Immunomodulating activity of Chinese medicinal herbs and Oldenlandia diffusa in particular

Alleviation of Splenic Injury by CB001 after Low-Dose Irradiation Mediated by NLRP3/Caspase-1-BAX/Caspase-3 Axis

Low-dose radiation has been extensively employed in clinical practice, including tumor immunotherapy, chronic inflammation treatment and nidus screening. However, the damage on the spleen caused by low-dose radiation significantly increases the risk of late infection-related mortality, and there is currently no corresponding protective strategy. In the present study, a novel compound preparation named CB001 mainly constituted of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) and Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) was developed to alleviate splenic injury caused by fractionated low-dose exposures. As our results show that, white pulp atrophy and the excessive apoptosis in spleen tissue induced by radiation exposure were significantly ameliorated by CB001. Mechanistically, BAX-caspase-3 signaling and nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich-repeat-containing family pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling were demonstrated to be involved in the radio-protective activity of CB001 with the selective activators. Furthermore, the crosstalk between apoptosis signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in mediating the radio-protective activity of CB001 was clarified, in which the pro-apoptotic protein BAX but not the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 was found to be downstream of NLRP3. Our study demonstrated that the use of a novel drug product CB001 can potentially facilitate the alleviation of radiation-induced splenic injury for patients receiving medical imaging diagnosis or fractionated radiation therapy.

Yiwei decoction promotes apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through spleen-derived exosomes

Yiwei decoction (YWD) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is clinically effective for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer recurrence and metastasis. According to the theory of TCM, YWD tonifies the body and strengthens the body's resistance to gastric cancer recurrence and metastasis potentially via the immune regulation of the spleen. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether YWD-treated spleen-derived exosomes in rats inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, to elucidate the anticancer effects of YWD, and to provide evidence supporting the use of YWD as a new clinical treatment for gastric cancer. Spleen-derived exosomes were obtained by ultracentrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blot analysis. The location of the exosomes in tumor cells was then determined by immunofluorescence staining. After tumor cells were treated with different concentrations of exosomes, the effect of exosomes on cell proliferation was determined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays. Tumor cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Particle analysis and western blot analysis identified the material extracted from spleen tissue supernatant as exosomes. Immunofluorescence staining showed that spleen-derived exosomes were taken up by HGC-27 cells, and the CCK8 assay confirmed that the relative tumor inhibition rate of YWD-treated spleen-derived exosomes in the 30 μg/mL reached 70.78% compared to control exosomes in the 30 μg/mL (p < 0.05). Compared to control exosomes in the 30 μg/mL, the colony formation assay indicated that YWD-treated spleen-derived exosomes in the 30 μg/mL colonies have decreased by 99.03% (p < 0.01). Moreover, flow cytometry analysis showed that treatment with YWD-treated exosomes in the 30 μg/mL increased the apoptosis rate to 43.27%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group in the 30 μg/mL (25.91%) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, spleen-derived exosomes from YWD-treated animals inhibit the proliferation of HGC-27 cells via inducing apoptosis, suggesting that spleen-derived exosomes are involved in mediating the antitumor effect of YWD. These results demonstrated a novel exosome-mediated anticancer effect of YWD as a TCM formula, thereby supporting the use of YWD-treated exosomes as a new approach for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer.

Umifenovir Epigenetically Targets the IL-10 Pathway in Therapy against Coxsackievirus B4 Infection

Umifenovir, a broad-spectrum nonnucleoside antiviral drug, has a promising efficacy against coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) infection, but its mechanism remains unclear. CVB4 is a common human single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Picornaviridae family and the Enterovirus genus. Enterovirus can cause severe diseases, such as meningitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, insulin-dependent diabetes, and several other diseases, in both adults and children. We have previously demonstrated the critical role of interleukin 10 (IL-10) in promoting CVB4 infection and the downregulation of IL-10 by umifenovir. To further explore the underlying mechanisms of umifenovir, we characterized the epigenetic regulation of IL-10 in IL-10 knockout RAW264.7 cells and a BALB/c mouse splenocyte model. Mechanistically, we found that umifenovir inhibited CVB4-activated IL-10 by enhancing the methylation level of the repressive histones H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 while reducing the acetylation level of the activating histone H3K9ac in the promoter region of the IL-10 gene. Furthermore, using a chromosome conformation capture approach, we discovered that CVB4 infection activated the IL-10 gene by forming an intrachromosomal interaction between the IL-10 gene promoter and an intronic enhancer of the downstream MK2 (mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK]-activated protein kinase 2 [MAPKAPK2]) gene, a critical component of the p38-MAPK signaling pathway, which is required for IL-10 gene expression. However, umifenovir treatment abolished this spatial conformation and chromatin interaction, thus reducing the continuous expression of IL-10 and subsequent CVB4 replication. In conclusion, this study reveals a novel epigenetic mechanism by which umifenovir controls CVB4 infections, thus laying a theoretical foundation for therapeutic use of umifenovir. IMPORTANCE Viral infections are major threats to human health because of their strong association with a variety of inflammation-related diseases, especially cancer. Many antiviral drugs are performing poorly in treating viral infections. This is probably due to the immunosuppressive effect of highly expressed IL-10, which is caused by viral infection. Umifenovir is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug. Our recent studies showed that umifenovir has a significant inhibitory effect on CVB4 infection and can reduce IL-10 expression caused by CVB4. However, another antiviral drug, rupintrivir, showed good antiviral activity but had no effect on the expression of IL-10. This suggests that the regulation of IL-10 expression is a key part of the antiviral mechanism of umifenovir. Therefore, due to the dual function of the inhibition of CVB4 replication and the regulation of immune antiviral pathway, the mechanism of umifenovir is of great value to study.

