Cratoxylum formosum Extracts Inhibit Growth and Metastasis of Cholangiocarcinoma Cells by Modulating the NF-κB and STAT3 Pathways

Momordica cochinchinensis Suppresses the Human Breast Cancer Cells Growth and Migration by Inhibiting Mevalonate Pathway

Background:

Momordica cochinchinensis (MC) is shown with high antioxidation and is used as herbal medicine in South-East countries.

Objectives:

This study aims to determine the four parts (aril, fruit, leaf, and seed) of MC extract against human breast cancer cells with underlying mechanisms of actions.

Materials and Methods:

The effects of MC extract were examined by sulforhodamine B, colony formation, wound healing, real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blotting method.

Results:

Four parts of MC extracts significantly increased MCF-7 cells death, interestingly, seed extract had the greatest activity with IC50 values of 412.3 ± 49.8 µg/mL for 24 h and 113.3 ± 6.4 µg/mL for 48 h. MC extracts potentiated the anticancer drug effect, doxorubicin, with lower IC50 values when compared with MC treatment alone. Moreover, MC extracts decreased colony formation and accompanied by inhibited cell migration. Furthermore, Seed extract inhibited migration by reducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2, MMP 9, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) inhibition. The molecular analyses revealed that seed extract inhibited cell viability by decreasing cyclin D1 consistent with activating p21, cytochrome c, and caspase-3 protein levels along with reduction of mevalonate (MVA) pathway, Rac1, and RhoA levels, it appeared to inhibit growth and migration.

Conclusion:

Taken together, MC extract induces MCF-7 cell death and decreases cell migration relatively via attenuation of MVA pathway.

Characterization of Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Compounds of Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum and Optimization of Extraction Condition

Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum (Kurz.) Gogel (Guttiferae), called kuding tea, is widely distributed in Southeast Asia. In this study, the constituents and biological activity of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum were investigated. Extract of its leaves, roots and stems showed antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Interestingly, comparison of the metabolite profiles of leaves, roots and stems of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum by LC-MS analysis showed a great difference between the roots and leaves, whereas the roots and stems were quite similar. Purification of the roots and leaves of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum through various chromatographic techniques resulted in the isolation of 25 compounds. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis as 18 xanthones, 5 flavonoids, a benzophenone and a phenolic compound. Among them, a xanthone (16) and a benzophenone (19) were first reported from nature. Evaluation of biological activity revealed that xanthones had a potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while flavonoids were responsible for the antioxidant activity. To maximize the biological activity, yield and total phenolic content of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum, extraction conditions such as extraction solvent, time and temperature were optimized using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken Design (BBD). Regression analysis showed a good fit of the experimental data, and the optimal condition was obtained as MeOH concentration in EtOAc, 88.1%; extraction time, 6.02 h; and extraction temperature 60.0 °C. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity, yield and total phenolic content under the optimal condition were found to be 72.2% inhibition, 10.3% and 163.9 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. These results provide useful information about C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum as functional foods for oxidative stress-related metabolic diseases.

The Role of Herbal Medicine in Cholangiocarcinoma Control: A Systematic Review

The growing incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and limited treatment options stimulate a pressing demand for research and the development of new chemotherapeutics against cholangiocarcinoma. This study aimed to systematically review herbs and herb-derived compounds or herbal formulations that have been investigated for their anti-cholangiocarcinoma potential. Systematic literature searches were conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. One hundred and twenty-three research articles fulfilled the eligibility critera and were included in the analysis (68 herbs, isolated compounds and/or synthetic analogs, 9 herbal formulations, and 119 compounds that are commonly found in several plant species). The most investigated herbs were Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. (Compositae) and Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae). Only A. lancea (Thunb.) DC. (Compositae) has undergone the full process of nonclinical and clinical development to deliver the final product for clinical use. The extracts of A. lancea (Thunb.) DC. (Compositae), Garcinia hanburyi Hook.f. (Clusiaceae), and Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) exhibit antiproliferative activities against human cholangiocarcinoma cells (IC₅₀ < 15 µg/mL). Cucurbitacin B and triptolide are herbal isolated compounds that exhibit the most promising activities (IC₅₀ < 1 µM). A series of experimental studies (in vitro, in vivo, and humans) confirmed the anti-cholangiocarcinoma potential and safety profile of A. lancea (Thunb.) DC. (Compositae) and its active compounds atractylodin and β-eudesmol, including the capsule pharmaceutical of the standardized A. lancea (Thunb.) DC. (Compositae) extract. Future research should be focused on the full development of the candidate herbs to deliver products that are safe and effective for cholangiocarcinoma control.

