Thujone-Rich Fraction of Thuja occidentalis Demonstrates Major Anti-Cancer Potentials: Evidences from In Vitro Studies on A375 Cells

Cytotoxic properties of Thuya occidentalis hydroalcoholic extract on androgen unresponsive prostate cancer cells

Background: Androgen independent phase in prostate cancer (PCa) commonly limits the therapeutic efficacy. Thuya occidentalis through its main active compound, α-thujone, appears to be an option, considering its anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and pro-apoptotic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma. However, studies on PCa are limited.

Objective: To evaluate if T. occidentalis could be useful against androgen responsive and unresponsive PCa cells.

Methods: Androgen responsive (LNCaP) and unresponsive (DU145 and PC3) cell lines were exposed to T. occidentalis hydroalcoholic extract (0.05 mL/mL) for different periods. Further, α-thujone was measured in the extract and tested in the cell lines.

Results: T. occidentalis and α-thujone showed the highest cytotoxicity on LNCaP cells. In androgen unresponsive cells, T. occidentalis decreased cell viability and density, and promoted apoptosis, necrosis and cell cycle arrest, possibly associated with Cav-1 downregulation. The α-thujone present in the extract significantly LNCaP cells density, but did not affect DU145 and PC3 cells, suggesting that other compounds may also be cytotoxic to androgen unresponsive cells.

Unlocking the mechanistic potential of Thuja occidentalis for managing diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy

Diabetes mellitus and its debilitating microvascular complications, including diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy, represent a growing global health burden. Despite advances in conventional therapies, their suboptimal efficacy and adverse effects necessitate exploring complementary and alternative medicine approaches. Thuja occidentalis, a coniferous tree species native to eastern North America, has gained significant attention for its potential therapeutic applications in various disorders, attributed to its rich phytochemical composition. The present comprehensive review evaluates the therapeutic potential of Thuja occidentalis in managing diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy, with a particular emphasis on elucidating the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. The review delves into the active constituents of Thuja occidentalis, such as essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, and proanthocyanidin compounds, which have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial properties in preclinical studies. Importantly, the review provides an in-depth analysis of the intricate signaling pathways modulated by Thuja occidentalis, including NF-κB, PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, JNK, MAPK/ERK, and Nrf2 cascades. These pathways are intricately linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis processes, which play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy. Furthermore, the review critically evaluates the evidence-based toxicological data of Thuja occidentalis as a more effective and comprehensive therapeutic strategy in diabetes complications. Therefore, the current review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of Thuja occidentalis as an adjunctive treatment strategy for diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy while highlighting the need for further research to optimize its clinical translation.

Anticancer potential of homeopathic medicines: an updated review

Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Conventional and advanced treatments currently used for cancer are known for adverse effects and are expensive. Therefore, the search for alternative medicines is necessary. Homeopathy is one of the common complementary and alternative medicine used worldwide for treating and managing various cancers, as it has negligible side effects. However, only a few homeopathic drugs have been validated using various cancer cell lines and animal models. Over the last two decades, an increasing number of validated and reported homeopathic remedies have been developed. Despite the diluted remedies of homeopathic medicine making it controversial clinically, it was found to be more significant as an adjunct therapy for cancer treatment. Hence we aimed to review and summarize the research studies carried out on homeopathic remedies to explore the possible molecular mechanism behind its mode of action against cancer and its effectiveness.

Comparative analysis of the antibacterial efficacy and bioactive components of Thuja occidentalis obtained from four different geographical sites

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there were significant differences in the antibacterial potential of Thuja occidentalis collected from four distinct geographical sites, namely Chamba (Himachal Pradesh, India), Jalandhar (Punjab, India), Aurangabad (Bihar, India) and Kakching (Manipur, India). The plant extracts were prepared in three different solvents: ethanol, methanol, and acetone. The antibacterial potential of the plant extracts was tested against five different bacterial species using well diffusion test. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of the plant sample exhibiting maximum zone of inhibition against different bacterial strains were calculated. Further, the total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant efficacy (using DPPH assay) were also analysed biochemically. The activity of different antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT and APX were also recorded as these enzymes protect the cells from free radical damage. GC-MS analysis was also performed on all plant extracts to identify the bioactive components. The results showed that the T. occidentalis collected from the Kakching, Manipur, East side of India showed the highest zone of inhibition against all the bacterial strains, followed by Chamba, Jalandhar, and lastly Aurangabad. To analyse the impact of phytochemicals on the antibacterial efficacy, a correlation was drawn between the biochemical parameters and zone of inhibition using Karl Pearson's method. Most bacterial species demonstrated a positive correlation between antibacterial effectiveness (zone of inhibition) and biochemical markers. The GC-MS study revealed positive correlation between zone of inhibition and peak area percentages of α-Pinene, β-caryophyllene, Germacrene-D, and Humulene in all bacterial species indicating that these chemicals may play a key role in the bactericidal potential of T. occidentalis. Based on the results of this investigation, it is evident that the antibacterial effectiveness of T. occidentalis varies with its geographical location which may be attributed to the differences in the phytochemical makeup.

The antiviral activity of Thuja orientalis folium against Influenza A virus

Thuja orientalis Folium (TOF) has been prescribed traditionally as an expectorant for inflammatory airway disease. In this study, we evaluated the anti-influenza A virus (IAV) activity of TOF by detecting GFP expressed by influenza A virus (A/PR/8/34-GFP) infection. The fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed that TOF potently inhibited IAV infection, dose-dependently. Consistently, immunofluorescence and Q-PCR analysis results confirmed TOF significantly represses IAV protein and RNA expression. TOF inhibited IAV infection at the binding and entry step upon viral infection and interferes with HA protein. Further, TOF exhibited a virucidal effect and inhibited the neuraminidase activity of IAV. Additionally, TOF prevented the cytopathic effect caused by H1N1 and H3N2 IAV infection. Amentoflavone among the constituents in TOF exerted the strongest anti-IAV effect. Myricetin, quercetin, and quercitrin also inhibited IAV infection. However, the potent anti-IAV effect of TOF may be related to the synergistic effect of constituents, not by a single specific compound. Our results suggest TOF exhibits a significant inhibitory effect against IAV infection at multi-stages via the blockage of viral attachment and entry, inhibition of neuraminidase, and induction of virucidal effects.