M, K M, Dey T, Zargar MI, Singh J. Recent advance of herbal medicines in cancer- a molecular approach

Bioactive compounds are crucial for an extensive range of therapeutic uses, and some exhibit anticancer activity. Scientists advocate that phytochemicals modulate autophagy and apoptosis, involved in the underlying pathobiology of cancer development and regulation. The pharmacological aiming of the autophagy-apoptosis signaling pathway using phytocompounds hence offers an auspicious method that is complementary to conventional cancer chemotherapy. The current review aims to explore the molecular level of the autophagic-apoptotic pathway to know its implication in the pathobiology of cancer and explore the essential cellular process as a druggable anticancer target and therapeutic emergence of naturally derived phytocompound-based anticancer agents. The data in the review were collected from scientific databases such as Google search, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Clinical Trials. With a broad outlook, we investigated their cutting-edge scientifically revealed and/or searched pharmacologic effects, a novel mechanism of action, and molecular signaling pathway of phytochemicals in cancer therapy. In this review, the evidence is focused on molecular pharmacology, specifically caspase, Nrf2, NF-kB, autophagic-apoptotic pathway, and several mechanisms to understand their role in cancer biology.

Pentacyclic triterpenoid ursolic acid induces apoptosis with mitochondrial dysfunction in adult T-cell leukemia MT-4 cells to promote surrounding cell growth

We investigated the antitumor effects of oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA) on adult T-cell leukemia cells. OA and UA dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of adult T-cell leukemia cells. UA-treated cells showed caspase 3/7 and caspase 9 activation. PARP cleavage was detected in UA-treated MT-4 cells. Activation of mTOR and PDK-1 was inhibited by UA. Autophagosomes were detected in MT-4 cells after UA treatment using electron microscopy. Consistently, mitophagy was observed in OA- and UA-treated MT-4 cells by confocal microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential in MT-4 cells considerably decreased, and mitochondrial respiration and aerobic glycolysis were significantly reduced following UA treatment. Furthermore, MT-1 and MT-4 cells were sorted into two regions based on their mitochondrial membrane potential. UA-treated MT-4 cells from both regions showed high activation of caspase 3/7, which were inhibited by Z-vad. Interestingly, MT-4 cells cocultured with sorted UA-treated cells showed enhanced proliferation. Finally, UA induced cell death and ex vivo PARP cleavage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with adult T-cell leukemia. Therefore, UA-treated MT-4 cells show caspase activation following mitochondrial dysfunction and may produce survival signals to the surrounding cells.

Astragalus membranaceus root supplementation improves average daily gain, rumen fermentation, serum immunity and antioxidant indices of Tibetan sheep

The use of antibiotics as supplements in animal feed is restricted due to possible health hazards associated with them. Consequently, there is increasing interest in exploiting natural products to improve health and production of livestock with no detrimental side effects. In this study, we examined the effect of Astragalus membranaceus root (AMT) supplementation on DM intake, growth performance, rumen fermentation and immunity of Tibetan sheep. Twenty-four male Tibetan sheep (31 ± 1.4 kg; 9 months old) were assigned randomly to one of four dietary treatments with different levels of AMT: 0, 20, 50 and 80 g/kg DM (A₀, A₂, A₅ and A₈, respectively) in addition to their basal diets. A₀ acted as a control group, and measurements were recorded over a 56-d feeding period. Sheep fed with AMT had a higher average daily gain and a lower feed:gain ratio than controls (P < 0.001). Rumen concentrations of NH₃-N (P < 0.001), total volatile fatty acids (P = 0.028), acetate (P = 0.017) and propionate (P = 0.031) in A₅ and A₈ were higher than those in A₀. The addition of AMT in the feed significantly increased serum antioxidant and immunity factors of the sheep and increased the concentrations of serum interleukin, immunoglobulin and tumour necrosis factor-α (P = 0.010). We concluded that AMT can be used as a feed additive to improve growth performance and rumen fermentation and enhance the immunity of Tibetan sheep. Some responses exhibited a dose-dependent response, whereas other did not exhibit a pattern, with an increase in AMT. The addition of 50 and 80 g/kg AMT of total DM intake showed the most promising results.

Opinions on the current pandemic of COVID-19: Use functional food to boost our immune functions

The pandemic of novel coronavirus caused COVID-19 had resulted in a high number of hospitalizations and deaths and caused a devastating toll on human and society health. The symptoms of the infected patients vary significantly, from life-threatening to mild or even asymptomatic. This clinical observation led to hypothesize on the critical role of host innate immunity in the disease development and progression. As the first defense barrier against microorganisms, the innate immune reaction determines not only the viral infection rate but also immune-mediated response. Therefore, promote healthy behaviors to enhance innate immunity with functional food and nutritional agents may be a rational strategy for minimizing damages caused by viruses to global health.

Immune system activation by natural products and complex fractions: a network pharmacology approach in cancer treatment

Natural products and traditional herbal medicine are an important source of alternative bioactive compounds but very few plant-based preparations have been scientifically evaluated and validated for their potential as medical treatments. However, a promising field in the current therapies based on plant-derived compounds is the study of their immunomodulation properties and their capacity to activate the immune system to fight against multifactorial diseases like cancer. In this review we discuss how network pharmacology could help to characterize and validate natural single molecules or more complex preparations as promising cancer therapies based on their multitarget capacities.

Chinese Herbal Medicine and Its Regulatory Effects on Tumor Related T Cells

Traditional Chinese medicine is an accepted and integral part of clinical cancer management alongside Western medicine in China. However, historically TCM physicians were unaware of the chemical constituents of their formulations, and the specific biological targets in the body. Through HPLC, flow cytometry, and other processes, researchers now have a much clearer picture of how herbal medicine works in conjunction with the immune system in cancer therapy. Among them, the regulation of tumor-related T cells plays the most important role in modulating tumor immunity by traditional Chinese medicine. Encouraging results have been well-documented, including an increase in T cell production along with their associated cytokines, enhanced regulation of Tregs and important T cell ratios, the formation and function of Tregs in tumor microenvironments, and the promotion of the number and function of normal T Cells to reduce conventional cancer therapy side effects. Chinese herbal medicine represents a rich field of research from which to draw further inspiration for future studies. While promising agents have already been identified, the vast majority of Chinese herbal mechanisms remain undiscovered. In this review, we summarize the effects and mechanisms of specific Chinese herbs and herbal decoctions on tumor related T cells.

Diversity and use of medicinal plants for soup making in traditional diets of the Hakka in West Fujian, China

BACKGROUND

Wild edible and medicinal plants were an important component of traditional diets and continue to contribute to food security, nutrition, and health in many communities globally. For example, the preparation and consumption of soup made of medicinal plants for promoting health and preventing disease are a key component of the traditional diets of the Hakka socio-linguistic group of China's West Fujian Province. As environmental and socio-economic factors drive the shift away from traditional diets, there is a need for ethnobotanical documentation of the diversity of wild edible and medicinal plants as well as associated knowledge and practices.

