In vitro cytotoxic potential of Solanum nigrum against human cancer cell lines

GC-MS analysis, molecular docking, and apoptotic-based cytotoxic effect of Caladium lindenii Madison extracts toward the HeLa cervical cancer cell line

Utilizing medicinal plants and other natural resources to prevent different types of human cancers is the prime focus of attention. Cervical cancer in women ranks as the fourth most common type of malignancy. The current study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the active phytochemical constituents from Caladium lindenii leaf extracts using ethanol (ECL) and n-hexane (HCL) solvents. Plant extracts were tested for potential cytotoxic effects on HeLa and HEK-293 T cells using the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) and the crystal violet assays. SYBR Green-based real-time PCR was performed to assess the mRNA expression profile of the apoptosis biomarkers (BCL-2 and TP53). The molecular interaction of the compounds with the targeted proteins (TP53, BCL2, EGFR, and HER2) was determined using molecular docking. GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 93 compounds in both extracts. The ECL extract significantly reduced the proliferation of HeLa cervical cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 40 µg/mL, while HEK-293 T cells showed less effect (IC50 = 226 µg/mL). The quantitative RT-PCR gene expression analysis demonstrated the ethanol extract regulated TP53 and BCL2 mRNA expressions in treated cancer cell samples. Heptanediamide, N,N'-di-benzoyloxy-(- 10.1) is the best-docked ligand with a TP53 target found in the molecular docking study, whereas EGFR/Clionasterol had the second highest binding affinity (- 9.7), followed by EGFR/Cycloeucalenol (- 9.6). It is concluded that ECL extract has promising anti-cervical cancer potential and might be valued for developing new plant-derived anticancer agents after further investigations.

Gene expression and anticancer evaluation of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. Extracts using MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines

In recent years, a cancer research trend has shifted towards identifying novel therapeutic compounds from natural assets for the management of cancer. In this study, we aimed to assess the cytotoxic activity of Kigelia Africana (KA) extracts on breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and noncancerous kidney cells (HEK-293T) to develop an efficient anticancer medication. We used gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS to analyze the constituents of EKA and HKA extracts meanwhile the crystal violet and the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assays were used to examine the possible cytotoxic effects of plant extracts on our cancer cell lines along with non-cancerous control. The quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was run on cell samples to evaluate the differential expression of cell proliferative markers of cancer (BCL-2 and TP53). These phytochemicals have been reported to have binding affinity for some other growth factors and receptors as well which was evaluated by the in-silico molecular docking against Bcl2, EGFR, HER2, and TP53. Our Morphological observation showed a significant difference in the cell morphology and proliferation potential which was decreased under the effect of plant extracts treatment as compared to the control samples. The ethanol extract exhibited a marked antiproliferative activity towards MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 = 20 and 32 μg/mL, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR gene expression investigation revealed that the IC50 concentration of ethanolic extract regulated the levels of mRNA expression of apoptotic genes. With the target and active binding site amino acids discovered in the molecular docking investigation, TP53/Propanoic acid, 3-(2, 3, 6-trimethyl-1, 4-dioxaspiro [4.4] non-7-yl)-, methyl ester (-7.1 kcal/mol) is the best-docked ligand. The use of this plant in folk remedies justifies its high in vitro anti-cancer capabilities. This work highlights the role of phytochemicals in the inhibition of cancer proliferation. Based on all these findings, it can be concluded that EKA extract has promising anti-proliferative effect on cancerous cells but more study is required in future to further narrow down the active ingredients of total crude extract with specific targets in cancer cells.

In-Vitro Cytotoxicity, Apoptotic Property, and Gene Expression Changes Induced by Naringenin-7-O-Glucoside in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges demanding the expansion of effectual therapeutic methods. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a form of aggressive cancer with inadequate therapeutic options which lacks the expression of certain hormones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study investigates the potential of naringenin-7-O-glucoside, a flavanone glycoside extracted from Holarrhena antidysenterica as an anticancer agent against TNBC cell lines. In-vitro analysis to evaluate cytotoxicity, apoptotic-inducing properties and effect on gene expression was conducted.

