Cranberry and its phytochemicals: a review of in vitro anticancer studies

Comparative In Vitro Study: Assessing Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Properties of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Fruit Extracts

The phytochemical diversity and potential health benefits of V. oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon fruits call for further scientific inquiry. Our study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of extracts from these fruits and assess their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties in vitro. It was found that the ethanolic extracts of V. oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon fruits, which contained more lipophilic compounds, had 2-14 times lower antioxidant activity compared to the dry aqueous extracts of cranberry fruit, which contained more hydrophilic compounds. All tested cranberry fruit extracts (OE, OW, ME, and MW) significantly inhibited the growth of bacterial strains S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae in vitro compared to the control. Cytotoxic activity against the human prostate carcinoma PPC-1 cell line, human renal carcinoma cell line (CaKi-1), and human foreskin fibroblasts (HF) was determined using an MTT assay. Furthermore, the effect of the cranberry fruit extract samples on cell migration activity, cancer spheroid growth, and viability was examined. The ethanolic extract from V. macrocarpon fruits (ME) showed higher selectivity in inhibiting the viability of prostate and renal cancer cell lines compared to fibroblasts. It also effectively hindered the migration of these cancer cell lines. Additionally, the V. macrocarpon fruit extract (ME) demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against PPC-1 and CaKi-1 spheroids, significantly reducing the size of PPC-1 spheroids compared to the control. These findings suggest that cranberry fruit extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract from V. macrocarpon fruits, have promising potential as natural remedies for bacterial infections and cancer therapy.

Chemical Composition and Insulin-Resistance Activity of Arginine-Loaded American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton, Ericaceae) Leaf Extracts

One of the key pathogenetic links in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the formation of insulin resistance (IR). Besides a wide selection of synthetic antidiabetic drugs, various plant-origin extracts are also available to support the treatment of T2DM. This study aimed to investigate and gain knowledge of the chemical composition and potential IR correction effect of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) leaf extracts and formulate novel 3D-printed oral dosage forms for such extracts. The bioactivity and IR of L-arginine-loaded cranberry leaf extracts were studied in vivo in rats. The cranberry leaf extracts consisted of quinic, 3-caffeoylquinic (chlorogenic), p-coumaroylquinic acids, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-xyloside, quercetin-3-O-arabino pyranoside, quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, and quercetin-O-p-coumaroyl hexoside-2 identified by HPLC. In vivo studies with rats showed that the oral administration of the cranberry leaf extracts had a positive effect on insulin sensitivity coefficients under the insulin tolerance test and affected homeostasis model assessment IR levels and liver lipid content with experimental IR. A novel 3D-printed immediate-release dosage form was developed for the oral administration of cranberry leaf extracts using polyethylene oxide as a carrier gel in semi-solid extrusion 3D printing. In conclusion, American cranberry leaf extracts loaded with L-arginine could find uses in preventing health issues associated with IR.

Edible Gels with Cranberry Extract: Evaluation of Anthocyanin Release Kinetics

The bioactive compounds found in cranberry fruit are natural antioxidants, and their consumption reduces the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and urinary tract infections. Oral gels with cranberry fruit extract are a promising product that can ensure accurate dosage and release of the active compounds and are suitable for people with dysphagia. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of polymeric materials on the dissolution kinetics of cranberry fruit anthocyanins from gel formulations. Gel formulations were prepared using freeze-dried cranberry fruit extract with different gelling excipients: chitosan (G1-G3), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (G4-G6), and sodium carboxymethylcellulose combined with carbomers (G7-G9). The dissolution test showed that the release of anthocyanins from gel formulations G1-G6 and G9 was most intense within the first 10 min, with little change in the anthocyanin content of the acceptor medium afterwards. For the formulations based on carboxymethyl cellulose and carbomers G7 and G8, the amount of anthocyanins released into the acceptor medium gradually increased, which prolonged the release time of the active compounds. The test for the release of anthocyanins from the semi-solid systems through a hydrophilic membrane revealed that within the first hour, the total amount of anthocyanins released from the modeled gel formulations (G1-G9) was within the range of 6.02%-13.50%. The 1% chitosan (G1) gel formulation released the fastest and highest amount of anthocyanins (70% within 6 h). The other formulations showed a slower release of anthocyanins, and after 6 h, the amount of anthocyanins released from formulations G2-G9 was <57%.

Peculiarities of the Variation of Biologically Active Compounds in Fruit of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Growing in the Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve

This study was carried out to analyze the accumulation patterns of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid, and triterpene compounds in fruit samples of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. berries growing in the Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve in Lithuania. Studies were carried out on the phytochemical composition of cranberry fruit samples during the period of 2020-2022. Anthocyanins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid and triterpene compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC-DAD methods, and proanthocyanins were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The content of identified compounds varied, as reflected in the total amounts of anthocyanins (710.3 ± 40 µg/g to 6993.8 ± 119 µg/g), proanthocyanidins (378.4 ± 10 µg EE/g to 3557. 3 ± 75 µg EE/g), flavonols (479.6 ± 9 µg/g to 7291.2 ± 226 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (68.0 ± 1 µg/g to 3858.2 ± 119 µg/g), and triterpenoids (3780.8 ± 98 µg/g to 7226.9 ± 224 µg/g). Cranberry fruit samples harvested from open oligotrophic wetland habitats contained higher levels of anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonol glycosides, and proanthocyanidins. The highest levels of triterpene compounds were found in the cranberry fruits harvested in the spring of the following year after the snowmelt. The use of principal component analysis showed that cranberry plant material harvested in October and November had higher levels of bioactive compounds.

Comparative clinical evaluation of a local drug delivery of cranberry and garcinia fruit gel with tetracycline fibers for amelioration of periodontitis: A split mouth study

Background

The present study formulates and evaluates a polyberry gel comprising extracts of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and brindle berry (Garcinia cambogia) in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

The polyberry gel was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters, in vitro permeability and stability, and the active phytoconstituents were quantified by High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Total phenolic content, total antioxidants, and ascorbic acid were estimated in the two extracts by in vitro assays. Patients suffering from chronic periodontitis with probing pocket depth (PPD) up to 5 mm were divided into 3 groups of 21 patients each and treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) or SRP followed by subgingival placement of polyberry gel or tetracycline fibers (standard). Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), PPD, Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), and the salivary aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were recorded at baseline and after 1 month.

Results

A significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the periodontic disease parameters was observed in the standard and gel-treated groups between their baseline and 1-month time-interval readings. The polyberry gel treatment significantly (P < 0.05 for AST and P < 0.01 for the rest) attenuated the periodontitis-elevated PI, GI PPD, CAL, AST and CRP levels when compared with SRP at the end of the study and was comparable with tetracycline.