METHOD

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Hakka communities in West Fujian Province between 2017 and 2018 to document plants used in medicinal soups as well as associated traditional ecological knowledge, practices, and conservation status. Surveys included semi-structural interviews, key informant interviews, participatory rural appraisal, and focus group discussions. Quantitative indices, including cultural food significance index (CFSI) and relative frequency of citation (RFC), were calculated to evaluate the importance of documented plants to Hakka communities. The species with the highest CFSI and RFC values were ranked by informants and further evaluated according to their individual properties and growth environment.

RESULTS

A total of 42 medicinal plant species, belonging to 25 families and 41 genera, were documented for making soup by the Hakka. The Asteraceae botanical family was the most prevalent, and their root or the entire plant is used for soup making. Informants incorporate different ingredients in soups for their flavors as well as medicinal properties on the basis of the local ethnonutrition system. The most prevalent medicinal uses of the documented plants for making soups were used for clearing inner heat (58.1% of the species), treating inflammation (37.2%), and counteracting cold in the body (20.9%). Informants perceived that the medicinal properties of soup-making plants are influenced by the time of harvest, the local environment, and the climate.

CONCLUSION

Efforts are needed to preserve the ecological knowledge associated with traditional diets towards supporting both environmental and human well-being in rapidly developing communities experiencing the nutrition transition and biodiversity loss.

Simultaneous Determination of Five Irdoid Glycosides and Three Flavonoid Glycosides in Hedyotis Diffusa Wild by UPLC-UV with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Background:

Hedyotis diffusa is one of the most extensively used Chinese herbs for the treatment of varieties of cancers in the folk of China. The ingredients of the preparation are still not very clear and the quality control method of the herb medicine requires further improvement. Introduction: In this paper, the quantitative methods for the quality control of H. diffusa were originally developed by using UPLC-UV.

Methods:

Using the five irdoid glycosides and three flavonoid glycosides previously obtained from H. diffusa as index components, referring to 10-Acetyl Scandoside Methyl Ester (ASME), Scandoside (SD), Deacetyl Aspemloside (DA), Asperulosidic Acid (AA), Asperuloside (AD), Qurecetin-3-OSophoroside (QS), Quercetin-3-O-[2-(6-O-E-Sinapoyl-β-D-Glucopyranosyl]-β-D-Glucopyranosyl (QESGG), and Quercetin-3-O-[2-O-(6-O-E-Feruloyl)-β-D-Glucopyranosyl]-β-Glucopyanoside (QEFGG), the extraction conditions, including solvents, durations, and cycles were optimized firstly. Subsequently, a new UPLC-UV method was originally established to simultaneously determine the eight ingredients in the Chinese herbal medicine.

Results:

The validated method exhibited good linearity (R2 > 0.999), repeatability (RSD < 3.01%), intra- and inter-day precision (RSD <6.19%) and recoveries (96.31% to 104.22%) for the simultaneous determination of the eight ingredients studied and had been used for the quality analysis of 6 batches of H. diffusa sameples.

Conclusion:

The established UPLC-UV method could serve as a rapid and effective tool for quality evaluation of the herbal medicine, H. diffusa.

Analyzing hedyotis diffusa mechanisms of action from the genomics perspective

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Hedyotis diffusa is an herb used for anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibroblast treatment in the clinical practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, its pharmacological mechanisms have not been fully established and there is a lack of modern scientific verification. One of the best ways to further understand Hedyotis diffusa's mechanisms of action is to analyze it from the genomics perspective.

METHODS

In this study, we used network pharmacology approaches to infer the herb-gene interactions, the herb-pathway interactions, and the gene families. We then analyzed Hedyotis diffusa's mechanisms of action using the genomics context combined with the Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical practice and the pharmacological research.

RESULTS

The results obtained in the pathway and gene family analysis were consistent with the Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical experience and the pharmacological activities of Hedyotis diffusa.

CONCLUSIONS

Our approach can identify related genes and pathways correctly with little a priori knowledge, and provide potential directions to facilitate further research.

The Association Between Different Patterns of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment and All-Cause Mortality Among Cancer Patients

Background: Cancer patients receiving Western medical treatment, frequently seek Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to alleviate adverse effects and prolong survival. Objective: This study evaluated the association between the use of TCM and cancer survival rate. Research into the effect of TCM on patient survival is limited, this analysis focused on 3 patterns of TCM use. Methods: Three retrospective cohorts with different patterns of TCM use were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan and analyzed. Patients with newly diagnosed cancer between 1997 and 2012 were classified into groups of prediagnosis, postdiagnosis, and continuous TCM use associated with awareness of cancer diagnosis. All demographic and clinical data were analyzed. Results: After propensity score matching, longevity of the postdiagnosis and continuous TCM user was significantly longer than the non-TCM user. The adjusted hazard ratios of death in postdiagnosis and continuous TCM use groups (0.59 and 0.61, respectively) were lower than the non-TCM use group. Conclusion: The analysis suggests that cancer patients using TCM in conjunction with Western medical treatment exhibited a higher survival rate than patients not using TCM treatment.

Network-pharmacology-based identification of caveolin-1 as a key target of Oldenlandia diffusa to suppress breast cancer metastasis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer remains the most common female malignancy and metastasis is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients. Oldenlandia diffusa has been empirically and extensively used as an adjuvant therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with proven efficacy. However, its anti-metastasis mechanism has been poorly revealed.

METHODS

Multiple molecular biology experiments as well as network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis were conducted to investigate the anti-metastasis mechanism of Oldenlandia diffusa in breast cancer.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that ethanol extract of Oldenlandia diffusa (EEOD) significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of high-metastatic breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453, while having no obvious cytotoxic effect on multiple nonmalignant cells. Furthermore, EEOD remarkably suppressed the migration and invasion capacities of the above breast cancer cells by modulating the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. More importantly, EEOD also significantly inhibited breast cancer metastasis in zebrafish xenotransplantation model in vivo. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis further demonstrated that EEOD yielded 12 candidate compounds and 225 potential targets, and shared 85 putative targets associated with breast cancer metastasis. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing and experimental validation results suggested that EEOD might inhibit breast cancer metastasis by attenuating the expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) as overexpression of Cav-1 could weaken the anti-metastasis efficacy of EEOD.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings proved that EEOD could inhibit breast cancer metastasis by attenuating the expression of Cav-1, highlighting the use of EEOD as an adjunctive therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients. This study also provides novel insights into network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis as effective tools to illuminate the scientific basis of TCM.

