Anticancer Activity of Methanol Extract of Ficus carica Leaves and Fruits Against Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Necrosis in Huh7it Cells

Physicochemistry, Nutritional, and Therapeutic Potential of Ficus carica - A Promising Nutraceutical

In an era where synthetic supplements have raised concerns regarding their effects on human health, Ficus carica has emerged as a natural alternative rich in polyphenolic compounds with potent therapeutic properties. Various studies on F. carica focusing on the analysis and validation of its pharmacological and nutritional properties are emerging. This paper summarizes present data and information on the phytochemical, nutritional values, therapeutic potential, as well as the toxicity profile of F. carica. An extensive search was conducted from various databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 126 studies and articles related to F. carica that were published between 1999 and 2023 were included in this review. Remarkably, F. carica exhibits a diverse array of advantageous effects, including, but not limited to, antioxidant, anti-neurodegenerative, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiepileptic, anticonvulsant, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-angiogenic, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and antimutagenic properties. Among the highlights include that antioxidants from F. carica were demonstrated to inhibit cholinesterase, potentially protecting neurons in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The antimicrobial activities of F. carica were attributed to its high flavonoids and terpenoids content, while its virucidal action through the inhibition of DNA and RNA replication was postulated due to its triterpenes content. Inflammatory and arthritic conditions may also benefit from its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties through the modulation of various signalling proteins. Studies have also shown that F. carica extracts were generally safe and exhibit low toxicity profile, although more research in this aspect is required, specifically its effects on the skin. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of F. carica as a valuable natural therapeutic agent and dietary supplement. However, continued exploration on F. carica's safety and efficacy is still required prior to embarking on clinical trials, as its role in personalized nutrition and medication will open a new paradigm to improve health outcomes.

Anti-MRSA and cytotoxic activities of different solvent extracts from Artemisia herba-alba grown in Shubak, Jordan

Background

Globally, resistance to antimicrobial drugs is a major hazard to public health. Infections that were once easily treatable with antibiotics are becoming harder to control, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs.

Aim

This study intended to assess the antimicrobial, specifically the anti-Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and anticancer properties of different extracts obtained from A. herba-alba (AHA).

Methods

The antibacterial tests of AHA were performed on two Gram-negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia), two Gram-positive bacterial strains (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Staphylococcus aureus). Initial screening for antibacterial activities was conducted using the well diffusion technique. Subsequently, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined through the broth-dilution assay. The anticancer test was carried out in vitro on a human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116) using MTT assay.

Results

Among all extracts, n-hexane extract of AHA was the most effective against S. aureus with the highest inhibition zone (24.67 mm ± 0.58) compared to standard antibiotic (erythromycin, 24.00 mm) followed by the methanolic extract against MRSA (24.00 mm ± 1.73). The methanol extract of AHA showed the highest antibacterial activity against MRSA. The results of MIC and MBC of the AHA methanol extract against MRSA were 1.17 ± 1.09 and 9.375 ± 0.0 mg/ml, respectively, demonstrating therapeutically significant antibacterial activity. Ethyl acetate extract has no antibacterial activity against E. coli and K. pneumonia. The findings indicated that the methanol extract of AHA exhibited the highest efficacy against the colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116), with an IC50 value of 126.61 ± 13.35 μg/ml.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the methanol extract of AHA could be considered as a potential agent to serve as a source of antibacterial and anticancer compounds.

Evaluation of fig-milk dessert bioactive properties as a potential functional food

The fig-milk dessert, a traditional and nutritionally rich treat infused with bioactive compounds, was subjected to a comprehensive analysis in this study. The novelty of this research lies in the investigation of the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial potential of the fig-milk dessert. This was accomplished through the utilization of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Annexin/propidium iodide staining, microtiter plate-based assay and agar well diffusion, respectively, for the first time. Additionally, the study assessed the total phenols and flavonoid content of the extract using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the aluminum chloride method, respectively. The findings revealed that the cooking method exerted a significant influence on the bioactive properties and nutritional composition of the dessert. Among the samples analyzed, CM1, consisting of figs steamed for 2 min and milk heated to 70°C, exhibited remarkable characteristics. This sample demonstrated the highest peptide concentration (1290 mg/L), superior antioxidant and anticancer activities, and favorable sensory attributes. Specifically, CM1 induced apoptosis in 84% of AGS cells and inhibited 68% of free radicals in the DPPH assay. It is noteworthy that the fig-milk dessert did not exhibit any antibacterial properties. These discerning results carry substantial implications for the development of functional dairy products endowed with both nutritional and potential therapeutic properties.