Antitumoral Activity of Leptocarpha rivularis Flower Extracts against Gastric Cancer Cells

Leptocarpha rivularis is a native South American plant used ancestrally by Mapuche people to treat gastrointestinal ailments. L. rivularis flower extracts are rich in molecules with therapeutic potential, including the sesquiterpene lactone leptocarpin, which displays cytotoxic effects against various cancer types in vitro. However, the combination of active molecules in these extracts could offer a hitherto unexplored potential for targeting cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of L. rivularis flower extracts on the proliferation, survival, and spread parameters of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Gastric cancer (AGS and MKN-45) and normal immortalized (GES-1) cell lines were treated with different concentrations of L. rivularis flower extracts (DCM, Hex, EtOAc, and EtOH) and we determined the changes in proliferation (MTS assay, cell cycle analysis), cell viability/cytotoxicity (trypan blue exclusion assay, DEVDase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential MMP, and clonogenic ability), senescence (β-galactosidase activity) and spread potential (invasion and migration assays using the Boyden chamber approach) in all these cells. The results showed that the DCM, EtOAc, and Hex extracts display a selective antitumoral effect in gastric cancer cells by affecting all the cancer parameters tested. These findings reveal an attractive antitumoral potential of L. rivularis flower extracts by targeting several acquired capabilities of cancer cells.

Integration of phytotherapy and chemotherapy: Recent advances in anticancer molecular pathways

Cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, leading to invasion and metastasis to other tissues. Chemotherapy drugs are some of the primary treatments for cancer, which could detrimentally affect the cancer cells by various molecular mechanisms like apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. These treatment lines have always aligned with side effects and drug resistance. Due to their anticancer effects, medicinal herbs and their active derivative compounds are being profoundly used as complementary treatments for cancer. Many studies have shown that herbal ingredients exert antitumor activities and immune-modulation effects and have fewer side effects. On the other hand, combining phytotherapy and chemotherapy, with their synergistic effects, has gained much attention across the medical community. This review article discussed the therapeutic effects of essential herbal active ingredients combined with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy. To write this article, PubMed and Scopus database were searched with the keywords "Cancer," "Combination," "Herbal," "Traditional," and "Natural." After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 110 articles were considered. The study shows the anticancer effects of the active herbal ingredients by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, especially with a chemotherapeutic agent. This study also indicates that herbal compounds can reduce side effects and dosage, potentiate anticancer responses, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.

Apoptotic and autophagic death union by Thuja occidentalis homeopathic drug in cervical cancer cells with thujone as the bioactive principle

OBJECTIVE

"Multi-targeting" drugs can prove fruitful to combat drug-resistance of multifactorial disease-cervical cancer. This study envisioned to reveal if Thuja homeopathic mother tincture (MT) and its bioactive component could combat human papillomavirus (HPV)-16-infected SiHa cervical cancer cells since it is globally acclaimed for HPV-mediated warts.

METHODS

Thuja MT was studied for its antiproliferative and antimigratory properties in SiHa cells followed by microscopic determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) staining and loss in mitochondrial membrane potential (MtMP) by rhodamine 123 (Rh123) staining. Apoptosis and autophagy inductions were studied by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and immunoblot analyses of marker proteins. The bioactive component of Thuja MT detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was studied for antiproliferative and antimigratory properties along with in silico prediction of its cellular targets by molecular docking and oral drug forming competency.

RESULTS

Thuja MT showed significant antiproliferative and antimigratory potential in SiHa cells at a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 17.3 µL/mL. An increase in DCFDA fluorescence and loss in Rh123 fluorescence prove that Thuja MT acted through the burst of ROS and loss in MtMP respectively. AO/EB-stained cells under the microscope and immunoblot analyses supported Thuja-induced cellular demise via dual pathways-apoptosis and autophagy. Immunoblots showed cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) along with upregulation of Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B)-II, and p62 proteins. Hence, the apoptotic cascade followed a caspase-3-dependent pathway supported by PARP-1 cleavage, while autophagic death was Beclin-1-dependent and mediated by accumulation of LC3BII and p62 proteins. Thujone, detected as the bioactive principle of Thuja MT, showed greater anti-proliferative and anti-migratory potential at an IC₅₀ of 77 µg/mL, along with excellent oral drug competency with the ability for gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain-barrier permeation with nil toxicity. Molecular docking depicted thujone with the strongest affinity for mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and protein kinase B followed by B-cell lymphoma 2, murine double minute 2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, which might act as upstream triggers of apoptotic-autophagic crosstalk.

CONCLUSION

Robust "multi-targeting" anticancer potential of Thuja drug and thujone for HPV-infected cervical cancer ascertained its therapeutic efficacy for HPV infections.

Photodynamic Effects of Thuja occidentalis on Lung Cancer Cells

The global incidence and mortality rates resulting from lung cancer encapsulate a need to identify more effective treatment protocols. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and homeopathy offer possible anticancer therapies as part of a multi-disciplinary approach. Studies have identified the anticancer effects of Thuja occidentalis L. plant extracts. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Thuja occidentalis (TO) homeopathic mother tincture and TO mediated PDT (TO-PDT) on A549 lung cancer cells. Commercially available A549 cells were pre-treated with TO, or laser irradiation at 660 nm, or the combined treatment (TO-PDT). Cells were analyzed morphologically by inverted light microscopy and Hoechst stain; and biochemically by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and trypan blue assays. Cells treated with TO and TO-PDT demonstrated morphological changes in the cell and cell nuclei indicative of cell death. These groups exhibited a dose dependent increase in LDH release and a decrease in ATP levels and cell viability indicating its cytotoxic and antiproliferative potential. Furthermore, at the same doses, TO when photoactivated in PDT induced enhanced anticancer responses thereby surpassing the effects of treatment with the tincture alone. Results demonstrate how the direct cytotoxic effects of TO can be improved when administered as a photosensitizer in PDT to promote cancer cell death.

