Anti-cancer effects of baicalein in non-small cell lung cancer in-vitro and in-vivo

The potential of baicalin to enhance neuroprotection and mitochondrial function in a human neuronal cell model

Baicalin is a flavone glycoside derived from flowering plants belonging to the Scutellaria genus. Previous studies have reported baicalin's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in rodent models, indicating the potential of baicalin in neuropsychiatric disorders where alterations in numerous processes are observed. However, the extent of baicalin's therapeutic effects remains undetermined in a human cell model, more specifically, neuronal cells to mimic the brain environment in vitro. As a proof of concept, we treated C8-B4 cells (murine cell model) with three different doses of baicalin (0.1, 1 and 5 μM) and vehicle control (DMSO) for 24 h after liposaccharide-induced inflammation and measured the levels of TNF-α in the medium by ELISA. NT2-N cells (human neuronal-like cell model) underwent identical baicalin treatment, followed by RNA extraction, genome-wide mRNA expression profiles and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We also performed neurite outgrowth assays and mitochondrial flux bioanalysis (Seahorse) in NT2-N cells. We found that in C8-B4 cells, baicalin at ≥ 1 μM exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, lowering TNF-α levels in the cell culture media. In NT2-N cells, baicalin positively affected neurite outgrowth and transcriptionally up-regulated genes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the glycolysis pathway. Similarly, Seahorse analysis showed increased oxygen consumption rate in baicalin-treated NT2-N cells, an indicator of enhanced mitochondrial function. Together, our findings have confirmed the neuroprotective and mitochondria enhancing effects of baicalin in human-neuronal like cells. Given the increased prominence of mitochondrial mechanisms in diverse neuropsychiatric disorders and the paucity of mitochondrial therapeutics, this suggests the potential therapeutic application of baicalin in human neuropsychiatric disorders where these processes are altered.

Flavonoids with Anti-Angiogenesis Function in Cancer

The formation of new blood vessels, known as angiogenesis, significantly impacts the development of multiple types of cancer. Consequently, researchers have focused on targeting this process to prevent and treat numerous disorders. However, most existing anti-angiogenic treatments rely on synthetic compounds and humanized monoclonal antibodies, often expensive or toxic, restricting patient access to these therapies. Hence, the pursuit of discovering new, affordable, less toxic, and efficient anti-angiogenic compounds is imperative. Numerous studies propose that natural plant-derived products exhibit these sought-after characteristics. The objective of this review is to delve into the anti-angiogenic properties exhibited by naturally derived flavonoids from plants, along with their underlying molecular mechanisms of action. Additionally, we summarize the structure, classification, and the relationship between flavonoids with their signaling pathways in plants as anti-angiogenic agents, including main HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, JNK1/STAT3, and MAPK/AP-1 pathways. Nonetheless, further research and innovative approaches are required to enhance their bioavailability for clinical application.

Baicalin and baicalein in modulating tumor microenvironment for cancer treatment: A comprehensive review with future perspectives

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The burden of cancer incidence and mortality is increasing rapidly. New approaches to cancer prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Natural products are reliable and powerful sources for anticancer drug discovery. Baicalin and baicalein, two major flavones isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a multi-purpose traditional medicinal plant in China, exhibit anticancer activities against multiple cancers. Of note, these phytochemicals exhibit extremely low toxicity to normal cells. Besides their cytotoxic and cytostatic activities toward diverse tumor cells, recent studies demonstrated that baicalin and baicalein modulate a variety of tumor stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is essential for tumorigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic potential and the mechanism of action of baicalin and baicalein in the regulation of tumor microenvironmental immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and ECM that reshape the TME and cancer signaling, leading to inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, progression, and metastasis. In addition, we discuss the biotransformation pathways of baicalin and baicalein, related therapeutic challenges and the future research directions to improve their bioavailability and clinical anticancer applications. Recent advances of baicalin and baicalein warrant their continued study as important natural ways for cancer interception and therapy.

A review of the research progress on Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit.: Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. is a well-known perennial herb that is used in traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea. It's drawing worldwide interests in medicinal applications owing such as anti-diarrhea, lipid-lowering, anti-tumor, anti-cough, expectorant, anti-gastric ulcer, etc.

Aim of the study

This review aims to provide useful information on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Pinellia ternata to help increase its efficiency. In addition, this review will discuss the future research trends and development prospects of this plant.

Materials and methods

Data was obtained through a systematic search of published literature and online databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Sci-Finder. The botanical names were confirmed using the World Flora Online and chemical structures were drawn using the ChemBio Draw Ultra Version 19.0 Software.

Results

Pinellia ternata is distributed in regions of China and other areas. Pinellia ternata and its compound preparations can be used for cough, vomiting, gastric ulcer and other diseases. Approximately 212 chemical constituents have been isolated from Pinellia ternata, including alkaloids, volatile oils, amino acids, organic acids, flavonoids, cerebrosides, phenylpropanoids and other compounds. Considerable pharmacological experiments in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated that Pinellia ternata possessed antitumor effect, antitussive effects, antiasthmatic effects, increasing resistance to gastric ulcer, and antidiarrheal effect. However, these extracts can also lead to various toxicities such as irritant toxicity, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and embryonic toxicity. Considerable experiments have demonstrated that different processing methods and suitable compatibility with other herbs can effectively reduce the toxicities and increase the efficiency of Pinellia ternata.

Conclusions

Pinellia ternata is an ancient herbal medicine with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities that has been used for thousands of years in China. Future studies should perform an in-depth analyses of the pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of toxicity of Pinellia ternata. Quality standards should be developed to correspond to the various application methods to ensure the efficacy of drugs in actual treatment.