Garcinia macrophylla: a Promising Underutilized Source of Bioactive Compounds in the Amazonia - A Review

Native species from the Amazonia are still unknown or underutilized and few information about their chemical and biological properties are available in the literature. Among the underutilized plant species in the Amazonia, Garcinia macrophylla can be seen as a promising source of bioactive compounds with relevant biological properties. The stem bark and leaves were the main investigated plant parts, mainly concerning the antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxicity and antidiabetic properties. However, the bioactive compounds and biological properties of the edible fruits were not yet reported. Systematic investigations covering the Amazonia biome, concerning plants and vegetables as strategic resources are of paramount importance for the sustainable development of the forest. Therefore, this review gathered the available information in the literature concerning general aspects, chemical profile and biological properties of G. macrophylla, for the first time, which highlighted that systematic and robust in vitro and in vivo research, are still needed to elucidate the phytochemical profiles and associated relevant biological properties.

Advancing understanding of Ficus carica: a comprehensive genomic analysis reveals evolutionary patterns and metabolic pathway insights

Ficus carica L. (dioecious), the most significant commercial species in the genus Ficus, which has been cultivated for more than 11,000 years and was one of the first species to be domesticated. Herein, we reported the most comprehensive F. carica genome currently. The contig N50 of the Orphan fig was 9.78 Mb, and genome size was 366.34 Mb with 13 chromosomes. Based on the high-quality genome, we discovered that F. carica diverged from Ficus microcarpa ~34 MYA, and a WGD event took place about 2─3 MYA. Throughout the evolutionary history of F. carica, chromosomes 2, 8, and 10 had experienced chromosome recombination, while chromosome 3 saw a fusion and fission. It is worth proposing that the chromosome 9 experienced both inversion and translocation, which facilitated the emergence of the F. carica as a new species. And the selections of F. carica for the genes of recombination chromosomal fragment are compatible with their goal of domestication. In addition, we found that the F. carica has the FhAG2 gene, but there are structural deletions and positional jumps. This gene is thought to replace the one needed for female common type F. carica to be pollinated. Subsequently, we conducted genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analysis to demonstrate significant differences in the expression of CHS among different varieties of F. carica. The CHS playing an important role in the anthocyanin metabolism pathway of F. carica. Moreover, the CHS gene of F. carica has a different evolutionary trend compared to other Ficus species. These high-quality genome assembly, transcriptomic, and metabolomic resources further enrich F. carica genomics and provide insights for studying the chromosomes evolution, sexual system, and color characteristics of Ficus.

Exploring the pharmacological versatility of ficus carica: Modulating classical immunometabolism and beyond

The burden of metabolic disorders is alarmingly increasing globally. On the other hand, sustainability is the key project of the 21st century. Natural products offer a coherent option for the complementary management of both these challenges. Ficus carica (FC), commonly known as the fig fruit, has an experimentally proven potency for the modulation of cell cycle, immunity, inflammation, metabolism, and oxidative stress. Here, we review the potential of FC-derived products (FCDP) in slowing down the progression of cancers, acute/chronic inflammation-related conditions, infections, metabolic disorders, toxicities, neurological and neuromuscular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, vascular diseases, and skin-stressing conditions, as well as, in boosting normal healthy functions of the endocrine, immune, metabolic, and nervous systems. It reveals a variety of cellular and molecular targets for FCDP: cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ), chemokines (CCL2), other inflammatory mediators (CRP, PGE2), immune receptors (TLR-2, TLR-4, FcεRI), oxidative stress-related markers (SOD, GSH, MDA, GPx, catalase, ROS, NO, protein carbonyls), kinases (MAPKs, hexokinase, G6Pase, FBPase, PEPCK, Akt, AMPK, GSK3, CDKs), other enzymes (COX-2, iNOS, MMPs, caspases), growth factors/receptors (VEGF, EGFR), hormones (DHEAS, prolactin, GnRH, FSH, LH, estradiol, DHT, insulin), cell death-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, FasL, gasdermins, cytochrome C), glucose transporter protein (Glut4), and transcription factors (NF-κB, HNF-4α, Foxo, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, CREB, NFATC1, STAT3). FCDP cause both activation and inhibition of AMPK, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling to confer condition-specific advantages. Such a broad-range activity might be attributed to different mechanisms of action of FCDP in modulating functions within the classical immunometabolic system, but also beyond.

