Prophylactic Role of Averrhoa carambola (Star Fruit) Extract against Chemically Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice

Cytotoxic/antiproliferative and nutraceutical activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of green and mature Averrhoa carambola

Averrhoa carambola L. presents in its composition diversity of nutrients and vitamins. The present study aimed to extract water and fat-soluble compounds from this fruit at different stages of maturation (green and mature), perform the physical-chemical characterization as well as evaluate its cytotoxicity against hepatoma cells of Rattus norvegicus (HTC). The physicochemical results showed that the pH and molar acidity is influenced by the fruit maturation state. The fruit presented high percentage of moisture, while the percentage of total minerals (ash) increased according to its maturation stage. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that star fruits present phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity showed greater potential for the ethanolic extracts of the green and mature star fruit. For HTC cells treated with ethanolic extract of green and mature star fruit the data show absence of cytotoxic effect. The tests with the aqueous extract showed cytotoxic/antiproliferative effect of green and mature star fruit extract, in 24, 48 and 72 hours. The presence of nutraceutical compounds and the cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity were more expressive in the aqueous extract, being an option of easily accessible solvent economic and not harmful to organisms.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Averrhoa carambola L.: A Review

Averrhoa carambola L. (star fruit) is an edible fruit that is extensively cultivated in southern China, Southeast Asia, India, and northern South America. It has a sweet and juicy taste and is frequently used in fruit salads and fruit platters, as a garnish in cocktail drinks and beverages, or squeezed into juice and served as a beverage. Traditionally, it has been used for treating diabetes and diabetic nephropathy, arthralgia, vomiting, lithangiuria, coughing, hangovers, and chronic paroxysmal headache for thousands of years. Currently, approximately 132 compounds have been isolated from A. carambola. Among them, flavonoids, benzoquinone, and their glycosides have been considered as biologically active substances, which are responsible for various biological activities. Pharmacological studies have revealed that crude extracts or monomeric compounds from A. carambola exhibit multiple bioactivities, such as anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-hypertensive, neuroprotective, and others. Thus, A. carambola is a valuable treatment in Chinese medicine with therapeutic potential for multiple diseases, especially diabetes and diabetes-related diseases. Even though it is a very promising candidate in the development of functional food and the pharmaceutical industry, reports on its bioactivities have only been conducted in vivo and in vitro and there is a gap in research regarding clinical settings and safety. This review therefore provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of current progress on botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of A. carambola, providing a valuable reference for further developments and applications of A. carambola in the pharmaceutical industry and functional food.

Hepatoprotective Plants from Bangladesh: A Biophytochemical Review and Future Prospect

Liver diseases are quite prevalant in many densely populated countries, including Bangladesh. The liver and its hepatocytes are targeted by virus and microbes, as well as by chemical environmental toxicants, causing wide-spread disruption of metabolic fuctions of the human body, leading to death from end-stage liver diseases. The aim of this review is to systematically explore and record the potential of Bangladeshi ethnopharmacological plants to treat liver diseases with focus on their sources, constituents, and therapeutic uses, including mechanisms of actions (MoA). A literature survey was carried out using Pubmed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases with articles reported until July, 2020. A total of 88 Bangladeshi hepatoprotective plants (BHPs) belonging to 47 families were listed in this review, including Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Compositae families contained 20% of plants, while herbs were the most cited (51%) and leaves were the most consumed parts (23%) as surveyed. The effect of BHPs against different hepatotoxins was observed via upregulation of antioxidant systems and inhibition of lipid peroxidation which subsequently reduced the elevated liver biomarkers. Different active constituents, including phenolics, curcuminoids, cucurbitanes, terpenoids, fatty acids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, have been reported from these plants. The hepatoameliorative effect of these constituents was mainly involved in the reduction of hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. In summary, BHPs represent a valuable resource for hepatoprotective lead therapeutics which may offer new alternatives to treat liver diseases.

