Hydro-ethanol seed extract of Theobroma cacao exhibits antioxidant activities and potential anticancer property

Evaluation of Bioactive Effects of Five Plant Extracts with Different Phenolic Compositions against Different Therapeutic Targets

Plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds have been reported to exert different bioactive properties. Despite the fact that there are plant extracts with completely different phenolic compositions, many of them have been reported to have similar beneficial properties. Thus, the structure-bioactivity relationship mechanisms are not yet known in detail for specific classes of phenolic compounds. In this context, this work aims to demonstrate the relationship of extracts with different phenolic compositions versus different bioactive targets. For this purpose, five plant matrices (Theobroma cacao, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Silybum marianum, Lippia citriodora, and Olea europaea) were selected to cover different phenolic compositions, which were confirmed by the phytochemical characterization analysis performed by HPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS. The bioactive targets evaluated were the antioxidant potential, the free radical scavenging potential, and the inhibitory capacity of different enzymes involved in inflammatory processes, skin aging, and neuroprotection. The results showed that despite the different phenolic compositions of the five matrices, they all showed a bioactive positive effect in most of the evaluated assays. In particular, matrices with very different phenolic contents, such as T. cacao and S. marianum, exerted a similar inhibitory power in enzymes involved in inflammatory processes and skin aging. It should also be noted that H. sabdariffa and T. cacao extracts had a low phenolic content but nevertheless stood out for their bioactive antioxidant and anti-radical capacity. Hence, this research highlights the shared bioactive properties among phenolic compounds found in diverse matrices. The abundance of different phenolic compound families highlights their elevated bioactivity against diverse biological targets.

Investigation of Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Activities of Chocolate Fortified with Muscadine Grape Pomace

Muscadine grape pomace and mixed products with chocolate extracts from three muscadine genotypes exhibiting different berry skin colors (black and bronze) were investigated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH, FRAP antioxidant activity, and anticancer activity using MDA-MB-468 (MM-468; African American) breast cancer cells. Muscadine berry extracts and mixed products showed cytotoxicity activities of up to 70% against MM-468 breast cancer cells. Cell growth inhibition was higher in 'macerated Floriana' with an IC50 value of 20.70 ± 2.43 followed by 'Alachua' with an IC50 value of 22.25 ± 2.47. TPC and TFC in macerated MGP powder were (1.4 ± 0.14 and 0.45 ± 0.01 GAE/g FW, respectively), which was significantly higher than those in cocoa powder. Data analysis showed a high association between DPPH, FRAP antioxidant activities, and TPC content and a positive high correlation between anticancer activity and antioxidant capacity and between TPC and anticancer activity. The anticancer and antioxidant effects of muscadine grape pomace and chocolate extracts are attributed to the TPC of extracts, which showed a stronger positive correlation with growth inhibition of African American breast cancer cells. This study would be of great value for food industries as well as other manufacturers who are interested in new food blends.

Regeneration of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) via somatic embryogenesis: Key aspects in the in vitro conversion stage and in the ex vitro adaptation of plantlets

Adapting plantlets to ex vitro conditions is a decisive step in the micropropagation process via organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis (ES). The percentage of success in this stage determines the quality of the product, an example of which is found in cocoa plantlets regenerated by ES, which require specific conditions to overcome the stress of the new environment. Considering the quality of the in vitro plantlets largely determines the survival and growth in ex vitro conditions, the effect of two culture media between the embryo maturation stage and the initial stage of conversion to plantlet was evaluated (EM2 - MM6 and EM2 – MF medium), achieving with the latter greater stem height, root length and the number of true leaves. In the final stage of the conversion and growth of the plantlet, the effect of five culture media was evaluated (ENR6, MF, ENR8, EDL, PR), achieving better results in stem height, root length, and the number of true leaves on MF medium. In addition, it was found that the transition of the EM2-MF had a significant development in the presence of the desired pivoting root and fibrous roots. Under nursery conditions, the growth and development of the plantlets was tested through the inoculation of beneficial microorganisms to promote survival. The plantlets that met the minimum morphological parameters for acclimation were planted in a substrate of coconut palm and sand (3:1 v/v) previously selected in the laboratory (BS). The effect of Pseudomonas ACC deaminase (PAACd), Trichoderma asperellum (Ta) and arbuscular mycorrhiza forming fungus (AMF) and different concentrations of phosphorus (PC) (0%, 50% and 100%) in the Hoagland nutrient solution (1:10) was evaluated. First, for CCN5, 62.5% of survival was obtained with PAACd + AMF. Second, the largest leaf size and survival were obtained with PAACd + Ta for CNCh12 and CCN51; likewise, for CNCh13, the best result was obtained with PAACd. Keywords: Cacao, Clonal propagation, Mycorrhiza, Pseudomonas, Trichoderma.