Cubic nanoparticles as potential carriers for a natural anticancer drug: development, in vitro and in vivo characterization

Natural compounds that elicit anticancer properties are of great interest for cancer therapy. However, the low solubility and bioavailability of these compounds limit their use as efficient anticancer drugs. To avoid these drawbacks, incorporation of these compounds into cubic nanoparticles (cubosomes) was carried out. Cubosomes containing bergapten which is a natural anticancer compound isolated from Ficus carica were prepared by the homogenization technique using monoolein and poloxamer. These cubosomes were characterized for size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, small angle X-ray diffraction, in vitro release, in vitro cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and antitumor activity. Particle size of cubosomes was 220 ± 3.6 nm with almost neutral zeta potential - 5 ± 1.2 mV and X-ray measurements confirmed the existence of the cubic structure. Additionally, more than 90% of the natural anticancer drug was entrapped within the cubosomes. A sustained release over 30 h was obtained for these cubosomes. Finally, these cubosomes illustrated higher in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo tumor inhibition compared with the free natural anticancer compound. Thus, cubosomes could be promising carriers for enhancement of antitumor efficiency of this natural compound.

Effect of Extraction Methods on the Antioxidant Potential and Cytotoxicity of the Combined Ethanolic Extracts of Daucus carota L., Beta vulgaris L., Phyllanthus emblica L. and Lycopersicon esculentum against Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells

Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables in the daily diet may alleviate the risk of developing chronic diseases. Daucus carota L. (carrot), Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot) Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla), and Lycopersicon esculentum M (tomatoes) are traditionally consumed functional foods that contain a high concentration of antioxidants, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and numerous phytochemicals. This study assessed how three distinct preparation methods affect the phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, and ascorbic acid contents, antioxidant level, and cytotoxicity of the combined fruit extract. The fruit samples were taken in the ratio of carrot (6): beetroot (2): tomato (1.5): amla (0.5) and processed into a lyophilized slurry (LS) extract, lyophilized juice (LJ) extract, and hot-air oven-dried (HAO) extract samples. The sample extracts were assessed for their phytoconstituent concentrations and antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. The total phenolic content in LS, LJ, and HAO extracts was 171.20 ± 0.02, 120.73 ± 0.02, and 72.05 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, respectively and the total flavonoid content was 23.635 ± 0.003, 20.754 ± 0.005, and 18.635 ± 0.005 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g, respectively. Similarly, total ascorbic acid content, carotenoids, and antioxidant potential were higher in the LS and LJ extracts than in HAO. Overall, the LS extract had a substantially higher concentration of phytochemicals and antioxidants, as well as higher cytotoxic potential, compared to the LJ and HAO extracts. The LS extract was tested in the MKN-45 human gastric cancer cell line to demonstrate its effective antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity. Hence, lyophilization (freezing) based techniques are more effective than heat-based techniques in preserving the phytoconstituents and their antioxidant and cytotoxic potential.

The Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Figs (Ficus carica L.) Grown in the Black Sea Region

This study compared the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of three varieties of fig fruits (Ficus carica L) from the Eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye. Total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and phenolic compositions were analyzed in green, purple, and dark purple species. The mean TPC value was 42.10 ± 5.71 mg GAE/100 g FW, ranging from 35.98 to 47.30 mg GAE/100 g FW, and was highest in the dark purple species. The mean TFC value was 1.27 ± 0.93 mg QUE/100 FW g, ranging between 0.35 and 2.21 mg QUE/100 FW g, and was highest in the purple species. The samples' total antioxidant capacity was measured based on ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the values ranging from 151.98 to 372.97 μmol FeSO4.7H2O/100 g FW, with an average value of 239.64 μmol FeSO4.7H2O/100 g FW, being highest in the dark purple species. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the fruits was expressed as SC50 (mg/mL), and the values ranged from 10.04 to 42.42 mg/mL, being highest in the purple species. The phenolic composition was analyzed using HPLC-PDA according to the method in which 25 phenolic standards were used. Chlorogenic acid and t-cinnamic acid were the most common phenolic compounds, with rutin, chrysin, apigenin, and luteolin being detected at different amounts. In conclusion, the purple species contained the highest flavonoid content, was rich in apigenin, luteolin, and chrysin, and possessed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity.

