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Wu YR, Xiong W, Dong YJ, Chen X, Zhong YY, He XL, Wang YJ, Lin QF, Tian XF, Zhou Q. Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Frankincense: Implications for Anticancer Therapy. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:759-767. [PMID: 38816637 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-4105-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of novel antitumor agents derived from natural plants is a principal objective of anticancer drug research. Frankincense, a widely recognized natural antitumor medicine, has undergone a systematic review encompassing its species, chemical constituents, and diverse pharmacological activities and mechanisms. The different species of frankincense include Boswellia serrata, Somali frankincense, Boswellia frereana, and Boswellia arabica. Various frankincense extracts and compounds exhibit antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties and antioxidation, memory enhancement, and immunological regulation capabilities. They also have comprehensive effects on regulating flora. Frankincense and its principal chemical constituents have demonstrated promising chemoprophylactic and therapeutic abilities against tumors. This review provides a systematic summary of the mechanism of action underlying the antitumor effects of frankincense and its major constituents, thus laying the foundations for developing effective tumor-combating targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Rong Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 41007, China
| | - Ying-Jing Dong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Xin-Ling He
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yu-Jia Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Qun-Fang Lin
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 41007, China
| | - Xue-Fei Tian
- College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription and Transformation, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Andrology, the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 41007, China.
- Hunan Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinical Medical Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410021, China.
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Ragab EA, Abd El-Wahab MF, Doghish AS, Salama RM, Eissa N, Darwish SF. The journey of boswellic acids from synthesis to pharmacological activities. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1477-1504. [PMID: 37740772 PMCID: PMC10858840 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02725-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
There has been a lot of interest in using naturally occurring substances to treat a wide variety of chronic disorders in recent years. From the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri, the pentacyclic triterpene molecules known as boswellic acid (BA) are extracted. We aimed to provide a detailed overview of the origins, chemistry, synthetic derivatives, pharmacokinetic, and biological activity of numerous Boswellia species and their derivatives. The literature searched for reports of B. serrata and isolated BAs having anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-asthmatic, and clastogenic activities. Our results revealed that the cytotoxic and anticancer effects of B. serrata refer to its triterpenoid component, including BAs. Three-O-acetyl-11-keto-BA was the most promising cytotoxic molecule among tested substances. Activation of caspases, upregulation of Bax expression, downregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and stimulation of poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage are the primary mechanisms responsible for cytotoxic and antitumor effects. Evidence suggests that BAs have shown promise in combating a wide range of debilitating disease conditions, including cancer, hepatic, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab A Ragab
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohammed F Abd El-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, 11829, Cairo, Egypt.
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rania M Salama
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermin Eissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, P.O. Box 59911, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samar F Darwish
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, 11829, Cairo, Egypt.
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Wang X, Zhang X, Zheng G, Dong M, Huang Z, Lin L, Yan K, Zheng J, Wang J. Mitochondria-targeted pentacyclic triterpene NIR-AIE derivatives for enhanced chemotherapeutic and chemo-photodynamic combined therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115975. [PMID: 38039788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Complexes formed by combining pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) with Aggregation-Induced Emission luminogens (AIEgens), termed pentacyclic triterpene-aggregation induced emission (PT-AIEgen) complexes, merge the chemotherapeutic properties of PTs with the photocytotoxicity of AIEgens. In this study, we synthesized derivatives by connecting three types of triphenylamine (TPA) pyridinium derivatives with three common pentacyclic triterpenes. Altering the connecting group between the electron donor TPA and the electron acceptor pyridinium resulted in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by PT-AIEgens and a red-shift in their fluorescence emission spectra. Importantly, the fluorescence emission spectra of BA-3, OA-3, and UA-3 extended into the near-infrared (NIR) range, enabling NIR-AIE imaging of the sites where the derivatives aggregated. The incorporation of the pyridinium structure improved the mitochondrial targeting of PT-AIEgens, enhancing mitochondrial pathway-mediated cell apoptosis and improving the efficiency of chemotherapy (CT) and chemo-photodynamic combined therapy (CPCT) both in vivo and in vitro. Cellular fluorescence imaging demonstrated rapid cellular uptake and mitochondrial accumulation of BA-1 (-2, -3). Cell viability experiments revealed that BA-1 (-2), OA-1 (-2), and UA-1 (-2) exhibited superior CT cytotoxicity compared to their parent drugs, with BA-1 showing the most potent inhibitory effect on HeLa cells (IC50 = 1.19 μM). Furthermore, HeLa cells treated with BA-1 (1 μM), BA-2 (1.25 μM), and BA-3 (1 μM) exhibited survival rates of 2.99 % ± 0.05 % μM, 5.92 % ± 2.04 % μM, and 2.53 % ± 0.73 % μM, respectively, under white light irradiation. Mechanistic experiments revealed that derivatives induced cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway during both CT and CPCT. Remarkably, BA-1 and BA-3 in CPCT inhibited cancer cell proliferation in an in vivo melanoma mouse xenograft model. These results collectively encourage further research of PT-AIEgens as potential anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China
| | - Xuewei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China
| | - Guoxing Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China
| | - Mingming Dong
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China
| | - Zhaopeng Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China
| | - Liyin Lin
- Central Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China
| | - Kang Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China
| | - Jinhong Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, PR China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, PR China.
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Wiese M, Pohlmeier B, Kubiak K, El-Khouly FE, Sitte M, Carcaboso AM, Baugh JN, Perwein T, Nussbaumer G, Karremann M, Gielen GH, Salinas G, Kramm CM. Boswellic acid formulations are not suitable for treatment of pediatric high-grade glioma due to tumor promoting potential. J Tradit Complement Med 2024; 14:101-108. [PMID: 38223806 PMCID: PMC10785237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pedHGG) comprise a very poor prognosis. Thus, parents of affected children are increasingly resorting to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), among those Boswellia extracts. However, nothing is known about the therapeutic effectiveness of their active substances, Boswellic acids (BA) in pedHGG. Thus, we aimed to investigate if the three main Boswellic acids (BA) present in Boswellia plants, alpha-boswellic acid (α-BA), beta-boswellic acid (β-BA) and 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) hold any promising potential for treatment of affected pedHGG patients. Experimental procedure Histone 3 (H3)-wildtype and H3.3K27M-mutant pedHGG cell lines were treated with BA, either alone or in combination with radio-chemotherapy with temozolomide. Cell viability, stemness properties, apoptosis, in ovo tumor growth and the transcriptome was investigated upon BA treatment. Results and conclusion Interestingly, α-BA and β-BA treatment promoted certain tumor properties in both pedHGG cells. AKBA treatment reduced cell viability and colony growth accompanied by induction of slight anti-inflammatory effects especially in H3.3K27M-mutant pedHGG cells. However, no effects on apoptosis and in ovo tumor growth were found. In conclusion, besides positive anti-tumor effects of AKBA, tumor promoting effects were observed upon treatment with α-BA and β-BA. Thus, only pure AKBA formulations may be used to exploit any potential positive effects in pedHGG patients. In conclusion, the use of commercially available supplements with a mixture of different BA cannot be recommended due to detrimental effects of certain BA whereas pure AKBA formulations might hold some potential as therapeutic supplement for treatment of pedHGG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wiese
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bente Pohlmeier
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Klaudia Kubiak
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Fatma E. El-Khouly
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maren Sitte
- Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Angel M. Carcaboso
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu/Institut de Recerca, Sant Joan de Deu 2, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joshua N. Baugh
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Perwein
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 38, Graz, Austria
| | - Gunther Nussbaumer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 38, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Karremann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerrit H. Gielen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christof M. Kramm
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, Goettingen, Germany
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Al-Balushi RA, Haque A, Saeed M, Al-Harthy T, Al-Hinaai M, Al-Hashmi S. Unlocking the Anticancer Potential of Frankincense Essential Oils (FEOs) Through Nanotechnology: A Review. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00918-5. [PMID: 37914864 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a group of heterogeneous diseases that occur when cells in the body proliferate and divide uncontrollably. As the current treatment modalities have pros and cons, the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents with the least side effects is one of the most investigated research areas. In this context, plant-based natural products are a rich source of drugs and have served humanity for ages. Frankincense essential oils (FEOs) are among the most promising plant-based oils in Gulf countries. In addition to their high cultural value, FEOs are also famous for their engaging biological activities, including anti-cancerous. However, the practical application of FEOs is often hindered/by their low water solubility, limited bioavailability, high volatility, and sensitivity toward heat, humidity, light, or oxygen. Thus, a significant demand for technological advancement would improve their ability to target particular cells and tissues. Nanotechnology emerged as an exciting approach in this context. Through suitable nano-formulation (functionalization or encapsulation into a nanostructure), issues arising due to solubility, targeting capability, and delivery can be controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayya A Al-Balushi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A'Sharqiyah University, P.O. Box 42, Ibra, 400, Sultanate of Oman.
