Extract from Aloysia polystachya Induces the Cell Death of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells

Chemical composition, anticancer, antimicrobial activity of Aloysia citriodora Palau essential oils from four different locations in Palestine

The primary aim of this investigation was to determine the anticancer and antimicrobial properties of essential oils (EOs) extracted from the leaves of Aloysia citriodora Palau, which were procured from four separate locations in Palestine, in addition to analyzing their chemical composition. These areas include Jericho, which has the distinction of being the lowest location on Earth, at 260 m below sea level. The EOs were acquired by hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was examined utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EOs was assessed against six bacterial strains and one fungal species using 96-well microtiter plates. The primary components found in these oils are geranial (26.32-37.22%), neral (18.38-29.00%), and α-curcumene (7.76-16.91%) in three regions. α-Curcumene (26.94%), spathulenol (13.69%), geranial (10.79%), caryophyllene oxide (8.66%), and neral (7.59%) were found to be the most common of the 32 chemical components in the EO from Jericho. The EOs exhibited bactericidal properties, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and showed highly effective fungicidal activity. Nevertheless, the antifungal efficacy of the EO was found to surpass its antibacterial activity when administered at lower dosages. The EOs exhibited anticancer activities against melanoma cancer cells, as indicated by their IC50 values, which ranged from 4.65 to 7.96 μg/mL. A. citriodora EO possesses substantial antifungal and anticancer characteristics, rendering it appropriate for utilization in food-related contexts, hence potentially enhancing the sustainability of the food sector.

Toxicological potential of Aloysia gratissima: Insights from chemical analysis and in vitro studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aloysia gratissima leaves are popularly used to treat respiratory, digestive, and nervous system disorders. Several studies have been carried out to determine the biological activity of A. gratissima, such as its antibacterial and anti-edematogenic activities, but despite the beneficial uses of A. gratissima, few studies have examined the toxicological profile of this plant.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic potential, and antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract of A. gratissima leaves (AG-AEL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The phytochemical constitution of AG-AEL was assessed by colorimetric analyses and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The inorganic elements were detected by Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). The antioxidant, cytotoxicity, genotoxic, and mutagenic activities were evaluated in vitro by Di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH), Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, comet assay, and Salmonella/microsome assays.

RESULTS

AG-AEL indicated the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. HPLC detected rutin at 2.41 ± 0.33 mg/100 mg. PIXE analysis indicated the presence of Mg, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, and Zn. The 50% inhibitory concentration was 84.17 ± 3.17 μg/mL in the DPPH assay. Genotoxic effects were observed using the Comet assay in neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and mutations were observed in TA102 and TA97a strains. The extract showed cytotoxic activities against ovarian (OVCAR-3), glioblastoma (U87MG), and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, AG-AEL increased DNA damage, induced frameshift, and oxidative mutations, and showed cytotoxic activities against different cancer cells. The in vitro toxicological effects observed suggest that this plant preparation should be used with caution, despite its pharmacological potential.

Evidence of the Cardioprotective Effects of Aloysia polystachya in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Aloysia polystachya is a plant species that is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of different disorders that affect the cardiovascular system. The aim of the study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of an ethanol-soluble fraction of A. polystachya (ESAP) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Different groups of rats (n = 8) were orally treated with ESAP (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), carvedilol (10 mg/kg), or vehicle (filtered water; 1 mL/100 g) for 7 days. Naive rats received no treatment. On the morning of day 6, acute myocardial infarction was induced by the acute oral administration of isoproterenol (100 mg/kg). On the morning of day 8, all rats underwent electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography. Blood samples were then collected, and serum levels of creatine kinase-MB fraction (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin T (cTNT) were quantified. ESAP significantly reduced electrocardiographic changes, improved the ventricular ejection fraction, and reduced serum levels of CK-MB and cTNT in infarcted rats. The cardioprotective effects of ESAP could be exploited as an effective tool against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Mechanisms on chemotherapy resistance of colorectal cancer stem cells and research progress of reverse transformation: A mini-review