Phenolic compounds as Nrf2 inhibitors: potential applications in cancer therapy

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and involves an oxidative stress mechanism. The transcription factor Nrf2 has a crucial role in cytoprotective response against oxidative stress, including cancer growth and progression and therapy resistance. For this reason, inhibitors of Nrf2 are new targets to be studied. Traditional plant-based remedies rich in phytochemicals have been used against human cancers and phenolic compounds are known for their chemopreventive properties. This comprehensive review offers an updated review of the role of phenolic compounds as anticancer agents due to their action on Nrf2 inhibition. In addition, the role of naturally-occurring bioactive anticancer agents are covered in the clinical applications of polyphenols as Nrf2 inhibitors. Video Abstract.

Industrial Application and Health Prospective of Fig (Ficus carica) By-Products

The current review was carried out on the industrial application of fig by-products and their role against chronic disorders. Fig is basically belonging to fruit and is botanically called Ficus carica. There are different parts of fig, including the leaves, fruits, seeds and latex. The fig parts are a rich source of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals including antioxidants, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and vitamins. These different parts of fig are used in different food industries such as the bakery, dairy and beverage industries. Fig by-products are used in extract or powder form to value the addition of different food products for the purpose of improving the nutritional value and enhancing the stability. Fig by-products are additive-based products which contain high phytochemicals fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants. Due to the high bioactive compounds, these products performed a vital role against various diseases including cancer, diabetes, constipation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Concussively, fig-based food products may be important for human beings and produce healthy food.

Anticancer Properties of Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii Supernatant on Human Breast Cancer Cells

Saccharomyces boulardii, a variety of S. cerevisiae, is used as a probiotic yeast in food and drug industries. However, S. boulardii is an opportunistic pathogen, and the supernatant of this organism has recently been recommended for its health-promoting benefits. Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer disease in women worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of S. boulardii supernatant (SBS) on cell viability, inducing apoptosis and suppression of survivin gene expression in MCF-7 and MCF-7/MX as human non-drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells respectively. The IC₅₀ value of SBS against MCF-7 was calculated 1037, 542, and 543 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h treatments, respectively. Also, this value against MCF-7/MX cells were measured 1242, 616, and 444 µg/mL after 24, 48, and 72 h respectively. We found that suppression of survivin gene expression should be one of the main molecular antitumor mechanisms which is contributed to apoptosis in breast cancer cells. However, anticancer activity of SBS was observed more efficient against MCF-7 than that against MCF-7/MX cells. SBS is suggested to be considered as one of the prospective anticancer drugs to treat human breast carcinoma. More investigations especially in vivo studies are strongly recommended to be implemented to characterize other antitumor mechanisms of SBS against breast carcinoma.

Efficacy and Safety of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Leaf Tea in Adults with Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Preliminary Trial

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent pruritic skin disease with repeated remissions and exacerbations. Various factors, such as allergies, skin conditions and lifestyle, combine to cause AD, making it difficult to cure completely. Although AD symptoms are suppressed with medications, this is a long-term effort and burden on patients. Thus, safer drugs and alternatives are needed. We previously found that consumption of tea prepared from fig (Ficus carica L.) leaves alleviated allergy and AD symptoms in cultured cells and animals. Therefore, here, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled study in patients with mild AD to evaluate the safety and AD-relieving effects of prolonged consumption of fig leaf tea. Positive effects of fig leaf tea consumption were confirmed in 14 of 15 participants. Eczema Area and Severity Index values were significantly lowered in the fig leaf tea-treated group than in the placebo-treated group. The effect weakened 4 weeks after the end of the intervention, suggesting that continued intake of fig leaf tea was effective. Further assessments confirmed the safety of fig leaf tea consumption and revealed no variations that might pose a health hazard. Therefore, we postulate that fig leaf tea is a natural and safe therapeutic option for AD.

A systematic review on potential anticancer activities of Ficus carica L. with focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Many substances derived from nutritional or medicinal plants have been studied for their chemopreventive and antineoplastic properties. Among those studied, Ficus carica has shown to have a significant ability to inhibit tumor formation and development of cancer cells through modulating various signaling mechanisms and interaction including a large number of cell signaling molecules.

PURPOSE

The goal of this study is to provide a critical and complete evaluation of F. carica's anticancer capacity in various malignancies, as well as related molecular targets.