Involvement of Pca1 in ROS-mediated apoptotic cell death induced by alpha-thujone in the fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe)

Alpha-thujone, widely used in beverages (1-5 mg/kg), is known to have cytotoxic effects, but the mode of action and the role of potential apoptotic proteins in yeast cell death should be unraveled. In this study, we used Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which is a promising unicellular model organism in mechanistic toxicology and cell biology, to investigate the involvement of pro-apoptotic factors in alpha-thujone-induced cell death. We showed alpha-thujone-induced ROS accumulation-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis. In addition, we used superoxide dismutase-deficient cells (sod1 and sod2 mutants) to understand the effect of oxidative stress. Alpha-thujone caused significant cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death, particularly in sod mutants. Moreover, two potential apoptotic factors, pca1 and pnu1 (pombe caspase-1 and pombe nuc1) were investigated to understand which factor mediates alpha-thujone-induced cell death. Pca1-deficient cells showed increased survival rates and reduced apoptosis in comparison to parental cells after chemical treatment while pnu1 mutation did not cause any significant change and the response was found identical as of parental cells. Yeast responded to alpha-thujone in caspase-dependent manner which was very similar to that for acetic acid. In conclusion, alfa-thujone-induced apoptosis and accounting mechanisms, which were mediated by ROS and driven by Pca1, were clarified in the unicellular model, S. pombe.

Conifers Phytochemicals: A Valuable Forest with Therapeutic Potential

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different phytochemicals present in conifers against bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are also reviewed. Data obtained from experimental and clinical studies performed to date clearly underline that such compounds exert promising antioxidant effects, being able to inhibit cell damage, cancer growth, inflammation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, an attempt has been made with the intent to highlight the importance of conifer-derived extracts for pharmacological purposes, with the support of relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental data. In short, this review comprehends the information published to date related to conifers' phytochemicals and illustrates their potential role as drugs.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Leptocarpha rivularis DC Flower Extracts

An evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activity was screened in Leptocarpha rivularis DC flower extracts using four solvents (n-hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (AcOEt), and ethanol (EtOH)). Extracts were compared for total extract flavonoids and phenol contents, antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), total reactive antioxidant properties (TRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)) across a determined value of reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and cell viability (the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay). The most active extracts were analyzed by chromatographic analysis (GC/MS) and tested for apoptotic pathways. Extracts from Hex, DCM and AcOEt reduced cell viability, caused changes in cell morphology, affected mitochondrial membrane permeability, and induced caspase activation in tumor cell lines HT-29, PC-3, and MCF-7. These effects were generally less pronounced in the HEK-293 cell line (nontumor cells), indicating clear selectivity towards tumor cell lines. We attribute likely extract activity to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, in combination with other components like steroids and flavonoids.

Thuja occidentalis L. (Cupressaceae): Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Biological Activity

Thuja occidentalis L. (Cupressaceae) has its origins in Eastern North America and is cultivated in Europe and Brazil as an ornamental tree, being known as the "tree of life" or "white cedar". In traditional medicine, it is commonly used to treat liver diseases, bullous bronchitis, psoriasis, enuresis, amenorrhea, cystitis, uterine carcinomas, diarrhea, and rheumatism. The chemical constituents of T. occidentalis have been of research interest for decades, due to their contents of essential oil, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, and proanthocyanidines. Pharmacology includes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antiviral, protective activity of the gastrointestinal tract, radioprotection, antipyretic, and lipid metabolism regulatory activity. Therefore, the present review represents the synthesis of all the relevant information for T. occidentalis, its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and a thorough analysis of their pharmacological activities, in order to promote all the biological activities shown so far, rather than the antitumor activity that has promoted it as a medicinal species.

Therapeutic potential of α,β-thujone through metabolic reprogramming and caspase-dependent apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells

The therapeutic potential of α,β-thujone, a functional compound found in many medicinal plants of the Cupressaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae families, has been demonstrated, including in inflammation and cancers. However, its pharmacological functions and mechanisms of action in ovarian cancer remain unclear. We investigated the anticancer properties of α,β-thujone in ES2 and OV90 human ovarian cancer cells and its effect on sensitization to cisplatin. α,β-thujone inhibited cancer cell proliferation and induced cell death through caspase-dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Moreover, α,β-thujone-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress was associated with the loss of mitochondrial functions and altered metabolic landscape of ovarian cancer cells. α,β-Thujone attenuated blood vessel formation in transgenic zebrafish, implying it has significant antiangiogenic potential. In addition, α,β-thujone sensitized ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin, causing synergistic pharmacological effects. Collectively, our results suggest that α,β-thujone has therapeutic potential in human ovarian cancer and functions via regulating multiple intracellular stress-associated metabolic reprogramming and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways.

Essential Oils and Their Main Chemical Components: The Past 20 Years of Preclinical Studies in Melanoma

Simple Summary

In the last years, targeted therapy and immunotherapy modified the landscape for metastatic melanoma treatment. These therapeutic approaches led to an impressive improvement in patients overall survival. Unfortunately, the emergence of drug resistance and side effects occurring during therapy strongly limit the long-term efficacy of such treatments. Several preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of essential oils as antitumoral agents, and clinical trials support their use to reduce side effects emerging during therapy. In this review we have summarized studies describing the molecular mechanism through which essential oils induce in vitro and in vivo cell death in melanoma models. We also pointed to clinical trials investigating the use of essential oils in reducing the side effects experienced by cancer patients or those undergoing anticancer therapy. From this review emerged that further studies are necessary to validate the effectiveness of essential oils for the management of melanoma.

Abstract

The last two decades have seen the development of effective therapies, which have saved the lives of a large number of melanoma patients. However, therapeutic options are still limited for patients without BRAF mutations or in relapse from current treatments, and severe side effects often occur during therapy. Thus, additional insights to improve treatment efficacy with the aim to decrease the likelihood of chemoresistance, as well as reducing side effects of current therapies, are required. Natural products offer great opportunities for the discovery of antineoplastic drugs, and still represent a useful source of novel molecules. Among them, essential oils, representing the volatile fraction of aromatic plants, are always being actively investigated by several research groups and show promising biological activities for their use as complementary or alternative medicine for several diseases, including cancer. In this review, we focused on studies reporting the mechanism through which essential oils exert antitumor action in preclinical wild type or mutant BRAF melanoma models. We also discussed the latest use of essential oils in improving cancer patients’ quality of life. As evidenced by the many studies listed in this review, through their effect on apoptosis and tumor progression-associated properties, essential oils can therefore be considered as potential natural pharmaceutical resources for cancer management.