| | - Ashanul Haque
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Thuraya Al-Harthy
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A'Sharqiyah University, P.O. Box 42, Ibra, 400, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mohammed Al-Hinaai
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A'Sharqiyah University, P.O. Box 42, Ibra, 400, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Salim Al-Hashmi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A'Sharqiyah University, P.O. Box 42, Ibra, 400, Sultanate of Oman
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Trivedi VL, Soni R, Dhyani P, Sati P, Tejada S, Sureda A, Setzer WN, Faizal Abdull Razis A, Modu B, Butnariu M, Sharifi-Rad J. Anti-cancer properties of boswellic acids: mechanism of action as anti-cancerous agent. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1187181. [PMID: 37601048 PMCID: PMC10434769 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1187181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of highly effective plant-based medications with few or no side effects, the use of phytomedicines against complex diseases such as cancer is becoming more widespread. The broadly recognized pentacyclic triterpenes known as boswellic acids (BAs) are derived from the oleogum resin, or frankincense, extracted from the plant species of the genus Boswellia. The frankincense mixture contains various BA types, each having a different potential and helping treat certain cancers. This review focuses on details regarding the traits of the BAs, their roles as anti-cancer agents, the mechanism underlying their activities, and the function of their semi-synthetic derivatives in managing and treating certain cancers. The review also explores the biological sources of BAs, how they are conserved, and how biotechnology might help preserve and improve in vitro BA production. The review concludes that the BAs and their semi-synthetic derivatives are effective against a broad spectrum of cancer cell lines. The detailed information in the review can be helpful for researchers to gain more information about BAs and BA-based medications for efficient and cost-effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Laxmi Trivedi
- High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC), HNB. Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ruchi Soni
- Regional Centre for Organic and Natural Farming, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Praveen Dhyani
- Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, University of Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Priyanka Sati
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Silvia Tejada
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands—IUNICS, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - William N. Setzer
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, Lehi, UT, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, United States
| | - Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Babagana Modu
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Monica Butnariu
- University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” From Timisoara, Timis, Romania
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Elnawasany S, Haggag YA, Shalaby SM, Soliman NA, EL Saadany AA, Ibrahim MAA, Badria F. Anti-cancer effect of nano-encapsulated boswellic acids, curcumin and naringenin against HepG-2 cell line. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:270. [PMID: 37516826 PMCID: PMC10386659 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04096-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. So far, there is no gold standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. We conducted this in vitro study to assess the effect of three natural products: Boswellic acids, curcumin and naringin versus corresponding nanoparticles (NPs) on Hep G2 cells proliferation. METHODS Boswellic acid, curcumin, naringin-loaded NPs were prepared using nanoprecipitation method. Human liver (HepG2) cell line was cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM). The cell growth inhibition and cytotoxicity were evaluated by MTT assay. RESULTS Boswellic acid, curcumin, naringin were able to inhibit HepG2 cells proliferation. IC50 at 24 h, 48 h showed significant lower values in NPs versus Free herbs. IC50 values of free Boswellic acids and NPs at 24 h were (24.60 ± 1.89 and 7.78 ± 0.54, P < 0.001), at 48 h were (22.45 ± 1.13 and 5.58 ± 0.27, P < 0.001) respectively. IC50 values of free curcumin and NPs at 24 h were (5.89 ± 0.8 and 3.46 ± 0.23, P < 0.05), at 48 h were (5.57 ± 0.94 and 2.51 ± 0.11, P < 0.05), respectively. For free and naringenin NPs, IC50 values at 24 h were (14.57 ± 1.78 and 7.25 ± 0.17, P < 0.01), at 48 h were (11.37 ± 1.45 and 5.21 ± 0.18, P < 0.01) respectively. CONCLUSION Boswellic acid, curcumin, naringin and their nanoprecipitation prepared nanoparticles suppressed Hep G2 cells proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Elnawasany
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, 31111 Egypt
| | - Yusuf A. Haggag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Shahinaz M. Shalaby
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Nema A. Soliman
- Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Amira A. EL Saadany
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Marwa A. A. Ibrahim
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Farid Badria
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Almeida-da-Silva CLC, Sivakumar N, Asadi H, Chang-Chien A, Qoronfleh MW, Ojcius DM, Essa MM. Effects of Frankincense Compounds on Infection, Inflammation, and Oral Health. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134174. [PMID: 35807419 PMCID: PMC9268443 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Boswellia trees, found throughout the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia, are the source of frankincense oil. Since antiquity, frankincense has been traded as a precious commodity, but it has also been used for the treatment of chronic disease, inflammation, oral health, and microbial infection. More recently, the bioactive components of Boswellia trees have been identified and characterized for their effects on cancer, microbial infection (especially infection by oral pathogens), and inflammation. Most studies have focused on cell lines, but more recent research has also investigated effects in animal models of disease. As natural products are considered to be safer than synthetic drugs, there is growing interest in further developing the use of substances such as frankincense oil for therapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cássio Luiz Coutinho Almeida-da-Silva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, 155 Fifth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (C.L.C.A.-d.-S.); (H.A.)
| | - Nallusamy Sivakumar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Homer Asadi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, 155 Fifth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (C.L.C.A.-d.-S.); (H.A.)
| | - Anna Chang-Chien
- Dental Surgery Program, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, 155 Fifth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA;
| | - M. Walid Qoronfleh
- Research & Policy Department, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Qatar Foundation, Doha 0974, Qatar;
| | - David M. Ojcius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, 155 Fifth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (C.L.C.A.-d.-S.); (H.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
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Huang K, Chen Y, Liang K, Xu X, Jiang J, Liu M, Zhou F. Review of the Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects, Pharmacokinetics, and Quality Control of Boswellia carterii. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:6627104. [PMID: 35069765 PMCID: PMC8776457 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6627104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aimed to systematically summarize studies that investigated the bioactivities of compounds and extracts from Boswellia. METHODS A literature review on the pharmacological properties and phytochemicals of B. carterii was performed. The information was retrieved from secondary databases such as PubMed, Chemical Abstracts Services (SciFinder), Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. RESULTS The various Boswellia extracts and compounds demonstrated pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumour, and antioxidant activities. B. carterii exhibited a positive effect on the treatment and prevention of many ageing diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSION Here, we highlight the pharmacological properties and phytochemicals of B. carterii and propose further evidence-based research on plant-derived remedies and compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yanrong Chen
- First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kaiyong Liang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Menghua Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Fenghua Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Khafaga AF, El-Kazaz SE, Noreldin AE. Boswellia serrata suppress fipronil-induced neuronal necrosis and neurobehavioral alterations via promoted inhibition of oxidative/inflammatory/apoptotic pathways. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 785:147384. [PMID: 33933775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Boswellic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic terpenoid derived from the gum-resin of Boswellia serrate. It is known for its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has improved spatial learning and provides neuroprotection against trimethyltin-induced memory impairment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible neuroprotective activity of B. serrata extract (BSE) containing BA against fipronil (FPN)-induced neurobehavioral toxicity in Wister male albino rats. Sixty male rats were allocated equally into six groups. The first group served as control; the second and third groups received BSE at two different oral doses (250 or 500 mg/kg body weight [BW], respectively). The fourth group was orally intoxicated with FPN (20 mg/kg BW), whereas the fifth and sixth groups served as preventive groups and co-treated with FPN (20 mg/kg BW) and BSE (250 or 500 mg/kg BW, respectively). The experiment was conducted over 8 weeks period. Results revealed that co-treatment with BSE led to significant (p > 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factors-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB), Cyclooxegenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), serotonin, and acetylcholine (ACh). Conversely, significant (p > 0.05) up regulation of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) has reported in BSE-co-treated groups. In addition, significant (p > 0.05) promotion in neurobehaviours, histopathologic imaging of the cerebral, cerebellar, and hippocampal regions, and immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were also reported in the BSE-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, BSE (500 mg/kg BW) is a natural, promising neuroprotective agent that can mitigate FPN-induced neurobehavioral toxicity via the suppression of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways and relieve neuronal necrosis and astrogliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa F Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22758, Egypt.
| | - Sara E El-Kazaz
- Animals and Poultry Behavior and Management, Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed E Noreldin
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22516, Egypt.
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11
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Enhancement of Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Standardized Frankincense Extract Using Optimized Self-Nanoemulsifying Delivery System. Sci Pharm 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm89030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Boswellic acids (BAs) are the main bioactive compounds of frankincense, a natural resin obtained from the genus Boswellia. This study aimed to develop a self-nanoemulsifying delivery system (SNEDS) to improve the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of standardized frankincense extract (Fr-extract). Fr-extract was standardized, and BA content was quantified using the developed HPLC-UV method. Screening studies of excipients followed by formula optimization using a mixture simplex lattice design was employed. The optimized Fr-SENDS formulation was characterized. Furthermore, microbiological and antiproliferative assessments of the standardized Fr-extract and Fr-SNEDS were evaluated. Quantification demonstrated that the major constituent is 11-keto-boswellic acid (KBA) (16.25%) among BA content (44.96%). The optimized Fr-SENDS (composed of 5% CapryolTM 90, 48.7% Gelucire® 44/14 and 46.3% ethanol) showed spherical nanosized dispersions with DS, PDI, and zeta potential of 17.9 nm, 0.2, and −14.5 mV, respectively. Fr-SNEDS exhibited lower MIC and MBC values compared with Fr-extract against pathogens conjugated with lung cancer and was comparable to reference antimicrobials. Fr-SNEDS showed superior antiproliferative activity over Fr-extract, with IC50 values of 20.49 and 109.5 μg mL−1, respectively. In conclusion, the optimized Fr-SNEDS could be easily developed and manufactured at a low cost and the in vitro results support its use as a potential adjuvant oral therapy for lung cancer. Further in vivo studies could be continued to assess the therapeutic efficiency of the prepared system.