RESULTS

MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay studied the IC-50 of naringenin-7-O-glucoside to be 233.56 µg/µL, revealing the dose-dependent cytotoxicity with minimal effect on Vero cells. Extensive DNA fragmentation confirmed the apoptotic property. Furthermore, a significant downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was noted in treated cells when equated to the control specimen of the sample.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, naringenin-7-O-glucoside can be a potential targeted therapeutic agent.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Effect Studies of Novel Benzofuran-Thiazolylhydrazone Derivatives as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

In recent studies, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory effects of various thiazolylhydrazone derivatives have been demonstrated. Within the scope of this study, 12 new compounds containing thiazolylhydrazone groups were synthesized. The structures of the obtained compounds were elucidated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) methods. The inhibitory effects of the final compounds on MAO enzymes were investigated by means of in vitro methods. In addition to enzyme inhibition studies, enzyme kinetic studies of compounds with high inhibitory activity were examined, and their effects on substrate-enzyme relations were investigated. Additionaly, cytotoxicity tests were carried out to determine the toxicities of the selected compounds, and the compounds were found to be nontoxic. The interactions of the active compound with the active site of the enzyme were characterized by in silico methods.

Investigation of the effect of belinostat on MCF-7 breast cancer stem cells via the Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog signaling pathway

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate belinostat's (PXD101) activity on MCF-7 breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) via Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog.

METHODS

This research study was carried out at the Department of Medical Biology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey, from June 2017 to July 2019. The effect of PXD101 on MCF-7 cell viability was determined by cell proliferation kit (XTT). Following belinostat treatment, CD44+/CD24- MCF-7 CSCs were isolated by FACS. Ribonucleic acid isolation and copy-deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis were carried out using HEK-293 cells, MCF-7 cells, and MCF-7 CSCs. Expression changes of metastasis-related genes, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, and stem cell markers were analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The IC50 in MCF-7 cancer cells was 5 μM for 48 hours. The FACS analysis indicated that 2% of the MCF-7 cancer cells were CSCs. Following belinostat treatment, the MCF-7 cell count decreased by 44%, and the MCF-7 CD44+/CD24- CSC count decreased by 66%.

RESULTS

Belinostat treatment reduced the expression of metastasis, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and stem cell marker genes.

CONCLUSION

Belinostat has a potential effect on the differentiation and self-renewal of breast CSCs.

Preparation and investigation of a novel combination of Solanum nigrum-loaded, arabinoxylan-cross-linked β-cyclodextrin nanosponges for the treatment of cancer: in vitro, in vivo, and in silico evaluation

Introduction: Cancer contributes to a high mortality rate worldwide spanning its diversity from genetics to resistant therapeutic response. To date emerging strategies to combat and manage cancer are particularly focused on the development of targeted therapies as conventional treatments account for the destruction of normal cells as well. In this regard, medicinal plant-based therapies are quite promising in imposing minimal side effects; however, limitations like poor bioavailability and stability of bioactive phytochemicals are associated with them. In parallel, nanotechnology provides nominal solution to deliver particular therapeutic agent without compromising its stability. Methods: In this study, Solanum nigrum, an effective medicinal plant, loaded arabinoxylan cross-linked β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (SN-AXCDNS) were designed to evaluate antitumor activity against breast cancer. Therefore, SN-AXCDNS were prepared by using cross-linker melt method and characterized by physicochemical and pharmacological parameters. Results: Hydrodynamic size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were estimated as 226 ± 4 nm, -29.15 ± 5.71 mV and 93%, respectively. Surface morphology of nanocomposites showed spherical, smooth, and porous form. Antitumor pharmacological characterization showed that SN loaded nanosponge demonstrated higher cytotoxicity (22.67 ± 6.11 μg/mL), by inducing DNA damage as compared to void SN extract. Flow cytometry analysis reported that encapsulated extract promoted cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 (9.51%). Moreover, in vivo analysis demonstrates the reduction in tumor weight and 85% survival chances in nanosponge treated mice featuring its effectiveness. In addition, in silico analysis revealed that β-cyclodextrin potentially inhibits MELK in breast cancer cell lines (B.E = -10.1 Kcal/mol). Conclusion: Therefore, findings of current study elucidated the therapeutic potential of β-cyclodextrin based nanosponges to be an alternative approach regarding the delivery and solubilization of antitumor drugs.

