of caspase 3 and decrease HER2 genes. In light of this experiment, we can conclude that Da-PFC-NPs have promise as novel carrier for improving the delivery of diosgenin in cancer therapy.

Current perspectives on fenugreek bioactive compounds and their potential impact on human health: A review of recent insights into functional foods and other high value applications

Despite long-standing uses in several food and medicine traditions, the full potential of the leguminous crop fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) remains to be realized in the modern diet. Not only its seeds, which are highly prized for their culinary and medicinal properties, but also its leaves and stems abound in phytochemicals with high nutritional and health promoting attributes. Fenugreek dual food-medicine applications and reported metabolic activities include hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, antihypertensive, anticarcinogenic, immunomodulatory, and antinociceptive effects, with potential organ-protective effects at the cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, endocrine, and central nervous system levels. Effectiveness in alleviating certain inflammatory skin conditions and dysfunctions of the reproductive system was also suggested. As a food ingredient, fenugreek can enhance the sensory, nutritional, and nutraceutical qualities of a wide variety of foods. Its high nutritive density can assist with the design of dietary items that meet the demand for novelty, variety, and healthier foods. Its seeds provide essential protective nutrients and other bioactive compounds, notably galactomannans, flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, alkaloids, and essential oils, whose health benefits, alone or in conjunction with other bioactives, are only beginning to be tapped into in the food industries. This review summarizes the current state of evidence on fenugreek potential for functional food development, focusing on the nutrients and non-nutrient bioactive components of interest from a dietary perspective, and their applications for enhancing the functional and nutraceutical value of foods and beverages. New developments, safety, clinical evidence, presumed mechanisms of action, and future perspectives are discussed. HIGHLIGHTS: Fenugreek seeds and leaves have long-standing uses in the food-medicine continuum. Fenugreek phytochemicals exert broad-spectrum biological and pharmacological activities. They show high preventive and nutraceutical potential against common chronic diseases. Current evidence supports multiple mechanisms of action mediated by distinct bioactives. Opportunities for fenugreek-based functional foods and nutraceuticals are expanding.

Safety of Innovative Nanotechnology Oral Formulations Loaded with Bioactive Menopause Molecules: Influence of Genotoxicity and Biochemical Parameters on a Menopausal Rat Model

In recent years, nanoparticles have gained significant importance due to their unique properties, such as pharmacological, electrical, optical, and magnetic abilities, contributing to the growth of the science and technology sector. Particular naturally derived biomolecules with beneficial effects on menopause disorder have been the subject of studies of pharmaceutical formulation to obtain alternative pharmaceutical forms with increased bioavailability and without side effects, as in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with such active ingredients. In the present study, one stage of a broader project, we have performed pharmacotoxicology studies for six combinatory innovative nanocapsule pharmaceutical forms containing active natural biomolecules before considering them as oral formulas for (1) in vitro toxicity studies on culture cells and (2) in vivo preclinical studies on a surgically induced menopause model of Wistar female rats, and the influence of the NLCs on key biochemical parameters: lipid profile (TG, Chol, HDL), glycemic markers (Gli), bone markers (Pac, Palc, Ca, phosphorus), renal markers (Crea, urea, URAC), inflammation (TNF), oxidative stress (GSH, MDA), and estrogen-progesterone hormonal profile. The micronucleus test did not reveal the genotoxicity of the tested compounds; the menopause model showed no significant safety concerns for the six tested formulas evaluated using the blood biochemical parameters; and the results showed the potential hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypouricemic, and antioxidant potential of one of the tested formulas containing nano diosgenin and glycyrrhizic acid.

Dioscorea nipponica Makino: A comprehensive review of its chemical composition and pharmacology on chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread ailment that significantly impacts global health. It is characterized by high prevalence, poor prognosis, and substantial healthcare costs, making it a major public health concern. The current clinical treatments for CKD are not entirely satisfactory, leading to a high demand for alternative therapeutic options. Chinese herbal medicine, with its long history, diverse varieties, and proven efficacy, offers a promising avenue for exploration. One such Chinese herbal medicine, Dioscorea nipponica Makino (DNM), is frequently used to treat kidney diseases. In this review, we have compiled studies examining the mechanisms of action of DNM in the context of CKD, focusing on five primary areas: improvement of oxidative stress, inhibition of renal fibrosis, regulation of metabolism, reduction of inflammatory response, and regulation of autophagy.

Literature review on hepatoprotective effects of diosgenin: possible mechanisms of action

Liver diseases are among the major causes of death worldwide. Alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes mellitus, viral infection, and drug-induced liver injury are common risk factors for the development of liver diseases. Diosgenin is a herbal steroidal sapogenin with hepatoprotective properties. This phytosteroid modulates lipid profile and prevents liver injury and fibrosis, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), steatohepatitis, and diabetes mellitus. Different mechanisms have been presented underlying the therapeutic properties of diosgenin. Diosgenin with antioxidant activity and ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators as well as modulating gut microbiota is able to protect the liver. This literature overview summarizes the previously published studies regarding the hepatoprotective function of diosgenin against liver injury in different conditions with an emphasis on possible underlying mechanisms.

Natural compounds targeting nuclear receptors for effective cancer therapy

Human nuclear receptors (NRs) are a family of forty-eight transcription factors that modulate gene expression both spatially and temporally. Numerous biochemical, physiological, and pathological processes including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, immune modulation, development, reproduction, and aging are extensively orchestrated by different NRs. The involvement of dysregulated NRs and NR-mediated signaling pathways in driving cancer cell hallmarks has been thoroughly investigated. Targeting NRs has been one of the major focuses of drug development strategies for cancer interventions. Interestingly, rapid progress in molecular biology and drug screening reveals that the naturally occurring compounds are promising modern oncology drugs which are free of potentially inevitable repercussions that are associated with synthetic compounds. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to draw our attention to the potential therapeutic effects of various classes of natural compounds that target NRs such as phytochemicals, dietary components, venom constituents, royal jelly-derived compounds, and microbial derivatives in the establishment of novel and safe medications for cancer treatment. This review also emphasizes molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that are leveraged to promote the anti-cancer effects of these natural compounds. We have also critically reviewed and assessed the advantages and limitations of current preclinical and clinical studies on this subject for cancer prophylaxis. This might subsequently pave the way for new paradigms in the discovery of drugs that target specific cancer types.