Astragalus polysaccharide combined with 10-hydroxycamptothecin inhibits metastasis in non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines via the MAP4K3/mTOR signaling pathway

Non‑small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a life‑threatening malignancy. The level of the cell growth regulator mitogen‑activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP4K3) has been shown to be correlated with a high risk of NSCLC recurrence and poor recurrence‑free survival rate. The present study examined the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and 10‑hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), which are associated with marked suppression and dephosphorylation of the MAP4K3/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, in the H1299 NSCLC cell line. APS and HCPT decreased H1299 cell viability, induced apoptosis and altered the cell cycle stages, as evaluated using an 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, APS increased the expression of apoptosis‑associated genes B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2) and Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (BAX), of proteases cysteine‑aspartic acid protease (caspase)‑3 and ‑9, and of cytochrome c. HCPT promoted autophagy in H1299 cells, with concomitant suppression of the expression of MAP4K3 and downregulation of mTOR signaling. Notably, combination treatment with the two agents reduced the migration and invasion of H1299 cells compared with the single treatments. It was also demonstrated that the overexpression of MAP4K3 promoted the migration and invasion of H1299 cells, and that the kinase activity was essential to this. These findings suggested that MAP4K3 may be an attractive target for the treatment of NSCLC.

Enhanced anticancer effects of Scutellaria barbata D. Don in combination with traditional Chinese medicine components on non-small cell lung cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Experience-based herbal medicine as a complementary to modern western medicine has triggered an array of studies in quest of novel anticancer drugs. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) is commonly used to treat different types of cancers, but its molecular mechanism of action is not clearly understood. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the mode of action of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription with a total of 14 components, named Lian-Jia-San-Jie-Fang (LJSJF, in Chinese), where SB works as the "principle" against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four different NSCLC cell lines (A549, H460, H1650, and H1975) were used. Cytotoxicity, in vitro tumorigenicity, gene expression, and protein expression were analyzed by MTT assay, soft agar assay, real-time PCR, and Western blots, respectively.

RESULTS

Among the 14 components in LJSJF, SB was the only one to possess cytotoxic effects at its pharmacologically relevant doses. Additionally, we observed synergistically dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of SB in combination with other LJSJF components. After SB or LJSJF treatment, significant reductions in colony number and/or size were observed in A549 and H460; a notable dose-dependent decrease in EGFR was observed in A549, H460, and H1650; significant downregulation in EGFR and its downstream signaling targets mTOR and p38MAPK were also observed in A549 and H460; and p53 and p21 were significantly increased while survivin, cyclin D1, and MDM2 were significantly decreased in A549. Additionally, p53, p21, and Mettl7b were decreased, but p73 was increased in H460. Neither EGFR nor p53 was changed in H1975. Therefore, SB or LJSJF may induce cytotoxic effects by regulating multiple and/or distinct apoptotic pathways in different NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSION

LJSJF exerts more pronounced cytotoxic effects against NSCLC cells than SB does by synergistically regulating the underlining molecular mechanisms including EGFR and/or p53 signaling pathways.

ShenQi FuZheng Injection combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis

Objective

This study aims to investigate cellular immunity and clinical efficacy of ShenQi FuZheng Injection (SFI) in the associated chemotherapy of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Full-text Database (VIP), WanFang Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) searches were undertaken to identify randomized controlled trials of SFI plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in CRC patients. The quality of each trial was assessed according to the Jadad’s scale, and Review Manager 5 was used to statisitically analyze the outcomes.

Results

Eight studies involving 722 patients were included in this review. The meta-analyses suggested there was a significantly higher overall response rate (OR 1.89; CI: 1.10–3.24; p = 0.02), grades of KPS (OR 2.35; CI: 1.55–3.56; p<0.01), CD3+cells (MD 10.29; CI: 8.46–12.12; p<0.01), CD4+cells (MD 7.06; CI: 5.33–8.794; p<0.01), CD4/CD8+cells (MD 0.32; CI: 0.25–0.40; p<0.01), NK+ (MD 7.20; CI: 2.02–12.37, p = 0.006), WBC (MD 1.24; CI: 0.59–1.89; p<0.01), HB (MD 14.55; CI: 7.47–21.63; p<0.01), and PLT (MD 19.05; CI: 4.29–33.81; p = 0.01), but lower severe toxicity for leukocytopenia (OR 0.37; CI: 0.17–0.80; p = 0.01), thrombocytopenia (OR 0.32; CI: 0.14–0.74; p = 0.008), gastrointestinal toxicity (OR 0.48; CI: 0.24–0.96; p = 0.04), when chemotherapy combined with SFI was compared with chemotherapy alone. There were similarities between two groups in liver dysfunction (OR 0.44; CI: 0.18–1.08; p = 0.07) and CD8+ (MD 0.54; CI: -1.89–2.96; p = 0.66). Also, there was presence of heterogeneity in the CD8 results; after the sensitivity analysis, the result of CD8+ was reversed (MD 1.57; CI: 0.32–2.81; p = 0.01). There was no significant publication bias across studies according to the Egger’s (P = 0.19) and Begg’s test (P = 0.23).

Conclusion

SFI enhances chemotherapy efficiency as they are combined and used in the treatment of colorectal cancer patients. At the same time, SFI also improves patients’ immunity function.

