Identification of anti-cancer compounds from natural products

Unlocking the Anticancer Potential of Frankincense Essential Oils (FEOs) Through Nanotechnology: A Review

Cancer is a group of heterogeneous diseases that occur when cells in the body proliferate and divide uncontrollably. As the current treatment modalities have pros and cons, the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents with the least side effects is one of the most investigated research areas. In this context, plant-based natural products are a rich source of drugs and have served humanity for ages. Frankincense essential oils (FEOs) are among the most promising plant-based oils in Gulf countries. In addition to their high cultural value, FEOs are also famous for their engaging biological activities, including anti-cancerous. However, the practical application of FEOs is often hindered/by their low water solubility, limited bioavailability, high volatility, and sensitivity toward heat, humidity, light, or oxygen. Thus, a significant demand for technological advancement would improve their ability to target particular cells and tissues. Nanotechnology emerged as an exciting approach in this context. Through suitable nano-formulation (functionalization or encapsulation into a nanostructure), issues arising due to solubility, targeting capability, and delivery can be controlled.

Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in skin cancer management: Photoprotective effect on human keratinocytes and anti-proliferative activity in melanoma cells

Skin cancer has high rates of mortality and therapeutic failure. In this study, to develop a multi-agent strategy for skin cancer management, the selective cytotoxicity of several alkaloid fractions and pure alkaloids isolated from Amaryllidaceae species was evaluated in melanoma cells. In addition, UVB-stimulated keratinocytes (HaCaT) were exposed to seven alkaloid fractions characterized by GC-MS, and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and IL-6, were measured to evaluate their photoprotection effects. The Eucharis caucana (bulb) alkaloid fraction (20 μg/ml) had a clear effect on the viability of melanoma cells, reducing it by 45.7% without affecting healthy keratinocytes. This alkaloid fraction and tazettine (both at 2.5 μg/ml) suppressed UVB-induced ROS production by 31.6% and 29.4%, respectively. The highest anti-inflammatory potential was shown by the Zephyranthes carinata (bulb) alkaloid fraction (10 μg/ml), which reduced IL-6 production by 90.8%. According to the chemometric analysis, lycoramine and tazettine had a photoprotective effect on the UVB-exposed HaCaT cells, attenuating the production of ROS and IL-6. These results suggest that Amaryllidaceae alkaloids have photoprotective and therapeutic potential in skin cancer management, especially at low concentrations.

Role of N6-Methyladenosine Methylation Regulators in the Drug Therapy of Digestive System Tumours

Digestive system tumours, including stomach, colon, esophagus, liver and pancreatic tumours, are serious diseases affecting human health. Although surgical treatment and postoperative chemoradiotherapy effectively improve patient survival, current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for digestive system tumours lack sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, the tumour's tolerance to drug therapy is enhanced owing to tumour cell heterogeneity. Thus, primary or acquired treatment resistance is currently the main hindrance to chemotherapy efficiency. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has various biological functions in RNA modification. m6A modification, a key regulator of transcription expression, regulates RNA metabolism and biological processes through the interaction of m6A methyltransferase ("writers") and demethylase ("erasers") with the binding protein decoding m6A methylation ("readers"). Additionally, m6A modification regulates the occurrence and development of tumours and is a potential driving factor of tumour drug resistance. This review systematically summarises the regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification in the drug therapy of digestive system malignancies. Furthermore, it clarifies the related mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of m6A modification in the resistence of digestive system malignancies to drug therapy.