The Anabolic Effect of Fenugreek: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

The use of plant steroids to improve physical health and performance is becoming increasingly popular. One of these plant steroids is diosgenin, which is mainly available in fenugreek. As a result, some studies have been conducted to improve physical health. Fenugreek extracts are also becoming increasingly popular in the context of athletic performance. Based on these assumptions, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the promoting effects of fenugreek on strength performance, body composition, and hormone concentration. Four databases were screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The current version of ReviewManager (RevMan) was used for the statistical evaluation. Seven studies with 449 participants (378 male, 71 female) met the inclusion criteria. A small effect of fenugreek was detected for total testosterone (standard mean difference (SMD): 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09 0.55), free testosterone (SMD: 0.24; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.52), lean body mass (SMD: 0.19; 95% CI: -0.10, 0.49), fat mass (SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.44, 0.05), and leg press performance (SMD: 0.22; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.47), in male athletes. The meta-analysis shows that chronic application of fenugreek has performance-enhancing and anabolic effects in male athletes, but no statements can be made for female athletes.

NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases: promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase family plays a pivotal oncogenic role in a variety of malignancies via mediating ubiquitin dependent degradation processes. Moreover, aberrant expression of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases is often indicative of cancer progression and correlated with poor prognosis. In this review, we are going to address association of expression of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases with cancers, the signaling pathways and the molecular mechanisms by which the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate oncogenesis and progression, and the therapies targeting the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases. This review provides the systematic and comprehensive summary of the latest research status of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the NEDD4 subfamily, and proposes that NEDD4 family E3 ubiquitin ligases are promising anti-cancer drug targets, aiming to provide research direction for clinical targeting of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase therapy.

Dietary phytoestrogen diosgenin interrupts metabolism, physiology, and reproduction of Swiss albino mice: Possible mode of action as an emerging environmental contaminant, endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant

Dietary phytoestrogens are the main source of environmental contamination due to their estrogen-mimicking and endocrine-disrupting effects, posing a threat to microbial, soil, plant, and animal health. Diosgenin, a phytosteroid saponin, is used in many traditional medicines, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapies against numerous diseases and disorders. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with diosgenin, as well as its potential to cause reproductive and endocrine toxicity. Due to the lack of research on the safety and probable adverse side effects of diosgenin, this work evaluated the endocrine-disrupting and reproductive toxicity of diosgenin in albino mice by following acute toxicity (OECD-423), repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity (OECD-468), and F₁ extended one-generation reproductive toxicity (OECD-443) studies. Diosgenin was found to be slightly toxic, with LD₅₀ for male and female mice being 546.26 and 538.72 mg/kg, respectively. Chronic exposure of diosgenin (10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) generated oxidative stress, depleted antioxidant enzymes, disturbed homeostasis of the reproductive hormones, and interrupted steroidogenesis, germ cell apoptosis, gametogenesis, sperm quality, estrous cycle, and reproductive performance in the F₀ and F₁ offspring. Long-term oral exposure of diosgenin to the mice disturbed the endocrine and reproductive functions and generated transgenerational reproductive toxic effects in F₀ and F₁ offspring. These results suggest that diosgenin should be used carefully in food products and medical applications due to its potential endocrine-disrupting and reproductive toxic effects. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the potential adverse effects of diosgenin and the need for appropriate risk assessment and management of its use.

Role of Turmeric and Curcumin in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for thousands of years for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. Curcumin is just one of >200 ingredients in turmeric. Almost 7000 scientific papers on turmeric and almost 20,000 on curcumin have been published in PubMed. Scientific reports based on cell culture or animal studies are often not reproducible in humans. Therefore, human clinical trials are the best indicators for the prevention and treatment of a disease using a given agent/drug. Herein, we conducted an extensive literature survey on PubMed and Scopus following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The keywords "turmeric and clinical trials" and "curcumin and clinical trials" were considered for data mining. A total of 148 references were found to be relevant for the key term "turmeric and clinical trials", of which 70 were common in both PubMed and Scopus, 44 were unique to PubMed, and 34 were unique to Scopus. Similarly, for the search term "curcumin and clinical trials", 440 references were found to be relevant, of which 70 were unique to PubMed, 110 were unique to Scopus, and 260 were common to both databases. These studies show that the golden spice has enormous health and medicinal benefits for humans. This Review will extract and summarize the lessons learned about turmeric and curcumin in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases based on clinical trials.

Diosgenin reduces bone loss through the regulation of gut microbiota in ovariectomized rats

Diosgenin (DIO) is an aglycone of steroid saponins acquired from plants, including Dioscorea alata, Smilax China, and Trigonella foenum graecum, acting as an anti-osteoporosis, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory. Recent studies have demonstrated that DIO reduces bone loss. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DIO on the gut microbiota (GM) of ovariectomized (OVX) osteoporotic rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation (sham + vehicle group) or ovariectomy. For 12 weeks, OVX rats were treated using a vehicle (OVX + vehicle group) and DIO (OVX + DIO group). Subsequently, ELISA was conducted to determine serum estradiol levels, micro-CT scanning was performed to evaluate bone quality, and feces were collected for metagenomics sequencing to examine the structure and function of GM. Raw reads were filtered to remove chimera sequences. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were clustered in the filtered reads. A Venn diagram analysis was conducted to study the common and unique OTUs in the sham + vehicle, OVX + vehicle, and OVX + DIO groups. LEfSe analysis was conducted to evaluate the specific GM of the three groups. The GM functions were analyzed using the KEGG and CAZy databases. After a 12-week treatment, DIO administration prevented OVX-induced weight gain and increased the estradiol levels. DIO treatment improved the bone microstructure and structural parameters of rat tibias. Metagenomics sequencing results identified 1139, 1207, and 1235 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the sham + vehicle, OVX + vehicle, and OVX + DIO groups, respectively. The percentage of common OTUs was 41.2%. Treatment with DIO restored the composition of GM in OVX rats by increasing the abundance of Coriobacteriia Adlercreutzia, Romboutsia, and Romboutsia_idealis and reducing the abundance of Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Methanobacteria, Bacteroides, Phocaeicola, Alistipes, Bacteroids_uniformis, Bacteroids_xylanisolvens. The anti-osteoporosis effect of DIO can be regulated through environmental information processing, organismal Systems, Cellular Processes, human diseases, metabolism, and genetic information processing. Meanwhile, treatment with DIO improved GM homeostasis by increasing the metabolism of carbohydrates, other amino acids, and glycans and reducing translation, energy metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. DIO can reduce bone loss by regulating the structural composition and function of GM, a novel strategy for preventing osteoporosis.