METHODS

Research was conducted electronically on scholarly scientific databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus. Published papers were analyzed and investigated using the keywords, Ficus carica, figs, cancer, malignancies and tumor based on established selection criteria. In this systematic review, 27 individual studies were considered.

RESULTS

Treatment with F. carica alone or in combination with other medications was linked to anticancer activity with significant evidence. Furthermore, F. carica has been shown to use multitargeted pathways to prevent cancer initiation and development by modulating numerous dysregulated signaling cascades involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, autophagy inflammatory processes, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that F. carica and its phytochemicals have the potential for cancer prevention and therapy. Nonetheless, additional mechanistic studies with pure compounds derived from F. carica and well-designed clinical trials are needed to advance our knowledge to clinical application.

Autophagy is involved in Ficus carica fruit extract-induced anti-tumor effects on pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PaCa), a common and highly lethal malignant cancer, is often insensitive to radio- and/or chemotherapy. Therefore, effective treatment regiments are still lacking. Herein, we found that an extract of Ficus carica fruit (EFCF) exerted anti-tumor effects on PaCa cells. EFCF induced cell viability inhibition and apoptotic cell death in two PaCa cell lines in a dose- and time dependent manner. EFCF effectively suppressed the migration, metastasis, invasion, and colony formation of PaCa cells. Mechanistically, EFCF stimulated an increase in intracellular ROS to promote cell death and senescence. EFCF treatment also triggered autophagy, and autophagy inhibition enhanced EFCF-induced cell death. We found that EFCF decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and promoted lipid peroxidation. Moreover, intragastric administration of EFCF effectively suppressed xenograft PaCa growth inhibition by activating cell death. EFCF had no apparent toxicity to normal pancreatic epithelial cells. Together, these findings suggest that EFCF may be a potential treatment for PaCa.

Phytochemical Insights into Ficus sur Extracts and Their Biological Activity

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterisation of Ficus sur Forssk. (F. sur) (Family: Moraceae). The methanolic and aqueous extracts’ phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties were investigated. The aqueous stem bark extract yielded the highest phenolic content (115.51 ± 1.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), while the methanolic leaves extract possessed the highest flavonoid content (27.47 ± 0.28 mg Rutin equivalent/g extract). In total, 118 compounds were identified in the tested extracts. The methanolic stem bark extract exhibited the most potent radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (475.79 ± 6.83 and 804.31 ± 4.52 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively) and the highest reducing Cu²⁺ capacity (937.86 ± 14.44 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract). The methanolic stem bark extract substantially depressed tyrosinase (69.84 ± 0.35 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), α-amylase (0.77 ± 0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract), acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (2.91 ± 0.07 and 6.56 ± 0.34 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract, respectively) enzymes. F. sur extracts were tested for anticancer properties and antiviral activity towards human herpes virus type 1 (HHV-1). Stem bark infusion and methanolic extract showed antineoplastic activity against cervical adenocarcinoma and colon cancer cell lines, whereas leaf methanolic extract exerted moderate antiviral activity towards HHV-1. This investigation yielded important scientific data on F. sur which might be used to generate innovative phytopharmaceuticals.

Look into my onco-forest - review of plant natural products with anticancer activity

Cancer is a multistage process that can be treated by numerous modalities including systemic treatment. About half of the molecules that have been approved in the last few decades count for plant derivatives. This review presents the application of tree/shrub-derived biologically active compounds as anticancer agents. Different parts of trees/shrubs - wood, bark, branches, roots, leaves, needles, fruits, flowers etc. - contain a wide variety of primary and secondary metabolites, which demonstrate anticancer properties. Special attention was paid to phenolics (phenolic acids and polyphenols, including flavonoids and non-flavonoids (tannins, lignans, stilbenes)), essential oils and their main constituents such as terpenes/terpenoids, phytosterols, alkaloids and many others. Anticancer properties of these compounds are mainly attributed to their strong antioxidant properties. In vitro experiments on various cancer cell lines revealed a cytotoxic effect of tree-derived extracts. Mechanisms of anticancer action of the extracts are also listed. Examples of drugs that successfully underwent clinical trials with well-established position in the guidelines created by oncological societies are provided. The review also focuses on directions for the future in the development of anticancer agents derived from trees/shrubs. Applying biologically active compounds derived from trees and shrubs as anticancer agents continuously seems a promising strategy in cancer systemic treatment.

