Screening of medicinal plants traditionally used in Peruvian Amazon for in vitro antioxidant and anticancer potential

A Machine Learning Approach for Predicting Caco-2 Cell Permeability in Natural Products from the Biodiversity in Peru

BACKGROUND

Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, which is reflected in its wealth of knowledge about medicinal plants. However, there is a lack of information regarding intestinal absorption and the permeability of natural products. The human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) is an in vitro assay used to measure apparent permeability. This study aims to develop a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model using machine learning algorithms to predict the apparent permeability of the Caco-2 cell in natural products from Peru.

METHODS

A dataset of 1817 compounds, including experimental log Papp values and molecular descriptors, was utilized. Six QSPR models were constructed: a multiple linear regression (MLR) model, a partial least squares regression (PLS) model, a support vector machine regression (SVM) model, a random forest (RF) model, a gradient boosting machine (GBM) model, and an SVM-RF-GBM model.

RESULTS

An evaluation of the testing set revealed that the MLR and PLS models exhibited an RMSE = 0.47 and R2 = 0.63. In contrast, the SVM, RF, and GBM models showcased an RMSE = 0.39-0.40 and R2 = 0.73-0.74. Notably, the SVM-RF-GBM model demonstrated superior performance, with an RMSE = 0.38 and R2 = 0.76. The model predicted log Papp values for 502 natural products falling within the applicability domain, with 68.9% (n = 346) showing high permeability, suggesting the potential for intestinal absorption. Additionally, we categorized the natural products into six metabolic pathways and assessed their drug-likeness.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide insights into the potential intestinal absorption of natural products in Peru, thus facilitating drug development and pharmaceutical discovery efforts.

Molecular docking appraisal of Dysphania ambrosioides phytochemicals as potential inhibitor of a key triple-negative breast cancer driver gene

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a lethal and aggressive breast cancer subtype. It is characterized by the deficient expression of the three main receptors implicated in breast cancers, making it unresponsive to hormone therapy. Hence, an existing need to develop a targeted molecular therapy for TNBC. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway mediates critical cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. It is activated in approximately 10-21% of TNBCs, emphasizing the importance of this intracellular target in TNBC treatment. AKT is a prominent driver of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, validating it as a promising therapeutic target. Dysphania ambrosioides is an important ingredient of Nigeria's traditional herbal recipe for cancer treatment. Thus, our present study explores its anticancer properties through a structure-based virtual screening of 25 biologically active compounds domiciled in the plant. Interestingly, our molecular docking study identified several potent inhibitors of AKT 1 and 2 isoforms from D. ambrosioides. However, cynaroside and epicatechin gallate having a binding energy of - 9.9 and - 10.2 kcal/mol for AKT 1 and 2, respectively, demonstrate considerable drug-likeness than the reference drug (capivasertib), whose respective binding strengths for AKT 1 and 2 are - 9.5 and - 8.4 kcal/mol. Lastly, the molecular dynamics simulation experiment showed that the simulated complex systems of the best hits exhibit structural stability throughout the 50 ns run. Together, our computational modeling analysis suggests that these compounds could emerge as efficacious drug candidates in the treatment of TNBC. Nevertheless, further experimental, translational, and clinical research is required to establish an empirical clinical application.

Graphical Abstract

A structure-based virtual screening and simulation of Dysphania ambrosioides phytochemicals in the active pocket of AKT 1 and 2 isoforms.

Therapeutic Potential of Phenolic Compounds in Medicinal Plants-Natural Health Products for Human Health

Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are potential substitutes for bioactive agents in pharmaceutical and medicinal sections to promote human health and prevent and cure different diseases. The most common flavonoids found in nature are anthocyanins, flavones, flavanones, flavonols, flavanonols, isoflavones, and other sub-classes. The impacts of plant flavonoids and other phenolics on human health promoting and diseases curing and preventing are antioxidant effects, antibacterial impacts, cardioprotective effects, anticancer impacts, immune system promoting, anti-inflammatory effects, and skin protective effects from UV radiation. This work aims to provide an overview of phenolic compounds and flavonoids as potential and important sources of pharmaceutical and medical application according to recently published studies, as well as some interesting directions for future research. The keyword searches for flavonoids, phenolics, isoflavones, tannins, coumarins, lignans, quinones, xanthones, curcuminoids, stilbenes, cucurmin, phenylethanoids, and secoiridoids medicinal plant were performed by using Web of Science, Scopus, Google scholar, and PubMed. Phenolic acids contain a carboxylic acid group in addition to the basic phenolic structure and are mainly divided into hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids. Hydroxybenzoic acids are based on a C6-C1 skeleton and are often found bound to small organic acids, glycosyl moieties, or cell structural components. Common hydroxybenzoic acids include gallic, syringic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, gentistic, and salicylic acids. Hydroxycinnamic acids are based on a C6-C3 skeleton and are also often bound to other molecules such as quinic acid and glucose. The main hydroxycinnamic acids are caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acids.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Anti-Wood-Decay Fungal Activities of Dysphania ambrosioides Leaf Essential Oil From Taiwan

We evaluated the leaf essential oil in whole or fractions of Dysphania ambrosioides with respect to their resistance to wood decay fungal activities in vitro of 4 fungi. The main ingredients with the greater anti-wood decay capability were also identified. Fresh leaves of D. ambrosioides were hydrodistillated in a Clevenger-type apparatus and the resulting oil characterized using GC-FID and GC-MS instruments. The essential oil was found to consist of α-terpinene (30.5%), p-cymene (17.3%), carvacrol (16.2%), and ascaridole (15.1%). The oil showed resistance to wood decay activity of Trametes versicolor, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Phaeolus schweinitzii, and Lenzites sulphureu. The oil had excellent resistance to wood decay fungal activities, and the active compounds were shown to be carvacrol and ascaridole.