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease, which is the main cause of dementia in the elderly. Much evidence shows that the onset and late symptoms of AD are caused by multiple factors. Among them, aging is the main factor in the pathogenesis of AD, and the most important risk factor for AD is neuroinflammation. So far, there is no cure for AD, but the relationship between neuroinflammation and AD may provide a new strategy for the treatment of AD. We herein discussed the main etiology hypothesis of AD and the role of neuroinflammation in AD, as well as anti-inflammatory natural products with the potential to prevent and alleviate AD symptoms, including alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols, which are available with great potential for the development of anti-AD drugs.

Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 and -2: Emerging Targets in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a substantial proportion of the general population and is even more prevalent in obese and diabetic patients. NAFLD, and particularly the more advanced manifestation of the disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), increases the risk for both liver-related and cardiovascular morbidity. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and multifactorial, with many molecular pathways implicated. Emerging data suggest that microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and -2 might participate in the development and progression of NAFLD. It also appears that targeting these enzymes might represent a novel therapeutic approach for NAFLD. In the present review, we discuss the association between microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and -2 and NAFLD.

The Journey of Resveratrol from Vineyards to Clinics

With rising technological advancements, several factors influence the lifestyle of people and stimulate chronic inflammation that severely affects the human body. Chronic inflammation leads to a broad range of physical and pathophysiological distress. For many years, non-steroidal drugs and corticosteroids were most frequently used in treating inflammation and related ailments. However, long-term usage of these drugs aggravates the conditions of chronic diseases and is presented with morbid side effects, especially in old age. Hence, the quest for safe and less toxic anti-inflammatory compounds of high therapeutic potential with least adverse side effects has shifted researchers' attention to ancient medicinal system. Resveratrol (RSV) - 3,4,5^' trihydroxystilbene is one such naturally available polyphenolic stilbene derivative obtained from various plant sources. For over 2000 years, these plants have been used in Asian medicinal system for curing inflammation-associated disorders. There is a wealth of in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence that shows RSV could induce anti-aging health benefits including, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, phytoesterogenic, and cardio protective properties. However, the issue of rapid elimination of RSV through the metabolic system and its low bio-availability is of paramount importance which is being studied extensively. Therefore, in this article, we scientifically reviewed the molecular targets, biological activities, beneficial and contradicting effects of RSV as evinced by clinical studies for the prevention and treatment of inflammation-mediated chronic disorders.

Synthesis of fully functionalized spirostanic 1,2,3-triazoles by the three component reaction of diosgenin azides with acetophenones and aryl aldehydes and their biological evaluation as antiproliferative agents

Diosgenin is of significant interest due to its biological activity and synthetic application. In this study, we report the synthesis of a series of spirostanic 1,4,5-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles by the three component reaction of (25R)-6-azidospirostan-3,5-diols with acetophenones and aryl aldehydes. The one-pot two step synthesis proceeds through the in situ formation of (E)-chalcones and copper catalyzed reaction with organic azides in DMF medium. Structural diversity was achieved by varying the aldehyde and acetophenone nature as well as the spirostanic azide stereochemistry. The results of in vitro biological assays showed that fully decorated spirostanic 1,2,3-triazoles exerted significant and selective antiproliferative activity against MCF-7, glioblastoma (SNB-19, T98G, A-172) and neuroblastoma (IMR-32, SH-SYSY) (HCT116) cell lines (GI₅₀ in the single-digit micromolar range). The data revealed that benzoyl and aryl substitutions in the triazole ring introduced at the 6β-position significantly improved the anti-tumor activity of (25R)-6-azidospirostan-3β,5α-diols. This position on the spirostan core may be the favourable to synthesize of potent anticancer leads from diosgenin.

Diosgenin enhances liposome-enabled nucleic acid delivery and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing by modulating endocytic pathways

The CRISPR/Cas9 system holds great promise in treating genetic diseases, owing to its safe and precise genome editing. However, the major challenges to implementing the technology in clinics lie in transiently limiting the expression of genome editing factors and achieving therapeutically relevant frequencies with fidelity. Recent findings revealed that non-viral vectors could be a potential alternative delivery system to overcome these limitations. In our previous research, we demonstrated that liposomal formulations with amide linker-based cationic lipids and cholesterol were found to be effective in delivering a variety of nucleic acids. In the current study, we screened steroidal sapogenins as an alternative co-lipid to cholesterol in cationic liposomal formulations and found that liposomes with diosgenin (AD, Amide lipid: Diosgenin) further improved nucleic acid delivery efficacy, in particular, delivering Cas9 pDNA and mRNA for efficient genome editing at multiple loci, including AAVS1 and HBB, when compared to amide cholesterol. Mechanistic insights into the endocytosis of lipoplexes revealed that diosgenin facilitated the lipoplexes' cholesterol-independent and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, which in turn leads to increased intracellular delivery. Our study identifies diosgenin-doped liposomes as an efficient tool to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 system.

Diosgenin: An ingress towards solving puzzle for diabetes treatment

The consumption and composition of food in daily life predict our health in long run. The relation of diabetes to sweets is quite popular. Diabetes hampers the glucose and insulin regulation in the human body by damaging pancreatic β cells. Diabetes has a strong potential towards altering cellular mechanisms of organs causing unlawful performance. Diabetes alters pathways like TLR4, AChE, NF-ĸB, LPL, and PPAR at different sites that affect the normal cellular machinery and cause damage to the local tissue and organ. The long-lasting effect of diabetes was observed in vascular, cardia, nervous, skeletal, reproductive, hepatic, ocular, and renal systems. The increasing awareness of diabetes and its concern has awakened the common people more enthusiastically. Due to rising harm from diabetes, scientific researchers tend to have more eyes toward it. While searching for diabetes solutions, fenugreek diosgenin could pop up with some positive effects in curing the same. Diosgenin helps to lower the scathe of diabetes by modifying cellular pathways in favor of healthy bodily functions. Diosgenin altered the pathways for renewal of pancreatic β cells for better insulin secretion, initiate GLUT4, enhanced DHEA, modify ER-α-mediated PI3K/Akt pathways. Diosgenin can be an appropriate insult for diabetes in a much evolving way for a healthy lifestyle. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes is one of the most death causing diseases in the medical world. Regrettably the cure of diabetes is yet to be found. Various scientific team working on the same to look after the most appropriate way for diabetes treatment. There is enormous growth of nutraceutical in the market claiming for cure of different metabolic disorders. Among various bioactive compound fenugreek's diosgenin could took a leap over other in curing and preventing the damage caused by diabetes to different organs. The role of diosgenin in curing various metabolic disorders is quite popular from some time. This article also emphasizes over beneficiary effect of diosgenin in curing the damages caused by diabetes by altering cellular metabolism processes. Hence diosgenin could be a better way for researchers to develop a method for diabetes treatment.