Conclusion

The amelioration of periodontitis and gingival inflammation may be attributed to the potent antioxidant activity of the polyphenolic phytoconstituents of the gel. The polyberry gel may thus be used as a safe adjunct to SRP/tetracycline in chronic periodontitis.

Effect of the Composition of Leuzea and Cranberry Meal Extracts on Metabolic Processes in Norm and Pathology

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-term administration of a new herbal composition of leuzea and cranberry meal extracts at a dose of 70:500 mg/kg in healthy and pathological mice. After 4 weeks of daily composition administration to healthy CD-1 mice and C57BL/6 mice with diet-induced metabolic syndrome, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum biochemical examination and histology of internal organs were performed. Additionally, histological examination of white and brown adipose tissue was performed to evaluate the ability of the composition to prevent abdominal obesity in C57BL/6Ay (agouti yellow) mice. The results showed that the composition increased tissue sensitivity to glucose in healthy CD-1 mice; at the same time, it did not worsen the course of pathological processes in pathological mice. In both cases, the application of the developed composition was safe and contributed to the restoration of metabolic parameters.

American Cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) Leaves Extract and Its Amino-Acids Preparation: The Phytochemical and Pharmacological Study

The liver is an organ with several important biofunctions, for which there are very few effective and safe preparations that promote the functioning, protection, and regeneration of cells. Sufficiently safe preparations with hepatoprotective activity can be found in plants. The aim of our study was to investigate the chemical composition of an extract made from American cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) leaves and its amino-acids preparations as well as their possible hepatoprotective activity. Using the UPLC-MS/MS method, we identified 19 phenolic compounds (8 flavonoids (flavones and flavonols), 4 anthocyanins, 3 hydroxycinnamic acids, and 2 catechins). The prophylactic and therapeutic administration of the American cranberry-leaves extracts led to a decrease in the lipid-peroxidation process during a study of tetrachloromethane acute toxic damage in the liver of rats. As a result of animal studies, the most effective hepatoprotective activity was found in the extract preparations with valine and arginine.

Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): Phytochemistry and Biological Properties of Medicinal Plants

The Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) genus consists of a globally widespread and diverse genus of around 4250 species, of which the most valuable is the Vaccinioidae subfamily. The current review focuses on the distribution, history, bioactive compounds, and health-related effects of three species: cranberry, blueberry, and huckleberry. Several studies highlight that the consumption of Vaccinium spp. presents numerous beneficial health-related outcomes, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against diabetes, obesity, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disorders. These plants' prevalence and commercial value have enhanced in the past several years; thus, the generated by-products have also increased. Consequently, the identified phenolic compounds found in the discarded leaves of these plants are also presented, and their impact on health and economic value is discussed. The main bioactive compounds identified in this genus belong to anthocyanins (cyanidin, malvidin, and delphinidin), flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercetin, and astragalin), phenolic acids (gallic, p-Coumaric, cinnamic, syringic, ferulic, and caffeic acids), and iridoids.

D-Mannose prevents bone loss under weightlessness

BACKGROUND

Astronauts undergo significant microgravity-induced bone loss during space missions, which has become one of the three major medical problems hindering human's long-term space flight. A risk-free and antiresorptive drug is urgently needed to prevent bone loss during space missions. D-mannose is a natural C-2 epimer of D-glucose and is abundant in cranberries. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of D-mannose against bone loss under weightlessness.

METHODS

The hind legs of tail-suspended (TS) rats were used to mimic weightlessness on Earth. Rats were administered D-mannose intragastrically. The osteoclastogenic and osteogenic capacity of D-mannose in vitro and in vivo was analyzed by micro-computed tomography, biomechanical assessment, bone histology, serum markers of bone metabolism, cell proliferation assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis was performed to detect the underlying mechanisms of D-mannose in bone protection.

RESULTS

The TS rats showed lower bone mineral density (BMD) and poorer bone morphological indices. D-mannose could improve BMD in TS rats. D-mannose inhibited osteoclast proliferation and fusion in vitro, without apparent effects on osteoblasts. RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis showed that D-mannose administration significantly inhibited the cell fusion molecule dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP) and two indispensable transcription factors for osteoclast fusion (c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 [NFATc1]). Finally, TS rats tended to experience dysuria-related urinary tract infections (UTIs), which were suppressed by treatment with D-mannose.

CONCLUSION

D-mannose protected against bone loss and UTIs in rats under weightlessness. The bone protective effects of D-mannose were mediated by inhibiting osteoclast cell fusion. Our findings provide a potential strategy to protect against bone loss and UTIs during space missions.

Changes in the Composition of Biologically Active Compounds during the Ripening Period in Fruit of Different Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Cultivars Grown in the Lithuanian Collection

In our investigation, we evaluated the content of chlorogenic acid, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonols, triterpenoids, and phytosterols in cranberry fruit extracts of the cultivars ‘Baifay’, ‘Early Black’, ‘Howes’, ‘Pilgrim’, ‘Red Star’, and ‘Stevens’ grown in Lithuania, as well as changes in the antioxidant activity in extracts of fruit samples of these cultivars during the period of berry maturation. The highest amount of proanthocyanidins (8.87 ± 0.57 mg EE/g EE) and flavonols (3688.52 ± 22.85 µg/g) was determined in cranberries of the cultivar ‘Howes’ harvested on 12 August. Remarkably, the highest anthocyanins content (9628.62 ± 266 µg/g) was determined in cranberries of the cultivar ‘Howes’ harvested on 22 October. The study showed that the content of phytochemical compounds in cranberries varied between 12 August and 22 October; the content of proanthocyanidins decreased by a factor of about 2, the content of chlorogenic acid decreased by a factor of about 1.3, the content of flavonols decreased by a factor of about 2, and the content of anthocyanins increased by 27 to 450 times. A strong correlation was found between the total proanthocyanidin content of cranberry fruit extracts and their in vitro antiradical and reducing activity (r = 0.781 and 0.726, respectively, p < 0.001). The data of our study detail the accumulation of the phytochemical composition of biologically active compounds in cranberry samples during the stages of maturity, therefore these data are significant for the assessment of harvest time of cranberry and can be applied to select cranberry cultivars for further cultivation in Lithuanian climatic conditions.

Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Studies of Selected Botanical Dietary Supplements Used in the United States

Based on their current wide bioavailability, botanical dietary supplements have become an important component of the United States healthcare system, although most of these products have limited scientific evidence for their use. The most recent American Botanical Council Market Report estimated for 2020 a 17.3% increase in sales of these products when compared to 2019, for a total sales volume of $11,261 billion. The use of botanical dietary supplements products in the United States is guided by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) from 1994, enacted by the U.S. Congress with the aim of providing more information to consumers and to facilitate access to a larger number of botanical dietary supplements available on the market than previously. Botanical dietary supplements may be formulated for and use only using crude plant samples (e.g., plant parts such as the bark, leaves, or roots) that can be processed by grinding into a dried powder. Plant parts can also be extracted with hot water to form an "herbal tea." Other preparations of botanical dietary supplements include capsules, essential oils, gummies, powders, tablets, and tinctures. Overall, botanical dietary supplements contain bioactive secondary metabolites with diverse chemotypes that typically are found at low concentration levels. These bioactive constituents usually occur in combination with inactive molecules that may induce synergy and potentiation of the effects observed when botanical dietary supplements are taken in their different forms. Most of the botanical dietary supplements available on the U.S. market have been used previously as herbal remedies or as part of traditional medicine systems from around the world. Their prior use in these systems also provides a certain level of assurance in regard to lower toxicity levels. This chapter will focus on the importance and diversity of the chemical features of bioactive secondary metabolites found in botanical dietary supplements that are responsible for their applications. Many of the active principles of botanical dietary substances are phenolics and isoprenoids, but glycosides and some alkaloids are also present. Biological studies on the active constituents of selected botanical dietary supplements will be discussed. Thus, the present chapter should be of interest for both members of the natural products scientific community, who may be performing development studies of the products available, as well as for healthcare professionals who are directly involved in the analysis of botanical interactions and evaluation of the suitability of botanical dietary supplements for human consumption.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition of Phenolic and Triterpene Compounds in Fruit of Large Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Grown in Latvia

We carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phytochemical composition of the fruits of large cranberry cultivars 'Ben Lear', 'Bergman', 'Kalnciema agra', 'Lemunyon', 'Pilgrim', 'Stevens', and 'Tina' grown in Latvian climatic conditions. The following predominant compounds were found in cranberry fruit samples: peonidin-3-O-galactoside, peonidin-3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, myricetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-α-L-arabinofuranoside, quercetin 3-rhamnoside, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid. During the berry ripening period (from 16 August until 15 September), a trend of decreasing amounts of compounds was found in the fruit samples of the studied cranberry cultivars: the total amount of proanthocyanidins decreased by 1.3 times, the total amount of the identified flavonols decreased by 1.3 times, the total amount of triterpenoids decreased by 1.2 times, and the total amount of chlorogenic acid decreased by 1.7 times. During the period from 16 August until 15 September, the total amount of anthocyanins in the cranberry fruit samples increased by 2.6 to 17 times. The highest total amount of anthocyanins (5305.80 ± 27 µg/g) was detected in fruit samples of the cranberry cultivar 'Kalnciema agra' collected on 15 September. The amount of biologically active compounds in cranberry fruit samples varies during berry ripening. Thus, the choice of the picking time is one of the factors that determines the phytochemical composition of raw cranberry material.

Supercritical Fluid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Quantification of Pentacyclic Triterpenoids in Plant Extracts

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (PCTs) are a widely distributed class of plant secondary metabolites. These compounds have high bioactive properties, primarily antitumor and antioxidant activity. In this study, a method was developed for the quantitative analysis of pentacyclic triterpenoids in plants using supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SFC-MS/MS). Separation of ten major PCTs (friedelin, lupeol, β-amyrin, α-amyrin, betulin, erythrodiol, uvaol, betulinic, oleanolic and ursolic acids) was studied on six silica-based reversed stationary phases. The best results (7 min analysis time in isocratic elution mode) were achieved on an HSS C18 SB stationary phase using carbon dioxide-isopropanol (8%) mobile phase providing decisive contribution of polar interactions to the retention of analytes. It was shown that the use of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) is preferred over atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). The combination of SFC with APCI-MS/MS mass spectrometry made it possible to achieve the limits of quantification in plant extracts in the range of 2.3-20 μg·L-1. The developed method was validated and tested in the analyses of birch outer layer (Betula pendula) bark, and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, as well as lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), apple (Malus domestica "Golden Delicious" and Malus domestica "Red Delicious") peels.

A Freeze-Dried Cranberry Powder Consistently Enhances SCFA Production and Lowers Abundance of Opportunistic Pathogens In Vitro

The American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, contains fibers and (poly)phenols that could exert health-promoting effects through modulation of gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate how a freeze-dried whole cranberry powder (FCP) modulated metabolite production and microbial composition using both a 48-h incubation strategy and a long-term human gut simulator study with the M-SHIME (Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem). FCP was repeatedly administered over three weeks. The studies included five and three study subjects, respectively. In both models, FCP significantly increased levels of health-related short-chain fatty acids (SCFA: acetate, propionate and butyrate), while decreased levels of branched-chain fatty acids (markers of proteolytic fermentation). Interestingly, FCP consistently increased luminal Bacteroidetes abundances in the proximal colon of the M-SHIME (+17.5 ± 9.3%) at the expense of Proteobacteria (−10.2 ± 1.5%). At family level, this was due to the stimulation of Bacteroidaceae and Prevotellaceae and a decrease of Pseudomonodaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Despite of interpersonal differences, FCP also increased the abundance of families of known butyrate producers. Overall, FCP displayed an interesting prebiotic potential in vitro given its selective utilization by host microorganisms and potential health-related effects on inhibition of pathogens and selective stimulation of beneficial metabolites.

Fruit Peels: Food Waste as a Valuable Source of Bioactive Natural Products for Drug Discovery

Fruits along with vegetables are crucial for a balanced diet. These not only have delicious flavors but are also reported to decrease the risk of contracting various chronic diseases. Fruit by-products are produced in huge quantity during industrial processing and constitute a serious issue because they may pose a harmful risk to the environment. The proposal of employing fruit by-products, particularly fruit peels, has gradually attained popularity because scientists found that in many instances peels displayed better biological and pharmacological applications than other sections of the fruit. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of fruit peel extracts and natural products obtained in food industries along with their other potential biological applications.

Regulation of micro-RNA, epigenetic factor by natural products for the treatment of cancers: Mechanistic insight and translational Association

From onset to progression, cancer is a ailment that might take years to grow. All common epithelial malignancies, have a long latency period, frequently 20 years or more, different gene may contain uncountable mutations if they are clinically detectable. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are around 22nt non-coding RNAs that control gene expression sequence-specifically through translational inhibition or messenger degradation of RNA (mRNA). Epigenetic processes of miRNA control genetic variants through genomic DNA methylation, post-translation histone modification, rework of the chromatin, and microRNAs. The field of miRNAs has opened a new era in understanding small non-coding RNAs since discovering their fundamental mechanisms of action. MiRNAs have been found in viruses, plants, and animals through molecular cloning and bioinformatics approaches. Phytochemicals can invert the epigenetic aberrations, a leading cause of the cancers of various organs, and act as an inhibitor of these changes. The advantage of phytochemicals is that they only function on cells that cause cancer without affecting normal cells. Phytochemicals appear to play a significant character in modulating miRNA expression, which is linked to variations in oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and cancer-derived protein production, according to several studies. In addition to standard anti-oxidant or anti-inflammatory properties, the initial epigenetic changes associated with cancer prevention may be modulated by many polyphenols. In correlation with miRNA and epigenetic factors to treat cancer some of the phytochemicals, including polyphenols, curcumin, resveratrol, indole-3-carbinol are studied in this article.