Solanum nigrum L. in COVID-19 and post-COVID complications: a propitious candidate

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has changed the world scenario and caused mortality around the globe. Patients who recovered from COVID-19 have shown neurological, psychological, renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematological complications. In some patients, complications lasted more than 6 months. However, significantly less attention has been given to post-COVID complications. Currently available drugs are used to tackle the complications, but new interventions must address the problem. Phytochemicals from natural sources have been evaluated in recent times to cure or alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. An edible plant, Solanum nigrum, could be therapeutic in treating COVID-19 as the AYUSH ministry of India prescribes it during the pandemic. S. nigrum demonstrates anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral action to treat the SARS-CoV-2 infection and its post-complications. Different parts of the plant represent a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and prevent multi-organ failure by protecting various organs (liver, kidney, heart, neuro, and lung). The review proposes the possible role of the plant S. nigrum in managing the symptoms of COVID-19 and its post-COVID complications based on in silico docking and pharmacological studies. Further systematic and experimental studies are required to validate our hypothesis.

Phytochemical profiling and cytotoxic potential of Arnebia nobilis root extracts against hepatocellular carcinoma using in-vitro and in-silico approaches

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most prevalent cancer worldwide. The emergence of drug resistance and other adverse effects in available anticancer options are challenging to explore natural sources. The current study was designed to decipher the Arnebia nobilis (A. nobilis) extracts for detecting phytochemicals, in-vitro evaluation of antioxidative and cytotoxic potentials, and in-silico prediction of potent anticancer compounds. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, quinones, and cardiac glycosides, in the ethanol (ANE) and n-hexane (ANH) extracts of A. nobilis. ANH extract exhibited a better antioxidant potential to scavenge DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide anion radicals than ANE extract, which showed better potential only against H2O2 radicals. In 24 h treatment, ANH extract revealed higher cytotoxicity (IC50 value: 22.77 µg/mL) than ANH extract (IC50 value: 46.74 µg/mL) on cancer (HepG2) cells without intoxicating the normal (BHK) cells using MTT assay. A better apoptotic potential was observed in ANH extract (49.10%) compared to ANE extract (41.35%) on HepG2 cells using the annexin V/PI method. GCMS analysis of ANH extract identified 35 phytocompounds, from which only 14 bioactive compounds were selected for molecular docking based on druggability criteria and toxicity filters. Among the five top scorers, deoxyshikonin exhibited the best binding affinities of - 7.2, - 9.2, - 7.2 and - 9.2 kcal/mol against TNF-α, TGF-βR1, Bcl-2 and iNOS, respectively, followed by ethyl cholate and 2-Methyl-6-(4-methylphenyl)hept-2-en-4-one along with their desirable ADMET properties. The phytochemicals of ANH extract could be used as a promising drug candidate for liver cancer after further validations.

Insights of ethyl acetate fraction from Vassobia breviflora in multidrug-resistant bacteria and cancer cells: from biological to therapeutic