The Combination of Baicalein and Memantine Reduces Oxidative Stress and Protects against β-amyloid-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease in Rat Model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neuronal condition causing progressive loss of memory and cognitive dysfunction particularly in elders. An upsurge in the global old age population has led to a proportionate increase in the prevalence of AD. The current treatments for AD are symptomatic and have debilitating side effects. A literature review and current research have directed scientists to explore natural products with better safety and efficacy profiles as new treatment options for AD. Baicalein, belonging to the flavone subclass of flavonoids, has been reported for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, AChE enzyme inhibitory activity and anti-amyloid protein aggregation activity, which collectively demonstrates its benefits as a neuroprotective agent. Presently, memantine, a NMDAR antagonist, is one of the important drugs used for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The current study aims to investigate the effect of baicalein in combination with memantine in β-amyloid-induced AD in albino Wistar rats. Baicalein (10 mg/kg) alone, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg in combination with memantine (20 mg/kg) was administered for 21 days. Treatment with baicalein in combination with memantine showed significant improvement in behavioural studies. The combination treatment decreased oxidative stress, β-amyloid plaque formation and increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. From the results, it can be concluded that treatment with baicalein and memantine could be beneficial for reducing the progression of neurodegeneration in rats. Baicalein has an additive effect in combination with memantine, making it a potential option for the treatment of AD.

Promising Role of the Scutellaria baicalensis Root Hydroxyflavone-Baicalein in the Prevention and Treatment of Human Diseases

Plant roots, due to a high content of natural antioxidants for many years, have been used in herbal medicine. It has been documented that the extract of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has hepatoprotective, calming, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoid compounds found in the extract, including baicalein, have strong antiradical activity, which improves overall health and increases feelings of well-being. Plant-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity have for a long time been used as an alternative source of medicines to treat oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we summarized the latest reports on one of the most important aglycones with respect to the pharmacological activity and high content in Baikal skullcap, which is 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (baicalein).

Autophagy Induction by Scutellaria Flavones in Cancer: Recent Advances

In parallel with a steady rise in cancer incidence worldwide, the scientific community is increasingly focused on finding novel, safer and more efficient modalities for managing this disease. Over the past decades, natural products have been described as a significant source of new structural leads for novel drug candidates. Scutellaria root is one of the most studied natural products because of its anticancer potential. Besides just describing the cytotoxic properties of plant constituents, their molecular mechanisms of action in different cancer types are equally important. Therefore, this review article focuses on the role of the Scutellaria flavones wogonin, baicalein, baicalin, scutellarein and scutellarin in regulating the autophagic machinery in diverse cancer models, highlighting these molecules as potential lead compounds for the fight against malignant neoplasms. The knowledge that autophagy can function as a dual-edged sword, acting in both a pro- and antitumorigenic manner, further complicates the issue, revealing an amazing property of flavonoids that behave either as anti- or proautophagic agents.

Effects of baicalein with memantine on aluminium chloride-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It is one of the most common 28 forms of dementia accounting for 60-80% of people suffering from dementia. There are very few medications that are approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Baicalein, belonging to the flavone subclass of flavonoids, has been reported to have a neuroprotective effect by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, inhibiting the AChE enzyme, and reducing amyloid protein aggregation and toxicity. Memantine is one of the most important drugs used for treating Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of baicalein with memantine on aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. Aluminum chloride (100 mg/kg p.o.) was administered for 42 days in male Wistar rats to induce neurotoxicity. Baicalein alone (10 mg/kg) and a combination of baicalein (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) with memantine (20 mg/kg) were administered for 42 days. Treatment of baicalein with memantine showed significant improvement in behavioral parameters. The combination reduced oxidative stress and the formation of β-Amyloid plaques and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Based on findings, it can be concluded that treatment with baicalein and memantine may slow the progression of neurodegeneration in rats.

Crosstalk between xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibiting and cancer chemotherapeutic properties of comestible flavonoids- a comprehensive update

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by metabolic disorder or genetic inheritance. People throughout the world are strongly dependent on ethnomedicine for the treatment of gout and some receive satisfactory curative treatment. The natural remedies as well as established drugs derived from natural sources or synthetically made exert their action by mechanisms that are closely associated with anticancer treatment mechanisms regarding inhibition of xanthine oxidase, feedback inhibition of de novo purine synthesis, depolymerization and disappearance of microtubule, inhibition of NF-ĸB activation, induction of TRAIL, promotion of apoptosis, and caspase activation and proteasome inhibition. Some anti-gout and anticancer novel compounds interact with same receptors for their action, e.g., colchicine and colchicine analogues. Dietary flavonoids, i.e., chrysin, kaempferol, quercetin, fisetin, pelargonidin, apigenin, luteolin, myricetin, isorhamnetin, phloretinetc etc. have comparable IC₅₀ values with established anti-gout drug and effective against both cancer and gout. Moreover, a noticeable number of newer anticancer compounds have already been isolated from plants that have been using by local traditional healers and herbal practitioners to treat gout. Therefore, the anti-gout plants might have greater potentiality to become selective candidates for screening of newer anticancer leads.

The Multifaceted Role of Baicalein in Cancer Management through Modulation of Cell Signalling Pathways

The roles of medicinal plants or their purified bioactive compounds have attracted attention in the field of health sciences due to their low toxicity and minimal side effects. Baicalein is an active polyphenolic compound, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, and plays a significant role in the management of different diseases. Epidemiologic studies have proven that there is an inverse association between baicalein consumption and disease severity. Baicalein is known to display anticancer activity through the inhibition of inflammation and cell proliferation. Additionally, the anticancer potential of baicalein is chiefly mediated through the modulation of various cell-signaling pathways, such as the induction of apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and PI3K/Akt pathways, as well as the regulation of other molecular targets. Therefore, the current review aimed to explore the role of baicalein in different types of cancer along with mechanisms of action. Besides this, the synergistic effects with other anti-cancerous drugs and the nano-formulation based delivery of baicalein have also been discussed.

Perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine to patch up immune checkpoint blockers

In this era of cancer immunotherapy, the response rates of immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) are still too low and the adverse events may also be significant. Of the ways of patching up such deficits, chemotherapy (ChT), especially if metronomic, seems promising, especially as immunity induced by immunogenic cell death (ICD) may be preserved. However, side effects, e.g., lymphocytopenia and interstitial pneumonitis cannot be ignored; eventually, resistance may also ensue. Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), being potent angiogenic factors, promote cancer cells’ purposeful angiogenesis rendering an extremely resistant tumor microenvironment (TME). This highly evasive and extremely resilient TME actually demands multi-agent, multi-target agents as currently in use through traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). With a good track record of 3,000 years, TCM is favored by mainland Chinese cancer patients. Although TCM had been criticized as unscientific and imprecise, recently, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies serve to elucidate the sound scientific basis and validity of TCM. Several TCM preparations having anti-VEGF actions are found; others suppress immune checkpoints. Especially, these herbs’ multi-prong approach appears to be more effective than Western medicine’s primarily monotherapy approach if one wishes to eradicate the very resistant TME. A “bonus” point is that some autoimmune-related adverse side effects of ICBs may also be reduced by TCM. Nevertheless, as the TCM experience is mostly anecdotal, robust clinical trials are mandatory. Moreover, other TCM problems, e.g., herbal batch variations and consistency and uniformity of herbal prescriptions are outstanding. Invariably, TCM prescriptions have daily variations as the practice of “syndrome differentiation” is hailed. Despite experienced TCM practitioners would refuse to give up their time-honored traditional practice, the multi-prong approach is still very attractive for the undue resilience of TME, let alone its good safety profile, ready availability, and eminent affordability. Although the passage is dark, light is now appearing at the end of the tunnel.

Flavones: Six Selected Flavones and Their Related Signaling Pathways That Induce Apoptosis in Cancer

Cancer is a horrific disease that, to date, has no cure. It is caused by various factors and takes many lives. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism and if it does not function correctly in cancer cells, it can lead to severe disease. There are various signaling pathways for regulating apoptosis in cancer cells. Flavonoids are non-artificial natural bioactive compounds that are gaining attention as being capable of for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Among these, in this study, we focus on flavones. Flavones are a subclass of the numerous available flavonoids and possess several bioactive functions. Some of the most reported and well-known critical flavones, namely apigenin, acacetin, baicalein, luteolin, tangeretin, and wogonin, are discussed in depth in this review. Our main aim is to investigate the effects of the selected flavones on apoptosis and cell signaling pathways that contribute to death due to various types of cancers.

Transcriptome Profiling of A549 Xenografts of Nonsmall-cell Lung Cancer Treated with Qing-Re-Huo-Xue Formula

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases. Chinese herbal formula Qing-Re-Huo-Xue (QRHXF) has shown antitumor effects in the NSCLC xenograft mouse model of Lewis cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of QRHXF remain unknown. In this study, an A549 xenograft mouse model was established, and the mice were then treated with QRHXF or vehicle through oral gavage. Tumor growth was monitored. Tumors were subsequently harvested, and RNA sequencing was performed. Compared with the control group, mice treated with QRHXF showed smaller tumor size and slower tumor growth. RNA sequencing results indicated 36 differentially expressed genes between QRHXF treated and control groups. 16 upregulated and 20 downregulated genes were identified. Enrichment analysis showed four differential expression genes (DEGs) related to tumor growth pathways RASAL2, SerpinB5, UTG1A4, and PDE3A. In conclusion, this study revealed that QRHXF could inhibit tumor growth in an A549 xenograft mouse model, and the target genes of QRHXF may include PDE3A, RASAL2, SERPIB5, and UTG1A4.

A renewed concept on the MAPK signaling pathway in cancers: Polyphenols as a choice of therapeutics

Abnormalities in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway are a key contributor to the carcinogenesis process and have therefore been implicated in several aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell differentiation, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and metastasis. This pathway offers multiple molecular targets that may be modulated for anticancer activity and is of great interest for several malignancies. Polyphenols from various dietary sources have been observed to interfere with certain aspects of this pathway and consequently play a substantial role in the development and progression of cancer by suppressing cell growth, inactivating carcinogens, blocking angiogenesis, causing cell death, and changing immunity. A good number of polyphenolic compounds have shown promising outcomes in numerous pieces of research and are currently being investigated clinically to treat cancer patients. The current study concentrates on the role of the MAPK pathway in the development and metastasis of cancer, with particular emphasis on dietary polyphenolic compounds that influence the different MAPK sub-pathways to obtain an anticancer effect. This study aims to convey an overview of the various aspects of the MAPK pathway in cancer development and invasion, as well as a review of the advances achieved in the development of polyphenols to modulate the MAPK signaling pathway for better treatment of cancer.

Deciphering the pharmacological mechanisms of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on oral leukoplakia by combining network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental evaluations

BACKGROUND

Oral leukoplakia (OLK), an uncharacterized pathological condition that occurs as a white patch in the oral mucosa, is the most common precancerous condition. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) is a medicinal plant with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Increased evidence shows that SBG has potential therapeutic effects on OLK. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of SBG against OLK have not yet been completely elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to clarify the active components and multi-target mechanisms of SBG against OLK via network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental evaluations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The active components and related targets of SBG were screened by the TCMSP database and Swiss Target Prediction database. Potential therapeutic targets of OLK were collected using the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Then, we established protein-protein interaction (PPI), compound-target-disease (C-T-D), and compound-target-pathway (C-T-P) networks by Cytoscape to identify the main components, core targets, and pharmacological pathways of SBG against OLK via applying data mining techniques and topological parameters. Metascape database was utilized for GO and KEGG pathway analysis. Molecular docking techniques were used to estimate the binding force between the components and the hub genes. Subsequently, a series of in vitro experiments, specifically CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, wound healing assay, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR and western blotting were conducted for further verification.