Cranberry: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Impact on Human Health: Overview

Cranberries are a rich source of bioactive compounds that comprise a healthy diet. Cranberry is abundant in nutritional components and many bioactive compounds that have antioxidant properties. Both American (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and European (Vaccinium oxycoccus) cranberry species are rich in polyphenols such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavonoids, and is one of the few fruits that is high in proanthocyanidins, which is linked to many health benefits. The review systematizes information on the chemical composition of cranberry, its antioxidant effect, and the beneficial impact on human health and disease prevention after cranberry consumption, and in particular, its effect against urinary tract inflammation with both adults and children, cardiovascular, oncology diseases, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, tooth decay and periodontitis, Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach and other diseases. Additional research needs to study cranberry proteomics profiling, polyphenols interaction and synergism with other biologically active compounds from natural ingredients and what is important in formulation of new functional foods and supplements.

Delivery of Ursolic Acid by Polyhydroxybutyrate Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: in silico and in vitro Studies

Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid and a phytochemical, is a potent inhibitory agent against proliferation of various tumors. Polyhydroxybutyrate nanoparticles (PHB NPs) are preferred in therapeutics due to their drug-stabilizing property and enhanced biological activity. In this study, PHB NPs were utilized to deliver and enhance the bioavailability of UA against cancer cells (HeLa). Further, molecular docking and dynamic studies were conducted to calculate the binding affinity and stability of UA at the active site of target protein (epidermal growth factor receptor-EGFR). The PHB NPs revealed the average size as 150-200 nm in TEM, which were used in subsequent experiments. The cytoplasmic uptake of nanoparticles was confirmed by florescent microscopy. The encapsulation potential of PHB NPs with UA was assessed by UV-visible spectrophotometer as 54%. Besides, the drug release behavior, cytotoxicity and the regulation of apoptosis were investigated in vitro. The cytotoxicity results revealed that the maximum efficiency of drug delivery was at 96th hour.

Anti-Cancer Pectins and Their Role in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

A class of plant polysaccharides, pectin is known to display several medicinal properties including in cancer. There is some evidence that pectin from some fruits can reduce the severity of colorectal cancer (CRC) due to its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic and pro-apoptotic properties. Pectin fermentation in the colon induces antiproliferative activity via butyrate. Research also showed that pectin acts as a potent inducer of programmed cell death and cell-cycle arrest, thereby selectively targeting cancer cells. Pectin can limit oxidative stress to maintain cellular homeostasis while increasing reactive oxygen species damage to activate cancer cell death. Pectin regulates various signaling cascades, e.g., signal transduction and transcriptional activator and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, that contribute to its anticancer activity. By curbing inflammation-activated signaling and bolstering immune-protective mechanisms pectin can eradicate CRC. Due to its chemical structure, pectin can also inhibit galectin-3 and suppress tumor growth and metastasis. Prior reports also suggested that pectin is beneficial to use alongside the CRC standard care. Pectin can increase sensitivity to conventional CRC drugs, alleviate unwanted side effects and reduce drug resistance. Although some preclinical studies are promising, early clinical trials are showing some evidence for pectin's efficacy in tumor growth inhibition and preventing metastasis in some cancers; however, the clinical use of pectin in CRC therapy is not yet well established. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of pectin treatment as a valid clinical therapy for CRC in humans.

Small berries as health-promoting ingredients: a review on anti-aging effects and mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans

Aging is an inevitable, irreversible, and complex process of damage accumulation and functional decline, increasing the risk of various chronic diseases. However, for now no drug can delay aging process nor cure aging-related diseases. Nutritional intervention is considered as a key and effective strategy to promote healthy aging and improve life quality. Small berries, as one of the most common and popular fruits, have been demonstrated to improve cognitive function and possess neuroprotective activities. However, the anti-aging effects of small berries have not been systematically elucidated yet. This review mainly focuses on small berries' anti-aging activity studies involving small berry types, active components, the utilized model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), related signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to propose effective strategies to evaluate the anti-aging effects of small berries and provide guidance for the development of anti-aging supplements from small berries.

Statistics on the bioactive anthocyanin/proanthocyanin products in China online sales

Due to their potential beneficial effects, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins have attracted great concern worldwide. Recently, anthocyanin/proanthocyanin-related health products have occupied a certain proportion of the market. However, there has not been a systematical assessment on collecting and analyzing the relevant information. In this study, information of anthocyanin/proanthocyanin-related health products on sale on the four major online shopping platforms in China has been collected from November 2020 to February 2021. A total of 144 valid samples from 91 brands were collected, among which blueberries and grape seeds are the main sources of anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, respectively. Besides, the average anthocyanins/proanthocyanins content in these products is 22.71%. Improving eyesight, anti-asthenopia and anti-oxidation are widely mentioned among the anthocyanin-related products, while more proanthocyanin-related products declare for anti-oxidation, whitening & spot lighting, and delay of skin aging & repairing skin damage effects. Among the products, 77.78% are capsules and tablets, and the average unit price of anthocyanins/proanthocyanins is $ 5.26/g. Data analysis shows that searching for high-quality raw materials, researching on the varieties and content of anthocyanins/proanthocyanins, focusing on the intake of specific population, and exploring better storage forms of anthocyanins/proanthocyanins may be important field in the future to promote the development of the anthocyanin/proanthocyanin-related health products.

Safety of Cranberry: Evaluation of Evidence of Kidney Stone Formation and Botanical Drug-Interactions

Cranberry is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements in the U. S. and is commonly used for preventing urinary tract infections. Because of its popularity in dietary supplements, the U. S. Pharmacopeial Convention has developed quality standards for cranberry ingredients. The purpose of this review was to determine if there are safety issues that should preclude the admission of cranberry ingredients from the development of U. S. Pharmacopeial Convention quality standards. Based on the totality of the data, the U. S. Pharmacopeial Convention concluded that cranberry ingredients are not known to be associated with serious risks to human health when consumed properly in dietary supplements and therefore were admitted for standard development. Although published clinical and animal data indicated that cranberry is not associated with serious adverse effects, interactions with warfarin and kidney stone formation were identified as potential risks. Studies have reported contradictory data regarding the role of cranberry in kidney stone formation, with some reports suggesting cranberry is associated with a reduced risk of kidney stones. Interactions with warfarin were not associated with moderate intakes of cranberry juice (240 - 480 mL). Some reports suggested that the potential for warfarin interactions requires excessive intakes of cranberry juice (1 - 2 L/day) or cranberry extracts (3000 mg/day). Cases of warfarin interactions with cranberry have mostly involved patients with serious illnesses and/or individuals taking concomitant medications. Based on these findings, the U. S. Pharmacopeial Convention concluded that the use of cautionary labeling statements regarding interactions with warfarin or kidney stone formation is not necessary in the development of quality standards for cranberry ingredients.