Integrative oncology: Addressing the global challenges of cancer prevention and treatment

The increase in cancer incidence and mortality is challenging current cancer care delivery globally, disproportionally affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) when it comes to receiving evidence-based cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative and survivorship care. Patients in LMICs often rely on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) that is more familiar, less costly, and widely available. However, spheres of influence and tensions between conventional medicine and TCIM can further disrupt efforts in evidence-based cancer care. Integrative oncology provides a framework to research and integrate safe, effective TCIM alongside conventional cancer treatment and can help bridge health care gaps in delivering evidence-informed, patient-centered care. This growing field uses lifestyle modifications, mind and body therapies (eg, acupuncture, massage, meditation, and yoga), and natural products to improve symptom management and quality of life among patients with cancer. On the basis of this review of the global challenges of cancer control and the current status of integrative oncology, the authors recommend: 1) educating and integrating TCIM providers into the cancer control workforce to promote risk reduction and culturally salient healthy life styles; 2) developing and testing TCIM interventions to address cancer symptoms or treatment-related adverse effects (eg, pain, insomnia, fatigue); and 3) disseminating and implementing evidence-based TCIM interventions as part of comprehensive palliative and survivorship care so patients from all cultures can live with or beyond cancer with respect, dignity, and vitality. With conventional medicine and TCIM united under a cohesive framework, integrative oncology may provide citizens of the world with access to safe, effective, evidence-informed, and culturally sensitive cancer care.

Alkaloids and Colon Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications for Cell Cycle Arrest

Cancer is the second most fatal disease worldwide, with colon cancer being the third most prevalent and fatal form of cancer in several Western countries. The risk of acquisition of resistance to chemotherapy remains a significant hurdle in the management of various types of cancer, especially colon cancer. Therefore, it is essential to develop alternative treatment modalities. Naturally occurring alkaloids have been shown to regulate various mechanistic pathways linked to cell proliferation, cell cycle, and metastasis. This review aims to shed light on the potential of alkaloids as anti-colon-cancer chemotherapy agents that can modulate or arrest the cell cycle. Preclinical investigated alkaloids have shown anti-colon cancer activities and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest at different stages, suggesting that alkaloids may have the potential to act as anticancer molecules.

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.

Phyto-derived Products as Matrix Metalloproteinases Inhibitors in Cardiovascular Diseases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that present a metallic element in their structure. These enzymes are ubiquitously distributed and function as extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelers. MMPs play a broad role in cardiovascular biology regulating processes such as cell adhesion and function, cellular communication and differentiation, integration of mechanical force and force transmission, tissue remodeling, modulation of damaged-tissue structural integrity, cellular survival or apoptosis and regulation of inflammation-related cytokines and growth factors. MMPs inhibition and downregulation are correlated with minimization of cardiac damage, i.e., Chinese herbal medicine has shown to stabilize abdominal aorta aneurysm due to its antiinflammatory, antioxidant and MMP-2 and 9 inhibitory properties. Thus phyto-derived products rise as promising sources for novel therapies focusing on MMPs inhibition and downregulation to treat or prevent cardiovascular disorders.

Antiproliferative and antiviral activity of methanolic extracts from Sardinian Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum L.)

Cynomorium coccineum is a non-photosynthetic plant that grows in Mediterranean countries and that is amply used in the traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to extend previous studies on the chemical and biological properties of C. coccineum, evaluating the potential antiviral and antiproliferative activity of the methanolic extract. The MTT assay was used for the in vitro cytotoxic studies against human cancer-derived cell lines, while both MTT and plaque reduction (PRT) methods were used to evaluate the potential inhibitory effect of the extract against a panel of mammal viruses. The results obtained showed no selective activity against any DNA and RNA virus but revealed an interesting antiproliferative activity against human leukaemia-derived cell lines.

Evaluation of prolyl oligopeptidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition by Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. from Brazil

Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. (Phyllanthaceae) is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of intestinal infections and diabetes. Despite its use in traditional medicine, it was reported that P. tenellus extract may cause several effects in the central nervous system (CNS) of animals, such as agitation and signs of depression. The aim of this study was to determine the main constituents of P. tenellus methanol extract and to investigate whether the extract is able to inhibit the enzymes prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). Corilagin (1) was isolated as the main constituent of the P. tenellus extract, along with rutin (2) and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (3). The extract presented the ability to inhibit mainly POP. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed the highest inhibitory potency against POP (IC₅₀ values of 1.7 ± 0.4 and 11.7 ± 2 µg/mL, respectively). All fractions were inactive against AChE. Corilagin displayed selective POP inhibition in a dose-dependent manner, with IC₅₀= 19.7 ± 2.6 µg/mL. Corilagin exhibited moderate capacity to pass through the phospholipid membrane by passive diffusion, presenting effective permeability (Pe) of 1.26 × 10^-7 cm/s.