RESULTS

There were 25 active components and 31 related target genes in SBG against OLK. PPI analysis showed that Akt1, VEGFA, EGFR, HIF1A and PTGS2 shared the highest centrality among all target genes. KEGG pathway analysis found that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway may occupy core status in the anti-OLK system. Molecular docking results showed that the main active components of SBG had a strong binding affinity to the hub genes. In vitro experiments showed that the leading component baicalein may inhibit proliferation, block cells in the S phase, induce DOK cell apoptosis, and downregulate the mRNA expression of 5 hub genes by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation.

CONCLUSION

The most predominant component of SBG against OLK was baicalein and the key pathway was PI3K/Akt. The main components and hub genes had robust binding abilities. In vitro experiments showed that baicalein could inhibit the proliferation of DOK cells, induce apoptosis, block the cell cycle, and inhibit the mRNA expression level of the hub genes by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Exploring native Scutellaria species provides insight into differential accumulation of flavones with medicinal properties

Scutellaria baicalensis is a well-studied medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, prized for the unique 4′-deoxyflavones produced in its roots. In this study, three native species to the Americas, S. lateriflora, S. arenicola, and S. integrifolia were identified by DNA barcoding, and phylogenetic relationships were established with other economically important Lamiaceae members. Furthermore, flavone profiles of native species were explored. 4′-deoxyflavones including baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, chrysin and 4′-hydroxyflavones, scutellarein, scutellarin, and apigenin, were quantified from leaves, stems, and roots. Qualitative, and quantitative differences were identified in their flavone profiles along with characteristic tissue-specific accumulation. 4′-deoxyflavones accumulated in relatively high concentrations in root tissues compared to aerial tissues in all species except S. lateriflora. Baicalin, the most abundant 4′-deoxyflavone detected, was localized in the roots of S. baicalensis and leaves of S. lateriflora, indicating differential accumulation patterns between the species. S. arenicola and S. integrifolia are phylogenetically closely related with similar flavone profiles and distribution patterns. Additionally, the S. arenicola leaf flavone profile was dominated by two major unknown peaks, identified using LC–MS/MS to most likely be luteolin-7-O-glucuronide and 5,7,2′-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone 7-O-glucuronide. Collectively, results presented in this study suggest an evolutionary divergence of flavonoid metabolic pathway in the Scutellaria genus of Lamiaceae.

Metabolomics analyses of traditional Chinese medicine formula Shuang Huang Lian by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS

Background

Shuang Huang Lian (SHL) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula made from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Forsythiae Fructus, and Scutellariae Radix. Despite the widespread use of SHL in clinical practice for treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), the complete component fingerprint and the pharmacologically active components in the SHL formula remain unclear. The objective of this study was to develop an untargeted metabolomics method for component identification, quantitation, pattern recognition, and cross-comparison of various SHL preparation forms (i.e., granule, oral liquid, and tablet).

Methods

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) together with bioinformatics were used for chemical profiling, identification, and quantitation of SHL. Multivariate data analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed to assess the correlations among the three SHL preparation forms and the reproducibility of the technical and biological replicates.

Results

A UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics method was developed and applied to analyze three SHL preparation forms, consisting of 178 to 216 molecular features. Among the 95 common molecular features from the three SHL preparation forms, quantitative analysis was performed using a single exogenous reference internal standard. Forty-seven of the 95 common molecular features have been identified using various databases. Among the 47 common components, there were 17 flavonoids, 7 oligopeptides, 5 terpenoids, 2 glycosides, 2 cyclohexanecarboxylic acids, 2 spiro compounds, 2 lipids, 2 glycosylglycerol derivatives, and 8 various compounds such as alkyl caffeate ester, aromatic ketone, benzaldehyde, benzodioxole, benzofuran, chalcone, hydroxycoumarin, and purine nucleoside. Five of the 47 common components were designated by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the quality markers of medicinal plants of SHL, and 15 were previously reported to have pharmacological activities. Distinct patterns of the three SHL preparation forms were observed in the PCA and PLS-DA plots.

Conclusions

The developed method is reliable and reproducible, which is useful for the profiling, component identification, quantitation, quality assessment of various SHL preparation forms and may apply to the analysis of other TCM formulas.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00610-x.

Baicalein: A review on its anti-cancer effects and mechanisms in lung carcinoma

Plant-derived flavonoids are reported to function as potential anti-cancer agents against different types of cancer. Baicalein (BE) is an important flavonoid found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis that is popularly used in Chinese medicine as an ingredient in herbal tea preparations to promote wellness. BE has been studied for its several biological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, antiviral, and anti-tumor properties. BE has now been discovered to be an effective agent against lung neoplasm. The molecular factors supporting baicalein's anti-cancer activity against lung cancer and its value to human health are discussed in this article. This would help in identifying BE as a promising competent drug against lung carcinoma. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Baicalein is a flavonoid obtained from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. It has been widely used as an antioxidant, anti-inflam5matory, anti-hepatotoxic, antiviral, and anti-cancer agent. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world with a high fatality rate. Several studies have found that Baicalein is an important candidate for treating lung cancer. Its mechanism of action includes regulation of cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, autophagy, and so on. Baicalein could be used as a novel anti-cancer drug for the treatment of lung carcinoma.

Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action

Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.

A comprehensive and current review on the role of flavonoids in lung cancer-Experimental and theoretical approaches

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that flavonoids, which can be easily obtained from many fruits and vegetables are widely preferred in the treatment of some important diseases. Some researchers noted that these chemical compounds exhibit high inhibition effect against various cancer types. Many experimental studies proving this ability of the flavonoids with high antioxidant activity are available in the literature.

PUROPOSE

The main aim of this review is to summarize comprehensively anticancer properties of flavonoids against the lung cancer in the light of experimental studies and well-known theory and electronic structure principles. In this review article, more detailed and current information about the using of flavonoids in the treatment of lung cancer is presented considering theoretical and experimental approaches.

STUDY DESIGN

In addition to experimental studies including the anticancer effects of flavonoids, we emphasized the requirement of the well-known electronic structure principle in the development of anticancer drugs. For this aim, Conceptual Density Functional Theory should be considered as a powerful tool. Searching the databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science, the suitable reference papers for this project were selected.

METHODS

Theoretical tools like DFT and Molecular Docking provides important clues about anticancer behavior and drug properties of molecular systems. Conceptual Density Functional Theory and CDFT based electronic structure principles and rules like Hard and Soft Acid-Base Principle (HSAB), Maximum Hardness Principle, Minimum Polarizability, Minimum Electrophilicity Principles and Maximum Composite Hardness Rule introduced by one of the authors of this review are so useful to predict the mechanisms and powers of chemical systems. Especially, it cannot be ignored the success of HSAB Principle in the explanations and highlighting of biochemical interactions.

RESULTS

Both theoretical analysis and experimental studies confirmed that flavonoids have higher inhibition effect against lung cancer. In addition to many superior properties like anticancer activity, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic effect of flavonoids, their toxicities are also explained with the help of published popular papers. Action modes of the mentioned compounds are given in detail.

CONCLUSION

The review includes detailed information about the mentioned electronic structure principles and rules and their applications in the cancer research. In addition, the epidemiology and types of lung cancer anticancer activity of flavonoids in lung cancer are explained in details.

Mechanism underlying the effect of Liujunzi decoction on advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer in patients after first-line chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To further clarify the anticancer mechanisms of Liujunzi decoction and provide possible targets for the treatment of advanced-stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by re-analyzing differential gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Liujunzi decoctiontreated NSCLC patients receiving first-line chemotherapy.

METHODS

The PBMC gene expression microarray data set GSE61926 was retrieved from a high throughput gene expression database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by paired sample t-test and the multiple ratio method. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using the DAVID database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using interaction gene library retrieval tools and Cytoscape software.

RESULTS

A total of 162 DEGs were identified, with 67 upregulated genes and 95 downregulated genes. The functional distribution of Gene Oncology (GO) genes showed that DEGs were mostly concentrated in extracellular regions, calcium ion binding, and transcriptase activity. KEGG pathway analysis showed that cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions were significantly enriched. PPI network analysis screened out the top 10 central protein-coding genes with the highest nodal degree: IL2, PIWIL4, DICER1, PIWIL2, SAA1, XCL1, IL22RA1, ARHGAP11A, DCP1A, and GDNF. Among them, the central protein-coding gene with the highest node degree was IL2. In addition, the central protein-coding genes with high node degrees and high molecular complex detection (MCODE) scores were PIWIL4, DICER1, PIWIL2, and DCP1A, all of which are related to tumor development.

CONCLUSIONS

One signaling pathway and 10 central protein-coding genes related to anticancer mechanisms were screened by re-analysis of GSE61926 data. IL2, PIWIL4, DICER1, PIWIL2, and DCP1A may have important roles in the mechanism of Liujunzi decoction treatment against NSCLC. Our results suggest that the anticancer mechanism of Liujunzi decoction may be related to gene silencing by RNA and the biological processes of piwi-interacting RNA and other small RNAs.

Therapeutic potential of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in lung cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Globally, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer associated mortalities. The current conventional chemotherapy remains the preferred treatment option for lung cancer, as surgical resection plays little role in the treatment of over 75% of lung cancer patients. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel potential therapeutic drugs or adjuvants with a high efficiency and safety against lung cancer. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a common Chinese medicinal herb that has been in use for more than 2000 years, has recently been shown to possess significant activities against lung cancer. However, current research progress on pharmacological effects and relevant molecular mechanisms of S. baicalensis in lung cancer therapy have not been systematically summarized.

PURPOSE

This review aimed at elucidating on the anti-lung cancer mechanisms and antitumor efficacies of S. baicalensis as well as its active ingredients, and providing a valuable reference for further investigation in this field.

METHODS

We used "Scutellaria baicalensis" or the name of the compound in S. baicalensis, in combination with "lung cancer" as key words to systematically search for relevant literature from the Web of Science and PubMed databases. Publications that investigated molecular mechanisms were the only ones selected for analysis. The PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

Fifty-four publications met the inclusion criteria for this study. Five anti-lung cancer mechanisms of S. baicalensis and its constituent components are discussed. These mechanisms include apoptosis induction, cell-cycle arrest, suppression of proliferation, blockade of invasion and metastasis, and overcoming drug-resistance. These compounds exhibited high antitumor efficacies and safety against lung cancer xenografts.

CONCLUSION

Studies should aim at elucidating on the anti-cancer mechanisms of S. baicalensis to achieve the ultimate goal of lung cancer therapy.