Anti-Cancer Potential of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids Present in Cannabis

In recent years, and even more since its legalization in several jurisdictions, cannabis and the endocannabinoid system have received an increasing amount of interest related to their potential exploitation in clinical settings. Cannabinoids have been suggested and shown to be effective in the treatment of various conditions. In cancer, the endocannabinoid system is altered in numerous types of tumours and can relate to cancer prognosis and disease outcome. Additionally, cannabinoids display anticancer effects in several models by suppressing the proliferation, migration and/or invasion of cancer cells, as well as tumour angiogenesis. However, the therapeutic use of cannabinoids is currently limited to the treatment of symptoms and pain associated with chemotherapy, while their potential use as cytotoxic drugs in chemotherapy still requires validation in patients. Along with cannabinoids, cannabis contains several other compounds that have also been shown to exert anti-tumorigenic actions. The potential anti-cancer effects of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, present in cannabis, are explored in this literature review.

Differential Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Migratory Activities of Ursolic Acid, 3-O-Acetylursolic Acid and Their Combination Treatments with Quercetin on Melanoma Cells

We evaluate how 3-acetylation modulates the in vitro activity of ursolic acid in melanoma cells alone or in combination treatments with quercetin. Anti-proliferative studies on A375 cells and adult human dermal fibroblasts included analyses on cell cycle distribution, caspase activity, phosphatidylserine translocation, cell morphology and Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression. Then, 2D and 3D migration of B16F10 cells were studied using scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Ursolic acid and 3-O-acetylursolic acid have shown similar GI50 on A375 cells (26 µM vs. 32 µM, respectively) significantly increased both early and late apoptotic populations, activated caspases 3/7 (48-72 h), and enhanced Bax whilst attenuating Bcl-2 expression. Ursolic acid caused elevation of the sub-G1 population whilst its 3-acetyl derivative arrested cell cycle at S phase and induced strong morphological changes. Combination treatments showed that ursolic acid and quercetin act synergistically in migration assays but not against cell proliferation. In summary, 3-O-acetylursolic acid maintains the potency and overall apoptotic mechanism of the parent molecule with a more aggressive influence on the morphology of A375 melanoma cells but the 3-acetylation suppresses its anti-migratory properties. We also found that ursolic acid can act in synergy with quercetin to reduce cell migration.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Potential of Bioactive Molecules Ursolic Acid and Thujone Isolated from Memecylon edule and Elaeagnus indica and Their Inhibitory Effect on Topoisomerase II by Molecular Docking Approach

The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of ursolic acid and thujone isolated from leaves of Elaeagnus indica and Memecylon edule and their inhibitory effect on topoisomerase II using molecular docking study. The isolated ursolic acid and thujone were examined for different types of free radicals scavenging activity, the antiproliferative potential on U-937 and HT-60 cell lines by adopting standard methods. Further, these compounds were docked with the active site of the ATPase region of topoisomerase II. The findings of the research revealed that ursolic acid harbor strong antioxidant and antiproliferative capacity with low IC50 values than the thujone in all tested methods. Moreover, ursolic acid shows significant inhibition effect on topoisomerase II with a considerable docking score (-8.0312) and GLIDE energy (-51.86 kca/mol). The present outcome concludes that ursolic acid possesses significant antioxidant and antiproliferative potential, which can be used in the development of novel antioxidant and antiproliferative agents in the future.

Novel 1,4-dihydropyridine induces apoptosis in human cancer cells through overexpression of Sirtuin1

1,4-Dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) are important as a class of heterocyclic compounds that exhibit wide range of biological actions. Many of its derivatives are already characterized as medicinally important drugs and used worldwide. In this study, we have screened some novel Hantzsch 1,4-DHP compounds using both in silico (QSAR and Pharmacophore) and in vitro (cytotoxic screening). 1,4-DHP showed selective cytotoxicity against five human cancerous cell lines; A375, A549, HeLa, HepG2 and SH-SY5Y but limited effect towards normal skin keratinocyte (HaCaT), lung fibroblast (WL-38) and healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In A375 and HepG2 cells, one of the 1,4-DHP derivative (DHP-8) was found to inhibit cell proliferation, and simultaneously increased the apoptotic population as well as mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Furthermore, the mitochondrial signal was triggered with the activation of cleaved Caspase9, Caspase3 and PARP. The treatment with DHP-8 also increased the expression level of SIRT1, subsequently decreasing the level of pAKT^ser473 and survivin. Reduced pAKT^ser473 expression led to decrease the phosphorylated inactive form of GSK3β^ser9 and as a result, proteasomal degradation of Mcl-1 occurred in both the cell lines. Here, we suggest that the apoptotic effect of DHP-8 in A375 and HepG2 cells was mediated by AKT and survivin pathways through SIRT1 activation. The involvement of DHP-8 in SIRT1 activation was further verified by co-treatment of nicotinamide with DHP-8 in both A375 and HepG2 cells. Overall, this study emphasizes the possible potential and therapeutic role of DHP-8 in skin and liver cancer.

β-Thujone and Its Derivatives Modify the Probing Behavior of the Peach Potato Aphid

Thujone is a natural biologically active monoterpene ketone component of essential oils of numerous plants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of β-thujone and β-thujone derivatives bisulfite adduct, lactone, oxime, and lactam application on behavior of Myzus persicae (Sulz.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) during probing and settling. The choice and no-choice tests (aphid settling and Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG), respectively) revealed that stereochemistry of thujone was important for biological activity (β-thujone caused changes in aphid behavior while α-thujone did not) and that cyclopentane ring modifications and functional groups addition gave derivatives that possessed stronger and more durable deterrent effects. The most effective modification was the incorporation of a lactam moiety into the β-thujone molecule. Application of β-thujone lactam limited aphid settling for at least 24 h, caused restlessness in aphids and a delay or failure in reaching phloem phase by M. persicae. β-Thujone lactam can be considered a deterrent of medium potency with activity expressed at preingestive phase of aphid probing. Other compounds did not restrain aphid stylet penetration in non-phloem tissues but slightly limited sap ingestion (lactone, oxime), and restrained aphid settling for a period of less than 24 h (β-Thujone, bisulphite adduct, lactone).