Nutritional and medicinal properties of Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola): A review

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola), a popular fruit in many parts of the world, is considered to have many beneficial nutritional and medicinal effects. However, harmful nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects have also been described. In this review, we have discussed the reported beneficial effects of star fruit, explored the potential mechanisms for such beneficial effects, and outline factors that may affect the safe level of consumption. The beneficial effects include the following: antioxidant (mediated via L-ascorbic acid, epicatechin, and gallic acid), hypoglycemic (mediated via high fiber levels and 2-dodecyl-6-methoxycyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione), hypotensive (mediated via apigenin), hypocholesterolemic (mediated via micronized fiber), anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, antitumor effects, and immune-boosting effects. The presence of chronic kidney disease, gastroenteropathies, chronic pancreatitis, dehydration, consumption on an empty stomach, and higher concentration of oxalate in fruit/juice consumed predisposes to toxicity. The level of ingestion at which the beneficial effects transition to nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity is still to be accurately ascertained. Furthermore, the relationship between the amount of star fruit ingested and the severity of toxicity is not certain and warrants further study.

In vivo the antioxidative extract of Averrhoa carambola Linn. leaves induced apoptosis in Ehrilch ascites carcinoma by modulating p53 expression

This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Averrhoa carambolla Linn. leaves (MELA) using DPPH· and ABTS·+ free radical scavenging assays whereas its antineoplastic effect against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) was assed using viable cell count, life span, body weight gain and hematological parameters of experimental mice. Results showed that rich phenolic and flavonoid content of MELA had moderate dose dependent free radical scavenging activity (IC50: 62.0 μg/mL for DPPH· and 6.0 μg/mL for ABTS·+). In vivo antineoplastic assay, MELA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased viable cells and body weight gain, increased the survival time and restored altered hematological profiles of cancer cell bearing mice. Fluorescence microscopic view of EAC cells derived from MELA-treated group showed apoptotic characteristics and this observation was also supported by overexpression of pro-apoptotic genes coding p53 and Bax proteins in treated cancer cells. The anti-apoptotic genes coding Bcl-2 protein was also absent in treated EAC cells as compared with the control. Moreover, phytochemical profiles of MELA as identified by GC/MS analysis are also consistent with its activities.

Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Averrhoa Carambola Extract in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

The present study explored the antihyperlipidemic potential of a standardized methanolic extract of Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) leaf (MEACL) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. The standardized MEACL was orally administered at different doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) to HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats for five weeks. Serum lipid profile, body weight changes, body mass index (BMI), daily food intake, relative organ weight, and histology of the liver were evaluated. In addition, the effect of MEACL on HMG-CoA reductase and pancreatic lipase activities as well as hepatic and fecal lipids was demonstrated. MEACL supplementation reduced serum lipids in HFD-fed rats in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological scores revealed that 1000 mg/kg MEACL restored the damage to liver tissue in hyperlipidemic rats. MEACL decreased the body mass index (BMI), atherogenic index, and hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides and increased fecal cholesterol and bile acids in HFD-fed rats. Also, MEACL ameliorated lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant defenses in the liver of HFD-fed rats. Furthermore, HMG-CoA reductase and lipase were suppressed by MEACL. In conclusion, this study shows the potential effect of MEACL to ameliorate hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in HFD-fed rats. It prevented hepatic lipid accumulation and exerted an inhibitory effect on HMG-CoA reductase and lipase.

Chemosensitizing effect of Alpinia officinarum rhizome extract in cisplatin-treated rats with hepatocellular carcinoma