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12
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The Anti-Leukemic Activity of Natural Compounds. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092709. [PMID: 34063044 PMCID: PMC8124534 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of biologically active compounds has become a realistic option for the treatment of malignant tumors due to their cost-effectiveness and safety. In this review, we aimed to highlight the main natural biocompounds that target leukemic cells, assessed by in vitro and in vivo experiments or clinical studies, in order to explore their therapeutic potential in the treatment of leukemia: acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It provides a basis for researchers and hematologists in improving basic and clinical research on the development of new alternative therapies in the fight against leukemia, a harmful hematological cancer and the leading cause of death among patients.
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13
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Al-Harrasi A, Khan AL, Rehman NU, Csuk R. Biosynthetic diversity in triterpene cyclization within the Boswellia genus. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2021; 184:112660. [PMID: 33524859 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This review is not intended to describe the triterpenes isolated from the Boswellia genus, since this information has been covered elsewhere. Instead, the aim is to provide insights into the biosynthesis of triterpenes in Boswellia. This genus, which has 24 species, displays fascinating structural diversity and produces a number of medicinally important triterpenes, particularly boswellic acids. Over 300 volatile components have been reported in the essential oil of Boswellia, and more than 100 diterpenes and triterpenes have been isolated from this genus. Given that no triterpene biosynthetic enzymes have yet been isolated from any members of the Boswellia genus, this review will cover the likely biosynthetic pathways as inferred from structures in nature and the probable types of biosynthetic enzymes based on knowledge of triterpene biosynthesis in other plant species. It highlights the importance of frankincense and the factors and threats affecting its production. It covers triterpene biosynthesis in the genus Boswellia, including dammaranes, tirucallic acids, lupanes, oleananes, ursanes and boswellic acids. Strategies for elucidating triterpene biosynthetic pathways in Boswellia are considered. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms behind wound-induced resin synthesis by the tree and related gene expression profiling are covered. In addition, the influence of the environment and the genotype on the biosynthesis of resin and on variations in the compositions and types of resins will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, 616 Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa, Oman.
| | - Abdul Latif Khan
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, 616 Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Najeeb Ur Rehman
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, 616 Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa, Oman
| | - René Csuk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 2, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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14
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Becer E, Kabadayı H, Başer KHC, Vatansever HS. Boswellia sacraessential oil manages colon cancer stem cells proliferation and apoptosis: a new perspective for cure. JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2020.1839586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eda Becer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Near East University , Nicosia, Mersin 10, Turkey
- DESAM Institute, Near East University , Nicosia, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Hilal Kabadayı
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University , Manisa, Turkey
| | - K. Hüsnü Can Başer
- DESAM Institute, Near East University , Nicosia, Mersin 10, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Near East University , Nicosia, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Hafize Seda Vatansever
- DESAM Institute, Near East University , Nicosia, Mersin 10, Turkey
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University , Manisa, Turkey
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15
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Talib WH, Alsalahat I, Daoud S, Abutayeh RF, Mahmod AI. Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer Research: Extraction, Mechanism of Action, and Drug Formulation. Molecules 2020; 25:E5319. [PMID: 33202681 PMCID: PMC7696819 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally and considered as a major challenge for the public health system. The high toxicity and the lack of selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies make the search for alternative treatments a priority. In this review, we describe the main plant-derived natural products used as anticancer agents. Natural sources, extraction methods, anticancer mechanisms, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation are discussed in this review. Studies covered by this review should provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to enhance basic and clinical research on developing alternative anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H. Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan;
| | - Izzeddin Alsalahat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (I.A.); (S.D.); (R.F.A.)
| | - Safa Daoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (I.A.); (S.D.); (R.F.A.)
| | - Reem Fawaz Abutayeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (I.A.); (S.D.); (R.F.A.)
| | - Asma Ismail Mahmod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan;
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16
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Al-Bahlani S, Burney IA, Al-Dhahli B, Al-Kharusi S, Al-Kharousi F, Al-Kalbani A, Ahmed I. Boswellic acid sensitizes gastric cancer cells to Cisplatin-induced apoptosis via p53-mediated pathway. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 21:64. [PMID: 32867831 PMCID: PMC7460741 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-00442-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cisplatin (CDDP) is an effective anticancer drug for Gastric cancer (GC) that induces apoptosis by altering pro- (p53) and anti-apoptotic (Akt and NFkB) proteins; however, chemoresistance remains a big challenge. Additional compounds with promising anticancer effects such as AKBA (Acetyl-keto-beta boswellic acid) may overcome the resistance. However, its role in CDDP-induced apoptosis in GC has not been studied. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of AKBA on p53-mediated, CDDP-induced apoptosis in GC cells. AGS and NCI-N87 cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 μM) of CDDP and/or AKBA. Methods P53, Akt and NFkB proteins and apoptosis were assessed by Western blot and flow cytometry. The role of p53 was determined by inhibiting its function via the siRNA approach. Results The results revealed that CDDP and AKBA significantly increased p53 content in both cells, while Akt and NFkB were significantly decreased. Both compounds significantly induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. AKBA sensitized GC cells to CDDP-induced apoptosis by altering the protein expression. P53 downregulation affected Akt and NFkB proteins with a slight increase in apoptosis induction in the combination treated groups. Conclusions Altogether, our findings suggest that AKBA enhances GC cell sensitivity to CDDP-induced apoptosis via the p53 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadia Al-Bahlani
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 35, PC 123 AlKhoud, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Ikram A Burney
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Buthaina Al-Dhahli
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 35, PC 123 AlKhoud, Muscat, Oman
| | - Safiya Al-Kharusi
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 35, PC 123 AlKhoud, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fakhra Al-Kharousi
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 35, PC 123 AlKhoud, Muscat, Oman
| | - Amani Al-Kalbani
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 35, PC 123 AlKhoud, Muscat, Oman
| | - Ikhlas Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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17
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Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of frankincense: Targets, treatments and toxicities. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:39-57. [PMID: 32027979 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The oleogum resins of Boswellia species known as frankincense have been used for ages in traditional medicine in India, China and the Arabian world independent of its use for cultural and religious rituals in Europe. During the past two decades, scientific investigations provided mounting evidence for the therapeutic potential of frankincense. We conducted a systematic review on the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of Boswellia species and their chemical ingredients (e.g. 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β boswellic acid, α- and β-boswellic acids, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and other boswellic acids, lupeolic acids, incensole, cembrenes, triterpenediol, tirucallic acids, and olibanumols). Frankincense acts by multiple mechanisms, e.g. by the inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, of cyclooxygenase 1/2 and 5-lipoxygenase, of oxidative stress, and by regulation of immune cells from the innate and acquired immune systems. Furthermore, frankincense modulates signaling transduction responsible for cell cycle arrest and inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Clinical trials showed the efficacy of frankincense and its phytochemicals against osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, psoriasis and erythematous eczema, plaque-induced gingivitis and pain. Frankincense revealed beneficial effects towards brain tumor-related edema, but did not reduce glioma size. Even if there is no treatment effect on brain tumors itself, the management of glioma-associated edema may represent a desirable improvement. The therapeutic potential against other tumor types is still speculative. Experimental toxicology and clinical trials revealed only mild adverse side effects. More randomized clinical trials are required to estimate the full clinical potential of frankincense for cancer therapy.
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18
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Plant-Derived Molecules α-Boswellic Acid Acetate, Praeruptorin-A, and Salvianolic Acid-B Have Age-Related Differential Effects in Young and Senescent Human Fibroblasts In Vitro. Molecules 2019; 25:molecules25010141. [PMID: 31905790 PMCID: PMC6982785 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Testing and screening of plant-derived molecules on normal human cells in vitro is a widely used approach for discovering their eventual health beneficial effects for human ageing and longevity. As little is known about age-associated differential effects of such molecules, here we report that young (<25% replicative lifespan completed) and near-senescent (>90% replicative lifespan completed) human skin fibroblasts exposed for 1–15 days to a wide range of concentrations (0.1–100 μM) of the three selected phytochemicals, namely α-boswellic acid acetate (ABC), praeruptorin-A (PTA), and salvianolic acid-B (SAB) had age-related differential effects. The parameters studied were the metabolic activity (MTT assay), cellular morphological phenotype, one-step growth characteristics, expression of genes involved in the cell cycle regulation and cytokine network genes, protein levels of p53, cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), and the extent of protein carbonylation and protein aggregation as a sign of oxidative stress. All three compounds showed biphasic hormetic dose response by stimulating cell growth, survival and metabolic activity at low doses (up to 1 μM), while showing inhibitory effects at high doses (>10 μM). Furthermore, the response of early passage young cells was different from that of the late passage near-senescent cells, especially with respect to the expression of cell cycle-related and inflammation-related genes. Such studies have importance with respect to the use of low doses of such molecules as health-promoting and/or ageing-interventions through the phenomenon of hormesis.