Tiliroside suppresses triple-negative breast cancer as a multifunctional CAXII inhibitor

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by poor prognosis, early recurrence, and the lack of durable chemotherapy responses and specific targeted treatments. In this preclinical study, we examines Tiliroside (TS, C₃₀H₂₆O₁₃), as one of the major compounds of Tribulus terrestris L. which has been used as an alternative therapy in clinic practice of breast cancer treatment, for its therapeutic use in TNBC. The association between CAXII expression level and survival probability of TNBC patients, and the difference of CAXII expression level between TNBC and normal samples were evaluated by using publicly accessible databases. To determine the anticancer efficacy of TS on TNBC cells, cell proliferation, wound healing, cell invasion, and 3D spheroid formation assays were performed and excellent anticancer activities of TS were displayed. Mouse models further demonstrated that TS significantly reduced the tumor burden and improved survival rate. The properties of TS as a novel CAXII inhibitor have also been evaluated by CAXII activity assay, pHi, pHe and lactate level assay. Further RT-PCR and Caspase-3 activity analyses also revealed the positive regulating effects of TS on E2F1,3/Caspase-3 axis in TNBC cells cultured in 2D or 3D systems. The findings indicate that TS suppresses TNBC progression as a potential novel CAXII inhibitor in preclinical experiments, which warrants further investigation on its therapeutic implications.

Diosgenin Ameliorated Type II Diabetes-Associated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Inhibiting De Novo Lipogenesis and Improving Fatty Acid Oxidation and Mitochondrial Function in Rats

Diosgenin (DIO) is a dietary and phytochemical steroidal saponin representing multiple activities. The present study investigated the protective effect of DIO on type II diabetes-associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (D-NAFLD). The rat model was established by high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection and then administered DIO for 8 weeks. The results showed that DIO reduced insulin resistance index, improved dyslipidemia, and relieved pancreatic damage. DIO decreased hepatic injury markers, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). H&E staining showed that DIO relieved hepatic lipid deposition. Mechanistically, DIO inhibited hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and increased fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) through regulation of the AMPK-ACC/SREBP1 pathway. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was inhibited by DIO through regulation of PERK and IRE1 arms, which may then inhibit DNL. DIO also decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the antioxidant capacity via an increase in Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. The mitochondria are the site for FAO, and ROS can damage mitochondrial function. DIO relieved mitochondrial fission and fusion disorder by inhibiting DRP1 and increasing MFN1/MFN2 expressions. Mitochondrial apoptosis was then inhibited by DIO. In conclusion, the present study suggests that DIO protects against D-NAFLD by inhibiting DNL and improving FAO and mitochondrial function.

Unraveling the Potential Role of NEDD4-like E3 Ligases in Cancer

Cancer is a deadly disease worldwide, with an anticipated 19.3 million new cases and 10.0 million deaths occurring in 2020 according to GLOBOCAN 2020. It is well established that carcinogenesis and cancer development are strongly linked to genetic changes and post-translational modifications (PTMs). An important PTM process, ubiquitination, regulates every aspect of cellular activity, and the crucial enzymes in the ubiquitination process are E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) that affect substrate specificity and must therefore be carefully regulated. A surfeit of studies suggests that, among the E3 ubiquitin ligases, neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4)/NEDD4-like E3 ligases show key functions in cellular processes by controlling subsequent protein degradation and substrate ubiquitination. In addition, it was demonstrated that NEDD4 mainly acts as an oncogene in various cancers, but also plays a tumor-suppressive role in some cancers. In this review, to comprehend the proper function of NEDD4 in cancer development, we summarize its function, both its tumor-suppressive and oncogenic role, in multiple types of malignancies. Moreover, we briefly explain the role of NEDD4 in carcinogenesis and progression, including cell survival, cell proliferation, autophagy, cell migration, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), chemoresistance, and multiple signaling pathways. In addition, we briefly explain the significance of NEDD4 as a possible target for cancer treatment. Therefore, we conclude that targeting NEDD4 as a therapeutic method for treating human tumors could be a practical possibility.

Modulation of diverse oncogenic signaling pathways by oroxylin A: An important strategy for both cancer prevention and treatment

BACKGROUND

Regardless of major advances in diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies, cancer is still a foreboding cause due to factors like chemoresistance, radioresistance, adverse side effects and cancer recurrence. Therefore, continuous development of unconventional approaches is a prerequisite to overcome foregoing glitches. Natural products have found their way into treatment of serious health conditions, including cancer since ancient times. The compound oroxylin A (OA) is one among those with enormous potential against different malignancies. It is a flavonoid obtained from the several plants such as Oroxylum indicum, Scutellaria baicalensis and S. lateriflora, Anchietea pyrifolia, and Aster himalaicus.

PURPOSE

The main purpose of this study is to comprehensively elucidate the anticancerous effects of OA against various malignancies and unravel their chemosensitization and radiosensitization potential. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of OA have also been investigated.

METHOD

The literature on antineoplastic effects of OA was searched in PubMed and Scopus, including in vitro and in vivo studies and is summarized based on a systematic review protocol prepared according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The term "oroxylin A" was used in combination with "cancer" and all the title, abstracts and keywords appeared were considered.

RESULTS

In Scopus, a total of 157 articles appeared out of which 103 articles that did not meet the eligibility criteria were eliminated and 54 were critically evaluated. In PubMed, from the 85 results obtained, 26 articles were eliminated and 59 were included in the preparation of this review. Mounting number of studies have illustrated the anticancer effects of OA, and its mechanism of action.