Therapeutic potential of monoterpene α-thujone, the main compound of Thuja occidentalis L. essential oil, against malignant glioblastoma multiforme cells in vitro

Thuja occidentalis L. is indigenous for Northern America and commonly cultivated in Europe. Raw materials obtained from this tree are widely applied in the ethnomedicine and phytotherapy of numerous ailments, incl. scurvy, cystitis, rheumatism and cancer. Despite wide medicinal applications of Thuja occidentalis, still little is known on its therapeutic potential in tumor treatment. α-thujone is the main component of Thuja occidentalis essential oil, which has been suggested to possess anti-tumor activities. This monoterpene easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, we examined its effects on the malignancy of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells, with the special emphasis on the mechanisms of its effect on cell viability and invasiveness. α-thujone exerted the attenuating effect on the viability and proliferation of GBM cells when administered at the concentrations between 100 and 500 μg/ml (660 μM - 3.2 mM). This effect was correlated with the induction of apoptosis in GBM cell populations and with considerable inhibition of GBM cells motility. Mechanistic analyses demonstrated the induction of oxidative stress and autophagy in α-thujone-treated tumor cells, whereas normal astrocytes displayed considerably lower sensitivity to α-thujone. Our observations demonstrate that α-thujone exerts pro-apoptotic and anti-invasive effects on GBM cells. They confirm the potential of α-thujone for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.

The Influence of Organs on Biochemical Properties of Tunisian Thuja occidentalis Essential Oils

In this study, the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil (EO) extracts (from leaves and cones) of the Tunisian Thuja occidentalis were evaluated. The composition of the leaf EO extract was more complex than that of the cones. The major components of the leaf EO extract were α-Pinene (34.4%), cedrol (13.17%), and β-Phellandrene (8.04%), while the composition of the cone EO extract was characterized by the predominance of α-Pinene (58.55%) and 3-Carene (24.08%). All EO extracts showed much better antioxidant activity than Trolox against 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, but EOs extracted from leaves exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity. All EOs showed strong antibacterial and antifungal activities against nine tested foodborne microorganisms (Bacillus cereus American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 1247, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Aeromonas hydrophila EI, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella typhimurium NCTC 6017, Aspergillus flavus (foodborne isolate), and Aspergillus niger CTM 10099. The highest antimicrobial activities by disk diffusion assay were recorded for the EOs extracted from leaves, while no difference in potency was marked between leaf and cone EO extracts by the agar dilution method. The most potent antimicrobial activity was recorded among fungi. This study confirms the strong antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of EO extracts from the Tunisian T. occidentalis (from the Sidi Bou Said site), highlighting its potential as a natural preservative against foodborne pathogens, particularly against E. coli and S. typhimurium.

Non-toxic and non teratogenic extract of Thuja orientalis L. inhibited angiogenesis in zebra fish and suppressed the growth of human lung cancer cell line

Lung cancer is a malignant tumour with minimal survival rate and the current treatments are not showing complete remission of tumour and have many side effects. Thus a natural herbal medicine with good anti-cancer properties is highly demanded. Thuja orientalis L. is a traditionally used medicine to cure cough, bronchitis, excessive menstruation, asthma, skin infection and premature baldness. In addition, recent studies have revealed that it has anti-proliferative and anti-cancer activity. Angiogenesis is the main reason for the propagation and metastasis of cancers. We therefore intended to study the effects of the leaf extract of Thuja orientalis L. on angiogenesis as well as lung cancer cell growth. We have tested the anti-angiogenesis efficiency by alkaline phosphatase assay and also analysed the in vivo toxicity and teratogenic effects of various concentration of Thuja orientalis L. extract by establishing an in vivo zebra fish (Danio rerio), a promising model for cancer research which share genetic structure similarity to that of human beings. Also we demonstrated an anti-cancer effect of leaf extract from Thuja orientalis L. on human lung cancer cell line (A549) by MTT and trypan blue assay. The results revealed that the Thuja orientalis L. extract is efficient in repressing lung tumour cell growth significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in all treatments (2.4 mg/ml to 0.3 mg/ml) except 0.15 mg/ml compared to the control. The in vivo toxicity assay has proven that it is non-toxic at concentrations 0.6 mg/ml, 0.3 mg/ml and 0.15 mg/ml in zebrafish. The teratogenic assays revealed the therapeutic index (TI) as 0.808 with 0.7029 mg/ml as LC₅₀ concentration at 24 h which is within the desirable value (below 1) for drug administration. Noticeable inhibition of angiogenesis also was observed in treatment with 2.4 mg/ml to 0.3 mg/ml. Overall we found that Thuja orientalis L. plant leaf extract exhibits better anti-cancer properties as we have validated by in vitro and in vivo analysis.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract and polysaccharide fraction of Thuja occidentalis Linn. in mice

Inflammation is a protective reaction of the microcirculation. However, sustained inflammation can lead to undesired effects. Thuja occidentalis Linn has many pharmacological properties but has no anti-inflammatory activity described. Thus, this study aims evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract (AE) and the polysaccharide fraction (PLS) of T. occidentalis L. in mice. The results of our evaluations in various experimental models indicated that AE and PLS (3, 10, and 30mg/kg, i.p.) reduced (p˂0.05) paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran sulfate (DEX), compound 48/80, serotonin (5-HT), bradykinin (BK), histamine (HIST), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Furthermore, it inhibited neutrophils recruitment; decreased MPO activity, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, vascular permeability, nitrite concentration, and MDA concentration; and maintained the GSH levels in the peritoneal exudate. The AE and PLS reduced neutrophil infiltration and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunostaining in paw tissue. Treatment with the AE and PLS (300mg/kg) did not induce gastric toxicity. In conclusion, these results show that the AE and PLS reduced the inflammatory response by inhibiting vascular and cellular events, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, they did not induce gastric toxicity at high doses.