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19
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Hodon J, Borkova L, Pokorny J, Kazakova A, Urban M. Design and synthesis of pentacyclic triterpene conjugates and their use in medicinal research. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111653. [PMID: 31499360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Triterpenoids are natural products from plants and many other organisms that have various biological activities, such as antitumor, antiviral, antimicrobial, and protective activities. This review covers the synthesis and biological evaluation of pentacyclic triterpene (PT) conjugates with other molecules that have been found to increase the IC50 or improve the pharmacological profile of the parent PT. Some of these molecules are designed to target specific proteins or cellular organelles, which has resulted in highly selective lead structures for drug development. Other PT conjugates are useful for investigating their mechanism of action. This concept has been very successful: 1) Many compounds, especially mitochondria-targeting PT conjugates, have reached a selective cytotoxicity at low nanomolar concentrations in cancer cells. 2) A number of PT conjugates have had high activity against HIV or the influenza virus. 3) Fluorescent PT conjugates have been able to visualize the PT in living cells, which has allowed quantification of the uptake and distribution of the PT within the cell. 4) Biotinylated PT conjugates have been used to identify target proteins, which may help to show their mechanism of action. 5) A large number of PT conjugates with polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyamines, etc. form nanometer-sized micelles that have a much better pharmacological profile than the PT alone. In summary, the connection of a PT to an appropriate modifying molecule has resulted in extremely useful semisynthetic compounds with a high potential to treat cancer or viral infections or compounds that are useful for the study of the mechanism of action of PTs at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Hodon
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Borkova
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pokorny
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Kazakova
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Urban
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinská 5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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Roy NK, Parama D, Banik K, Bordoloi D, Devi AK, Thakur KK, Padmavathi G, Shakibaei M, Fan L, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. An Update on Pharmacological Potential of Boswellic Acids against Chronic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174101. [PMID: 31443458 PMCID: PMC6747466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural compounds, in recent years, have attracted significant attention for their use in the prevention and treatment of diverse chronic diseases as they are devoid of major toxicities. Boswellic acid (BA), a series of pentacyclic triterpene molecules, is isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri. It proved to be one such agent that has exhibited efficacy against various chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, etc. The molecular targets attributed to its wide range of biological activities include transcription factors, kinases, enzymes, receptors, growth factors, etc. The present review is an attempt to demonstrate the diverse pharmacological uses of BA, along with its underlying molecular mechanism of action against different ailments. Further, this review also discusses the roadblocks associated with the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of this promising compound and strategies to overcome those limitations for developing it as an effective drug for the clinical management of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nand Kishor Roy
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research(DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Dey Parama
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research(DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Kishore Banik
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research(DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Devivasha Bordoloi
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research(DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Amrita Khwairakpam Devi
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research(DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Krishan Kumar Thakur
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research(DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Ganesan Padmavathi
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research(DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumour Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Lu Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research(DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
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21
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Desai TH, Joshi SV. In silico evaluation of apoptogenic potential and toxicological profile of triterpenoids. Indian J Pharmacol 2019; 51:181-207. [PMID: 31391686 PMCID: PMC6644186 DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_90_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: Caspases-3 and 8 are key mediators of intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of apoptosis, respectively. Triterpenoids of natural and synthetic origin reported as anticancer agents with apoptotic potential and hence may prove to be good candidates for in silico testing against caspases-3 and 8. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various naturally-occurring and synthetic triterpenoids were subjected to activity prediction using PASS Online software, and among them, 67 compounds were selected for further processing. Protein structure of caspase-3 (3DEI) and caspase-8 (3KJQ) was obtained from the protein data bank and docked with selected triterpenoids using AutoDock Tools and AutoDock Vina. Toxicological profile was predicted based on clinical manifestations using PASS online software. RESULTS: The high docking score of -10.0, -9.9, -9.8, and -9.5 were shown by friedelin, tingenone, albiziasaponin A, and albiziasaponin C, respectively, for caspase-3, and -11.0, -9.6, -9.6, and -9.4 by β-boswellic acid, bryonolic acid, canophyllic acid, and CDDO, respectively, for caspase-8. Possible adverse events were predicted with varying degree of probability and major relevant effects were reported. Hydrostatic interactions along with formation of hydrogen bonds with specific amino acids in the binding pocket were identified with each triterpenoid. CONCLUSION: Lead molecules identified through this in silico study such as friedelin, tingenone, albiziasaponin, bryonolic acid, and canophyllic acid may be utilized for further in vitro/in vivo studies as apoptotic agents targeting caspases-3 and 8.
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22
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Kunnumakkara AB, Banik K, Bordoloi D, Harsha C, Sailo BL, Padmavathi G, Roy NK, Gupta SC, Aggarwal BB. Googling the Guggul (Commiphora and Boswellia) for Prevention of Chronic Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:686. [PMID: 30127736 PMCID: PMC6087759 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive research during last 2 decades has revealed that most drugs discovered today, although costs billions of dollars for discovery, and yet they are highly ineffective in their clinical response. For instance, the European Medicines Agency has approved 68 anti-cancer drugs, and out of which 39 has reached the market level with no indication of increased survival nor betterment of quality of life. Even when drugs did improve survival rate compared to available treatment strategies, most of these were found to be clinically insignificant. This is a fundamental problem with modern drug discovery which is based on thinking that most chronic diseases are caused by alteration of a single gene and thus most therapies are single gene-targeted therapies. However, extensive research has revealed that most chronic diseases are caused by multiple gene products. Although most drugs designed by man are mono-targeted therapies, however, those designed by "mother nature" and have been used for thousands of years, are "multi-targeted" therapies. In this review, we examine two agents that have been around for thousands of years, namely "guggul" from Commiphora and Boswellia. Although we are all familiar with the search engine "google," this is another type of "guggul" that has been used for centuries and being explored for its various biological activities. The current review summarizes the traditional uses, chemistry, in vitro and in vivo biological activities, molecular targets, and clinical trials performed with these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Kishore Banik
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Devivasha Bordoloi
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Choudhary Harsha
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bethsebie L. Sailo
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Ganesan Padmavathi
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Nand K. Roy
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Subash C. Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Li W, Liu J, Fu W, Zheng X, Ren L, Liu S, Wang J, Ji T, Du G. 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid exerts anti-tumor effects in glioblastoma by arresting cell cycle at G2/M phase. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:132. [PMID: 29970196 PMCID: PMC6029111 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0805-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, malignant, and lethal primary brain tumor in adults accounting for about 50% of all gliomas. Up to now, the chemotherapy approaches for GBM were limited. 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), the major active ingredient of the gum resin from Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri Birdw., was reported to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells; however, the underlying mechanism of its anticancer effects are still unclear. Methods The effects of AKBA on cell viability and its cytotoxicity were determined using CCK8 and LDH kits respectively. The EdU-DNA synthesis assay was used to evaluate inhibition of cell proliferation by AKBA. The role of AKBA in glioblastoma cell functions such as migration/invasion, and colony formation was evaluated using transwell chambers and soft agar, respectively. Flow cytometry and western blotting were used to detect AKBA-induced apoptosis. Potential mechanisms of AKBA action were explored by RNA sequencing and the identified hub genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumor activity of AKBA was evaluated against a human glioblastoma cell line, U87-MG, in a xenograft mouse model. Results AKBA inhibited cell proliferation, caused the release of LDH, decreased DNA synthesis, and inhibited the migration, invasion, and colony formation of U251 and U87-MG human glioblastoma cell lines. AKBA increased apoptosis as well as the activity of caspase 3/7 and the protein expression of cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved PARP, while decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential. RNA-sequencing analyses showed that AKBA suppressed the expression of pRB, FOXM1, Aurora A, PLK1, CDC25C, p-CDK1, cyclinB1, Aurora B, and TOP2A while increasing the expression of p21 and GADD45A. These findings were validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The data are consistent with a mechanism in which AKBA arrested the cell cycle in glioblastoma cells at the G2/M phase by regulating the p21/FOXM1/cyclin B1 pathway, inhibited mitosis by downregulating the Aurora B/TOP2A pathway, and induced mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. Oral administration of AKBA (100 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the tumorigenicity of U87-MG cells in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that AKBA (molecular weight, 512.7 Da) might be a promising chemotherapy drug in the treatment of GBM. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0805-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.,Ethnic Drug Screening & Pharmacology Center, Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Weiqi Fu
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiangjin Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Liwen Ren
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanxi DAYI Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030002, Shanxi, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China. .,Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Tengfei Ji
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Guanhua Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China. .,Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Ranzato E, Martinotti S, Volante A, Tava A, Masini MA, Burlando B. The major Boswellia serrata active 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid strengthens interleukin-1α upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 via JNK MAP kinase activation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 36:176-182. [PMID: 29157812 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Boswellia serrata gum resin has attracted pharmacological interest as an alternative antinflammatory. PURPOSE We studied the application of an ethanolic extract of the resin and its main active 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) against inflammatory degeneration of skin extracellular matrix. STUDY DESIGN We compared the effects of the extract and AKBA on the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (72-kDa and 92-kDa type IV collagenases) in HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to interleukin-1α (IL-1α) as a skin inflammation model. METHODS MMP activity in cell conditioned medium was assayed by gelatin zymography, while NF-kB and MAP kinase activations were evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS IL-1α (10 ng/ml) upregulated MMP-9 but not MMP-2 in HaCaT cells. The extract, used at 2.3, 4.6 and 9.3 µg/ml, had no effect, but in combination with IL-1α showed MMP-9 inhibition at the lowest dose and increased upregulation at the highest one. AKBA alone, at the same concentrations (corresponding to 5, 10, and 20 µM), did not stimulate MMP-9, but together with IL-1α induced an increased upregulation at the lowest dose that progressively disappeared at higher doses. WB analysis showed that IL-1α induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, while AKBA abolished this effect at 20 µM, but conversely increased it at 5 µM. Screening of MAP kinase phosphorylation showed a combined activation of IL-1α/AKBA on JNK, while the JNK inhibitor SP600125 abolished MMP-9 upregulation induced by IL-1α/AKBA. CONCLUSION The enhancing effect of IL-1α/AKBA on MMP-9 at low AKBA concentration seems to involve the activation of JNK-mediated NF-κB pathway. Conversely, the extract inhibits the IL-1α effect at low doses, but not at higher ones, where AKBA and possibly other β-boswellic acids reach concentrations that potentiate the effect of IL-1α. The extract at low doses could protect the skin against degenerative processes of extracellular matrix, while keto-β-boswellic acids seem unsuitable for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Ranzato
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Università del Piemonte Orientale, viale T. Michel 11, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Simona Martinotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Università del Piemonte Orientale, viale T. Michel 11, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Andrea Volante
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria - Rice Research Unit (CREA-RIS), SS 11 per Torino, km 2.5, 13100, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Aldo Tava
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria - Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura (CREA-ZA), Viale Piacenza 29, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Masini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica (DISIT), Università del Piemonte Orientale, viale T. Michel 11, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Bruno Burlando
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132, Genova, Italy; Istituto di Biofisica, CNR, via De Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy.