In vitro antimetastatic activity of Momordica balsamina crude acetone extract in HT-29 human colon cancer cells

Plant-derived compounds and/or extracts have proven to be beneficial for the treatment of a broad spectrum of cancers with minimal side effects. In this study, we investigated whether a crude acetone extract of Momordica balsamina (MBE) can interfere with the metastatic ability of HT-29 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The phytochemical composition of MBE was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and cytotoxic effects by the MTT and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining assays. The effect of MBE on the formation of reactive oxygen species was assessed using the DCFH₂ -DA assay. Wound healing assay, transwell cell invasion assay, cell adhesion assay, and the extracellular matrix-cell adhesion array were used to assess the antimetastatic effects of MBE. The effect of MBE on the expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, TIMP-3, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was assessed by western blot analysis. Our results showed that MBE consists of a mixture of compounds without a known anticancer activity in CRC and exhibits cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells. MBE also suppressed reactive oxygen species formation, cell invasion, cell migration, and cell adhesion. The reduction of cell invasion was associated with the downregulation of TNF-α, NF-κB, MMP2, and MMP9 and upregulation of TIMP-3 proteins. We concluded that MBE inhibits the metastatic ability of HT-29 CRC cells in vitro.

Review On Documented Medicinal Plants Used For The Treatment Of Cancer

Background:

Cancer is a frightful disease and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Naturally derived compounds are gaining interest of research workers as they have less toxic side effects as compared to currently used treatments such as chemotherapy. Plants are the pool of chemical compounds which provides a promising future for research on cancer.

Objective:

This review paper provides updated information gathered on medicinal plants and isolated phytoconstituents used as anticancer agents and summarises the plant extracts and their isolated chemical constituents exhibiting anticancer potential on clinical trials.

Methods:

An extensive bibliographic investigation was carried out by analysing worldwide established scientific databases like SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Web of Science, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar etc. In next few decades, herbal medicine may become a new epoch of medical system.

Results:

Many researches are going on medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer but it is a time to increase further experimental studies on plant extracts and their chemical constituents to find out their mechanism of action at molecular level.

Conclusion:

The article may help many researchers to start off further experimentation that might lead to the drugs for the cancer treatment.

Chemopreventive Effect of Cratoxylum formosum (Jack) ssp. pruniflorum on Initial Stage Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum (Kurz) Gogelein (CP) is an indigenous plant found mainly in southeast Asia. Several in vitro studies have confirmed its activity against hepatocellular carcinoma; however, in vivo studies of the effect of CP on liver cancer are needed. This study investigated the effect of CP on early-stage hepatocarcinogenesis in rat liver when using diethylnitrosamine (DEN) as a carcinogen. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect (a) upregulation of glutathione S-transferase placental (GST-P) positive foci, (b) the proliferating cell nuclear antigen PCNA, and (c) apoptotic cells in the liver as indicators of early-stage carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical parameters were observed in rats given CP orally following DEN injection. Rats given DEN presented overexpression of GST-P positive foci, PCNA, and apoptotic cells, indicating the formation of cancerous tissues, and these effects were diminished by CP treatment. CP thus inhibited hepatocarcinogenic effects in an animal model. These results could help plan further in vivo studies and support the use of CP to prevent processes that promote the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma in humans.