CONCLUSION

OA is a promising natural flavonoid possessing wide range of pleiotropic properties and is a potential anticancer agent. It has a great potential in the treatment of multiple cancers including brain, breast, cervical, colon, esophageal, gall bladder, gastric, hematological, liver, lung, oral, ovarian, pancreatic and skin. However, lack of pharmacokinetic studies, toxicity assessments, and dose standardization studies and adverse effects limit the optimization of this compound as a therapeutic agent.

Therapeutic potential and research progress of diosgenin for lipid metabolism diseases

Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, is a natural product found in many plants. Diosgenin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, and has been used to treat cancer, nervous system diseases, inflammation, and infections. Numerous studies have shown that diosgenin has potential therapeutic value for lipid metabolism diseases via various pathways and mechanisms, such as controlling lipid synthesis, absorption, and inhibition of oxidative stress. These mechanisms and pathways have provided ideas for researchers to develop related drugs. In this review, we focus on data from animal and clinical studies, summarizing the toxicity of diosgenin, its pharmacological mechanism, recent research advances, and the related mechanisms of diosgenin as a drug for the treatment of lipid metabolism, especially in obesity, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. This systematic review will briefly describe the advantages of diosgenin as a potential therapeutic drug and seek to enhance our understanding of the pharmacological mechanism, recipe-construction, and the development of novel therapeutics against lipid metabolism diseases.

Betulinic acid: A natural promising anticancer drug, current situation, and future perspectives

Natural products serve as the single most productive source for the discovery of drugs and pharmaceutical leads. Among the various chemicals derived from microbes, plants, and animals, phytochemicals have emerged as potential candidates for the development of anticancer drugs due to their structural diversities, complexities, and pleiotropic effects. Herein, we discuss betulinic acid (BA), a ubiquitously distributed lupane structured pentacyclic triterpenoid, scrutinized as a promising natural agent for the prevention, suppression, and management of various human malignancies. Ease of availability, common occurrences, cell-specific cytotoxicity, and astonishing selectivity are the important factors that contribute to the development of BA as an anticancer agent. The current review delineates the mechanistic framework of BA-mediated cancer suppression through the modulation of multiple signaling pathways and also summarizes the key outcomes of BA in preclinical investigations.

Demystifying the Functional Role of Nuclear Receptors in Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC), an aggressive and poorly understood disease, is one of the top causes of cancer-related fatalities. GLOBOCAN 2020 reports that there are 544,076 deaths and 604,100 new cases expected worldwide. Even though there are various advancements in treatment procedures, this cancer has been reported as one of the most difficult cancers to cure, and to increase patient survival; treatment targets still need to be established. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a type of transcription factor, which has a key role in several biological processes such as reproduction, development, cellular differentiation, stress response, immunity, metabolism, lipids, and drugs, and are essential regulators of several diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of NRs in tumor immunology and proved the well-known roles of multiple NRs in modulating proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. There are surplus of studies conducted on NRs and their implications in EC, but only a few studies have demonstrated the diagnostic and prognostic potential of NRs. Therefore, there is still a paucity of the role of NRs and different ways to target them in EC cells to stop them from spreading malignancy. This review emphasizes the significance of NRs in EC by discussing their diverse agonists as well as antagonists and their response to tumor progression. Additionally, we emphasize NRs’ potential to serve as a novel therapeutic target and their capacity to treat and prevent EC.

The Role of Natural Products as Inhibitors of JAK/STAT Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma Treatment

The permeability of glioblastoma, as well as its escaping the immune system, makes them one of the most deadly human malignancies. By avoiding programmed cell death (apoptosis), unlimited cell growth and metastatic ability could dramatically affect the immune system. Genetic mutations, epigenetic changes, and overexpression of oncogenes can cause this process. On the other hand, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and intratumor heterogeneity are important factors causing resistance to therapy. Several signaling pathways have been identified in this field, including the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK) converter and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activator pathways, which are closely related. In addition, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway contributes to a wide array of tumorigenesis functions, including replication, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. Introducing this pathway as the main tumorigenesis and treatment resistance center can give a better understanding of how it operates. In light of this, it is an important goal in treating many disorders, particularly cancer. The inhibition of this signaling pathway is being considered an approach to the treatment of glioblastoma. The use of natural products alternatively to conventional therapies is another area of research interest among researchers. Some natural products that originate from plants or natural sources can interfere with JAK/STAT signaling in human malignant cells, also by stopping the progression and phosphorylation of JAK/STAT, inducing apoptosis, and stopping the cell cycle. Natural products are a viable alternative to conventional chemotherapy because of their cost-effectiveness, wide availability, and almost no side effects.

Identification of the Natural Steroid Sapogenin Diosgenin as a Direct Dual-Specific RORα/γ Inverse Agonist

The steroid sapogenin diosgenin is a well-known natural product with a plethora of described pharmacological activities including the amelioration of T helper 17 (Th17)-driven pathologies. However, the exact underlying mode of action of diosgenin leading to a dampened Th17 response is still largely unknown and specific molecular targets have yet to be identified. Here, we show that diosgenin acts as a direct ligand and inverse agonist of the nuclear receptor retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-related orphan receptor (ROR)α and RORγ, which are key transcription factors involved in Th17 cell differentiation and metabolism. IC₅₀ values determined by luciferase reporter gene assays, employing constructs for either RORγ-Gal4 fusion proteins or full length receptors, were in the low micromolar range at around 2 µM. To highlight the functional consequences of this RORα/γ inverse agonism, we determined gene expression levels of important ROR target genes, i.e., IL-17A and glucose-6-phosphatase, in relevant cellular in vitro models of Jurkat T and HepG2 cells, respectively, by RT-qPCR (reverse transcription quantitative PCR). Thereby, it was shown that diosgenin leads to a dose-dependent decrease in target gene expressions consistent with its potent cellular ROR inverse agonistic activity. Additionally, in silico dockings of diosgenin to the ROR ligand-binding domain were performed to determine the underlying binding mode. Taken together, our results establish diosgenin as a novel, direct and dual-selective RORα/γ inverse agonist. This finding establishes a direct molecular target for diosgenin for the first time, which can further explain reported amendments in Th17-driven diseases by this compound.