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Iram F, Khan SA, Husain A. Phytochemistry and potential therapeutic actions of Boswellic acids: A mini-review. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Ranjbarnejad T, Saidijam M, Moradkhani S, Najafi R. Methanolic extract of Boswellia serrata exhibits anti-cancer activities by targeting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 in human colon cancer cells. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2017; 131:1-8. [PMID: 28549801 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer. A proper method to reduce mortality of CRC is chemoprevention to prevent initiation and promotion of intestinal tumorgenesis. One of the promising and developing chemopreventive agents is natural compounds found in plants. Frankincense, the resin extract from the Boswellia specious, has been used in traditional and modern medicine for treating various diseases with very minimal side effects. In the current study, we investigated the anti-cancer activity of methanolic extract of Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) on HT-29 human colon cancer cells. METHODS HT-29 cells were treated with different concentrations of B. serrata and cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. mRNA expression of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Apoptosis was evaluated by the proportion of sub-G1 cells. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level and caspase 3 activity were determined by ELISA assay. Tube formation potential and HT-29 cells migration were assessed using three-dimensional vessel formation assay and scratch test. RESULTS B. serrata extract considerably decreased the expression of mPGES-1, VEGF, CXCR4, MMP-2, MMP-9 and HIF-1. The caspase 3 activity and percent of cells in sub-G1 phase were increased by B. serrata extract. Cell viability, PGE2 generation, in vitro tube formation and cell migration were decreased significantly in B. serrata-treated HT-29 compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that B. serrata extract inhibits proliferation, angiogenesis and migration and induces apoptosis in HT-29 cells by inhibiting of mPGES-1 and decreasing the PGE2 level and its downstream targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Ranjbarnejad
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shirin Moradkhani
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Depatment of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rezvan Najafi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Pathania AS, Guru SK, Kumar S, Kumar A, Ahmad M, Bhushan S, Sharma PR, Mahajan P, Shah BA, Sharma S, Nargotra A, Vishwakarma R, Korkaya H, Malik F. Interplay between cell cycle and autophagy induced by boswellic acid analog. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33146. [PMID: 27680387 PMCID: PMC5041107 DOI: 10.1038/srep33146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the role of autophagy induced by boswellic acid analog BA145 on cell cycle progression in pancreatic cancer cells. BA145 induced robust autophagy in pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 and exhibited cell proliferation inhibition by inducing cells to undergo G2/M arrest. Inhibition of G2/M progression was associated with decreased expression of cyclin A, cyclin B, cyclin E, cdc2, cdc25c and CDK-1. Pre-treatment of cells with autophagy inhibitors or silencing the expression of key autophagy genes abrogated BA145 induced G2/M arrest and downregulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins. It was further observed that BA145 induced autophagy by targeting mTOR kinase (IC50 1 μM), leading to reduced expression of p-mTOR, p-p70S6K (T389), p-4EBP (T37/46) and p-S6 (S240/244). Notably, inhibition of mTOR signalling by BA145 was followed by attendant activation of AKT and its membrane translocation. Inhibition of Akt through pharmacological inhibitors or siRNAs enhanced BA145 mediated autophagy, G2/M arrest and reduced expression of G2/M regulators. Further studies revealed that BA145 arbitrated inhibition of mTOR led to the activation of Akt through IGFR/PI3k/Akt feedback loop. Intervention in IGFR/PI3k/Akt loop further depreciated Akt phosphorylation and its membrane translocation that culminates in augmented autophagy with concomitant G2/M arrest and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S Pathania
- Departments of Cancer Pharmacology, Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India
| | - Santosh K Guru
- Departments of Cancer Pharmacology, Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Departments of Cancer Pharmacology, Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Departments of Cancer Pharmacology, Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India
| | - Masroor Ahmad
- Departments of Cancer Pharmacology, Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India
| | - Shashi Bhushan
- Departments of Cancer Pharmacology, Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India
| | - Parduman R Sharma
- Departments of Cancer Pharmacology, Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India
| | - Priya Mahajan
- Discovery Informatics and Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India
| | - Bhahwal A Shah
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India.,Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India
| | - Simmi Sharma
- Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India
| | - Amit Nargotra
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India.,Discovery Informatics and Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India
| | - Ram Vishwakarma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India.,Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India
| | - Hasan Korkaya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Regents University Cancer Centre, 1410 Laney Walker Boulevard CN2136, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Departments of Cancer Pharmacology, Natural Products Microbes; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal road Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180001, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110001, India
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Khan MA, Ali R, Parveen R, Najmi AK, Ahmad S. Pharmacological evidences for cytotoxic and antitumor properties of Boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 191:315-323. [PMID: 27346540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Increasing research on traditional herbal medicines and their phytoconstituents has recognized their usefulness in complementary as adjuvant to chemotherapy in various types of cancers. The oleo-gum resin of Boswellia serrata tree is one such folk medicine, which has been traditionally used for religious, cosmetic as well as medical purposes since ages. The oleo-gum resin of the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat variety of conditions including inflammatory diseases like arthritis, asthma, chronic pain, bowel conditions and many other diseases. This review presents an overview of scientific studies on cytotoxic and antitumor properties of B. serrata and its constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature search was carried out for activities of B. serrata and various isolated boswellic acids such as β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid reported in various cancer types in vitro as well as in vivo. RESULTS The triterpenoidal fraction of B. serrata (containing boswellic acids) is responsible for the cytotoxic and antitumor properties. Among the screened compounds, 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid has been found to be most promising cytotoxic molecule. The cytotoxic and antitumor effects are mainly due to induction of apoptosis through caspase activation, increased Bax expression, NF-κB down regulation and induction of poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. CONCLUSIONS Boswellic acids appear to be promising candidates for anticancer drug development in future. However, further in vivo studies are needed. Studies in combination with clinically used anticancer drugs and QSAR studies on individual boswellic acid also need to be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmed Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Ruhi Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Rabea Parveen
- Bioactive Natural Product Laboratory, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Abul Kalam Najmi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Sayeed Ahmad
- Bioactive Natural Product Laboratory, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi 110062, India.