An overview of pharmacological activities of baicalin and its aglycone baicalein: New insights into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways

The flavonoids, baicalin, and its aglycone baicalein possess multi-fold therapeutic properties and are mainly found in the roots of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. These flavonoids have been reported to possess various pharmacological properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. The pharmacological properties of baicalin and baicalein are due to their abilities to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interaction with various signaling molecules associated with apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, cell cycle, mitochondrial dynamics, and cytoprotection. In this review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic applications of baicalin and baicalein in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. In addition, the preventive effects of baicalin and baicalein on mitochondrial dynamics and functions were highlighted with a particular emphasis on their anti-oxidative and cytoprotective properties. The current review highlights could be useful for future prospective studies to further improve the pharmacological applications of baicalein and baicalin. These studies should define the threshold for optimal drug exposure, dose optimization and focus on therapeutic drug monitoring, objective disease markers, and baicalin/baicalein drug levels.

Baicalein Inhibits Metastatic Phenotypes in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells via a Focal Adhesion Protein Integrin β8

Baicalein, a prominent flavonoid from the indigenous herbal plant Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses broad-spectrum anticancer activities. However, the biological effects of baicalein on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its underlying mechanisms remain unclarified. Thus, in this study, we examined the effects of baicalein on NPC cell lines and investigated the corresponding molecular mechanism through transcriptome profiling. In the study, four NPC cell lines were treated with various concentrations of baicalein at different time points. Cellular toxicity and proliferative inhibition of baicalein were examined by MTT assay. Metastatic phenotypes of NPC cells were investigated by wound healing, transwell, and adhesion assays. Additionally, microarray experiments were performed to determine the cellular pathways affected by baicalein. The expression and localization of the integrin β8 were validated by western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Our results revealed that baicalein exhibited its cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity on all tested NPC cell lines. It also significantly inhibited metastatic phenotypes at sub-lethal concentrations. Transcriptomic analysis showed that baicalein significantly affected the focal adhesion pathway in NPC, where integrin β8 was greatly diminished. Thus, the present study results suggested that baicalein inhibits the metastatic phenotypes of NPC cells by modulating integrin β8, one of the major molecules in a focal adhesion pathway.

Comprehensive physiopathology and serum metabolomics for the evaluation of the influence mechanism of qi deficiency on xenograft mouse models of liver cancer

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that qi deficiency is important pathogenesis and syndrome of liver cancer and thus is crucial in related research. However, the effect of qi deficiency on the occurrence and development of liver cancer is still unclear. This study aimed to establish a liver cancer model of qi deficiency through the swimming exhaustion and xenograft of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The effects of qi deficiency on the occurrence and development of liver cancer were investigated by analyzing tumor development, blood routine, histopathology, and serum metabolomics. Results showed that qi deficiency greatly affected the physiology and tumor growth of xenograft mice. Eight potential biomarkers were identified by metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Their main pathways were arachidonic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, purine metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, sphingomyelin metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism pathway. Finally, the effects of qi deficiency on the occurrence and development of liver cancer were comprehensively analyzed, and the mechanism of this process was preliminarily clarified.

Isolation, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity studies of bioactive compounds from Alseodaphne semecarpifolia Nees

Alseodaphne semecarpifolia (Lauraceae) is a traditional medicinal plant historically used in Indian Western Ghats to treat various human diseases. From the past few decades it has been traditionally recognized as an effective agent in cancer treatment. The phytochemical investigation of the stem bark and leaves of A. semecarpifolia led to the isolation of bioactive flavonoid compounds Icariin and Baicalein. Their structures were elucidated from obtained spectral data (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹H ¹H COSY, FTIR and MS). Cytotoxic activity of Icariin and Baicalein evaluated against MCF-7 cells revealed their potent activity with an IC₅₀ of 42.15 ± 4.78 μg/ml and 44.37 ± 3.46 μg/ml, respectively, while very least effect was observed on normal cells (L6). Present study has suggested that both Icariin and Baicalein have potent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells.

Flavonoid-Based Cancer Therapy: An Updated Review

As cancers are one of the most important causes of human morbidity and mortality worldwide, researchers try to discover novel compounds and therapeutic approaches to decrease survival of cancer cells, angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. In the last decade, use of special phytochemical compounds and flavonoids was reported to be an interesting and hopeful tactic in the field of cancer therapy. Flavonoids are natural polyphenols found in plant, fruits, vegetables, teas and medicinal herbs. Based on reports, over 10,000 flavonoids have been detected and categorized into several subclasses, including flavonols, anthocyanins, flavanones, flavones, isoflavones and chalcones. It seems that the anticancer effect of flavonoids is mainly due to their antioxidant and anti inflammatory activities and their potential to modulate molecular targets and signaling pathways involved in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis and hormone activities. The main aim of this review is to evaluate the relationship between flavonoids consumption and cancer risk, and discuss the anti-cancer effects of these natural compounds in human cancer cells. Hence, we tried to collect and revise important recent in vivo and in vitro researches about the most effective flavonoids and their main mechanisms of action in various types of cancer cells.

Discovery of quality control ingredients in burdock root by combining anti-tumor effects and UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS

Burdock root is the root of Arctium lappa L., a plant of the Compositae family, which has the effects of dispersing wind and heat, detoxifying and reducing swelling. In order to better control the quality of burdock root, a screening study of quality control indicators was carried out. The current research combines biological activity evaluation with chemical analysis to screen and identify the biologically active compounds of burdock root as chemical components for the quality control of herbal medicine. The efficacy of 10 batches of ethanol extracts of burdock roots was evaluated by a tumor inhibition experiment in S180 tumor-bearing mice. The five main chemical components of these extracts were simultaneously quantitatively measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Pearson correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between these extracts' biological activity and chemical properties. The results showed that chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and cynarin were positively correlated with the effect of inhibiting tumor growth, and further bioassays confirmed this conclusion. In conclusion, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and cynarin can be used as quality control markers for burdock root's antitumor effect.