Dioscin ameliorates cisplatin-induced intestinal toxicity by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation

Cisplatin is the most widely prescribed drug in chemotherapy, but its gastrointestinal toxicity reduces therapeutic efficacy. Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered to be the main pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced intestinal toxicity. Dioscin is a steroidal saponin with potential anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we established a rat model of intestinal injury by tail vein injection of cisplatin, and intragastrically administered dioscin to evaluate its effect on intestinal injury. Biochemical markers, western blotting, qRT-PCR and histopathological staining were used to analyze intestinal injury according to various molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that dioscin significantly inhibited cisplatin-induced intestinal mucosal damage and decreased DAO levels in rats. Furthermore, dioscin activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to increase the level of antioxidant enzymes and reduce the levels of MDA and H₂O₂. In addition, dioscin pretreatment significantly reduced ileum epithelial NLRP3 inflammasome formation and decreased the levels of inflammatory factors compared with the cisplatin group. In parallel, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 blocked the therapeutic effect of dioscin in rat with cisplatin-induced intestinal toxicity. In terms of mechanisms, dioscin reversed cisplatin-induced up-regulation of MAPKs and up-regulated p-PI3K and p-AKT levels. Meanwhile, dioscin potently promoted Wnt3A/β-catenin signaling to relieve cisplatin-induced proliferation inhibition. In conclusion, our study suggests that dioscin could ameliorate the cisplatin-induced intestinal toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Diosgenin and Its Analogs: Potential Protective Agents Against Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the artery wall associated with lipid metabolism imbalance and maladaptive immune response, which mediates most cardiovascular events. First-line drugs such as statins and antiplatelet drug aspirin have shown good effects against atherosclerosis but may lead to certain side effects. Thus, the development of new, safer, and less toxic agents for atherosclerosis is urgently needed. Diosgenin and its analogs have gained importance for their efficacy against life-threatening diseases, including cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous system diseases, and cancer. Diosgenin and its analogs are widely found in the rhizomes of Dioscore, Solanum, and other species and share similar chemical structures and pharmacological effects. Recent data suggested diosgenin plays an anti-atherosclerosis role through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, plasma cholesterol-lowering, anti-proliferation, and anti-thrombotic effects. However, a review of the effects of diosgenin and its natural structure analogs on AS is still lacking. This review summarizes the effects of diosgenin and its analogs on vascular endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, migration and calcification, lipid metabolism, and inflammation, and provides a new overview of its anti-atherosclerosis mechanism. Besides, the structures, sources, safety, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and biological availability are introduced to reveal the limitations and challenges of current studies, hoping to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of diosgenin and its analogs and provide a new idea for developing new agents for atherosclerosis.

Study on the Mechanism of Diosgenin Targeting STAT3 to Inhibit Colon Cancer Proliferation and Migration

To elucidate regulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of diosgenin on colon cancer, this study administered diosgenin at concentrations of 10 (low), 50 (medium), and 100 μmol/L (high concentration group) at the cell level, respectively. EdU, colony formation, and Transwell assays were implemented to determine SW480 cellular proliferation and migration. Assays of flow cytometry and TUNEL were employed to estimate cell apoptosis. Additionally, nude mouse tumorigenesis assay was used to further verify the regulatory function of diosgenin on colon cancer. The target protein of diosgenin was predicted via molecular docking. The results showed that all three concentrations of diosgenin could reduce colon cancer cellular proliferation and migration, and after diosgenin treatment, colon cancer cellular apoptosis was markedly increased, and the 100 μmol/L diosgenin group produced the most satisfactory inhibition on colon cancer cell proliferation. Ki67 expression was markedly reduced whereas those of Bax and caspase3 were greatly increased after diosgenin treatment. The nude mouse tumorigenesis assay indicated that the parameters of tumorous volume and mass of diosgenin treatment group were greatly decreased as compared to control, and as the concentration of diosgenin increased, the inhibitory effect was more significant. Molecular docking indicated that STAT3 served as a target protein of diosgenin. Moreover, after diosgenin treatment on colon cancer cells, the STAT3 expression was markedly reduced. The STAT3 overexpression would counteract the inhibitory effect of 50 μmol/L diosgenin in both suppressing colon cancer cellular proliferation and migration and promoting apoptosis. Taken together, all our outcomes demonstrated the diosgenin effects in not only inhibiting colon cancer cellular proliferation and migration but also promoting cancerous cellular apoptosis. Diosgenin is a regulatory player in targeting and regulating STAT3.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of novel diosgenin derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents

Thirty-two novel DG F-spiroacetal ring-opening derivatives, including 24 acetylated derivatives and 8 nitrogenous derivatives, were designed and synthesized from diosgenin (DG). The cytotoxicity of the novel derivatives was evaluated by MTT assay, except for compounds 4a, 4e, 4i, 4 l, 5a and 5 h, which were potentially cytotoxic to RAW264.7 cells, all the other derivatives had no significant cytotoxicity. The NO release inhibitory activities of novel derivatives were screened by Griess method. The results showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of the DG acetylated derivatives was stronger than the nitrogenous derivatives, and 4a-4 m containing acetyl groups at the 3-position may have better anti-inflammatory effects than 5a-5 k containing free hydroxyl groups. In ELISA assay, compound 4 m exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of NO in RAW264.7 cells activated by LPS with IC₅₀ values 0.449 ± 0.050 μM. The results of docking experiments showed that 4 m has a good affinity for p65 protein.

Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Diosgenin Hydroxamic Acid and Quaternary Phosphonium Salt Derivatives

Diosgenin, a component separated from Dioscorea plants, is an important starting material for steroid hormone drugs and semisynthetic steroids. In the work, two series of diosgenin derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their cellular anticancer activities. Most of the target compounds exhibited good inhibitory activities against four cell lines, Aspc-1 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), H358 (human nonsmall cell lung cancer cells), HCT116 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells), and SW620 (human metastatic pancreatic cancer cells). Among them, the representative compound 2.2f exhibited 7.9-341.7-fold antiproliferative activities against the above-mentioned four cell lines compared with the lead compound diosgenin.