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Moustafa EM, Thabet NM, Azab KS. Boswellic acid disables signal transduction of IL-6-STAT-3 in Ehrlich ascites tumor bearing irradiated mice. Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 94:307-13. [PMID: 27458759 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2015-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Boswellic acid (BA) is known for its ability to trigger apoptosis as well as to inhibit angiogenesis in tumor tissue. In this study, we investigated the effect of BA on the IL-6-STAT-3 signalling pathway in irradiated mice bearing solid tumors of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). For this, we administered BA (25 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)·day(-1), by intraperitoneal injection) to mice with EAC, and then exposed them to 4 Gy of gamma radiation. Data analyses of the results revealed a specific impact from BA on IL-6R mRNA and survivin mRNA in EACs and irradiated EAC-bearing mice. Also, significant improvements were observed in the protein expression of JAK-1, P-JAK-1, STAT-3, P-STAT-3, and caspase-3, as well as VEGF and IL-6 levels. We propose that BA interfered with IL-6-STAT-3 signal transduction, thereby preventing the activation of caspase-3 and subsequently triggering the process of apoptosis. However, the alternative angiogenesis pathway, which includes the over-expression of VEGF and which depends on IL-6-STAT-3 signalling, was inhibited by the action of BA. Thus, we recommend that therapeutic strategies for cancer should include treatment with BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas Mahmoud Moustafa
- Radiation Biology Department National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.,Radiation Biology Department National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noura Magdy Thabet
- Radiation Biology Department National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.,Radiation Biology Department National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled Shaaban Azab
- Radiation Biology Department National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.,Radiation Biology Department National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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Khan MA, Singh M, Khan MS, Najmi AK, Ahmad S. Caspase mediated synergistic effect of Boswellia serrata extract in combination with doxorubicin against human hepatocellular carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:294143. [PMID: 25177685 PMCID: PMC4142179 DOI: 10.1155/2014/294143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The study investigated the growth-inhibiting and apoptosis mediating effects of B. serrata extract as monotherapy and combination therapy with DOX against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Boswellic acid rich fraction of B. serrata extract was prepared. MTT assay on HepG2 and Hep3B cells was carried out using B. serrata alone and in combination with DOX. Further, caspase-3 activity, TNF-α level, and IL-6 level were estimated. Isobolographic analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of combination therapy. Additionally, protective effect of B. serrata extract on DOX induced hepatic toxicity was also evaluated in Wistar rats. B. serrata extract inhibited growth of HepG2 (IC50 value of 21.21 ± 0.92 μg/mL) as well as HepG2 (IC50 value of 18.65 ± 0.71 μg/mL). DOX inhibited growth in HepG2 and Hep3B cells with an IC50 of 1.06 ± 0.04 μg/mL and 1.92 ± 0.09 μg/mL. Isobolographic analysis showed combination index (CI) of DOX and B. serrata extract of 0.53 ± 0.03 to 0.79 ± 0.02 suggesting synergistic behavior against the two cell lines. B. serrata extract also caused dose dependent increase in caspase-3 activity, TNF-α level, and IL-6 level which was higher (P < 0.001) with DOX (1 μM) and B. serrata extract (20 μg/mL) combination. B. serrata extract also protected Wistar rats against DOX induced hepatic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmed Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mhaveer Singh
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Masood Shah Khan
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Abul Kalam Najmi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Sayeed Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University (Jamia Hamdard), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
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Pathania AS, Joshi A, Kumar S, Guru SK, Bhushan S, Sharma PR, Bhat WW, Saxena AK, Singh J, Shah BA, Andotra SS, Taneja SC, Malik FA, Kumar A. Reversal of boswellic acid analog BA145 induced caspase dependent apoptosis by PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and MEK inhibitor PD98059. Apoptosis 2014; 18:1561-73. [PMID: 23948751 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-013-0889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways are important for growth and proliferation of many types of cancers. Therefore, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (LY) and MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (PD) are used to sensitize many types of cancer cell lines to chemotherapeutic agents, where AKT and ERK pathways are over activated. However, in this study, we show for the first time that PD could protect the leukemia cells independent of ERK pathway inhibition, besides, we also report a detailed mechanism for antiapoptotic effect of LY in HL-60 cells against the cytotoxicity induced by a boswellic acid analog BA145. Apoptosis induced by BA145 is accompanied by downregulation of PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways in human myelogenous leukemia HL-60 cells, having activating N-Ras mutation. Both LY and PD protected the cells against mitochondrial stress caused by BA145, and reduced the release of cytochrome c and consequent activation of caspase-9. LY and PD also diminished the activation of caspase-8 without affecting the death receptors. Besides, LY and PD also reversed the caspase dependent DNA damage induced by BA145. Further studies revealed that LY and PD significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of BA145 on cell cycle regulatory proteins by upregulating hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma, pRB (S795) and downregulating p21 and cyclin E. More importantly, all these events were reversed by caspase inhibition by Z-VAD-fmk, suggesting that both LY and PD act at the level of caspases to diminish the apoptosis induced by BA145. These results indicate that inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways can play dual role and act against chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S Pathania
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR, New Delhi, India
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Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Hamidpour M, Shahlari M. Frankincense ( rǔ xiāng; boswellia species): from the selection of traditional applications to the novel phytotherapy for the prevention and treatment of serious diseases. J Tradit Complement Med 2014; 3:221-6. [PMID: 24716181 PMCID: PMC3924999 DOI: 10.4103/2225-4110.119723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Frankincense (乳香 Rǔ Xiāng; Boswellia Species), the resinous extract from the trees of the genus Boswellia, has been used for centuries in cultural ceremonies, as a cosmetic agent, and as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, especially inflammatory diseases including asthma, arthritis, cerebral edema, chronic pain syndrome, chronic bowel diseases, cancer, and some other illnesses. Boswellic acids are the active compounds of frankincense and AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) is the most important and effective acid among them. Some studies have shown that the use of frankincense can also improve the learning and enhance the memory in animals and human beings. It seems that frankincense might have a potential ability to be used as an alternative natural medicine not only for chronic and inflammatory diseases but also for brain and memory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafie Hamidpour
- Department of Herbal Medicine, Pars Bioscience, Leawood, KS, USA
| | | | - Mohsen Hamidpour
- Department of Herbal Medicine, Pars Bioscience, Leawood, KS, USA
| | - Mina Shahlari
- Department of Herbal Medicine, Pars Bioscience, Leawood, KS, USA
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Qurishi Y, Hamid A, Sharma PR, Wani ZA, Mondhe DM, Singh SK, Zargar MA, Andotra SS, Shah BA, Taneja SC, Saxena AK. PARP cleavage and perturbance in mitochondrial membrane potential by 3-α-propionyloxy-β-boswellic acid results in cancer cell death and tumor regression in murine models. Future Oncol 2013; 8:867-81. [PMID: 22830406 DOI: 10.2217/fon.12.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apoptotic induction in cancer cells has become a major focus of anticancer therapeutics. In this regard, β-boswellic acids, naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenes, have demonstrated antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against different types of cancers. Surprisingly, not much has been reported regarding the chemical modifications or preparation of structural analogs of the key constituents of β-boswellic acid. AIM The anticancer activity of 3-α-propionyloxy-β-boswellic acid (POBA) was investigated and this article reports for the first time that the triterpenoid ring of the boswellic acid derivative POBA is targeting the PI3K pathway. MATERIALS & METHODS Induction of apoptosis of the semi-synthetic derivative of β-boswellic acid-POBA in vitro was analyzed using a battery of human cancer cell lines followed by cell cycle phase distribution, further validated by DNA fragmentation, and was found to cause mitochondrial membrane potential loss with ultrastructural changes, as observed by electron microscopy studies and expression study using PARP cleavage, as well as validated by in vivo anti-tumor activity. RESULTS The cytotoxicity data revealed the sensitivity of various human cancer cell lines of varied tissue origin to β-boswellic acid, which robustly induced cell cycle arrest, DNA fragmentation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Morphological studies of the effects of POBA revealed loss of surface projections, chromatin condensation, apoptotic body formation and POBA-mediated PARP cleavage. For in vivo therapeutic experiments, murine tumor models were treated with POBA and the treatment resulted in a significantly higher level of growth inhibition and apoptosis was significantly induced. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that acyl substituents/groups in the main skeleton of β-boswellic acid have the potential to be potent chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasrib Qurishi
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Canal Road, Jammu-Tawi 180001, India
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Ni X, Suhail MM, Yang Q, Cao A, Fung KM, Postier RG, Woolley C, Young G, Zhang J, Lin HK. Frankincense essential oil prepared from hydrodistillation of Boswellia sacra gum resins induces human pancreatic cancer cell death in cultures and in a xenograft murine model. Altern Ther Health Med 2012; 12:253. [PMID: 23237355 PMCID: PMC3538159 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Regardless of the availability of therapeutic options, the overall 5-year survival for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer remains less than 5%. Gum resins from Boswellia species, also known as frankincense, have been used as a major ingredient in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health-related conditions. Both frankincense chemical extracts and essential oil prepared from Boswellia species gum resins exhibit anti-neoplastic activity, and have been investigated as potential anti-cancer agents. The goals of this study are to identify optimal condition for preparing frankincense essential oil that possesses potent anti-tumor activity, and to evaluate the activity in both cultured human pancreatic cancer cells and a xenograft mouse cancer model. Methods Boswellia sacra gum resins were hydrodistilled at 78°C; and essential oil distillate fractions were collected at different durations (Fraction I at 0–2 h, Fraction II at 8–10 h, and Fraction III at 11–12 h). Hydrodistillation of the second half of gum resins was performed at 100°C; and distillate was collected at 11–12 h (Fraction IV). Chemical compositions were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); and total boswellic acids contents were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Frankincense essential oil-modulated pancreatic tumor cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by colorimetric assays. Levels of apoptotic markers, signaling molecules, and cell cycle regulators expression were characterized by Western blot analysis. A heterotopic (subcutaneous) human pancreatic cancer xenograft nude mouse model was used to evaluate anti-tumor capability of Fraction IV frankincense essential oil in vivo. Frankincense essential oil-induced tumor cytostatic and cytotoxic activities in animals were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Longer duration and higher temperature hydrodistillation produced more abundant high molecular weight compounds, including boswellic acids, in frankincense essential oil fraactions. Human pancreatic cancer cells were sensitive to Fractions III and IV (containing higher molecular weight compounds) treatment with suppressed cell viability and increased cell death. Essential oil activated the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, induced a rapid and transient activation of Akt and Erk1/2, and suppressed levels of cyclin D1 cdk4 expression in cultured pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, Boswellia sacra essential oil Fraction IV exhibited anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities against pancreatic tumors in the heterotopic xenograft mouse model. Conclusion All fractions of frankincense essential oil from Boswellia sacra are capable of suppressing viability and inducing apoptosis of a panel of human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Potency of essential oil-suppressed tumor cell viability may be associated with the greater abundance of high molecular weight compounds in Fractions III and IV. Although chemical component(s) responsible for tumor cell cytotoxicity remains undefined, crude essential oil prepared from hydrodistillation of Boswellia sacra gum resins might be a useful alternative therapeutic agent for treating patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis.