Scutellaria baicalensis and Their Natural Flavone Compounds as Potential Medicinal Drugs for the Treatment of Nicotine-Induced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Asthma

Flavonoids as the largest group of natural phytochemical compounds have received significant attention, as demonstrated by clinical trials, due to their chemotherapeutic and/or pharmacological effects against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and asthma. Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis), known as one of the most popular medicinal plants and used in several countries, contains natural active flavone constituents, with the major compounds of the roots being baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside and oroxylin A. S. baicalensis and their compounds are proven to have inhibitory effects on NSCLC cells when used at different concentrations. However, the exact mechanisms by which these compounds exert their therapeutic effects against asthma remain unexplored. Indeed, the mechanisms by which S. baicalensis and its flavone compounds exert a protective effect against nicotine-induced NSCLC and asthma are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this review explores the mechanisms involved in the therapeutic potential of flavone-rich extracts from S. baicalensis in nicotine-induced NSCLC and asthma.

A four-component combination derived from Huang-Qin Decoction significantly enhances anticancer activity of irinotecan

Huang-Qin Decoction (HQD) is a classic prescription for diarrhea in Chinese medicine treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that HQD and its modified formulation PHY906 could ameliorate irinotecan (CPT-11) induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and enhance its anticancer therapeutic efficacy. Nevertheless, which constituents in HQD are effective is still unclear so far. The study aims to screen out the key bioactive components combination from HQD that could enhance the anticancer effect of CPT-11. First, the potential bioactive constituents were obtained through system pharmacology strategy. Then the bioactivity of each constituent was investigated synthetically from the aspects of NCM460 cell migration, TNF-α release of THP-1-derived macrophage and MTT assay in HCT116 cell. The contribution of each constituent in HQD was evaluated using the bioactive index E_i, which taken the content and bioactivity into comprehensive consideration. And then, the most contributing constituents were selected out to form a key-component combination. At last, the bioefficacy of the key-component combination was validated in vitro and in vivo. As a result, a key-component combination (HB4) consisting of four compounds baicalin, baicalein, glycyrrhizic acid and wogonin was screened out. In vitro assessment indicated that HB4 could enhance the effect of CPT-11 on inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in HCT116. Furthermore, the in vivo study confirmed that HB4 and HQD have similar pharmacological activity and could both enhance the antitumor effect of CPT-11 in HCT116 xenograft model. Meanwhile, HB4 could also reduce the CPT-11 induced GI toxicity.

The effect of baicalein on endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy on liver damage

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a toxic chemical that causes liver injury. CCl₄ triggers endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR triggers autophagy to deal with the damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of baicalein, derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, on CCl₄-induced liver damage concerning ER stress and autophagy. Two groups of Wistar albino rats (n = 7/groups) were treated with 0.2 ml/kg CCl₄ for 10 days with and without baicalein. Histological and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, autophagy, and ER stress markers measurements were carried out to evaluate the effect of baicalein. Histological examinations showed that baicalein reduced liver damage. TEM analysis indicated that baicalein inhibited ER stress and triggered autophagy. CCl4-induced elevation of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), pancreatic ER kinase (PERK), and active/spliced form of X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1s) ER stress markers were decreased by baicalein. Baicalein also increased the autophagy-related 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, and Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-phosphatidylethanolamine-conjugated form (LC3-II) autophagy marker levels. In conclusion, baicalein reduced the CCl₄-induced liver damage by inhibiting ER stress and the trigger of autophagy.

Baicalein Represses Cervical Cancer Cell Growth, Cell Cycle Progression and Promotes Apoptosis via Blocking AKT/mTOR Pathway by the Regulation of circHIAT1/miR-19a-3p Axis

Background

Baicalein has a significant anti-cancerous function in the treatment of cervical cancer (CC). Its functional mechanism regarding circular RNA (circRNA) hippocampus abundant transcript 1 (circHIAT1) and microRNA-19a-3p (miR-19a-3p) was explored in this research.

Methods

CC cell viability and colony formation were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were analyzed via flow cytometry. Protein markers of cell cycle, apoptosis and protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (AKT/mTOR) pathway were detected by Western blot. CircHIAT1 and miR-19a-3p levels were assayed through the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The interaction between circHIAT1 and miR-19a-3p was validated by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. In vivo experiment was performed by xenograft model.

Results

CC cell growth and cell cycle progression were repressed while apoptosis was enhanced by baicalein. MiR-19a-3p was downregulated in baicalein-treated CC cells and miR-19a-3p overexpression lightened the baicalein-induced CC progression inhibition. Moreover, circHIAT1 was found to be a sponge of miR-19a-3p in CC cells. Baicalein-induced cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis promotion were neutralized by knockdown of circHIAT1 via targeting miR-19a-3p. Baicalein acted on the circHIAT1/miR-19a-3p to inactivate AKT/mTOR pathway. Baicalein also reduced CC tumor growth in vivo via regulating the levels of circHIAT1 and miR-19a-3p.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated that the inhibitory function of baicalein in CC progression was dependent on the repression of AKT/mTOR pathway by upregulating circHIAT1 to sponge miR-19a-3p, showing a specific mechanism for baicalein in CC.

Baicalein suppresses vasculogenic mimicry through inhibiting RhoA/ROCK expression in lung cancer A549 cell line

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to a new tubular network of the blood supply system with abundant extracellular matrix. VM is similar to capillaries but does not involve endothelial cells. As a traditional herbal medicine commonly used in China, baicalein possesses anti-inflammatory and lipoxygenase activities. However, the effects of baicalein on the process of VM formation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanisms have remained poorly understood. In this study, baicalein was found to inhibit the viability and motility of A549 cells and induced the breakage of the cytoskeletal actin filament network. In addition, baicalein significantly decreased the formation of VM and downregulated the expressions of VM-associated factors, such as VE-cadherin, EphA2, MMP14, MMP2, MMP9, PI3K and LAMC2, similar to the effects of ROCK inhibitors. Indeed, baicalein inhibited RhoA/ROCK expression in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the underlying mechanisms of reduced VM formation. Collectively, baicalein suppressed the formation of VM in NSCLC by targeting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, indicating that baicalein might serve as an emerging drug for NSCLC.