Review of Functional and Pharmacological Activities of Berries

Functional plant-based foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and berries) can improve health, have a preventive effect, and diminish the risk of different chronic diseases during in vivo and in vitro studies. Berries contain many phytochemicals, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. The primary phytochemicals in berry fruits are phenolic compounds including flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavonols, flavones, flavanols, flavanones, and isoflavonoids), tannins, and phenolic acids. Since berries have a high concentration of polyphenols, it is possible to use them for treating various diseases pharmacologically by acting on oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often the leading causes of diabetes, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review examines commonly consumed berries: blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, black raspberries, and strawberries and their polyphenols as potential medicinal foods (due to the presence of pharmacologically active compounds) in the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and other diseases. Moreover, much attention is paid to the bioavailability of active berry components. Hence, this comprehensive review shows that berries and their bioactive compounds possess medicinal properties and have therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, future clinical trials are required to study and improve the bioavailability of berries' phenolic compounds and extend the evidence that the active compounds of berries can be used as medicinal foods against various diseases.

Liquid Chromatographic Fingerprints for the Characterization of Flavanol-Rich Nutraceuticals Based on 4-Dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde Precolumn Derivatization

Flavanols consist of a great family of bioactive molecules displaying a wide range of health-promoting attributes for humans, including antioxidant, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, botanical species rich in this type of compound are often used to develop nutraceutical products or dietary supplements with recognized healthy attributes. This paper aims at characterizing nutraceutical products using liquid chromatographic fingerprints related to flavanol composition. Catechins and their oligomers were exploited to characterize and authenticate various commercial products prepared with extracts of red berries and medicinal plants. These compounds resulted in interesting descriptors of some fruits and vegetables, thus providing an additional perspective for the study of nutraceuticals. For such a purpose, a new method based on liquid chromatography with UV/Vis detection (HPLC–UV/Vis) with precolumn derivatization with 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde was developed. Results indicated that the separation of flavanols was very complex due to the degradation of procyanidin derivatives. The resulting data sets were analyzed using chemometric methods such as principal component analysis and partial least square–discriminant analysis. Despite the complexity of chromatographic fingerprints, nutraceutical samples could be discriminated according to their main ingredients. In general, catechin and epicatechin were the most abundant compounds in the different samples, and procyanidin A2 was highly specific to cranberry.

Hesperidin Promotes Osteogenesis and Modulates Collagen Matrix Organization and Mineralization In Vitro and In Vivo

This study evaluated the direct effect of a phytochemical, hesperidin, on pre-osteoblast cell function as well as osteogenesis and collagen matrix quality, as there is little known about hesperidin's influence in mineralized tissue formation and regeneration. Hesperidin was added to a culture of MC3T3-E1 cells at various concentrations. Cell proliferation, viability, osteogenic gene expression and deposited collagen matrix analyses were performed. Treatment with hesperidin showed significant upregulation of osteogenic markers, particularly with lower doses. Mature and compact collagen fibrils in hesperidin-treated cultures were observed by picrosirius red staining (PSR), although a thinner matrix layer was present for the higher dose of hesperidin compared to osteogenic media alone. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated a better mineral-to-matrix ratio and matrix distribution in cultures exposed to hesperidin and confirmed less collagen deposited with the 100-µM dose of hesperidin. In vivo, hesperidin combined with a suboptimal dose of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) (dose unable to promote healing of a rat mandible critical-sized bone defect) in a collagenous scaffold promoted a well-controlled (not ectopic) pattern of bone formation as compared to a large dose of BMP2 (previously defined as optimal in healing the critical-sized defect, although of ectopic nature). PSR staining of newly formed bone demonstrated that hesperidin can promote maturation of bone organic matrix. Our findings show, for the first time, that hesperidin has a modulatory role in mineralized tissue formation via not only osteoblast cell differentiation but also matrix organization and matrix-to-mineral ratio and could be a potential adjunct in regenerative bone therapies.

Ursolic Acid Inhibits Collective Cell Migration and Promotes JNK-Dependent Lysosomal Associated Cell Death in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells

Ursolic acid (UA) is a bioactive compound which has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in a variety of cancer cell lines. UA activates various signalling pathways in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and offers a promising starting point in drug discovery; however, understanding the relationship between cell death and migration has yet to be elucidated. UA induces a dose dependent cytotoxic response demonstrated by flow cytometry and biochemical cytotoxicity assays. Inhibitor and fluorescent probe studies demonstrate that UA induces a caspase independent, JNK dependent, mechanism of cell death. Migration studies established that UA inhibits GBM collective cell migration in a time dependent manner that is independent of the JNK signalling pathway. Cytotoxicity induced by UA results in the formation of acidic vesicle organelles (AVOs), speculating the activation of autophagy. However, inhibitor and spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated that autophagy was not responsible for the formation of the AVOs. Confocal microscopy and isosurface visualisation determined co-localisation of lysosomes with the previously identified AVOs, thus providing evidence that lysosomes are likely to be playing a role in UA induced cell death. Collectively, our data identify that UA rapidly induces a lysosomal associated mechanism of cell death in addition to UA acting as an inhibitor of GBM collective cell migration.

Exploration of anti-breast cancer effects of Terminalia chebula extract on DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma in Sprague Dawley rats

Background

Plant extracts are effectively acting as the natural medicinal cocktail, non-side effective, efficacious, and freely available. The present study aimed to unveil the pharmacological and medicinal effects of Terminalia chebula plant extract in 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinoma in Sprague Dawley rats. The plant extract obtained was subjected to in vivo antioxidant and anticancer studies in various concentrations after an analytical technique such as FTIR, GCMS, and HPLC-based chemo-profiling in Sprague Dawley rats.