Cratoxylum formosum dyer extract alleviates testicular damage in hypertensive rats

The effects of a Cratoxylum formosum (Jack) Dyer ssp. (CF) extract on testicular damage were assessed in hypertensive rats. N^ω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 40 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ) was administered for 5 weeks to induce hypertension in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and treated with CF extract (100, 300 or 500 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ) or sildenafil (5 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ) during the final 2 weeks (n = 8/group). Biochemical components of the CF extract were identified and mainly contained phenolic compounds. The CF extract significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and alleviated impaired sperm quality and seminiferous tubular morphology in hypertensive rats. CF extract restored reduced serum testosterone and protein expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and haem oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in L-NAME rats. Hypertensive rats presented decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, and increased testicular and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide production, all of which were normalised by CF extract. Furthermore, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in testicular tissue and plasma nitrate/nitrite levels were restored in hypertensive rats administered CF extract. Conclusion: CF extract alleviated testicular damage in hypertensive rats. Potential molecular mechanisms may involve suppression of oxidative stress and restoration of StAR, Nrf2, HO-1 and eNOS expression in hypertensive rats.

Cytotoxic activities and effects of atractylodin and β-eudesmol on the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis on cholangiocarcinoma cell line

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the cancer of bile duct with high mortality rate particularly in Thailand. The clinical efficacy of the standard chemotherapeutics remains unsatisfactory, and therefore, discovery and development of the new alternative drugs with high efficacy and tolerability is needed. The aim of the study was to investigate cytotoxic activity as well as the underlying mechanisms through which atractylodin and β-eudesmol exert their activities on CCA cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and cell apoptosis. Effects of the compounds on cell cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and cell apoptosis were analyzed using MTT assay, BD Cycletest™ Plus DNA kit, and FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit I, respectively. The cytotoxic activities of both compounds were concentration- and time-dependent. The IC₅₀ [mean (SD)] of atractylodin and β-eudesmol were 41.66 (2.51) and 39.33 (1.15) μg/ml respectively. Both promoted cell cycle arrest at G1 phase, and induced cell apoptosis through activation of caspase-3/7. The highest activity was observed at 48 h of exposure. Results suggest that these mechanisms are at least in part, explain the cell cytotoxic and anti-CCA activity of atractylodin and β-eudesmol shown in vitro and in vivo models.

Research and Development of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. as a Promising Candidate for Cholangiocarcinoma Chemotherapeutics

Treatment and control of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA): the bile duct cancer is limited by the lack of effective chemotherapeutic drugs and alternative drugs are needed, particularly those from natural sources. This article reviews steps of research and development of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. (AL) as potential candidate for CCA chemotherapy, with adoption of the reverse pharmacology approach. Major steps include (1) reviewing of existing information on its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties, (2) screening of its activities against CCA, (3) standardization of AL, (4) nonclinical studies to evaluate anti-CCA activities, (5) phytochemistry and standardization of AL extract, (6) development of oral pharmaceutical formulation of standardized AL extract, and (7) toxicity testing of oral pharmaceutical formulation of standardized AL extract. Results from a series of our study confirm anti-CCA potential and safety profiles of both the crude extract and the finished product (oral pharmaceutical formulation of the standardized AL extract). Phases I and II clinical trials of the product to confirm tolerability and efficacy in healthy subjects and patients with advanced stage CCA will be carried out soon.

Cytotoxic and antimigratory effects of Cratoxy formosum extract against HepG2 liver cancer cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying Cratoxylum formosum (CF) Dyer-induced cancer cell death and antimigratory effects in HepG2 liver cancer cells. The cytotoxic, antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of CF leaf extract on human liver cancer HepG2 cell lines were evaluated using sulforhodamine B, colony formation, and wound healing assays. In addition, apoptosis induction mechanisms were investigated via reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, caspase 3 activities, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) disruption. Gene expression and apoptosis-associated protein levels were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. CF induced HepG2 cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 219.03±9.96 and 124.90±6.86 µg/ml at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Treatment with CF caused a significant and dose-dependent decrease in colony forming ability and cell migration. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that CF induced ROS formation, increased caspase 3 activities, decreased the ΔΨm, and caused HepG2 apoptosis. CF marginally decreased the expression level of the cell cycle regulatory protein, ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (rho family, small GTP binding protein Rac1) and the downstream protein, cyclin dependent kinase 6. Additionally, CF significantly enhanced p21 levels, reduced cyclin D1 protein levels and triggered cancer cell death. CF leaf extracts induced cell death, stimulated apoptosis and inhibited migration in HepG2 cells. Thus, CF may be useful for developing an anticancer drug candidate for the treatment of liver cancer.