Complementary traditional Chinese medicine therapy improves survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer

More than 50% of prostate cancer patients have used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Taiwan. However, the long-term clinical efficacy of TCM in prostate cancer patients remains unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between TCM use and the survival of prostate cancer patients.A retrospective nationwide cohort study of prostate cancer patients was conducted between 1998 and 2003 using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients were classified as TCM users or nonusers, and monitored from the day of prostate cancer diagnosis to death or end of 2012. The association between death risk and TCM use was determined using Cox proportional-hazards models and Kaplan-Meier curves.Of the 1132 selected prostate cancer patients, 730 (64.5%) and 402 (35.5%) were TCM users and nonusers, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 8.38 years, and 292 (25.8%) deaths were reported. TCM users had a decreased mortality rate (21.9%) compared with nonusers (32.8%). A lower death risk was observed with longer TCM use, especially in patients who used TCM for ≧200 days (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.84). TCM users with metastatic prostate cancer had a significant lower HR than nonusers (aHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.95). Chai-Hu-Jia-Long-Gu-Mu-Li-Tang was the most significant TCM formulae for improving survival in metastatic prostate cancer (aHR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.94).The result suggested that complementary TCM therapy might be associated with a reduced risk of death in metastatic prostate cancer patients.

Astragalus-containing Traditional Chinese Medicine, with and without prescription based on syndrome differentiation, combined with chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Traditional Chinese Medicine (tcm) is used in China as part of the treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) and often includes prescription of herbal therapy based on syndrome differentiation. Studies of various Astragalus-based Chinese medicines combined with platinum-based chemotherapy in the treatment of lung cancer are popular in East Asia, particularly in China. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing platinum-based chemotherapy alone with platinum-based chemotherapy plus Astragalus-based Chinese botanicals, with and without prescription based on syndrome differentiation, as first-line treatment for advanced nsclc.

METHODS

We searched the Chinese Biomedical Literature database, the China National Knowledge Internet, the VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database, PubMed, embase, the Cochrane databases, and abstracts presented at meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the World Conference on Lung Cancer, the European Society for Medical Oncology, and the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology for all eligible studies. Endpoints were overall survival; 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates; performance status; overall response rate; and grade 3 or 4 adverse events. Subgroup analyses based on herbal formulae individualized using syndrome differentiation or on oral or injection patent medicines were performed using the Stata software application (version 11.0: StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, U.S.A.) and a fixed-effects or random-effects model in case of heterogeneity. Results are expressed as a hazard ratio (hr) or relative risk (rr), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (cis).

RESULTS

Seventeen randomized studies with scores on the Jadad quality scale of 2 or more, representing 1552 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone, the addition of Astragalus-based tcm to chemotherapy was associated with significantly increased overall survival (hr: 0.61; 95% ci: 0.42 to 0.89; p = 0.011); 1-year (rr: 0.73; 95% ci: 0.65 to 0.82; p < 0.001), 2-year (rr: 0.3344; 95% ci: 0.237 to 0.4773; p < 0.001), and 3-year survival rates (rr: 0.30; 95% ci: 0.17 to 0.53; p < 0.001); performance status (rr: 0.43; 95% ci: 0.34 to 0.55; p < 0.001); and tumour overall response rate (rr: 0.7982; 95% ci: 0.715 to 0.89; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that Astragalus herbal formulae given based on syndrome differentiation were more effective than Astragalus-based oral and injection patent medicines. Side effects-including anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting-were significantly more frequent with platinum-based chemotherapy alone than when platinum-based chemotherapy was combined with Astragalus-based tcm.

CONCLUSIONS

Astragalus-based Chinese botanical therapy, especially when based on syndrome differentiation, is associated with increased efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy and decreased platinum-derived toxicities for patients with advanced nsclc.

Current therapeutic role and medicinal potential of Scutellaria barbata in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western research

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria barbata is a common herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) most often used to treat cancer. S. barbata has been found to exhibit efficacy both in vitro and in vivo on a variety of cancer types. Similarly encouraging results have been shown in patients with metastatic breast cancer from Phase Ia and Ib clinical trials. This study aims to elucidate the current use of S. barbata by TCM practitioners and in current Western research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen TCM practitioners in Beijing and Nanjing, China to understand their clinical use of S. barbata. Practitioners were also asked to comment on the future development of TCM using Western research methods and the potential for integration of the two types of medicine in clinical therapy. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare use of S. barbata by disease and in conjunction with other herbs.

RESULTS

Current Western research related to S. barbata is focused on cancer treatment, which corresponds to the most common use of S. barbata by TCM practitioners. Other common uses that practitioners reported included infection and inflammation, for which Beijing practitioners reported use of S. barbata more often than Nanjing practitioners (p<0.05). Hedyotis diffusa was found to be the most commonly cited herb to pair with S. barbata for cancer treatment (p<0.05). When compared to Western clinical trials of BZL101, an S. barbata extract, TCM practitioners reported using smaller doses of S. barbata in shorter durations, in combination with numerous other herbs with the goal to potentiate therapeutic efficacy and mitigate side effects. In addition, TCM practitioners repeatedly emphasized symptom differentiating as the key to achieving maximum therapeutic potential of S. barbata, a factor typically overlooked in Western research.

CONCLUSION

Similarities and differences in diagnosis and treatment regimens between TCM practitioners and Western research have the potential to shed light on possible new avenues of research. Additional research may prove beneficial on possible synergistic effects of herbs commonly used with S. barbata, such as Hedyotis diffusa and Lobelia chinensis.

Astragalus membranaceus: A Review of its Protection Against Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Cancers

Astragalus membranaceus is a major medicinal herb commonly used in many herbal formulations in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat a wide variety of diseases and body disorders. Among its diversified clinical applications, the potential use of this herb and its chemical constituents in treatments of inflammatory diseases and cancers has been actively investigated in recent years. Astragalus-based treatments have demonstrated significant amelioration of the toxicity induced by other concurrently administered orthodox drugs (e.g., immunosuppressants and cancer chemotherapeutics). The major components of Astragalus membranaceus are polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. Contemporary use of Astragalus membranaceus mainly focuses on its immunomodulating, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory, as well as anticancer effects. In this paper, we summarize the properties of Astragalus membranaceus and its major constituents in the biological system based on experimental and clinical studies. The antitumorigenic mechanisms of a novel Astragalus saponins extract called AST in treating various gastrointestinal cancers are highlighted. We discuss in detail how the Astragalus herb and AST influence the immune system, modulate various cancer signaling pathways, and interact with specific transcription molecules during protection against gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers. This information could help clinicians and scientists develop novel target-specific and effective therapeutic agents that are deprived of major systemic side effects, so as to establish a better treatment regimen in the battle against inflammatory diseases and cancers of the gut.

Traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of cancer and cancer metastasis

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been a major part of healthcare in China, and has extensively affected medicine and healthcare in surrounding countries over a long period of time. In the fight against cancer, certain anticancer remedies using herbs or herbal formulas derived from TCM have been developed for the management of malignancies. Furthermore, there are clinical trials registered for the use of herbal remedies in cancer management. Herbal medicine has been used as part of combined therapies to reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy, including bone marrow suppression, nausea and vomiting. Herbal remedies have also been used as chemopreventive therapies to treat precancerous conditions in order to reduce the incidence of cancer in high-risk populations. Emerging evidence has revealed that herbal remedies can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion and migration of cancer cells. In addition to this direct effect upon cancer cells, a number of herbal remedies have been identified to suppress angiogenesis and therefore reduce tumour growth. The inhibition of tumour growth may also be due to modifications of the host immune system by the herbal treatment. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of herbal remedies remain poorly understood and are yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aims to summarize the current literature and clinical trial results of herbal remedies for cancer treatment, with a particular focus on the recent findings and development of the Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule.

Adjunctive traditional Chinese medicine therapy improves survival in patients with advanced breast cancer: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the most common complementary and alternative medicines used in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. However, the clinical effect of TCM on survival, which is a major concern in these individuals, lacks evidence from large-scale clinical studies.

METHODS

The authors used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a retrospective population-based cohort study of patients with advanced breast cancer between 2001 and 2010. The patients were separated into TCM users and nonusers, and Cox regression models were applied to determine the association between the use of TCM and patient survival.

RESULTS

A total of 729 patients with advanced breast cancer receiving taxanes were included in the current study. Of this cohort, the mean age was 52.0 years; 115 patients were TCM users (15.8%) and 614 patients were TCM nonusers. The mean follow-up was 2.8 years, with 277 deaths reported to occur during the 10-year period. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that, compared with nonusers, the use of TCM was associated with a significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [HR], 0.55 [95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.90] for TCM use of 30-180 days; adjusted HR, 0.46 [95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.78] for TCM use of >180 days). Among the frequently used TCMs, those found to be most effective (lowest HRs) in reducing mortality were Bai Hua She She Cao, Ban Zhi Lian, and Huang Qi.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current observational study suggest that adjunctive TCM therapy may lower the risk of death in patients with advanced breast cancer. Future randomized controlled trials are required to validate these findings.

A systems-pharmacology analysis of herbal medicines used in health improvement treatment: predicting potential new drugs and targets

For thousands of years, tonic herbs have been successfully used all around the world to improve health, energy, and vitality. However, their underlying mechanisms of action in molecular/systems levels are still a mystery. In this work, two sets of tonic herbs, so called Qi-enriching herbs (QEH) and Blood-tonifying herbs (BTH) in TCM, were selected to elucidate why they can restore proper balance and harmony inside body, organ and energy system. Firstly, a pattern recognition model based on artificial neural network and discriminant analysis for assessing the molecular difference between QEH and BTH was developed. It is indicated that QEH compounds have high lipophilicity while BTH compounds possess high chemical reactivity. Secondly, a systematic investigation integrating ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) prediction, target fishing and network analysis was performed and validated on these herbs to obtain the compound-target associations for reconstructing the biologically-meaningful networks. The results suggest QEH enhance physical strength, immune system and normal well-being, acting as adjuvant therapy for chronic disorders while BTH stimulate hematopoiesis function in body. As an emerging approach, the systems pharmacology model might facilitate to understand the mechanisms of action of the tonic herbs, which brings about new development for complementary and alternative medicine.

Cucurbitacin D is a new inflammasome activator in macrophages

We previously reported that cucurbitacin D isolated from Trichosanthes kirilowii has anti-tumor roles to leukemia cells. However, the effect of cucurbitacin D on immune cells is not fully understood although there is no toxic activity to normal cells. In this study, immunomodulating activities of cucurbitacin D were investigated in macrophages. Cucurbitacin D could increase LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1β production in culture supernatant of THP-1 cells, peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs), and RAW264 cells. At the transcriptional level, cucurbitacin D enhanced LPS-induced IL-1β mRNA expression through activation of ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). At the posttranscriptional level, the activation of caspase-1 induced by cucurbitacin D has also been demonstrated following treatment with a caspase-1 inhibitor and siRNA. Importantly, cucurbitacin D has further been shown to induce inflammasome activation independent of ERK1/2 activation. Western blotting showed interaction of NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NALP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-activating and recruitment domain (ASC), suggesting activation of the inflammasome and a possible reason for activation of caspase-1. Taken together, these results suggest that cucurbitacin D could initiate immunomodulating activity in macrophages to lead to inflammasome activation as well as enhancement of LPS signaling.

Therapeutic applications of herbal medicines for cancer patients

Medicinal herbs and their derivative phytocompounds are being increasingly recognized as useful complementary treatments for cancer. A large volume of clinical studies have reported the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on the survival, immune modulation, and quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients, when these herbal medicines are used in combination with conventional therapeutics. Here, we briefly review some examples of clinical studies that investigated the use of herbal medicines for various cancers and the development of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this emerging research area. In addition, we also report recent studies on the biochemical and cellular mechanisms of herbal medicines in specific tumor microenvironments and the potential application of specific phytochemicals in cell-based cancer vaccine systems. This review should provide useful technological support for evidence-based application of herbal medicines in cancer therapy.

Immunomodulatory effects of the botanical compound LCS101: implications for cancer treatment

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of LSC101, a botanical compound, on adaptive and innate immunity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LCS101 preparations were tested for batch-to-batch consistency using high-performance liquid chromatography. T-cell activation was quantified in murine spleen cells using 3H-thymidine incorporation, and cytokine production analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Natural killer cell activity was tested on human blood cells using flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and apoptosis using a FACSCalibur. Effects on interferon-γ production in fluorouracil/doxorubicin-treated mice were tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated batch-to-batch consistency. T-cell proliferation was increased, and a dose-dependent activation of natural killer cells and macrophage tumor necrosis factor-α secretion were observed with LCS101 treatment. Interferon-γ levels, reduced following fluorouracil treatment, were corrected in treated animals. No toxicity or compromised treatment outcomes were associated with LCS101 exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

LCS101 demonstrated significant effects on a number of immune processes. Further research is needed in order to understand the molecular immunomodulatory pathways affected by this compound, as well as clinical implications for treatment.

