1
|
Liu K, Hong B, Wang S, Lou F, You Y, Hu R, Shafqat A, Fan H, Tong Y. Pharmacological Activity of Cepharanthine. Molecules 2023; 28:5019. [PMID: 37446681 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cepharanthine, a natural bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBIQ) alkaloid isolated from the plant Stephania Cephalantha Hayata, is the only bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid approved for human use and has been used in the clinic for more than 70 years. Cepharanthine has a variety of medicinal properties, including signaling pathway inhibitory activities, immunomodulatory activities, and antiviral activities. Recently, cepharanthine has been confirmed to greatly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, we aimed to describe the pharmacological properties and mechanisms of cepharanthine, mainly including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogen activities, inhibition of bone resorption, treatment of alopecia, treatment of snake bite, and other activities. At the same time, we analyzed and summarized the potential antiviral mechanism of cepharanthine and concluded that one of the most important anti-viral mechanisms of cepharanthine may be the stability of plasma membrane fluidity. Additionally, we explained its safety and bioavailability, which provides evidence for cepharanthine as a potential drug for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Finally, we further discuss the potential new clinical applications of cepharanthine and provide direction for its future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bixia Hong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Fuxing Lou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yecheng You
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ruolan Hu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Amna Shafqat
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang S, Yang S, Zhang H, Hua H, Kong Q, Wang J, Jiang Y. Targeting Na + /K + -ATPase by berbamine and ouabain synergizes with sorafenib to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4389-4407. [PMID: 34233013 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is a first-line drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The response to sorafenib varies among hepatocellular carcinoma patients and many of the responders suffer from reduced sensitivity after long-term treatment. This study aims to explore a novel strategy to potentiate or maximize the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, western blotting, various antagonists, siRNA and tumour xenografts mouse model to determine the anti- hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib in combination with berbamine or other Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligands. KEY RESULTS Berbamine and the cardiotonic steroid, ouabain, synergize with sorafenib to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth. Mechanistically, berbamine induces Src phosphorylation in Na+ /K+ -ATPase-dependent manner, leading to the activation of p38MAPK and EGFR-ERK pathways. The Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligand ouabain also induces Src, EGFR, type I insulin-like growth factor receptor, ERK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with Src or EGFR inhibitor inhibits the induction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by berbamine. Moreover, sorafenib inhibits the induction of Src, p38MAPK, EGFR and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by berbamine and ouabain. Importantly, combination of sorafenib with berbamine or ouabain synergistically inhibits both sorafenib-naïve and sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth. Co-treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with berbamine and sorafenib significantly induces cell death and significantly inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts growth in vivo. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Berbamine or other Na+ /K+ -ATPase ligands have a potential for improving sorafenib responsiveness in hepatocellular carcinoma. Targeting Na+ /K+ -ATPase represents a novel strategy to potentiate the anti- hepatocellular carcinoma effects of sorafenib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songpeng Yang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingbin Kong
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bailly C. Cepharanthine: An update of its mode of action, pharmacological properties and medical applications. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 62:152956. [PMID: 31132753 PMCID: PMC7126782 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cepharanthine (CEP) is a drug used in Japan since the 1950s to treat a number of acute and chronic diseases, including treatment of leukopenia, snake bites, xerostomia and alopecia. It is the only approved drug for Human use in the large class of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. This natural product, mainly isolated from the plant Stephania cephalantha Hayata, exhibits multiple pharmacological properties including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties. PURPOSE The mechanism of action of CEP is multifactorial. The drug exerts membrane effects (modulation of efflux pumps, membrane rigidification) as well as different intracellular and nuclear effects. CEP interferes with several metabolic axes, primarily with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and NFκB signaling pathways. In particular, the anti-inflammatory effects of CEP rely on AMPK activation and NFκB inhibition. CONCLUSION In this review, the historical discovery and development of CEP are retraced, and the key mediators involved in its mode of action are presented. The past, present, and future of CEP are recapitulated. This review also suggests new opportunities to extend the clinical applications of this well-tolerated old Japanese drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- UMR-S 1172, Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert, INSERM, University of Lille, CHU Lille, 59045, Lille, France; OncoWitan, Lille, Wasquehal, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou CH, Meng JH, Yang YT, Hu B, Hong JQ, Lv ZT, Chen K, Heng BC, Jiang GY, Zhu J, Cheng ZH, Zhang W, Cao L, Wang W, Shen WL, Yan SG, Wu HB. Cepharanthine Prevents Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss by Inhibiting Bone Resorption. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:210. [PMID: 29636680 PMCID: PMC5880888 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a common health problem worldwide caused by an imbalance of bone formation vs. bone resorption. However, current therapeutic approaches aimed at enhancing bone formation or suppressing bone resorption still have some limitations. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that cepharanthine (CEP, derived from Stephania cepharantha Hayata) exerted a protective effect on estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss. This protective effect was confirmed to be achieved through inhibition of bone resorption in vivo, rather than through enhancement of bone formation in vivo. Furthermore, the in vitro study revealed that CEP attenuated receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation, and suppressed bone resorption by impairing the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathways. The inhibitory effect of CEP could be partly reversed by treatment with anisomycin (a JNK and p38 agonist) and/or SC79 (an AKT agonist) in vitro. Our results thus indicated that CEP could prevent estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Hence, CEP might be a novel therapeutic agent for anti-osteoporosis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-He Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Hong Meng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Te Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Qiao Hong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheng-Tao Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Boon Chin Heng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Guang-Yao Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Taizhou First People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Le Cao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Liang Shen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Gui Yan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Bo Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedic Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He JM, Mu Q. The medicinal uses of the genus Mahonia in traditional Chinese medicine: An ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and pharmacological review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 175:668-83. [PMID: 26387740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Plants of the genus Mahonia Nuttall (Berberidaceae) have a long history of medical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of a wide range of health disorders, such as tuberculosis, periodontitis, dysentery, pharyngolaryngitis, eczema, and wounds. In the theory of TCM, most Mahonia species exert the effects of relieving internal heat, eliminating dampness, removing toxins, suppressing pain, promoting blood circulation, inhibiting cough and alleviating inflammation. The aim of the review is to provide comprehensive summary on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical trials of Mahonia species used in TCM based on scientific literature. Available scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic effects of Mahonia species in TCM is demonstrated and opportunities for future research are discussed to highlight the scientific gaps in our knowledge that deserves further investigation. METHODS The available information on the ethnopharmacological uses in Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical practice of the genus Mahonia was collected from Chinese Herbal Classics, published books, un-published resources, dissertations and various worldwide-accepted scientific databases: CNKI, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, Wiley, TPL (www.theplantlist.org), SciFinder, and Embase. RESULTS A variety of ethnomedical usages of Mahonia have been recorded in ancient Chinese books and references. The phytochemical research of this genus has resulted in the identification of more than 150 chemical constituents, among which alkaloids are predominant. The isolated compounds and crude extracts have been shown to exhibit a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimutagenic and analgesic properties. Preparations containing Mahonia species have been demonstrated to exert good efficacy for the clinical treatment of dysentery, internal and external hemorrhage, acne vulgaris and chronic pharyngitis, among other diseases. CONCLUSIONS The available scientific references demonstrate that the traditional medical uses of some important Mahonia species in TCM have been evaluated in modern pharmacological studies. Isoquinoline alkaloids may contribute to some of the activities shown by the plants of this genus. However, further studies employing scientific technologies and methods are warranted to reveal the phytochemistry of this genus, particularly to detail the active compounds and the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ming He
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qing Mu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|