This study was conducted to estimate the preventing and sensitizing efficiency of Alpinia officinarum rhizome extract (AORE) in an experimental model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) +/- cisplatin. HCC was induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p) dose of diethylnitrosamine (DENA, 200mg/kg). After 14 days, phenobarbitone (PB, 0.05%) was added to drinking water for 14 weeks to promote hepatocarcinogenesis. Cisplatin (CP) was given in a dose of 1.5 mg/kg (i.p), twice a week, alone or with AORE (400 mg/kg daily, orally) for 21 days. AORE was tried as a protective before the induction of HCC for three weeks as well. Results revealed that DENA/PB elevated hepatic indices as ALT and AST and total bilirubin with declining serum total protein. It increased oxidative stress, as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) with depressed hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. This was accompanied by an increase in hepatic expression of antioxidant genes (thioredoxin and glutaredoxin). Hepatocarcinogenesis was detected by histopathological changes in liver sections and the elevation of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. Treatment with CP partially restored altered hepatic functions and oxidative stress markers. It also showed a partial decrease in the expression of antioxidant genes, improving histopathological changes in the liver and AFP level in serum. The treatment with AORE alone or AORE+CP enhanced hepatic function and oxidative stress markers. It also caused a decrease in the expression of antioxidant genes and improved histopathological changes in liver and serum AFP level. This effect is more potent than the treatment with CP alone. Our study suggested that AORE can be used as a promising natural chemoprevention or a chemosensitizing agent against hepatocarcinogenesis.

Nutritional, Medicinal and Toxicological Attributes of Star-Fruits (Averrhoa carambola L.): A Review

Plants are very complex organisms that produce medicinally important natural products. The Star-fruit producing plant (Averrhoa carambola L.) is a species of woody plant in the family Oxalidaceae native to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; but, cultivated in many parts of the world. Star-fruits are popular tropical fruits and used commonly in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) in India, China, and Brazil to relieve ailments such as chronic headache, fever, cough, gastro-enteritis, diarrhoea, ringworm infections, and skin inflammations. However, this fruit contains high amount of oxalate, which is hazardous for uremic patients, and caramboxin (CBX), which is neurotoxic. The aim of this review is to highlight the nutritional, medicinal and toxicological traits of the star-fruits.

Thai Fruits Exhibit Antioxidant Activity and Induction of Antioxidant Enzymes in HEK-293 Cells

The cellular antioxidant enzymes play the important role of protecting the cells and organisms from the oxidative damage. Natural antioxidants contained in fruits have attracted considerable interest because of their presumed safety and potential nutritional value. Even though antioxidant activities of many fruits have been reported, the effects of phytochemicals contained in fruits on the induction of antioxidant enzymes in the cells have not been fully defined. In this study, we showed that extracts from Antidesma ghaesembilla, Averrhoa bilimbi, Malpighia glabra, Mangifera indica, Sandoricum koetjape, Syzygium malaccense, and Ziziphus jujuba inhibited H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production in HEK-293 cells. Additionally, these Thai fruit extracts increased the mRNA and protein expressions of antioxidant enzymes, catalase, glutathione peroxidase-1, and manganese superoxide dismutase. The consumption of Thai fruits rich in phenolic compounds may reduce the risk of oxidative stress.

Chemomodulatory Potential of Flaxseed Oil Against DMBA/Croton Oil-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis in Mice

The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of flaxseed oil to prevent chemically induced skin cancer in mice. Cancer was induced on 2-stage skin carcinogenesis model by single topical application of 7,12 dimethylbenz [a]anthracene (DMBA), as, initiator, and two weeks later it was promoted by croton oil treatment thrice a week on the dorsal surface of mice for 16 weeks. Flaxseed oil (FSO; 100µL/animal/d) was orally administered 1 week before and 1 week after DMBA application (Peri-initiation stage). The animals of the FSO-administered group showed a significant reduction in tumor incidence (76.67%), cumulative number of tumors (37), tumor yield (3.7), and tumor burden (4.81) when compared with the carcinogen-treated control animals. Biochemical parameters in skin and liver tissue such as LPO and phase I enzymes were significantly (P < .01) reduced in the FSO-treated experimental group, whereas the phase II enzymes (GST, DT-diaphorase) and antioxidant parameters (GSH, GPx, SOD, catalase, and vitamin C) exhibited a significant (P < .01) elevation when compared with the animals of the carcinogen-treated control group. Histopathological alterations in the carcinogen-treated control animals were also observed in the form of epidermal hyperplasia, keratinized pearl formation, and acanthosis in skin and tumors, whereas these were found to be reduced after FSO administration. The results of the present study demonstrate that the oral administration of FSO has the potential to modulate the levels of LPO, antioxidants, and detoxification enzymes in the DMBA-croton oil-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Recombinant soluble gp130 protein reduces DEN-induced primary hepatocellular carcinoma in mice