Oldenlandia diffusa extracts exert antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on human breast cancer cells through ERα/Sp1-mediated p53 activation

Breast cancer is the most frequent tumor and a major cause of death among women. Estrogens play a crucial role in breast tumor growth, which is the rationale for the use of hormonal antiestrogen therapies. Unfortunately, not all therapeutic modalities are efficacious and it is imperative to develop new effective antitumoral drugs. Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) is a well-known medicinal plant used to prevent and treat many disorders, especially cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of OD extracts on breast cancer cell proliferation. We observed that OD extracts strongly inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent cell growth and induced apoptosis in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive breast cancer cells, whereas proliferation and apoptotic responses of MCF-10A normal breast epithelial cells were unaffected. Mechanistically, OD extracts enhance the tumor suppressor p53 expression as a result of an increased binding of ERα/Sp1 complex to the p53 promoter region. Finally, we isolated ursolic and oleanolic acids as the bioactive compounds able to upregulate p53 expression and inhibit breast cancer cell growth. These acids were greatly effective in reducing tamoxifen-resistant growth of a derivative MCF-7 breast cancer cell line resistant to the antiestrogen treatment. Our results evidence how OD, and its bioactive compounds, exert antiproliferative and apoptotic effects selectively in ERα-positive breast cancer cells, highlighting the potential use of these herbal extracts as breast cancer preventive and/or therapeutic agents.

Inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus root on matrix metalloproteinase-1 collagenase expression and procollagen destruction in ultraviolet B-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts by suppressing nuclear factor kappa-B activity

OBJECTIVES

The root of Astragalus membranaceus, regarded as a tonic in traditional Korean medicine, has been prescribed for long periods to treat chronic illness by boosting the immune system. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes damage to skin connective tissue by degrading collagen, which is a major structural component of the extracellular matrix. Such damage is considered to be a cause of the wrinkling observed in premature ageing of the skin. This study has investigated the photo-protective effect of A. membranaceus on UVB radiation-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activity in human dermal fibroblasts.

METHODS

HS68 fibroblast cells cultured with various concentrations of A. membranaceus were exposed to UVB (40 mJ/cm²). Activation of NF-κB P65 and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and type 1 procollagen were measured by Western blotting. Translocation of NF-κB P65 and MMP-1 regulation were also examined by immunocytochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

Western blotting and immunocytochemistry results showed that A. membranaceus inhibited UVB-induced translocation of NF-κB P65 and MMP-1 expression. The data suggested that A. membranaceus restored type 1 procollagen synthesis by inhibiting NF-κB P65 activity and MMP-1 expression in UVB-exposed human dermal fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

A. membranaceus is a candidate for use in skin protection from UVB-induced skin inflammation and photoageing.

Enhancement of antitumor activity of low-dose 5-fluorouracil by combination with Fuzheng-Yiliu granules in hepatoma 22 tumor-bearing mice

OBJECTIVE

The adverse effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are well recognized. Fuzheng-Yiliu granule (FYG) is capable of enhancing the immune function and suppressing tumor growth. In the present study, the authors evaluated if FYG could synergize with low-dose 5-FU in inhibiting tumor growth.

METHODS

Hepatoma 22 (H22) tumor-bearing mice were treated with FYG (18 g/kg, ig), 5-FU (10 mg/kg, ip), or 5-FU plus FYG for 5 days. The relative tumor proliferation rates, tumor weight and apoptosis of tumor tissue were measured. White blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte (LY) were counted. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) in the serum were measured.

RESULTS

FYG alone had antitumor effect. Combination of 5-FU and FYG produced a more potent antitumor effect and caused more marked apoptosis in tumor tissue (compared with vehicle, P < 0.01; compared with 5-FU or FYG, P < 0.05). Mice treated with 5-FU plus FYG had higher thymus index (P < 0.05) compared with the vehicle group. The numbers of both WBC and LY were decreased by 5-FU (compared with vehicle, P < 0.01), which was significantly reversed after FYG was administered (5-FU + FYG vs 5-FU, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). Mice receiving FYG alone or FYG plus 5-FU had higher serum levels of TNF-a (P <0.01) compared with the vehicle.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional Chinese medical herbs capable of strengthening the body's vital energy have great potential to be used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer patients who cannot tolerate the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Water extract of Hedyotis Diffusa Willd suppresses proliferation of human HepG2 cells and potentiates the anticancer efficacy of low-dose 5-fluorouracil by inhibiting the CDK2-E2F1 pathway

Hedyotis Diffusa Willd (HDW), a Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used as an adjuvant therapy against various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying anticancer mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. In the present study, the anticancer effects of HDW were evaluated and the efficacy and safety of HDW combined with low-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were investigated. HepG2 cells were cultured in vitro and nude mouse xenografts were established in vivo. The proliferation of HepG2 cells was measured using the MTT method and flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), cyclin E and E2F1 were examined using relative quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The results showed that water extract of HDW remarkably inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner via arrest of HepG2 cells at the G0/G1 phase and induction of S phase delay. This suppression was accompanied by a great decrease of E2F1 and CDK2 mRNA expression. In addition, HDW remarkably potentiated the anticancer effect of low-dose 5-FU in the absence of overt toxicity by downregulating the mRNA and protein levels of CDK2, cyclin E and E2F1. Our findings support the use of HDW as adjuvant therapy of chemotherapy and suggest that HDW may potentiate the efficiency of low-dose 5-FU in treating HCC.

Intratracheal administration of fullerene nanoparticles activates splenic CD11b+ cells

Fullerene nanoparticles ("Fullerenes"), which are now widely used materials in daily life, have been demonstrated to induce elevated pulmonary inflammation in several animal models; however, the effects of fullerenes on the immune system are not fully understood. In the present study, mice received fullerenes intratracheally and were sacrificed at days 1, 6 and 42. Mice that received fullerenes exhibited increased proliferation of splenocytes and increased splenic production of IL-2 and TNF-α. Changes in the spleen in response to fullerene treatment occurred at different time-points than in the lung tissue. Furthermore, fullerenes induced CDK2 expression and activated NF-κB and NFAT in splenocytes at 6 days post-administration. Finally, CD11b(+) cells were demonstrated to function as responder cells to fullerene administration in the splenic inflammatory process. Taken together, in addition to the effects on pulmonary responses, fullerenes also modulate the immune system.