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Salvador JAR, Moreira VM, Gonçalves BMF, Leal AS, Jing Y. Ursane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids as useful platforms to discover anticancer drugs. Nat Prod Rep 2012; 29:1463-79. [PMID: 23047641 DOI: 10.1039/c2np20060k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights the potential of natural and semisynthetic ursane-type triterpenoids as candidates for the design of multi-target bioactive compounds, with focus on their anticancer effects. A brief illustration of the biosynthesis, sources, and general biological effects of the main classes of naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs) are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A R Salvador
- Grupo de Química Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Park B, Prasad S, Yadav V, Sung B, Aggarwal BB. Boswellic acid suppresses growth and metastasis of human pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic nude mouse model through modulation of multiple targets. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26943. [PMID: 22066019 PMCID: PMC3204996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is one of the most lethal cancers, with an estimated 5-year survival of <5% even when patients are given the best treatment available. In addition, these treatments are often toxic and expensive, thus new agents which are safe, affordable and effective are urgently needed. We describe here the results of our study with acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), an agent obtained from an Ayurvedic medicine, gum resin of Boswellia serrata. Whether AKBA has an activity against human PaCa, was examined in in vitro models and in an orthotopic nude mouse model of PaCa. We found that AKBA inhibited the proliferation of four different PaCa cell lines (AsPC-1, PANC-28, and MIA PaCa-2 with K-Ras and p53 mutations, and BxPC-3 with wild-type K-Ras and p53 mutation). These effects correlated with an inhibition of constitutively active NF-κB and suppression of NF-κB regulating gene expression. AKBA also induced apoptosis, and sensitized the cells to apoptotic effects of gemcitabine. In the orthotopic nude mouse model of PaCa, p.o. administration of AKBA alone (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the tumor growth; this activity was enhanced by gemcitabine. In addition, AKBA inhibited the metastasis of the PaCa to spleen, liver, and lungs. This correlated with decreases in Ki-67, a biomarker of proliferation, and CD31, a biomarker of microvessel density, in the tumor tissue. AKBA produced significant decreases in the expression of NF-κB regulating genes in the tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed AKBA downregulated the expression of COX-2, MMP-9, CXCR4, and VEGF in the tissues. Overall these results demonstrate that AKBA can suppress the growth and metastasis of human pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic nude mouse model that correlates with modulation of multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byoungduck Park
- Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sahdeo Prasad
- Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Vivek Yadav
- Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bokyung Sung
- Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bharat B. Aggarwal
- Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yadav VR, Prasad S, Sung B, Gelovani JG, Guha S, Krishnan S, Aggarwal BB. Boswellic acid inhibits growth and metastasis of human colorectal cancer in orthotopic mouse model by downregulating inflammatory, proliferative, invasive and angiogenic biomarkers. Int J Cancer 2011; 130:2176-84. [PMID: 21702037 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Numerous cancer therapeutics were originally identified from natural products used in traditional medicine. One such agent is acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), derived from the gum resin of the Boswellia serrata known as Salai guggal or Indian frankincense. Traditionally, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat proinflammatory conditions. In this report, we hypothesized that AKBA can affect the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in orthotopically implanted tumors in nude mice. We found that the oral administration of AKBA (50-200 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited the growth of CRC tumors in mice, resulting in decrease in tumor volumes than those seen in vehicle-treated mice without significant decreases in body weight. In addition, we observed that AKBA was highly effective in suppressing ascites and distant metastasis to the liver, lungs and spleen in orthotopically implanted tumors in nude mice. When examined for the mechanism, we found that markers of tumor proliferation index Ki-67 and the microvessel density cluster of differentiation (CD31) were significantly downregulated by AKBA treatment. We also found that AKBA significantly suppressed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in the tumor tissue and expression of proinflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2), tumor survival (bcl-2, bcl-xL, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP-1) and survivin), proliferative (cyclin D1), invasive (intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9) and angiogenic C-X-C (CXC) receptor 4 and vascular endothelial growth factor) biomarkers. When examined for serum and tissue levels of AKBA, a dose-dependent increase in the levels of the drug was detected, indicating its bioavailability. Thus, our findings suggest that this boswellic acid analog can inhibit the growth and metastasis of human CRC in vivo through downregulation of cancer-associated biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek R Yadav
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Seed Oil of Brucea javanica Induces Apoptotic Death of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells via Both the Death Receptors and the Mitochondrial-Related Pathways. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2011:965016. [PMID: 21760826 PMCID: PMC3132896 DOI: 10.1155/2011/965016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Seed oil of Brucea javanica (BJO) is extracted from the seeds of herb medicine Brucea javanica (L.), and its emulsion formulation (BJOE) has been used clinically to treat carcinomas for many years in China. The antileukemia potential of BJO was investigated in human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines (AML) U937 and HL-60 in vitro and in a mouse U937 xenograft tumor model. BJO induced AML cell apoptosis through activation of caspase-8 and modulation of apoptosis-related proteins. Meanwhile, the inhibition of survivin and XIAP increased the cytotoxicity of BJO. Consistent with these findings, BJO also increased subG(1) phase cells and cause PARP cleavage in AML patients' leukemia cells. In contrast, only weak cytotoxicity of BJO was found in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of healthy volunteers. Moreover, oleic acid and linoleic acid were found to be the active components of BJO. Our study provided strong evidence for the first time that BJO induced apoptosis of both cultured and primary AML cells. Furthermore, intravenous injection of BJO significantly inhibited U937 tumor growth in the xenograft mouse model. These results suggest that BJO may have a therapeutic role in the treatment of human leukemia.
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Pal P, Kanaujiya JK, Lochab S, Tripathi SB, Bhatt MLB, Singh PK, Sanyal S, Trivedi AK. 2-D gel electrophoresis-based proteomic analysis reveals that ormeloxifen induces G0-G1 growth arrest and ERK-mediated apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells K562. Proteomics 2011; 11:1517-29. [PMID: 21360677 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ormeloxifen is a nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and has been shown to possess anticancer activities in breast and uterine cancer. Here, we show that ormeloxifen induces apoptosis in dose-dependent manner in a variety of leukemia cells, more strikingly in K562. 2-DE-gel electrophoresis of K562 cells induced with ormeloxifen showed that 57 and 30% of proteins belong to apoptosis and cell-cycle pathways, respectively. Our data demonstrate that ormeloxifen-induced apoptosis in K562 cells involves activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and subsequent cytochrome c release, leading to mitochondria-mediated caspase-3 activation. Ormeloxifen-induced apoptosis via ERK activation was drastically inhibited by prior treatment of K562 cells with ERK inhibitor PD98059. Ormeloxifen also inhibits proliferation of K562 cells by blocking them in G0-G1 phase by inhibiting c-myc promoter via ormeloxifen-induced MBP-1 (c-myc promoter-binding protein) and upregulation of p21 expression. We further show that ormeloxifen-induced apoptosis in K562 is translatable to mononuclear cells isolated from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Thus, ormeloxifen induces apoptosis in K562 cells via phosphorylation of ERK and arrests them in G0-G1 phase by reciprocal regulation of p21 and c-myc. Therefore, inclusion of ormeloxifen in the therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia can be of potential utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Pal
- Drug Target Discovery and Development Division, Central Drug Research Institute, CDRI (CSIR), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Yu Z, Wang R, Xu L, Xie S, Dong J, Jing Y. β-Elemene piperazine derivatives induce apoptosis in human leukemia cells through downregulation of c-FLIP and generation of ROS. PLoS One 2011; 6:e15843. [PMID: 21283566 PMCID: PMC3026787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Elemene is an active component of the herb medicine Curcuma Wenyujin with reported antitumor activity. To improve its antitumor ability, five novel piperazine derivatives of β-elemene, 13-(3-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-β-elemene (DX1), 13-(cis-3,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-β-elemene (DX2), 13-(4-ethyl-1-piperazinyl)-β-elemene (DX3), 13-(4-isopropyl-1-piperazinyl)-β-elemene (DX4) and 13-piperazinyl-β-elemene (DX5), were synthesized. The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of these derivatives were determined in human leukemia HL-60, NB4, K562 and HP100-1 cells. DX1, DX2 and DX5, which contain a secondary amino moiety, were more active in inhibiting cell growth and in inducing apoptosis than DX3 and DX4. The apoptosis induction ability of DX1 was associated with the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the activation of caspase-8. Pretreatment with the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and catalase completely blocked DX1-induced H2O2 production, but only partially its activation of caspase-8 and induction of apoptosis. HL-60 cells were more sensitive than its H2O2-resistant subclone HP100-1 cells to DX1-induced apoptosis. The activation of caspase-8 by these compounds was correlated with the decrease in the levels of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP). The proteasome inhibitor MG-132 augmented the decrease in c-FLIP levels and apoptosis induced by these derivatives. FADD- and caspase-8-deficient Jurkat subclones have a decreased response to DX1-induced apoptosis. Our data indicate that these novel β-elemene piperazine derivatives induce apoptosis through the decrease in c-FLIP levels and the production of H2O2 which leads to activation of both death receptor- and mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Yu
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Liying Xu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Siwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinhua Dong
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongkui Jing
- Department of Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sœur J, Marrot L, Perez P, Iraqui I, Kienda G, Dardalhon M, Meunier JR, Averbeck D, Huang ME. Selective cytotoxicity of Aniba rosaeodora essential oil towards epidermoid cancer cells through induction of apoptosis. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2011; 718:24-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Gurovic MSV, Lanza AMD, Adánez MDCB, Omaña MCE, Gómez IG, Murray AP, López PS. Cytotoxic effects induced by combination of heliantriol B2 and dequalinium against human leukemic cell lines. Phytother Res 2010; 25:603-10. [PMID: 20981868 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 08/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Natural occurring compounds are considered an important source of antitumoral agents. In the present study, the cytotoxic potential of three pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Chuquiraga erinacea (Asteraceae), against the human leukemic cell lines NB4 and K562 was assessed. Heliantriol B2 (HB2) showed the highest cytotoxic activity after 24 h treatment showing IC(50) values of 1.98 ± 0.12 µm and 3.52 ± 0.14 µm for NB4 and K562 cells, respectively. This activity was higher than that of the reference compound dequalinium (DQA). Apoptosis and necrosis induced by HB2 in both NB4 and K562 cell lines were analysed by Annexin V/PI labeling. Mitochondrial alterations including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) were also tested. The results demonstrated that HB2 induced cell death by apoptosis and necrosis and showed enhanced cytotoxic effects in combination with DQA. Besides, HB2 induced ROS overproduction in NB4 cells and a slight decrease of ΔΨm. Consequently, our findings prompt further studies on the HB2 mechanism of action and its selectivity to tumor cells in order to assess the potential of HB2 as an agent for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Soledad Vela Gurovic
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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Calzavara-Pinton P, Zane C, Facchinetti E, Capezzera R, Pedretti A. Topical Boswellic acids for treatment of photoaged skin. Dermatol Ther 2010; 23 Suppl 1:S28-32. [PMID: 20136919 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2009.01284.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Boswellic acids (BAs) are pentacyclic triterpenes extracted from the gum resins of the tropical tree Boswellia serrata. They are orally administered in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of several inflammatory disease and cancer because of their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities as well as stimulatory effects on fibroblasts. The present authors have investigated efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a base cream containing 0.5% BAs in the treatment of clinical manifestations of photoaging of facial skin with a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face study. Fifteen female volunteers applied the creams with or without BAs on the half sides of the face once daily for 30 days. Significant improvements of the Dover's global score for photoaging, tactile roughness, and fine lines, as well as, with noninvasive diagnostic techniques, an increase of elasticity, a decrease of sebum excretion, and a change of echographic parameters were observed with topical BAs in comparison with placebo. The treatment was always well tolerated without adverse effects. The present findings seem to indicate that topical application of BAs may represent a suitable treatment option for selected features of skin photoaging.