IL-6 (interleukin 6) plays an important role in the development and growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via both classic signaling and trans-signaling pathways. Soluble gp130 (sgp130) is known to be a natural inhibitor of the trans-signaling pathway. In the present study, our goal was to investigate whether recombinant sgp130 could suppress the initiation and progression of HCC in mouse models. Our results demonstrate that sgp130 induced an apoptosis of HepG2 cells and inhibited the clonogenicity of HepG2 in vitro. Moreover, the IL-6 trans-signaling pathway is significantly suppressed by sgp130 as reflected by the decrease in the level of STAT3 phosphorylation and other inflammatory factors both in vitro and in vivo. In the DEN-induced HCC mouse model, intravenous injection of sgp130 attenuated hepatic fibrosis at 16 weeks and reduced the initiation and progression of primary HCC at 36 weeks. Furthermore, our results also demonstrate that intravenous administration of sgp130 significantly suppressed the growth and metastasis of xenograft human HCC in NOD/SCID mice.

Effects of 20 Selected Fruits on Ethanol Metabolism: Potential Health Benefits and Harmful Impacts

The consumption of alcohol is often accompanied by other foods, such as fruits and vegetables. This study is aimed to investigate the effects of 20 selected fruits on ethanol metabolism to find out their potential health benefits and harmful impacts. The effects of the fruits on ethanol metabolism were characterized by the concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde in blood, as well as activities of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in liver of mice. Furthermore, potential health benefits and harmful impacts of the fruits were evaluated by biochemical parameters including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase. Generally, effects of these fruits on ethanol metabolism were very different. Some fruits (such as Citrus limon (yellow), Averrhoa carambola, Pyrus spp., and Syzygium samarangense) could decrease the concentration of ethanol in blood. In addition, several fruits (such as Cucumis melo) showed hepatoprotective effects by significantly decreasing AST or ALT level in blood, while some fruits (such as Averrhoa carambola) showed adverse effects. The results suggested that the consumption of alcohol should not be accompanied by some fruits, and several fruits could be developed as functional foods for the prevention and treatment of hangover and alcohol use disorder.

Chemoprevention of chemical-induced skin cancer by Panax ginseng root extract

BACKGROUND

Cancer has emerged as a major health problem globally as a consequence to the increased longevity of the population, changing the environment and life style. Chemoprevention is a new and promising strategy for reducing cancer burden. Recently, some natural products have been identified for their chemopreventive activity to reduce the cancer incidence. Ginseng is known for its potential to treat various ailments in human beings. The present study was designed to explore the anticancer and antioxidative potential of Panax ginseng against chemical-induced skin carcinogenesis in mammals.

METHODS

Skin tumors were induced in Swiss albino mice by a single topical application of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (100 μg/100 μL acetone) and, 2 wks later, promoted by repeated applications of croton oil (thrice in a wk in 1% acetone) till the end of the experiment (i.e., 16 wk). Hydroalcoholic ginseng root extract at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight/d was orally administered at the peri-initiation, postinitiation, and peri-post-initiation stages.

RESULTS

Ginseng root extract treatment caused a significant reduction in tumor incidence, cumulative number of tumors, tumor yield, and tumor burden, as compared to the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-croton oil-treated control group. Further, biochemical assays revealed a significant enhancement in the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin C, and total proteins but a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation levels in both the liver and skin with ginseng root extract treatment, as compared to carcinogen-treated control group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that P. ginseng has the potential to become a pivotal chemopreventive agent that can reduce cancer in mammals.