Assessment the Effect of Ficus carica Leaf Extract on B16F10 Melanoma Cancer Cells: The Roles of p53, Caspase-3 & Caspase-9 on Induction of Intrinsic Apoptosis Cascade

Background: Melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer which has significantly increased in recent decades, and the importance of its primary treatment is increased widely. Ficus carica leaves have various therapeutic impact such as anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity. Objectives: Hence, regarding the F. carica effect on the treatment of various diseases, the present research was conducted to identify the effect of methanolic extract of F. carica leaf on apoptosis induction in B16F10 melanoma cancer cells. Methods: Cell survival was estimated by MTT assay after treatment of B16F10 cells in various concentrations of F. carica leaf extract (150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750 and 850 μg /mL) for 24 and 48 h. Cell apoptosis was analysed by AO/PI and DAPI staining, Annexin V/Propidium Iodide flow cytometry. Moreover, Real-time PCR was utilized to evaluate the expression of apoptotic genes including p53, Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 genes. Results: MTT assay results indicated that methanolic extract of F. carica leaf prevented the proliferation of B16F10 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. AO/PI staining results showed an elevation in apoptotic cells in treated groups and DAPI indicated that F. carica extract resulted in chromatin condensation and fragmentation. Annexin V revealed the increasing percentage of apoptotic cells after treatment. In addition, the up-regulation of apoptotic genes confirmed the apoptosis inducing potential of F. carica leaves in B16F10 cells by Real-time PCR. Conclusions: Thus, methanolic extract of F. carica leaves could be suggested as an effective anti-cancer agent for further studies on melanoma cancer.

Review On Documented Medicinal Plants Used For The Treatment Of Cancer

Background:

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

Objective:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

Study of synergistic effects of Ficus Carica leaves extract mediated chemo-photodynamic therapy on rhabdomyosarcoma cells

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) is effective, but it has critical side effects and unavoidable challenges. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an approach to treating cancer with relatively moderate side effects. Plant products are a rich source of polyphenols, which have potent antioxidant and anticancer activities. Therefore, their research has become an emerging field in recent decades.

PURPOSE

This work aimed to evaluate the potential of hydrophobic extract of Ficus Carica (FC) to determine whether FC in the presence of low dose chemo and Aluminium Phthalocyanine (Photosense®) mediated photodynamic therapy synergistically enhances the treatment efficacy of RD cells.

METHOD

FC with and without combination with individual therapeutic modalities like photosense mediated photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and their combinations were studied for cell viability and morphological changes in invitro RD cells. A semiconductor diode laser (630 nm) was used as a light source in PDT. The cytotoxic effect of FC on cell viability and cellular morphological changes were investigated by MTT reagent and a camera attached to an inverted visible light microscope. The effect of FC, followed by di-combination with low dose chemo (doxorubicin-HCl, and dacarbazine), Photosense® mediated PDT and chemo-Photosense® mediated PDT (tri-combination) at 630 nm diode laser and 10 J/cm² fluency were also investigated by MTT reagent. The combination index method is used to identify the synergistic effect of combination therapy by using CompuSyn software based on the Chou-Talalay method.

RESULTS

The dose-dependent effect of FC on cell viability and cellular morphological changes were observed in the RD cell line. It was found that the pre incubation of FC potentiated the anticancer effect as a neoadjuvant agent for doxorubicin-HCl and decarbazine based chemotherapy, Photosense® mediated PDT and chemo-PDT (tri-combination) with synergistic effect (CI<1).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a possible thread that the low dose combination of the aforementioned therapeutic modalities in the presence of FC remarkably enhances the treatment efficacy of RD in comparison with a single-agent treatment modality. The proposed sequence of FC with chemo and PDT might present better therapeutic outcomes in RD therapies and may provide result for RD metastasis. FC may also be used in the application of phyto-PDT to cancer in the future.

The effect of chitosan addition on cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of ursolic acid niosomes

This study evaluated the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of low permeable Ursolic acid (UA) on cancer cells using niosomes composed of span 60 and cholesterol. The results showed that the addition of chitosan increased particle sizes and ζ-potentials. The UA niosomes with chitosan layers had higher cytotoxicity in HeLa cells than without chitosan, however, there was no improvement observed for Huh7it cells. Moreover, chitosan layers improved the cellular uptake, which clathrin-mediated endocytosis may determine the cellular transport of UA niosomes. In conclusion, the addition of chitosan improved cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of UA niosomes in the HeLa cells.