Results

Apart from the antiproliferative effect on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10a), we have measured the changes in body weight, along with other tumor parameters such as tumor volume, tumor incidence, tumor weight, tumor burden, serum biochemical parameters, and histopathological findings of breast tissue. As the oxidative stress further enhances the development of cancer, the antioxidant property of the plant extract demonstrates its use against cancer treatment. One hundred fifty milligrams per milliliter (IC50 250 μg/mL) concentration of the ethanolic extract was vital for the proliferation of MCF-7 cell lines (Fig. 7a). Meanwhile, 300 μg/mL (IC50 150 μg/mL) was an effective dose to attain a maximum HDAC inhibition of 78%. Also, the normal liver and kidney functioning revealed the non-toxicity nature of the plant.

Conclusion

Terminalia chebula could be one of the effective naturally obtained anti-breast cancer medications. Isolation and characterization of individual bioactive compounds of T. chebula would be the future perspective.

Bioactive Compounds of Edible Fruits with Their Anti-Aging Properties: A Comprehensive Review to Prolong Human Life

Aging is a complicated biological process in which functional and structural alterations in a living organism take place over time. Reactive oxygen species is one of the main factors responsible for aging and is associated with several chronic pathologies. The relationship between aging and diet is quite interesting and has attained worldwide attention. Healthy food, in addition to dietary antioxidants, are required to delay the process of aging and improve the quality of life. Many healthy foods such as fruits are a good source of dietary nutrients and natural bioactive compounds which have antioxidant properties and are involved in preventing aging and other age-related disorders. Health benefits linked with healthy consumption of fruit have drawn increased interest. A significant number of studies have documented the advantages of fruit intake, as it suppresses free-radical development that further reduces the oxidative stress created in the body and protects against several types of diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and other cardiovascular diseases that ultimately prevent aging. In addition, fruits have numerous other properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and have health-promoting effects. Mechanisms of various bioactive compounds that aids in preventing various diseases and increases longevity are also described. This manuscript provides a summary of various bioactive components present in fruits along with their health-promoting and antiaging properties.

Cytotoxic and Anti-inflammatory Terpenoids from the Whole Plant of Vaccinium emarginatum

Two new Δ¹² ursene-type triterpenoid coumaroyl esters (1: and 2: ), one new Δ^7,15 isopimarane-type diterpenoid glycoside (20: ), and two new irido-δ-lactone-type iridoids (21: and 22: ), together with 17 known pentacyclic triterpenoids (3:  - 19: ), were isolated during the phytochemical investigation of a methanol extract of the whole plant of Vaccinium emarginatum. Their structures were determined by detailed analysis of standard spectroscopic data (MS, IR, 1D, and 2D NMR) and comparison with data of known analogs. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the PC-3 and Du145 prostate cancer cell lines (as assessed by an MTT cell proliferation assay), as well as for their anti-inflammatory activity via the inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Among the isolates, the triterpenoid coumaroyl and feruloyl esters (1, 3: , and 4: ) exhibited strong cytotoxicity against PC-3 prostate cancer cells, with 85.6 - 90.2% inhibition at 10.0 µg/mL. The pomolic acid coumaroyl and feruloyl esters (1: and 3: ) also showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with 59.2 (± 1.0) and 47.1% (± 0.2) inhibition at 12.5 µg/mL, respectively.

American cranberries and health benefits - an evolving story of 25 years

Cranberries contain various types of bioactive components. Scientists have been studying cranberries' beneficial effects on urinary tract health since the 20th century. In the 21st century, the protection provided by cranberry phytochemicals against cancer and vascular diseases has drawn more attention from researchers. Anthocyanins, procyanidins, and flavonols in cranberries were all documented to have potential effects on cancer prevention. The cardiometabolic effects of cranberries have been investigated in several clinical trials. It was found that cranberries positively affect atherosclerotic cholesterol profiles and that they reduced several cardiometabolic risk factors. Nowadays, growing evidence suggests other important roles of cranberries in maintaining digestive health. Cranberry juice or cranberries have been shown to inhibit the colonization of H. pylori in stomach, and protect against intestinal inflammation. For future research, clinical trials with improved study design are urgently needed to demonstrate cranberries' benefits on urinary tract health and cardiometabolic diseases. Hypothesis-driven studies using animals or cell culture are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of cranberries' effects on digestive health. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Variability in the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition and Content of Phenolic Compounds in the Fruit of Introduced American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)

The aim of this study was to determine the composition and content of phenolic compounds in ethanol extracts of eight different cultivars of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) fruit using spectrophotometric and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis and to evaluate the antioxidant activity in vitro of these extracts. The highest total amount of phenolic compounds evaluated via Folin–Ciocalteu spectrophotometry was detected in American cranberry fruit samples of the ‘Bain’ clone, and the highest total amount of flavonoids was found in samples of the ‘Drever’ and ‘Baiwfay’ cultivars. The highest total amount of the individual phenolic compounds (519.53 ± 25.12 mg/g DW) identified and quantitatively evaluated via chromatography was detected in samples of the ‘Searles’ cranberry cultivar. In the studied cranberry samples, the predominant phenolic compounds were hyperoside, quercetin, and procyanidin A2, while the amounts of other compounds were significantly lower. HCA and PCA revealed that ‘Woolman’, ‘Holliston’, ‘Pilgrim, and ‘Searles’ fruit samples had different quantitative content of phenolic compounds from other cranberry cultivars. Meanwhile, fruit of ‘Baiwfay’, ‘Drever’, ‘Bain’, and ‘Bergman’ were similar in their phytochemical profile.

Proanthocyanidins: Components, Pharmacokinetics and Biomedical Properties

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a group of polyphenols enriched in plant and human food. In recent decades, epidemiological studies have upheld the direct relationship between PA consumption and health benefits; therefore, studies on PAs have become a research hotspot. Although the oral bioavailability of PAs is quite low, pharmacokinetics data revealed that some small molecules and colonic microbial metabolites of PAs could be absorbed and exert their health beneficial effects. The pharmacological effects of PAs mainly include anti-oxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and metabolism-regulation behaviors. Moreover, current toxicological studies show that PAs have no observable toxicity to humans. This review summarizes the resources, extraction, structures, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and toxicology of PAs and discusses the limitations of current studies. Areas for further research are also proposed.

Role of natural products in breast cancer related symptomology: Targeting chronic inflammation

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. There have been many advancements in the treatment of breast cancer leading to an increased population of patients living with this disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer diagnosis and aftermath experienced stress could not only affect the quality of life of cancer patients, but it could also influence their disease outcome. The magnitude of stress experienced by breast cancer patients is often compared to the post-traumatic stress disorder-like symptoms suggested to be mediated by the chronic inflammation including NF-κB, AKt, p53 and other inflammatory pathways. Here, we describe the symptomology of PTSD-like symptoms in breast cancer patients and argue that they may in fact be caused by or maintained through aspects of chronic inflammation mediated by the pro-inflammatory markers. Evidence exists that natural products that might attenuate or lessen the effects of chronic inflammation abound in the diet. We summarize some possible agents that might abate the genesis of symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients while mitigating the effect of inflammation.