Pro-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic properties of the α /β-thujone fraction from Thuja occidentalis on glioblastoma cells

The most aggressive type of brain tumor is glioblastoma multiforme, which to date remains incurable. Thuja occidentalis is used in homeopathy for the treatment of cancer, however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. We set out to study the effects of thujone fractions of Thuja on glioblastoma using in vitro and in vivo models. We found that the α/ β-thujone fraction decrease the cell viability and exhibit a potent anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effects in vitro. In vivo assays showed that α /β-thujone promotes the regression of neoplasia and inhibits the angiogenic markers VEGF, Ang-4 and CD31 into the tumor.

Comparative study of genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activities of monoterpenes camphor, eucalyptol and thujone in bacteria and mammalian cells

Genotoxic/antigenotoxic, mutagenic/antimutagenic and cytotoxic effects of monoterpenes camphor, eucalyptol and thujone were determined in bacteria and mammalian cells using alkaline comet assay, Escherichia coli K12 reversion test and MTT assay, respectively. When applied in low doses (up to 200 μM in bacterial assay and 50 μM in comet assay) monoterpenes protected repair proficient E. coli and Vero cells against UV-induced mutagenesis and 4NQO-induced DNA strand breaks, respectively. Antimutagenic response was not detected in nucleotide excision repair (NER) deficient bacteria. When monoterpenes were applied in higher doses, a weak mutagenic effect was found in mismatch repair (MMR) and NER deficient E. coli strains, while induction of DNA strand breaks was evident in human fetal lung fibroblasts MRC-5, colorectal carcinoma HT-29 and HCT 116 cells, as well as in Vero cells. Moreover, the involvement of NER, MMR and RecBCD pathways in repair of DNA lesions induced by monoterpenes was demonstrated in E. coli. Camphor, eucalyptol and thujone were cytotoxic to MRC-5, HT-29 and HCT 116 cells. The most susceptible cell line was HCT 116, with IC50 values of 4.5 mM for camphor, 4 mM for eucalyptol and 1 mM for thujone. Observed effects of monoterpenes are consistent with hormesis response, characterized by a low dose beneficial effect and a high dose adverse effect of a stressor agent, and provide a basis for further study of both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential of camphor, eucalyptol and thujone.

Anti-lung cancer potential of pure esteric-glycoside condurangogenin A against nonsmall-cell lung cancer cells in vitro via p21/p53 mediated cell cycle modulation and DNA damage-induced apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Marsdenia condurango (condurango) is a tropical woody vine native to South America. Our earlier study was limited to evaluation of anti-cancer potentials of crude condurango extract and its glycoside-rich components in vitro on lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims at evaluating the effect of the single isolated active ingredient condurangogenin A (ConA; C32H42O7) on A549, H522 and H460-nonsmall-cell lung cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ConA was isolated by column chromatography and analyzed by mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton-nuclear magnetic resonance. diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays were conducted on three cell-types using 6%-alcohol as control. Critical studies on cellular morphology, cell-cycle regulation, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA-damage were made, and expressions of related signaling markers studied.

RESULTS

As IC50 doses of ConA proved to be too high and toxic to both A549 and H522 cells, all experimental studies were carried out on H460 cells with the IC50 dose (32 μg/ml - 24 h). Cellular morphology revealed typical apoptotic features after ConA treatment. At early treatment hours (2 h-12 h), maximum cells were arrested at G0/G1 phase that could be correlated with reduced level of cyclin D1-CDK with p21 up-regulation. At 18 h - 24 h, sub G0/G1 cell population was increased gradually, as revealed from cytochrome-c release and caspase-3 activation, further confirming the apoptosis-inducing ability of ConA at later phases. Gradual increase of TUNEL-positive cells with significant modulation of mitochondria-dependent apoptotic markers at longer time-points would establish apoptosis-induction property of ConA, indicating its potential as a strong candidate for anti-cancer drug formulation.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are warranted against other types of cancer cells and animal models before its possible human use.

Thuja occidentalis L. and its active compound, α-thujone: Promising effects in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome without inducing osteoporosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thuja occidentalis L. (Cupressaceae) has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, amenorrhea, cystitis, and uterine carcinomas, and as an abortifacient and contraceptive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to determine whether T. occidentalis oil and α-thujone could be beneficial in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T. occidentalis oil and α-thujone were administered to rats with letrozole-induced PCOS for 21 days. At the end of 21 days, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture. The levels of serum gonadotropins, steroids, blood lipid, leptin, and glucose and the values of antioxidant parameters were measured.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that estradiol and progesterone levels significantly increased, while luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels decreased in the T. occidentalis- and α-thujone-administered groups. The plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin, and glucose concentrations were also significantly decreased in the T. occidentalis and α-thujone groups when compared to the control group. Histopathological findings demonstrated that the T. occidentalis and α-thujone groups displayed good healing. According to the phytochemical analyses, 25 compounds were identified in the T. occidentalis oil. The main constituents of the oil were the monoterpene ketones α- and β-thujone, fenchone, and sabinene, as well as the diterpenes beyerene and rimuene.

CONCLUSION

T. occidentalis essential oil and its active component, α-thujone, can be used for the treatment of PCOS without inducing osteoporosis.

DNA fragmentation and cell cycle arrest: a hallmark of apoptosis induced by Ruta graveolens in human colon cancer cells

In the present study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of various potencies of Ruta graveolens (Ruta) on COLO-205 cell line, as evidenced by cytotoxicity, migration, clonogenecity, morphological and biochemical changes and modification in the levels of genes associated with apoptosis and cell cycle. On treatment of COLO-205 cells maximal effects were seen with mother tincture (MT) and 30C potencies, wherein decrease in cell viability along with reduced clonogenecity and migration capabilities were noted. In addition morphological and biochemical alterations such as nuclear changes (fragmented nuclei with condensed chromatin) and DNA ladder-like pattern (increased amount of fragmented DNA) in COLO-205 cells indicating apoptotic related cell death were seen. The expression of apoptosis and cell-cycle related regulatory genes assessed by reverse transcriptase-PCR revealed an up-regulation of caspase 9, caspase-3, Bax, p21 and p27 expression and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression in treated cells. The mode of cell death was suggestive of intrinsic apoptotic pathway along with cell cycle arrest at the G2/M of the cell cycle. Our findings indicate that phytochemicals present in Ruta showed potential for natural therapeutic product development for colon carcinoma.