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Moussaieff A, Mechoulam R. Boswellia resin: from religious ceremonies to medical uses; a review of in-vitro, in-vivo and clinical trials. J Pharm Pharmacol 2010. [DOI: 10.1211/jpp.61.10.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Despite its historical-religious, cultural and medical importance, Boswellia has not been thoroughly studied, and gaps still exist between our knowledge of the traditional uses of the resin and the scientific data available. Here we review the pharmacology of Boswellia resin and of the small molecules identified as the active ingredients of the resin.
Key findings
The resin of Boswellia species (‘frankincense’, ‘olibanum’) has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies since the beginning of written history. Its medicinal properties are also widely recognized, mainly in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, as well as in some cancerous diseases, wound healing and for its antimicrobial activity. Until recently, work on Boswellia focused on the immunomodulatory properties of the resin and boswellic acids were considered to be the main, if not the only, active ingredients of the resin. Hence, this family of triterpenoids was investigated by numerous groups, both in vitro and in vivo. These compounds were shown to exert significant anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic activity in many assays: in vitro, in vivo and in clinical trials. We recently found incensole acetate and its derivatives, which are major components of Boswellia resin, to be nuclear factor-κB inhibitors, thus suggesting that they are, at least in part, responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. Incensole acetate also exerts a robust neuroprotective effect after brain trauma in mice. Furthermore, it causes behavioural as well as anti-depressive and anxiolytic effects in mice. It is also a potent agonist of the transient receptor potential (TRP)V3 channel. It thus seems that incensole acetate and its derivatives play a significant role in the effects that Boswellia resin exerts on biological systems.
Conclusions
Altogether, studies on Boswellia resin have provided an arsenal of bio-active small molecules with a considerable therapeutic potential that is far from being utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arieh Moussaieff
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, Medical faculty, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Martín R, Ibeas E, Carvalho-Tavares J, Hernández M, Ruiz-Gutierrez V, Nieto ML. Natural triterpenic diols promote apoptosis in astrocytoma cells through ROS-mediated mitochondrial depolarization and JNK activation. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5975. [PMID: 19543395 PMCID: PMC2695006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triterpene alcohols and acids are multifunctional compounds widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom that exhibit a variety of beneficial health properties, being synthetic analogs of oleanolic acid under clinical evaluation as anti-tumoral therapeutic agents. However, the antineoplastic activity of two natural occurring triterpenoid alcohols extracted from olive oil, erythrodiol (an intermediate from oleanolic acid), and its isomer, uvaol, has barely been reported, particularly on brain cancer cells. Astrocytomas are among the most common and aggressive type of primary malignant tumors in the neurological system lacking effective treatments, and in this study, we addressed the effect of these two triterpenic diols on the human 1321N1 astrocytoma cell line. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Erythrodiol and uvaol effectively affected cell proliferation, as well as cell cycle phases and induced 1321N1 cell death. Both triterpenes successfully modulated the apoptotic response, promoting nuclear condensation and fragmentation. They caused retraction and rounding of cultured cells, which lost adherence from their supports, while F-actin and vimentin filaments disappeared as an organized cytoplasmic network. At molecular level, changes in the expression of surface proteins associated with adhesion or death processes were also observed. Moreover, triterpene exposure resulted in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and correlated with the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). The presence of catalase reversed the triterpenic diols-induced mitochondrial depolarization, JNK activation, and apoptotic death, indicating the critical role of ROS in the action of these compounds. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we provide a significant insight into the anticarcinogenic action of erythrodiol and uvaol that may have a potential in prevention and treatment of brain tumors and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, CSIC-Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Kunnumakkara AB, Nair AS, Sung B, Pandey MK, Aggarwal BB. Boswellic acid blocks signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling, proliferation, and survival of multiple myeloma via the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Mol Cancer Res 2009; 7:118-28. [PMID: 19147543 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-08-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT-3) has been linked with survival, proliferation, chemoresistance, and angiogenesis of tumor cells, including human multiple myeloma (MM). Thus, agents that can suppress STAT3 activation have potential as cancer therapeutics. In our search for such agents, we identified acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), originally isolated from Boswellia serrata. Our results show that AKBA inhibited constitutive STAT3 activation in human MM cells. AKBA suppressed IL-6-induced STAT3 activation, and the inhibition was reversible. The phosphorylation of both Jak 2 and Src, constituents of the STAT3 pathway, was inhibited by AKBA. Interestingly, treatment of cells with pervanadate suppressed the effect of AKBA to inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT3, thus suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. We found that AKBA induced Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), which may account for its role in dephosphorylation of STAT3. Moreover, deletion of the SHP-1 gene by small interfering RNA abolished the ability of AKBA to inhibit STAT3 activation. The inhibition of STAT3 activation by AKBA led to the suppression of gene products involved in proliferation (cyclin D1), survival (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1), and angiogenesis (VEGF). This effect correlated with the inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis in MM cells. Consistent with these results, overexpression of constitutive active STAT3 significantly reduced the AKBA-induced apoptosis. Overall, our results suggest that AKBA is a novel inhibitor of STAT3 activation and has potential in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 143, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
This review, containing over 276 references, covers the progress made in the chemistry and bioactivity of this important group of triterpenoids. Though initially known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities through a unique 5-LO inhibition mechanism, boswellic acids have recently attained significance due to their anti-cancer properties. The phytochemistry and chemical modifications, including mechanism of action, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhahwal Ali Shah
- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road, Jammu Tawi, 180001, India
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Shen T, Lou HX. Bioactive Constituents of Myrrh and Frankincense, Two Simultaneously Prescribed Gum Resins in Chinese Traditional Medicine. Chem Biodivers 2008; 5:540-53. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200890051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Lu M, Xia L, Hua H, Jing Y. Acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid induces apoptosis through a death receptor 5-mediated pathway in prostate cancer cells. Cancer Res 2008; 68:1180-6. [PMID: 18281494 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-2978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), a triterpenoid isolated from Boswellia carterri Birdw and Boswellia serrata, has been found to inhibit tumor cell growth and to induce apoptosis. The apoptotic effects and the mechanisms of action of AKBA were studied in LNCaP and PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. AKBA induced apoptosis in both cell lines at concentrations above 10 microg/mL. AKBA-induced apoptosis was correlated with the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 as well as with poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. The activation of caspase-8 was correlated with increased levels of death receptor (DR) 5 but not of Fas or DR4. AKBA-induced apoptosis, caspase-8 activation, and PARP cleavage were inhibited by knocking down DR5 using a small hairpin RNA. AKBA treatment increased the levels of CAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and activated a DR5 promoter reporter but did not activate a DR5 promoter reporter with the mutant CHOP binding site. These results suggest that AKBA induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells through a DR5-mediated pathway, which probably involves the induced expression of CHOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029-6547, USA
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