Alginate-, Carboxymethyl Cellulose-, and κ-Carrageenan-Based Microparticles as Storage Vehicles for Cranberry Extract

This study discusses the relationship between the structural properties of the selected polysaccharides (low (ALGLV) and medium viscosity (ALGMV) sodium alginate, 90 kDa (CMC90) and 250 kDa (CMC250) carboxymethyl cellulose, and κ-carrageenan (CARκ)) and their abilities to serve as protective materials of encapsulated large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) fruit extract (CE) from losing its health beneficial activities during long-term storage. The microparticles were characterized in terms of their encapsulation efficiency (UV-Vis and FTIR), morphology (SEM) and the physical stability in various environments (gravimetry). The microparticles' size and encapsulation efficiency were 46-50 µm and 28-58%, respectively, and the microparticles were physically stable. CMC90 and ALGMV most efficiently protected the plant extract from losing its biological activity after 18 months, while the plant extract stored outside the particles had lost its activity. CE was intended for oral administration, thus CE release from the microparticles was monitored in vitro under gastrointestinal conditions. In vitro gastrointestinal release studies revealed that the ALGMV-, CMC90-, and CMC250-based particles exhibited the desired intestinal release pattern. This result supports the suitability of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose for the safe delivery of CE to the intestines while maintaining its biological properties and improving long-term storage stability.

Cranberry A-type proanthocyanidins selectively target acute myeloid leukemia cells

Most elderly patients affected with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will relapse and die of their disease even after achieving complete remission, thus emphasizing the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches with minimum toxicity to normal hematopoietic cells. Cranberry (Vaccinium spp.) extracts have exhibited anticancer and chemopreventive properties that have been mostly attributed to A-type proanthocyanidin (A-PAC) compounds. A-PACs, isolated from a commercially available cranberry extract, were evaluated for their effects on leukemia cell lines, primary AML samples, and normal CD34+ cord blood specimens. Our results indicated potent and specific antileukemia activity in vitro. In addition, the antileukemia activity of A-PACs extended to malignant progenitor and stem cell populations, sparing their normal counterparts. The antileukemia effects of A-PACs were also observed in vivo using patient derived xenografts. Surprisingly, we found that the mechanism of cell death was driven by activation of NF-κB. Overall, our data suggest that A-PACs could be used to improve treatments for AML by targeting leukemia stem cells through a potentially novel pathway.

Characterization of bioactive cranberry fractions by mass spectrometry

Increasing evidence indicates that fruits contain functional bio-active compounds that have several preventive and therapeutic health benefits. Our group has recently conducted studies to assess the potential effects of cranberry polyphenolic fractions on intestinal Caco-2/15 epithelial cells and a substantial reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation was observed. The aim of the present work was to determine the polyphenolic species most likely responsible for the observed biological activity. Low, medium, and high molecular weight cranberry fractions were generated with a Sephadex LH-20 column by elution with 60% MeOH, 100% MeOH, and 70% acetone, respectively. The total phenolic content in these fractions was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. A combination of LC–MS and MALDI-TOF methods were used to characterize the nature of polyphenolic compounds in the cranberry extracts. High resolution mass spectrometry was used to generate empirical formulae for the detected species. The low molecular weight fraction was essentially constituted of small phenolic acids (hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids). The medium fraction was mostly composed of anthocyanin, flavonols (quercetin, myricetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol), procyanidins monomers (epicatechin, catechin), dimers, and few small oligomers. The heavy fraction was devoid of phenolic acids and anthocyanins, and it contained for the most part oligomers and polymers of procyanidins. Proanthocyanidins oligomers up to n = 22 were detected, which is, to our knowledge, the largest individual polymers reported to date. With this approach, it was also possible to distinguish between the A-type and B-type linkages.

Anticancer and antiproliferative efficacy of a standardized extract of Vaccinium macrocarpon on the highly differentiating oral cancer KB cell line athwart the cytotoxicity evaluation of the same on the normal fibroblast L929 cell line

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The perpetual search is on to find botanical complementary adjuncts to the conventional therapies used that is not only cost-effective but also reduces side effects associated with conventional synthetic drugs that are available in the market. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro anticancer efficacy of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of cranberry against oral cancer KB cell line by Di-Methyl Thiazoldiphenyl Tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) assay and its cytotoxicity on normal fibroblast cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Vaccinium macrocarpon extract was prepared using a hydroethanolic solvent (water - 30%:ethanol - 70%) using the standardized maceration protocol. Standard KB and normal fibroblast (L929) cell lines were used. The minimum lethal effect of the extract was calculated using the MTT cytotoxicity assay.

RESULTS

The extract shows a satisfactory antiproliferative effect on the KB cell line and a higher cell viability percentage of the normal fibroblast cell line.

CONCLUSION

V. macrocarpon can prove to be an adjunct to the existing anticancer drug therapy against oral cancer KB cell line.

Oligosaccharides and Complex Carbohydrates: A New Paradigm for Cranberry Bioactivity

Cranberry is a well-known functional food, but the compounds directly responsible for many of its reported health benefits remain unidentified. Complex carbohydrates, specifically xyloglucan and pectic oligosaccharides, are the newest recognized class of biologically active compounds identified in cranberry materials. Cranberry oligosaccharides have shown similar biological properties as other dietary oligosaccharides, including effects on bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and microbial growth. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity has also been observed. Oligosaccharides may therefore be significant contributors to many of the health benefits associated with cranberry products. Soluble oligosaccharides are present at relatively high concentrations (~20% w/w or greater) in many cranberry materials, and yet their possible contributions to biological activity have remained unrecognized. This is partly due to the inherent difficulty of detecting these compounds without intentionally seeking them. Inconsistencies in product descriptions and terminology have led to additional confusion regarding cranberry product composition and the possible presence of oligosaccharides. This review will present our current understanding of cranberry oligosaccharides and will discuss their occurrence, structures, ADME, biological properties, and possible prebiotic effects for both gut and urinary tract microbiota. Our hope is that future investigators will consider these compounds as possible significant contributors to the observed biological effects of cranberry.

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.