Tumor recurrence and chemotherapy resistance are mainly responsible for poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Cancer stem cell (CSC) has been identified in many solid tumors, including CRC. Additionally, CSC cannot be completely killed during chemotherapy and develops resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, which is the main reason for tumor recurrence. This study reviews the main mechanisms of CSC chemotherapy resistance in CRC, including activation of DNA damage checkpoints, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inhibition of the overexpression of antiapoptotic regulatory factors, overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, maintenance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and the dormant state of CSC. Advances in research to reverse chemotherapy resistance are also discussed. Our study can provide the promising potential for eliminating CSC and preventing tumor progression for CRC treatment.

How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology?

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a “core” from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.

Ethnopharmacological investigation of the cardiovascular effects of the ethanol-soluble fraction of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke leaves in spontaneously hypertensive rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aloysia polystachya (Griseb) Moldenke (Verbenaceae), popularly known as "burrito", is a South American species widely prescribed by local Brazilian healers for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, its antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects are still unknown.

AIM

To evaluate the role of the ethanol-soluble fraction of A. polystachya leaves (ESAP) against hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), as well as its safety, morphoanatomical and phytochemical aspects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the leaves and stems of A. polystachya were analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopy in order to provide anatomical data for quality control. Then, ESAP was obtained and its chemical profile was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS. In addition, the cytotoxic and acute toxicity potential of ESAP were evaluated in six cell lines and in female Wistar rats, respectively. Next, female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) received ESAP (30, 100, 300 mg/kg), hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/kg), or vehicle once daily for 28 days. Weekly kidney function was monitored by analyzing urinary parameters. At the end of the 28-day treatment, the electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, and renal and mesenteric vascular reactivity were evaluated. Relative organ (heart, kidney, and liver) weights and biochemical parameters were also evaluated. Finally, the heart, kidneys, and aorta were collected for determination of the tissue redox state, cardiac morphometry, and histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

The chemical profile of ESAP was composed by organic acids, a nucleoside, methoxylated flavones and glycosylated compounds including phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, iridoids and monoterpenes. No signs of toxicity were observed in all cell's lines nor in female Wistar rats submitted to this trial. All SHRs from the negative control group presented a reduction in renal function, alterations in the renal and mesenteric vascular reactivity, and electrocardiographic and morphometric changes typical of ventricular hypertrophy. Oral prolonged ESAP-administration in SHRs was able to reverse renal, electrocardiographic and hemodynamic changes induced by hypertension. Moreover, ESAP-treatment was able to modulate the vascular and renal arterial reactivity and tissue redox state. The aforementioned data were accompanied by reduction of cardiac hypertrophy.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we present important anatomical and phytochemical data that contributed to the correct identification and quality control of A. polystachya. In addition, we have shown that ESAP is safe after acute administration and present significant cardioprotective effects (at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses) in SHRs after prolonged treatment.

Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Activity of Essential Oil and Main Components from Leaves of Aloysia polystachya Harvested in Central Chile

The aim of this study was to determine, first, the chemical composition of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb) Moldenke essential oil, from leaves harvested in central Chile; and second, its antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Eight compounds were identified via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses, with the most representative being R-carvone (91.03%), R-limonene (4.10%), and dihydrocarvone (1.07%). For Aloysia polystachya essential oil, antioxidant assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H₂O₂, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP)) showed good antioxidant activity compared to commercial antioxidant controls; and anti-proliferative assays against three human cancer cell lines (colon, HT-29; prostate, PC-3; and breast, MCF-7) determined an IC₅₀ of 5.85, 6.74, and 9.53 µg/mL, and selectivity indices of 4.75, 4.12, and 2.92 for HT-29, PC-3, and MCF-7, respectively. We also report on assays with CCD 841 CoN (colon epithelial). Overall, results from this study may represent, in the near future, developments for natural-based cancer treatments.