Cancer and infectious diseases are among the leading causes of death in the world. Despite the diverse array of treatments available, challenges posed by resistance, side effects, high costs, and inaccessibility persist. In the Solanaceae plant family, few studies with Vassobia breviflora species relating to biological activity are known, but promising results have emerged. The phytochemicals present in the ethyl acetate fraction were obtained using ESI-MS-QTOF, and the antioxidants assays 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical capture (ABTS), plasma ferric reduction capacity (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT, Neutral Red, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released. The production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and purinergic enzymes was also investigated. Antibacterial activity was measured through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm activity, in addition to genotoxicity in plasmid DNA. Five major masses were identified D-glucopyranose II, allyl disulfide, γ-lactones, pharbilignoside, and one mass was not identified. V. breviflora exhibited relevant antioxidant and cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line and enhanced expression effect in modulation of purinergic signaling. Antibacterial activities in the assays in 7 ATCC strains and 8 multidrug-resistant clinical isolates were found. V. breviflora blocked biofilm formation in producing bacteria at the highest concentrations tested. However, there was no plasmid DNA cleavage at the concentrations tested. Data demonstrated that V. breviflora exhibited an antioxidant effect through several methods and proved to be a promising therapeutic alternative for use against tumor cells via purinergic signaling and multidrug-resistant microorganisms, presenting an anti-biofilm effect.

Serendipitous identification of phenylhydrazine derivatives as potent inhibitors of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Background: In the authors' previous study, 4-(2-((3-methyl-4-oxo-2-thioxo/dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene) methyl) hydrazineyl) benzonitriles were found to demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii. Interestingly, the aforementioned compounds contain a 4-cyanophenylhydrazine motif. Materials & methods: Intrigued by this observation, the authors focused on preparing a library of 4-cyanophenylhydrazine derivatives and studied their detailed antibacterial potential. Results: This study led to the identification of a 4-cyanophenylhydrazine with potent inhibitory activity against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii BAA-1605, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25 μg/ml and highest selectivity index of 640. The compound also demonstrated potent inhibition against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii isolates (MIC: 0.25-1 μg/ml). Conclusion: The identified 4-cyanophenylhydrazine compound exhibited synergistic activity with amikacin, tobramycin and polymyxin B against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii BAA-1605.

In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic Potential of Caladium lindenii Extracts on Human Hepatocarcinoma HepG2 and Normal HEK293T Cell Lines

Data regarding the therapeutic potential of Caladium lindenii (C. lindenii) are insufficient. It becomes more important to explore plants as an alternative or palliative therapeutics in deadly diseases around the globe. The current study was planned to explore C. lindenii for its anticancer activity of ethanolic and hexane extracts of C. lindenii leaves against hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cell lines. HepG2 and HEK293T cells were treated with 10, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL of ethanolic and hexane extracts of C. lindenii and were incubated for 72 h. Antiproliferative activity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and percentage viability were calculated through crystal violet staining and cellular morphology by Floid Cell Imaging Station. The study showed ethanolic extract exhibiting a significantly higher antiproliferative effect on HepG2 (IC50 = 31μg/mL) in a concentration-dependent manner, while HEK293T (IC50 = 241μg/mL) cells showed no toxicity. Hexane extract exhibited lower cytotoxicity (IC50 = 150μg/mL) on HepG2 cells with no effect on HEK293T (IC50 = 550μg/mL). On the other hand, the percentage viability of HepG2 cells was recorded as 78%, 67%, 50%, 37%, and 28% by ethanolic extracts, and 88%, 80%, 69%, 59%, and 50% by hexane extracts at tested concentrations of both extracts. Toxicity assay showed significantly safer ranges of percentage viabilities in normal cells (HEK293T), i.e., 95%, 90%, 88%, 76%, and 61% with ethanolic extract and 97%, 95%, 88%, 75%, and 62% with hexane extract. The assay validity revealed 100% viability in the control negative (dimethyl sulfoxide treated) and less than 45% in the control positive (cisplatin) on both HepG2 and HEK293T cells. Morphological studies showed alterations in HepG2 cells upon exposure to >50 μg/mL of ethanolic extracts and ≥400 μg/mL of hexane extracts. HEK293T on the other hand did not change its morphology against any of the extracts compared to the aggressive changes on the HepG2 cell line by both extracts and positive control (cisplatin). In conclusion, extracts of C. lindenii are proved to have significant potential for cytotoxicity-induced apoptosis in human cancer HepG2 cells and are less toxic to normal HEK293T cells. Hence C. lindenii extracts are proposed to be used against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after further validations.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Chemopreventive Properties and Phytochemical Analysis of Solanum nigrum L. Aerial Parts and Root Extracts