Nanotechnological approaches in diabetes treatment: A new horizon

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and takes a heavy toll on human life. Treatment of diabetics often poses a problem in selection of the proper drug, its dose and unwanted side effects. Therefore, newer drugs with the least side effects but with highest efficiency are being relentlessly searched for. In recent years, nanotechnology has given new hope for the formulation of various drugs against a myriad of diseases, including diabetes. This review tries to give an overview of the advantages of various new drugs being used, including a wide range of nanoformulations of orthodox as well complementary and alternative medicines. Several studies and research reports based on nanotechnological approaches in the formulation of anti-diabetic drugs have pointed out the fact that research in the formulation of nanodrugs improved strategies for combating diabetes based on the plausible molecular mechanism of action of the drugs. Furthermore, attempts have also been made to delineate the optimum drug concentration and time of exposure in order to recommend a scientifically validated drug dose response in developing different therapeutic strategies. Thus, to a considerable extent, recent studies have contributed towards improving the life expectancy and quality of life of diabetics, through both targeted orthodox medicine and complementary medicine, particularly those obtained from natural resources.

Graveoline isolated from ethanolic extract of Ruta graveolens triggers apoptosis and autophagy in skin melanoma cells: a novel apoptosis-independent autophagic signaling pathway

Anti-cancer drugs generally kill cancer cells by apoptosis but fail to do so when they become resistant and escape apoptosis signals. But these resistant cells can still be killed by autophagy. Therefore, drugs having both apoptotic and autophagic abilities are solicited in effective cancer management. In search of such a drug, we examined the efficacy of graveoline, a bioactive compound isolated from Ruta graveolens on skin melanoma A375 cells through the use of specific signaling cascades and their inhibitors. Cytotoxicity of graveoline was tested by conducting MTT assay. Induction of autophagy and apoptosis was checked. Expression of related proteins and their localization were studied by conducting immunoblot assay and through confocal microscopy, respectively. We found graveoline-induced Beclin-1 associated autophagy in A375 cells and 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of autophagy did not affect apoptosis. Conversely, caspase inhibitor that blocked apoptosis did not affect autophagic cell death, suggesting thereby that these two were independent events. Use of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers inhibited cell death, but blocking autophagy did not affect graveoline-induced ROS generation, suggesting that ROS generation ensued autophagy. Thus, graveoline-induced both apoptotic and autophagic cell death in skin melanoma cells, a desirable quality in effective anti-cancer drug design.

Boswellia ovalifoliolata abrogates ROS mediated NF-κB activation, causes apoptosis and chemosensitization in Triple Negative Breast Cancer cells

The present study was aimed to evaluvate the apoptogenic potential of ethanolic extract of leaves from Boswellia ovalifoliolata (BL EthOH) and to unravel the molecular mechanisms implicated in apoptosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cells. BL EthOH was cytotoxic against TNBC cells like MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 with IC₅₀ concentrations 67.48 ± 5.45 and 70.03 ± 4.76 μg/ml, respectively. Apoptotic studies showed that BL EthOH was able to induce apoptosis and western blot studies demonstrated that BL EthOH significantly decreased the Phospho-NF-κB (ser536), PCNA, anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression and increased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines when compared with untreated cells. Besides, BL EthOH has synergistic chemosensitizing effects on TNBC cells and increased the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin and cisplatin.

Integrative nanomedicine: treating cancer with nanoscale natural products

Finding safer and more effective treatments for specific cancers remains a significant challenge for integrative clinicians and researchers worldwide. One emerging strategy is the use of nanostructured forms of drugs, vaccines, traditional animal venoms, herbs, and nutraceutical agents in cancer treatment. The recent discovery of nanoparticles in traditional homeopathic medicines adds another point of convergence between modern nanomedicine and alternative interventional strategies. A way in which homeopathic remedies could initiate anticancer effects includes cell-to-cell signaling actions of both exogenous and endogenous (exosome) nanoparticles. The result can be a cascade of modulatory biological events with antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. The Banerji Protocols reflect a multigenerational clinical system developed by homeopathic physicians in India who have treated thousands of patients with cancer. A number of homeopathic remedy sources from the Banerji Protocols (eg, Calcarea phosphorica; Carcinosin-tumor-derived breast cancer tissue prepared homeopathically) overlap those already under study in nonhomeopathic nanoparticle and nanovesicle tumor exosome cancer vaccine research. Past research on antineoplastic effects of nano forms of botanical extracts such as Phytolacca, Gelsemium, Hydrastis, Thuja, and Ruta as well as on homeopathic remedy potencies made from the same types of source materials suggests other important overlaps. The replicated finding of silica, silicon, and nano-silica release from agitation of liquids in glassware adds a proven nonspecific activator and amplifier of immunological effects. Taken together, the nanoparticulate research data and the Banerji Protocols for homeopathic remedies in cancer suggest a way forward for generating advances in cancer treatment with natural product-derived nanomedicines.

Condurango glycoside-rich components stimulate DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest and ROS-mediated caspase-3 dependent apoptosis through inhibition of cell-proliferation in lung cancer, in vitro and in vivo

Chemotherapeutic potential of Condurango glycoside-rich components (CGS) was evaluated in NSCLC, in vitro and in BaP-intoxicated rats, in vivo. NSCLC cells were treated with different concentrations of CGS to test their effect on cell viability. Cellular morphology, DNA-damage, AnnexinV-FITC/PI, cell cycle regulation, ROS-accumulation, MMP, and expressions of related signalling genes were critically analysed. 0.22 μg/μl CGS (IC₅₀ dose at 24 h) was selected for the study. CGS-induced apoptosis via DNA damage was evidenced by DNA-ladder formation, increase of AnnexinV-positive cells, cell cycle arrest at subG0/G1 and differential expressions of apoptotic genes. ROS-elevation and MMP-depolarization with significant caspase-3 activation might lead to apoptotic cell death. Anti-proliferative activity was confirmed by EGFR-expression modulation. ROS accumulation and DNA-nick formation with tissue damage-repair activity after post-cancerous CGS treatment, in vivo, supported the in vitro findings. Overall results advocate considerable apoptosis-inducing potential of CGS against NSCLC, validating its use against lung cancer by CAM practitioners.