Cocoa presents cytotoxicity against melanoma cancer cell lines (A-375 e B16-F10) and improves chemotherapy activity by increasing oxidative stress

Melanoma frequently presents a poor chemotherapy response. In this scenario, investigations for new therapies are essential. Thus, cocoa is highlighted in this area since it presents many biological properties. This study investigated the anticarcinogenic activity of cocoa in melanoma cell lines (A-375 and B16-F10). Melanoma and fibroblast (HFF-1) cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of cocoa seeds (30 to 2000 ug/ml) at 24 and 72 h. Cocoa was also associated with paclitaxel IC50. We conducted viability, proliferation, and oxidative stress analyses. Our findings suggested that cocoa isolated, at almost all concentrations tested, was able to reduce viability and proliferation of B16-F10 cells and proliferation of A-375 cells via oxidative stress increasing. Also, cocoa caused no damage in fibroblast cells. Moreover, cocoa increased paclitaxel activity on A-375 by reducing cell proliferation and increasing oxidative stress. Therefore, the results highlight cocoa as a potent selective adjuvant anticancer agent against melanoma. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In conclusion, more studies should be performed to deeply explore this remarkable action of cocoa as a an promising adjuvant to enhance chemotherapy.

Review On Documented Medicinal Plants Used For The Treatment Of Cancer

Background:

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

Objective:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

LC-MS and Spectrophotometric Approaches for Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Peru Cocoa By-Products for Commercial Applications

Peru is one of the main areas where there are large cocoa crops with special relevance to the economy of this country. In fact, cocoa is a major, economically important, international crop which has been linked to several benefits, such as anti-allergenic, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-thrombotic, cardioprotective and vasodilatory properties, relating to its bioactive compound content. However, in cocoa industrial processing, several residues or wastes, which are commonly discarded generating a negative impact on the environment, are produced in large amounts. Some of the cocoa by-products, which go underutilized, could be a good source of bioactive compounds with high utility for the development of innovative products in nutraceutical, medical or pharmaceutical industries. For this reason, the aim of this study is to qualitatively determine the phytochemical composition of husk and bean extracts from different cocoa-growing areas and processes from Peru by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate their phenolic and flavan-3-ol contents and antioxidant capacities for the purpose of highlighting the potential of cocoa by-products from these cultivars as functional ingredients. In total, 49 chemical compounds were detected in the analyzed extracts. Comparing both husks and beans, bean extracts were characterized by high content in flavonoids whereas husk extracts had a higher content of phenolic acids. The presence of these compounds together with the bioactivity results suggest that these matrices may be further studied for their revaluation in the development of high added-value products in nutraceutical, medical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Differential expression of Bax-Bcl-2 and PARP-1 confirms apoptosis of EAC cells in Swiss albino mice by Morus laevigata

A safer natural alternative to treat neoplastic cells by inducing apoptosis is a prime requisite. Therefore, the current study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of Morus laevigata, a wild-type Mulberry species. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts of M. laevigata leaf (MLL) and M. laevigata bark (MLB) were evaluated. The in vivo cell growth inhibition was assessed on Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice model. Fluorescent microscopy and expression of PARP-1, Bax, and Bcl-2 through qPCR were performed to evaluate apoptosis. MLL and MLB extracts show promising antioxidant property with an IC₅₀ value of 186.76 µg/ml and 352.97 µg/ml, respectively, with a decent LD₅₀ value of 99.16 µg/ml and 92.54 µg/ml for MLL and MLB extract, respectively, indicated notable cytotoxicity. Cell growth inhibition was observed using MLL and MLB extracts were 68.33% and 48.66%, respectively. The morphological alteration, DNA fragmentation, and differential expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and PARP-1 confirm the induction of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Plant-based medicine always plays a tremendous role in preventing several fatal diseases like cancer. The study evaluated the anticancer activity of a wild-type mulberry. Moreover, the potent antioxidant activity of the plant makes it possible to be a great candidate for cancer remedy. Besides, the molecular expression of the genes related to apoptosis confirms the plant's bioactive compounds could be a drug lead to neoplastic cells in the future. Presences of an immense antioxidant properties urge that they can be contribute in cancer treatment through the cell death pathways.