Molecular docking and dynamics simulation study of bioactive compounds from Ficus carica L. with important anticancer drug targets

Ficus carica L., commonly known as fig, has been used in traditional medicine for metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and cancer. Various bioactive compounds have been previously isolated from the leaves, fruit, and bark, which have different pharmacological properties, but the anticancer mechanisms of this plant are not known. In the current study we focused on understanding the probable mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of F. carica plant extracts by molecular docking and dynamic simulation approaches. We evaluated the drug-likeness of the active constituents of the plant and explored its binding affinity with selected anticancer drug target receptors such as cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK-2), cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK-6), topoisomerase-I (Topo I), topoisomerase-II (Topo II), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). In silico toxicity studies revealed that thirteen molecules out of sixty-eight major active compounds in the plant extract have acceptable drug-like properties. Compound 37 (β-bourbonene) has a good binding affinity with the majority of drug targets, as revealed by molecular docking studies. The complexes of the lead molecules with the drug receptors were stable in terms of molecular dynamics simulation derived parameters such as root mean square deviation and radius of gyration. The top ten residues contributing significantly to the binding free energies were deciphered through analysis of molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA). Thus, the results of our studies unravel the potential of F. carica bioactive compounds as anticancer candidate molecules against selected macromolecular receptors.

A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, bioactivities, toxicity studies, and clinical studies on Ficus carica Linn. leaves

The leaves of Ficus carica Linn. (FC) have been widely used for medicine purposes since ancient times, and its decoction is consumed as tea. Many scientific papers have been published in the literature and the researchers across the world are still exploring the health benefits of FC leaves. In this review, we have collected the literature published since 2010 in the databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar and local classic herbal literature. The summary of the chemical constituents in FC leaves, biological activities, toxicity studies, and clinical studies carried out on FC leaves is provided in this review. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of the active constituents in FC leaves are also comprehended. FC leaves are reported to 126 constituents out of which the polyphenolic compounds are predominant. Many scientific studies have proven the antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective activities. Many studies have carried out to provide the insights on molecular pathways involved in the biological activities of FC leaves. The toxicity studies have suggested that FC leaves exhibit toxicity only at very high doses. We believe this review serve as a comprehensive resource for those who are interested to understand the scientific evidence that support the medicinal values of FC leaves and also the research gaps to further improve the commercial value and health benefits of FC leaves.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Potentials of Ficus glumosa and Its Bioactive Polyphenol Metabolites

Ficus glumosa Delile (Moraceae), a reputed plant that is used in herbal medicine, is of high medicinal and nutritional value in local communities primarily ascribed to its phytochemical profile. Currently, there are hardly any fine details on the chemical profiling and pharmacological evaluation of this species. In this study, the flavonoids and phenolics contents of the ethanol extracts and four extracted fractions (petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol, and water) of the stem bark of Ficus glumosa were firstly quantified. Further, their antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials were also evaluated. The quantitative determination indicated that the EA and n-butanol fractions possessed the highest total flavonoids/phenolics levels of 274.05 ± 0.68 mg RE/g and 78.87 ± 0.97 mg GAE/g, respectively. Similarly, for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, the EA fraction exhibited high potency in both DPPH and ABTS⁺ scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values of 0.23 ± 0.03 mg/mL, 0.22 ± 0.03 mg/mL, and FRAP potential of 2.81 ± 0.01 mg Fe²⁺/g, respectively. Furthermore, the EA fraction displayed high cytotoxicity against human lung (A549) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells. Additionally, the liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was employed in order to characterize the chemical constituents of the EA fraction of Ficus glumosa stem bark. Our findings revealed 16 compounds from the EA fraction that were possibly responsible for the strong antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties. This study provides edge-cutting background information on the exploitation of Ficus glumosa as a potential natural antioxidant and anti-cancer remedy.