Anticancer activity of essential oils: a review

Natural essential oil constituents play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. Essential oil constituents from aromatic herbs and dietary plants include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes and phenolics among others. Various mechanisms such antioxidant, antimutagenic and antiproliferative, enhancement of immune function and surveillance, enzyme induction and enhancing detoxification, modulation of multidrug resistance and synergistic mechanism of volatile constituents are responsible for their chemopreventive properties. This review covers the most recent literature to summarize structural categories and molecular anticancer mechanisms of constituents from aromatic herbs and dietary plants.

Flavonol isolated from ethanolic leaf extract of Thuja occidentalis arrests the cell cycle at G2-M and induces ROS-independent apoptosis in A549 cells, targeting nuclear DNA

OBJECTIVES

The K-ras gene mutation commonly found in lung adenocarcinomas contributes to their non-invasive expansion. Our main objective here was to develop a chemopreventive agent against K-ras-mutated lung adenocarcinoma cell line like-A549.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We isolated flavonol from ethanolic leaf extract of Thuja occidentalis, and evaluated its apoptotic potentials on A549 cells. They were treated with 1-10 μg/ml of flavonol and viability was tested retaining normal lung cells L-132 as control. We performed assays such as TUNEL, annexin V, cell-cycle and mitochondrial membrane potentials, by FACS analysis. ROS-mediated oxidative stress and drug-DNA interactions were analysed along with gene expression studies for p53, Bax-Bcl2, cytochrome c, the caspase cascade genes and PARP.

RESULTS

Flavonol reduced A549 cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner (IC50 value = 7.6 ± 0.05 μg/ml following 48 h incubation) sparing normal L-132 cells. It effected G2-M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as indicated by progressive increase in the sub-G1, annexin V and TUNEL-positive cell populations. Apoptotic effects appeared to be mitochondria-dependent, caspase-3-mediated, but ROS-independent. Analysis of circular dichroism data revealed that flavonol intercalated with nuclear DNA. In vivo studies on non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)-induced mice confirmed anti-cancer potential of flavonol.

CONCLUSION

Flavonol-induced apoptosis apparently resulted from intercalation of cells' nuclear DNA. Flavonol inhibited growth of induced lung tumours in the mice, indicating its potential as an effective agent against NSCLC.

High throughput screening of natural products for anti-mitotic effects in MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells

Some of the most effective anti-mitotic microtubule-binding agents, such as paclitaxel (Taxus brevifolia) were originally discovered through robust National Cancer Institute botanical screenings. In this study, a high-through put microarray format was utilized to screen 897 aqueous extracts of commonly used natural products (0.00015-0.5 mg/mL) relative to paclitaxel for anti-mitotic effects (independent of toxicity) on proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. The data obtained showed that less than 1.34 % of the extracts tested showed inhibitory growth (IG50 ) properties <0.0183 mg/mL. The most potent anti-mitotics (independent of toxicity) were Mandrake root (Podophyllum peltatum), Truja twigs (Thuja occidentalis), Colorado desert mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens), Tou Gu Cao [symbol: see text] Speranskia herb (Speranskia tuberculata), Bentonite clay, Bunge root (Pulsatilla chinensis), Brucea fruit (Brucea javanica), Madder root (Rubia tinctorum), Gallnut of Chinese Sumac (Melaphis chinensis), Elecampane root (Inula Helenium), Yuan Zhi [symbol: see text] root (Polygala tenuifolia), Pagoda Tree fruit (Melia Toosendan), Stone root (Collinsonia Canadensis), and others such as American Witchhazel, Arjun, and Bladderwrack. The strongest tumoricidal herbs identified from amongst the subset evaluated for anti-mitotic properties were wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), beth root (Trillium Pendulum), and alkanet root (Lithospermum canescens). Additional data was obtained on a lesser-recognized herb: (S. tuberculata), which showed growth inhibition on BT-474 (human ductal breast carcinoma) and Ishikawa (human endometrial adenocarcinoma) cells with ability to block replicative DNA synthesis, leading to G2 arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, these findings present relative potency of anti-mitotic natural plants that are effective against human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell division.

Western herbal medicine, epigenetics, and endometriosis

Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. The etiology of endometriosis is poorly understood, yet recent evidence suggests that epigenetic aberrations and heritable changes in the genome may be the key to understanding how to approach this disease. Difficulty in long-term management of endometriosis symptoms and unpredictability of treatment outcome necessitate research into other treatment modalities, such as Western herbal medicine. This article reviews commonly used herbs in the treatment of endometriosis, the effects of phytochemical constituents on endometrial cells, and the impact on the epigenome.

Chemical composition and anticancer activity of essential oils of Mediterranean sage (Salvia officinalis L.) grown in different environmental conditions

Salvia officinalis L. can be found worldwide and its leaves are commonly used as ingredient in food industry. Sage essential oil is applied in the treatment of a range of diseases and has been shown to possess different biological activities. The objectives of our research were to study the effects of environment on crop, chemical composition and anticancer activity on S. officinalis essential oil. Sage was cultivated at eighteen experimental sites in south-central Italy (Molise) in different growing environments. The essential oils (S1-S18), extracted by hydrodistillation, were analyzed by GC and CG/MS. Results show that the main components were α-thujone, camphor, borneol, γ-muurolene and sclareol for all the samples, but the percentages of these compounds varied depending on environmental factors such as altitude, water availability and pedo-climatic conditions. The growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of the eighteen sage essential oils were evaluated in three human melanoma cell lines, A375, M14, and A2058.