Phytochemicals and Gastrointestinal Cancer: Cellular Mechanisms and Effects to Change Cancer Progression

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a prevailing global health disease with a high incidence rate which varies by region. It is a huge economic burden on health care providers. GI cancer affects different organs in the body such as the gastric organs, colon, esophagus, intestine, and pancreas. Internal and external factors like smoking, obesity, urbanization, genetic mutations, and prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viral infections could increase the risk of GI cancer. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive bioactive secondary compounds abundantly found in fruits, grains, and vegetables. Consumption of phytochemicals may protect against chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. Multiple studies have assessed the chemoprotective effect of selected phytochemicals in GI cancer, offering support to their potential towards reducing the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge addressing the anti-cancerous effects of selected dietary phytochemicals on GI cancer and their molecular activities on selected mechanisms, i.e., nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), detoxification enzymes, adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), wingless-related integration site/β-catenin (wingless-related integration site (Wnt) β-catenin, cell apoptosis, phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/ protein kinase B AKT/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In this review phytochemicals were classified into four main categories: (i) carotenoids, including lutein, lycopene, and β-carotene; (ii) proanthocyanidins, including quercetin and ellagic acid; (iii) organosulfur compounds, including allicin, allyl propyl disulphide, asparagusic acid, and sulforaphane; and (iv) other phytochemicals including pectin, curcumins, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid. Overall, phytochemicals improve cancer prognosis through the downregulation of β-catenin phosphorylation, therefore enhancing apoptosis, and upregulation of the AMPK pathway, which supports cellular homeostasis. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the mechanism of cancer treatment using phytochemicals and possible side effects associated with this approach.

Analysis of Phenolic Compositions in Cranberry Dietary Supplements using UHPLC-HRMS

The potential human health benefits of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) leads to the popularity of its dietary supplements in the U.S. market. However, the qualities of the cranberry dietary supplements (CDSs) have never been carefully evaluated. In this study, the phenolic components in ten different CDSs were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The study found quercetin and myricetin aglycones in most CDSs, but not in cranberry fruits, despite otherwise similar phenolic profiles between CDS and cranberry fruits in general. One supplement with high levels of B-type proanthocyanidins and non-cranberry flavonol rutin was determined to be adulterated by other botanical extracts. The CDSs only possessed 4% to 11% of the phenolic contents comparing to their claimed fresh cranberry equivalents, emphasizing the urgency of standardized product quality control and labelling for CDS manufacture and marketing.

Identification of key genes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenic acids in the mint family

Triterpenic acids (TAs), a large group of natural compounds with diverse biological activity, are produced by several plant taxa. Betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids are the most medicinally important TAs and are mainly found in plants of the mint family. Metabolic engineering is strongly dependent on identifying the key genes in biosynthetic pathways toward the products of interest. In this study, gene expression tracking was performed by transcriptome mining, co-expression network analysis, and tissue-specific metabolite-expression analysis in order to identify possible key genes involved in TAs biosynthetic pathways. To this end, taxa-specific degenerate primers of six important genes were designed using an effective method based on the MEME algorithm in a phylogenetically related group of sequences and successfully applied in three members of the Lamiaceae (Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Thymus persicus). Based on the results of in-depth data analysis, genes encoding squalene epoxidase and oxido squalene cyclases are proposed as targets for boosting triterpene production. The results emphasize the importance of identifying key genes in triterpene biosynthesis, which may facilitate genetic manipulation or overexpression of target genes.

Review of the health effects of berries and their phytochemicals on the digestive and immune systems

Berries are generally considered beneficial to health. This health-promoting potential has mainly been ascribed to berries' phytochemical and vitamin content, and little attention has been paid to the potential benefits of berries for the digestive tract, despite this being the first point of contact. In vivo studies that described the health effects of berries on individual parts of the digestive tract (ie, the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, microbiome, and immune system) were reviewed. Immune effects were included because a large part of the immune system is located in the intestine. Beneficial health effects were mainly observed for whole berry extracts, not individual berry components. These effects ranged from support of the immune system and beneficial microbiota to reduction in the number and size of premalignant and malignant lesions. These results demonstrate the potency of berries and suggest berries can serve as a strong adjuvant to established treatments or therapies for a variety of gastrointestinal and immune-related illnesses.

In Vivo Anti-Tumor Effects of Citral on 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells via Induction of Apoptosis and Downregulation of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among females globally. The tumorigenic activities of cancer cells such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and differentiation have contributed to relapse and eventual mortality in breast cancer. Thus, current drug discovery research is focused on targeting breast cancer cells with ALDH activity and their capacity to form secondary tumors. Citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal), from lemon grass (Cymbopogoncitrates), has been previously reported to have a cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo effect of citral in targeting ALDH activity of breast cancer cells. BALB/c mice were challenged with 4T1 breast cancer cells followed by daily oral feeding of 50 mg/kg citral or distilled water for two weeks. The population of ALDH⁺ tumor cells and their capacity to form secondary tumors in both untreated and citral treated 4T1 challenged mice were assessed by Aldefluor assay and tumor growth upon cell reimplantation in normal mice, respectively. Citral treatment reduced the size and number of cells with ALDH⁺ activity of the tumors in 4T1-challenged BALB/c mice. Moreover, citral-treated mice were also observed with smaller tumor size and delayed tumorigenicity after reimplantation of the primary tumor cells into normal mice. These findings support the antitumor effect of citral in targeting ALDH⁺ cells and tumor recurrence in breast cancer cells.

Fruit Physical Features, Phenolic Compounds Profile and Inhibition Activities of Cranberry Cultivars (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Compared to Wild-Grown Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus)

This study analysed fruits of cranberry cultivars: Ben Lear, Bergman, Early Richard, Pilgrim and Stevens and compared them with wild-grown cranberry fruits. The fruits were characterised in terms of dimensions, colour, content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, and hydroxyl radical and trypsin inhibition activities. It was shown that the wild-grown cranberry fruits were characterised by much smaller dimensions and redder colour than fruits of the cranberry cultivars. The most phenolic compounds were found in the Early Richard fruits (357.6 mg/100 g fw), and they showed the highest antitrypsin activity. The highest anthocyanin content (60.6 mg/100 g fw) was determined in the Pilgrim fruits, while the Ben Lear fruits were the richest source of proanthocyanidins (27.9 mg/100 g fw). The antioxidant activity was correlated with the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, while the antitrypsin activity was correlated with phenolic compounds and anthocyanin contents.

Cranberry: A Promising Natural Source of Potential Nutraceuticals with Anticancer Activity

Studies have shown that cranberry and its components may exert anticancer properties. The present study aims to critically summarise the existing experimental studies evaluating the potential effects of cranberry on cancer prevention and treatment. PubMed database was searched to identify relevant studies. Current in vitro studies have indicated that cranberry and/or its components may act as chemopreventive agents, diminishing the risk for cancer by inhibiting cells oxidation and inflammatory-related processes, while they may also exert chemotherapeutic effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis, inducing cell apoptosis and attenuating the ability of tumour cells to invade and metastasis. Limited in vivo studies have further documented potential anticancer activity. Cranberry could be considered as a conglomeration of potential effective anticancer druglike compounds.