Dual role of immunomodulation by crude polysaccharide from okra against carcinogenic liver injury in mice

Polysaccharides have long been recognized as the anticancer agent with low toxicity and slight side effects. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), a flowering plant from the Malvaceae family that is found in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions around the world. Hence, no in vivo studies have addressed the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential of polysaccharides from okra pods grown in Indonesia. This study aims to investigate the effect of okra raw polysaccharide extract (ORPE) to immune cells and cytokines of mice with hepatocarcinogenic conditions induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Thirty-six male mice (BALB/C, 3–4 months old) were divided into six groups: the normal control group (CN), negative control (C-), positive control giving doxorubicin (C+), and three groups of ORPE treatment given the dose of 50 (P1), 100 (P2) and 200 (P3) mg/kg body weight. The administration of ORPE directly suppressed the regulatory T cells accumulations, suppressed macrophages activations, and balanced the number of effector T cells. However, it promoted CD8+ T cell activation at a low dose and increased interleukin-2 levels at all doses. These results suggest that ORPE has unique dual-functions as immunosuppressant and immunostimulant which can be a foundation for the application of the ORPE in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii supernatant inhibits survivin gene expression and induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells

Natural anticancer drug and compounds with other great benefits are of interest recently due to lower side effects than chemotherapy for cancer treatment and prevention. Different natural and synthetic drugs have been suggested to be used for treatment of gastric cancers, the second deadly cancer worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate anticancer activity of SBS including inducing apoptosis and inhibition of survivin gene expression in gastric cancer cells. We evaluated cell viability, inducing apoptosis and change in survivin gene expression of EPG85-257P (EPG) and EPG85-257RDB (resistant to Daunorubicin, RDB) cell lines under exposure of SBS after 24, 48, and 72 hr. We found that SBS decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis, and reduced survivin gene expression in treated EPG and RDB cells (with the significant IC50 values of 387 and 575 µg/ml after 72 and 48 hr for EPG and RDB cells respectively). However, we observed SBS was more efficient to induce apoptosis in EPG than RDB cells. We strongly suggest SBS be considered as a prospective anticancer agent or in formulation of complementary medication to treat and prevent gastric cancers.

Macrophylloflavone: A New Biflavonoid from Garcinia macrophylla Mart. (Clusiaceae) for Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Activities

Investigations of antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus activities have been carried out on Garcinia macrophylla Mart. plant extract fractions. An isolate from a fraction of ethyl acetate extract was characterized with spectroscopic data. A new biflavonoid compound was found to have a skeleton of 5,7,4′,5″,7″,3‴,4‴-heptahydroxyflavanone[3-6″] flavones which was named macrophylloflavone (1). The compound was evaluated for its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 with cephazolin as a positive control, antioxidant assay against 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with ascorbic acid as the positive control, and anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment with metformin as a positive control. The biflavonoid compound exhibited a good inhibition for bacteria and free radical DPPH. Furthermore, biflavonoid compound treatment on the diabetic rats suggested its ability to decrease the blood glucose level. This study provided evidence that the plant has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties.

Lichens of Parmelioid Clade as Promising Multitarget Neuroprotective Agents

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are multifactorial disorders which are increasing in incidence and prevalence over the world without existing effective therapies. The search for new multitarget compounds is the latter therapeutic strategy to address these pathological conditions. Lichens have an important and unknown therapeutic value attributed to their unique secondary metabolites. The aim of this study is to evaluate for the first time the in vitro neuroprotective activities and molecular mechanisms underlying methanol extracts of lichens of the parmelioid clade and to characterize major bioactive secondary metabolites responsible for their pharmacological actions. Of the 15 parmelioid lichen species, our results showed that Parmotrema perlatum and Hypotrachyna formosana methanol extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity as evidenced in ORAC, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Then, SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with methanol extracts (24 h) followed by Fenton reagent exposure (2 h). Pretreatments with these two more antioxidant methanol lichen extracts increased cell viability, reduced intracellular ROS, prevented oxidative stress biomarkers accumulation, and upregulated antioxidant enzyme (CAT, SOD, GR, and GPx) activity compared to Fenton reagent cells. The neuroprotective activity was much higher for H. formosana than for P. perlatum, even equal to or higher than Trolox (reference compound). Moreover, H. formosana extracts inhibited both AChE and BuChE activities in a concentration dependent manner, and P. perlatum only showed concentration dependent activity against AChE. Finally, chemical composition analysis using TLC and HPLC methods revealed that physodic acid, lividic acid, and lichexanthone are major secondary metabolites in H. formosana and stictic acid and constictic acid are in P. perlatum. These results demonstrated that P. perlatum and, specially, H. formosana are promising multitargeted neuroprotective agents due to their antioxidant and AChE and BuChE inhibition activities.