This study evaluated in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf and root extracts from Solanum nigrum L. and determined its chemical composition. The chemical profile of S. nigrum L. extract was tested using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Disc diffusion and microdilution assays were used for the antibacterial activities. Antifungal activity was measured using the poisoned food technique. In vitro activity on the cell culture model was assessed by MTT assay, viability measurement and by determination of cellular ROS by DCFDA assay. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for extracts from aerial parts ranged from 125 to 500 μg/mL for gram-positive cocci and Pectobacterium strains. The growth inhibition coefficient ranged from 17–56%, depending on the dosage. The antifungal effect of S. nigrum extracts on the tested filamentous fungi depended on the dose. An inhibitory effect of 50–56% on fungi was observed against Alternaria alternata and Chaetomium globosum. The study showed a reduction in cellular vitality of THP1, A549, MCF7 and HeLa cancer lines using both extracts. In addition, there was a decrease in the number of viable cells in cultures incubated with the extract of aerial parts and a reduction in oxygen radicals in the cells. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using S. nigrum extracts from the aerial part as antimicrobial factors. Both extracts show chemopreventive properties by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing the level of free radicals. Both extracts show chemopreventive properties by inhibiting cancer cell growth and lowering free radical levels. The broad biological activity of the studied extracts can be used in agriculture, veterinary usages and medicine.

Synthesis and Antibacterial evaluation of Rhodanine and Its related heterocyclic compounds against S. aureus and A. baumannii

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious challenge to modern medicine. Besides imposing high financial burden, multidrug resistant infections are directly responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Even though a number of antibiotics are currently available to treat infections caused by ESKAPE organisms, more and more bacterial strains are becoming resistant to these drugs. In these circumstances, there is an urgent unmet need for development of newer antimicrobials to treat the infections caused due to MDR organisms. Rhodanine and structurally related 5-membered heterocycles possess wide range of pharmacological activities. A number of these derivatives have shown good to potent inhibition against the various microorganisms. They are reported to alter the functions of DNA gyrase B, metallo-β-lactamases, pencilline binding protein (PBP), Mur ligases, RNA polymerase, Enoyl ACP reductases, 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase. etc which are vital molecular targets involved in bacterial growth, survival and replication. In this study, we have generated a library of Rhodanine and related 5 membered heterocyclic derivatives and screened them against a panel of pathogens. Among all the compounds, 2a-i, 3a-b, 3g, 4, 6b-c, 6e, 6g, 12a-b and 14b-c have demonstrated good to moderate inhibition against S. aureus (MIC 0.125-8 µ g/mL). Further, compound 17b demonstrated moderate activity against A. baumannii (MIC 8 µ g/mL). In addition, compounds 2a, 2e, 4, 6c, 6g and 14b have shown good to mild inhibition against MDR S. aureus including VRSA (MIC 0.5-16 µ g/mL) with good selectivity index 20-1600. In addition, compound 2e has inhibited growth gradually after 6 h in time kill kinetic studies and not antagonized with the tested FDA approved drugs.

Medicinal plants show remarkable antiproliferative potential in human cancer cell lines

Molecules isolated and identified from plant origin are used to manufacture most chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment. We assumed that these plant extracts contain prolific bioactive compounds with potent antiproliferative activities and could be effective against different human cancer cells. Ethanolic extracts were prepared from Chelidonium majus, Myrica cerifera, Fumaria indica, Nigella sativa, and Silybum marianum, and the antiproliferative assay was performed in HepG2 and HeLa human cancer cell lines. All plants extract exhibited antiproliferative potential against studied cancer cell lines in the dose and time-dependent manner. Chelidonium majus and Silybum marianum have shown promising results against HepG2 and HeLa cells, respectively, followed by Myrica cerifera, Fumaria indica, and Nigella sativa. Results indicated that utilization of whole plant extract as anticancer compounds could be of great value in generating novel chemotherapeutic drugs.