Antifungal activities of Astragalus verus Olivier. against Trichophyton verrucosum on in vitro and in vivo guinea pig model of dermatophytosis

Astragalus verus Olivier, Fabaceae has been used against ringworm in Kurdish ethnomedicine throughout millennia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of A. verus extracts against Trichophyton verrucosum on in vitro and in vivo guinea pig model of dermatophytosis. The skin of albino guinea pigs was infected with T. verrucosum (1.0×10(7) conidia) and animals were divided into five groups (n=5 for each): negative control (NC), received a vehicle; positive control (PC), received topical terbinafine 1.0% and three other groups: AE10%, AE20% and AE40% which received topical 10%, 20% and 40% aqueous extract of A. verus, respectively. Evaluation of clinical efficacy was performed 72h after completion of a 7-day treatment regimen. Higher significant antifungal activities were observed in aqueous extract in the concentration 320 mg ml(-1) compared with acetone and methanol extracts. The aqueous extract showed minimum inhibitory concentration at 160 mg ml(-1) . Lower clinical scores indicate improved efficacy compared with NC. The lesion scores significantly declined in AE20%, AE40% and PC groups in comparison with NC group. The lesion scores in AE10% and AE20% groups were significantly higher than that of PC group. The AE10% group (18.3%) and AE20% group (39.43%) and AE40% group (66.19%) showed clinical efficacies compared with PC group (76.05%). In conclusion, aqueous extract showed promising antidermatophytic activity.

Effect of Chinese herbal therapy on breast cancer adenocarcinoma cell lines

Despite the widespread use of medicinal herbs to prevent and treat many diseases, including cancer, there are insufficient scientific data on the safety and efficacy of the majority of herbal therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a unique Chinese herbal therapy (CHT) from controlled manufactured concentrated powders, on an in vitro model of breast cancer. Three breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MDA-231, MDA-453, T47D) were exposed to CHT for 72 h. Cell viability was assessed by XTT (sodium 3'-[1-(phenylaminocarbonyl)-3, 4-tetra zolium]-bis(4-methoxy-6-nitro) benzene sulphonic acid hydrate) assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle stage were determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. CHT decreased cell survival in a dose-dependent manner in all tested cell lines. FACS analysis of treated and non-treated T47D cells demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of CHT was associated with an increase in apoptosis. A randomized clinical trial is currently underway to investigate CHT as supplementary therapy for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Stimulation of IFN-γ production by garlic lectin in mouse spleen cells: involvement of IL-12 via activation of p38 MAPK and ERK in macrophages

Several lectins, present in beans and edible plant products, have immuno-potentiating and anti-tumor activities. We here report the effects of garlic lectin purified from garlic bulbs on the production of cytokines such as interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the mouse. Garlic lectin induced IFN-γ production in spleen cells in a bell-shaped time (24-60 h)- and concentration (0.25-2.0 mg/ml)-dependent manner. The maximal enhancement was observed at 36 h with 0.5 mg/ml of garlic lectin. The stimulatory effect of garlic lectin on IFN-γ production was completely inhibited by both actinomycin D and cycloheximide, an inhibitor of ribosomal protein synthesis and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, respectively, and was associated with an increase in IFN-γ mRNA level. Garlic lectin also induced IL-12 production in mouse peritoneal macrophages in a concentration (0.25-1.0 mg/ml)- and bell-shaped time (3-24 h)-dependent manner. The lectin increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in macrophages. Furthermore, specific pharmacological inhibitors of ERK kinase (U0126) and p38 MAPK (SB203580) also suppressed the production of IL-12 induced by garlic lectin. The present findings suggest that garlic lectin induces IL-12 production via activation of p38 MAPK and ERK in mouse macrophages, which, in turn, stimulates IFN-γ production through an increase in IFN-γ mRNA in the spleen cells.

Cytotoxicity and bioavailability studies on a decoction of Oldenlandia diffusa and its fractions separated by HPLC

AIM OF THE STUDY

Oldenlandia diffusa is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy with known cytotoxic activity in vitro and in vivo. The aim of the study was to identify the most cytotoxic constituents of a water extract (a decoction is traditionally used as a treatment) by HPLC and activity-guided fractionation. The bioavailability of the decoction and certain fractions, and the mode of cell death induced by these mixtures, were also investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A decoction of O. diffusa was prepared and separated by HPLC into eleven fractions (F1-11) for testing on the growth of HL60 leukaemia cells; two of the most active fractions were also tested on Caco-2 colon cancer cells. Cell viability was measured by trypan blue exclusion, DNA content (Cyquant NF assay) and neutral red uptake. Evidence of apoptosis was gained from cells stained with the nuclear dye DAPI, and detection of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) by Western blot.

RESULTS

Fraction 9 was found to be the most active fraction, and, along with the decoction, induced apoptosis. Cells stained with DAPI showed a decrease in cell size and nuclear fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis. Detection of cleaved PARP further confirmed induction of apoptosis by O. diffusa decoction and fraction 9. The bioavailability of O. diffusa was investigated by production of post-absorption samples using Caco-2 intestinal epithelial monolayers. Addition of post-absorption samples (taken from the basolateral side after 3h incubation with the decoction on the apical side) inhibited the growth of HL60 cells, and suggested a degree of bioavailability. The constituents in fraction 9 were further separated by HPLC and eight major compounds were identified by LC-MS: two of these were ursolic acid (UA) and its enantiomer oleanolic acid (OA). Concentrations of UA and OA in the decoction were then calculated by reference to the area of the peaks of UA and OA found in F9. The post-absorption sample of F9 contained six of the eight constituents in the original pre-absorption fraction 9.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results suggest that certain constituents, possibly including ursolic/oleanolic acid, may be bioavailable and at sufficient concentration to induce apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro through a mechanism including the cleavage of PARP.