22R- but not 22S-hydroxycholesterol is recruited for diosgenin biosynthesis

Diosgenin is an important compound in the pharmaceutical industry and it is biosynthesized in several eudicot and monocot species, herein represented by fenugreek (a eudicot), and Dioscorea zingiberensis (a monocot). Formation of diosgenin can be achieved by the early C22,16-oxidations of cholesterol followed by a late C26-oxidation. This study reveals that, in both fenugreek and D. zingiberensis, the early C22,16-oxygenase(s) shows strict 22R-stereospecificity for hydroxylation of the substrates. Evidence against the recently proposed intermediacy of 16S,22S-dihydroxycholesterol in diosgenin biosynthesis was also found. Moreover, in contrast to the eudicot fenugreek, which utilizes a single multifunctional cytochrome P450 (TfCYP90B50) to perform the early C22,16-oxidations, the monocot D. zingiberensis has evolved two separate cytochrome P450 enzymes, with DzCYP90B71 being specific for the 22R-oxidation and DzCYP90G6 for the C16-oxidation. We suggest that the DzCYP90B71/DzCYP90G6 pair represent more broadly conserved catalysts for diosgenin biosynthesis in monocots.

Diosgenin From Dioscorea Nipponica Rhizoma Against Graves’ Disease—On Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluation

Dioscorea nipponica rhizoma (DNR) is commonly used for the cure of hyperthyroidism resulting from Graves’ disease (GD) or thyroid nodules. However, its therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to utilize network pharmacology integrated molecular docking and experimental verification to reveal the potential pharmacological mechanism of DNR against GD. First, the active componds of DNR were collected from the HERB database and a literature search was conducted. Then, according to multisource database, the predicted genes of DNR and GD were collected to generate networks. The analysis of protein–protein interaction and GO enrichment and KEGG pathway were employed to discover main mechanisms associated with therapeutic targets. Moreover, molecular docking simulation was applied in order to verify the interactions between the drug and target. Finally, our experiments validated the ameliorated effects of diosgenin, the main component of DNR, in terms of phosphorylation deactivation in IGF-1R, which in turn inhibited the phosphorylation and activation of PI3K-AKT and Rap1-MEK signaling pathways, promoting cell apoptosis and GD remission. Our present study provided a foundation for further investigation of the in-depth mechanisms of diosgenin in GD and will provide new scientific evidence for clinical application.

Diosgenin reduces phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) through AMP-activated protein kinase/ mechanistic target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) signaling pathway to ameliorate streptozotocin-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and dysfunction

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease caused by defective insulin secretion and/or insulin action. And insulin is the main hormone released by the pancreatic β-cells. Diosgenin (DG) is a phytochemical with pharmacological activity that increases insulin secretion in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced pancreatic β-cells of diabetic rats. In this paper, we investigated the effect and mechanism of DG on cell apoptosis and dysfunction in STZ-induced pancreatic β-cells. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and apoptosis-related protein expression by Western blot. Western blot and RT-qPCR were performed to detect the expression of related genes. The results showed that in STZ-induced INS-1 cells, DG could improve cell viability, inhibit apoptosis, attenuate oxidative stress levels and increase insulin secretion. Notably, PDE3B was highly expressed in STZ-induced INS-1 cells, while DG could significantly inhibit PDE3B expression in a dose-dependent manner. More importantly, overexpression PDE3B remarkably reversed the effect of DG on STZ-induced INS-1 cells. It is thus clear that DG might inhibit STZ-treated pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and reduce dysfunction via downregulating PDE3B, which provided a more reliable theoretical basis for the treatment of diabetes mellitus with DG.

Diosgenin: An Updated Pharmacological Review and Therapeutic Perspectives

Plants including Rhizoma polgonati, Smilax china, and Trigonella foenum-graecum contain a lot of diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin. This bioactive phytochemical has shown high potential and interest in the treatment of various disorders such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease, in addition to being an important starting material for the preparation of several steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. This review aims to provide an overview of the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reporting the diosgenin's pharmacological effects and to discuss the safety issues. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects on cancer, neuroprotection, atherosclerosis, asthma, bone health, and other pathologies. Clinical investigations have demonstrated diosgenin's nontoxic nature and promising benefits on cognitive function and menopause. However, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to address the other effects seen in preclinical studies, as well as a better knowledge of the diosgenin's safety profile.

Puncture vine (Tribulus Terrestris L.) in control of health and reproduction

Tribulus terrestris, L. (puncture vine) have been used as a folk medicine for five thousands of years, but its targets, effects, their mechanisms and application requires further studies. This paper reviews the provenance, constituents and properties of Tribulus terrestris, L., its general physiological and health effects, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning its influence on male and female reproductive processes and their dysfunctions. Analysis of the available publications demonstrated the influence of Tribulus terrestris on a wide spectrum of targets and physiological processe and disorders. In particular, Tribulus terrestris can be a stimulator of male and female reproductive processes at the level of central nervous system, sexual behaviour, pituitary and gonadal hormones and their receptors, gonadal functions (including ovarian follicullogenesis and spermatogenesis), improvement of the quality and quantity of gametes (at least of sperm) and fecundity. This ability of puncture vine is applicable for the improvement of man's sexual desire and sperm quality in vivo and in vitro, as well as of women's libido, activation of women's reproductive organs, fecundity, and treatment of infertility, especially that related to the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Puncture vine (Tribulus Terrestris L.) in control of health and reproduction

Tribulus terrestris, L. (puncture vine) have been used as a folk medicine for five thousands of years, but its targets, effects, their mechanisms and application requires further studies. This paper reviews the provenance, constituents and properties of Tribulus terrestris, L., its general physiological and health effects, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning its influence on male and female reproductive processes and their dysfunctions. Analysis of the available publications demonstrated the influence of Tribulus terrestris on a wide spectrum of targets and physiological processe and disorders. In particular, Tribulus terrestris can be a stimulator of male and female reproductive processes at the level of central nervous system, sexual behaviour, pituitary and gonadal hormones and their receptors, gonadal functions (including ovarian follicullogenesis and spermatogenesis), improvement of the quality and quantity of gametes (at least of sperm) and fecundity. This ability of puncture vine is applicable for the improvement of man’s sexual desire and sperm quality in vivo and in vitro, as well as of women’s libido, activation of women’s reproductive organs, fecundity, and treatment of infertility, especially that related to the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Synthesis of Anti-Inflammatory Spirostene-Pyrazole Conjugates by a Consecutive Multicomponent Reaction of Diosgenin with Oxalyl Chloride, Arylalkynes and Hydrazines or Hydrazones

Steroid sapogenin diosgenin is of significant interest due to its biological activity and synthetic application. A consecutive one-pot reaction of diosgenin, oxalyl chloride, arylacetylenes, and phenylhydrazine give rise to steroidal 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazoles (isolated yield 46–60%) when the Stephens–Castro reaction and heterocyclization steps were carried out by heating in benzene. When the cyclization step of alkyndione with phenylhydrazine was performed in 2-methoxyethanol at room temperature, steroidal α,β-alkynyl (E)- and (Z)-hydrazones were isolated along with 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazole and the isomeric 2,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazole. The consecutive reaction of diosgenin, oxalyl chloride, phenylacetylene and benzoic acid hydrazides efficiently forms steroidal 1-benzoyl-5-hydroxy-3-phenylpyrazolines. The structure of new compounds was unambiguously corroborated by comprehensive NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, and X-ray structure analyses. Performing the heterocyclization step of ynedione with hydrazine monohydrate in 2-methoxyethanol allowed the synthesis of 5-phenyl substituted steroidal pyrazole, which was found to exhibit high anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to that of diclofenac sodium, a commercial pain reliever. It was shown by molecular docking that the new derivatives are incorporated into the binding site of the protein Keap1 Kelch-domain by their alkynylhydrazone or pyrazole substituent with the formation of more non-covalent bonds and have higher affinity than the initial spirostene core.

Reiterating the Emergence of Noncoding RNAs as Regulators of the Critical Hallmarks of Gall Bladder Cancer

Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is a rare and one of the most aggressive types of malignancies, often associated with a poor prognosis and survival. It is a highly metastatic cancer and is often not diagnosed at the initial stages, which contributes to a poor survival rate of patients. The poor diagnosis and chemoresistance associated with the disease limit the scope of the currently available surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities. Thus, there is a need to explore novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers that will help relieve the severity of the disease and lead to advanced therapeutic strategies. Accumulating evidence has correlated the atypical expression of various noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNAs (circRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA) with the increased cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, migration, metastasis, chemoresistance, and decreased apoptosis in GBC. Numerous reports have indicated that the dysregulated expression of ncRNAs is associated with poor prognosis and lower disease-free and overall survival in GBC patients. These reports suggest that ncRNAs might be considered novel diagnostic and prognostic markers for the management of GBC. The present review recapitulates the association of various ncRNAs in the initiation and progression of GBC and the development of novel therapeutic strategies by exploring their functional and regulatory role.

Embelin: A novel XIAP inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases

Chronic diseases are a serious health concern worldwide, especially in the elderly population. Most chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases are caused due to the abnormal functioning of multiple signaling pathways that give rise to critical anomalies in the body. Although a lot of advanced therapies are available, these have failed to entirely cure the disease due to their less efficacy. Apart from this, they have been shown to manifest disturbing side effects which hamper the patient's quality of life to the extreme. Since the last few decades, extensive studies have been done on natural herbs due to their excellent medicinal benefits. Components present in natural herbs target multiple signaling pathways involved in diseases and therefore hold high potential in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. Embelin, a benzoquinone, is one such agent isolated from Embelia ribes, which has shown excellent biological activities toward several chronic ailments by upregulating a number of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD, CAT, GSH, etc.), inhibiting anti-apoptotic genes (e.g., TRAIL, XIAP, survivin, etc.), modulating transcription factors (e.g., NF-κB, STAT3, etc.) blocking inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., NO, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, etc.), monitoring cell cycle synchronizing genes (e.g., p53, cyclins, CDKs, etc.), and so forth. Several preclinical studies have confirmed its excellent therapeutic activities against malicious diseases like cancer, obesity, heart diseases, Alzheimer's, and so forth. This review presents an overview of embelin, its therapeutic prospective, and the molecular targets in different chronic diseases.

Challenges in Coopted Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Herbal Bioactives in the Same Nanostructured Carriers for Effective Bioavailability and Anti-Inflammatory Action

There is ongoing research on various herbal bioactives and delivery systems which indicates that both lipid nanocarriers and herbal medicines will be fine tunned and integrated for future bio-medical applications. The current study was undertaken to systematically develop NLC-DSG-yam extract for the improved efficacy of herbal Diosgenin (DSG) in the management of anti-inflammatory disorders. NLCs were characterized regarding the mean size of the particles, morphological characteristics, physical stability in time, thermal behaviour, and entrapment efficiency of the herbal bioactive. Encapsulation efficiency and in vitro antioxidant activity measured the differences between the individual and dual co-loaded-NLC, the co-loaded one assuring a prolonged controlled release of DSG and a more emphasized ability of capturing short-life reactive oxygen species (ROS). NLCs safety properties were monitored following the in vitro MTS ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium reduction assay) and RTCA (Real-Time Cell Analysis) assays. Concentrations less than 50 μg/mL showed no cytotoxic effects during in vitro cytotoxicity assays. Besides, the NLC-DSG-yam extract revealed a great anti-inflammatory effect, as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) was significantly inhibited at 50 μg/mL NLC (e.g., 98.2% ± 1.07 inhibition of TNF-α, while for IL-6 the inhibition percentage was of 62% ± 1.07). Concluding, using appropriate lipid nanocarriers, the most desirable properties of herbal bioactives could be improved.

Comprehensive review on signaling pathways of dietary saponins in cancer cells suppression

Nutrigenomics utilizes high-throughput genomic technologies to reveal changes in gene and protein levels. Excitingly, ever-growing body of scientific findings has provided sufficient evidence about the interplay between diet and genes. Cutting-edge research and advancements in genomics, epigenetics and metabolomics have deepened our understanding on the role of dietary factors in the inhibition of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Dietary saponins, a type of triterpene glycosides, are generally found in Platycodon grandifloras, Dioscorea oppositifolia, asparagus, legumes, and sea cucumber. Wealth of information has started to shed light on pleiotropic mechanistic roles of dietary saponins in cancer prevention and inhibition. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the in vitro research of dietary saponins in the last two decades by searching common databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The results showed that dietary saponins exerted anti-cancer activities via regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, arrest cell cycle, anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis, and anti-angiogenesis, by regulation of several critical signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, and VEGF/VEGFR. However, there is no data about the dosage of dietary saponins for practical anti-cancer effects in human bodies. Extensive clinical studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of dietary saponins for further commercial and medical applications.