Baicalein inhibits non-small-cell lung cancer invasion and metastasis by reducing ezrin tension in inflammation microenvironment

Baicalein, a flavonoid phytochemical, has been shown to be effective as an anti‐metastatic agent for various cancers, especially for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the underlying mechanism of how baicalein targets cellular processes during NSCLC cell invasion and metastasis remains elusive. In this study, we found that non‐cytotoxic concentrations of baicalein still retained anti‐dissemination activity both in vitro and in vivo. Using a genetic encoding tension probe based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) theory, baicalein was shown to significantly decrease ezrin tension by downregulating cellular ezrin S‐nitrosylation (SNO) levels in NSCLC cells in the inflammatory microenvironment. Decreased ezrin tension inhibited the formation of an aggressive phenotype of NSCLC cell and leader cell in collective migration, and subsequently suppressed NSCLC dissemination. Baicalein restrained SNO‐mediated ezrin tension by decreasing iNOS expression levels. Overall this study demonstrates the novel mechanism used by baicalein to suppress NSCLC invasion and metastasis from a mechanopharmacology perspective and illustrates a new direction for drug development.

Baicalin induces Mrgprb2-dependent pseudo-allergy in mice

Baicalin, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, is one of the main compounds present in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Pseudo-allergy induced by the injection of these medicines is a frequent adverse drug reaction. Therefore, elucidation of the anaphylactoid reaction of baicalin and its underlying mechanisms are important. Mast cells are primary effectors of allergic reactions, including pseudo-allergy. Studies have shown that Mrgprx2 in human mast cells is a specific receptor that is crucial for pseudo-allergic drug reactions, Mrgprb3 is the rat ortholog of human Mrgprx2, which in mice is designated as Mrgprb2. Here, we aimed to investigate baicalin-induced pseudo-allergy and the association of Mrgprb3 and Mrgprb2 with this effect. We examined the allergenic effect of baicalin on RBL-2H3 cells and Mrgprb3-knockdown RBL-2H3 cells. Mrgprb2-expressing HEK293 cells and Mrgprb2-knockout mice were used to evaluate the role of Mrgprb2 in baicalin-induced allergy. Baicalin was found to dose-dependently induce pseudo-allergy both in vitro and in vivo. RBL-2H3 cells were activated by baicalin, whereas in Mrgprb3-knockout RBL-2H3 cells, baicalin showed a negligible effect on cell activation. Furthermore, baicalin activated the Mrgprb2-expressing HEK293 cells. Our data showed that baicalin did not induce allergy in Mpgprb2-knockout mice. We conclude that baicalin induces pseudo-allergy via Mrgprb2 in mice.

A Comprehensive Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Investigate Multiple Mechanisms of HeChan Tablet on Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

HeChan tablet (HCT) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation extensively prescribed to treat lung cancer in China. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of HCT on lung cancer remain to be elucidated.

METHODS

A comprehensive network pharmacology-based strategy was conducted to explore underlying mechanisms of HCT on lung cancer. Putative targets and compounds of HCT were retrieved from TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases; related genes of lung cancer were retrieved from OMIM and DisGeNET databases; known therapeutic target genes of lung cancer were retrieved from TTD and DrugBank databases; PPI networks among target genes were constructed to filter hub genes by STRING. Furthermore, the pathway and GO enrichment analysis of hub genes was performed by clusterProfiler, and the clinical significance of hub genes was identified by The Cancer Genome Atlas.

RESULT

A total of 206 compounds and 2,433 target genes of HCT were obtained. 5,317 related genes of lung cancer and 77 known therapeutic target genes of lung cancer were identified. 507 unique target genes were identified among HCT-related genes of lung cancer and 34 unique target genes were identified among HCT-known therapeutic target genes of lung cancer. By PPI networks, 11 target genes AKT1, TP53, MAPK8, JUN, EGFR, TNF, INS, IL-6, MYC, VEGFA, and MAPK1 were identified as major hub genes. IL-6, JUN, EGFR, and MYC were shown to associate with the survival of lung cancer patients. Five compounds of HCT， quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, and baicalein were recognized as key compounds of HCT on lung cancer. The gene enrichment analysis implied that HCT probably benefitted patients with lung cancer by modulating the MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways.

CONCLUSION

This study predicted pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of HCT against lung cancer and could pave the way for further experimental research and clinical application of HCT.

Inhibition of arachidonate lipoxygenase12 targets lung cancer through inhibiting EMT and suppressing RhoA and NF-κB activity

The carcinogenic function of arachidonate lipoxygenase12 (Alox12) has been reported in various cancers. However, little is known on the role of Alox12 in lung cancer. Here, we demonstrate that Alox12 is upregulated and contributes to biological activities of lung cancer through multiple mechanisms. We found that Alox12 mRNA and protein levels were increased by 2.5-fold in a panel of lung cancer cell lines compared to normal lung cells. The expression of Alox12 varied among lung cancer cell lines. The immunohistochemistry analysis on paired normal and tumor lung tissues from twenty patients showed that Alox12 protein level is higher in lung cancer than normal lung tissues from the majority of patients. We further observed the upregulation of Alox12-12-HETE signaling axis in lung cancer tissues. Overexpression of Alox12 promoted growth and migration in normal lung cells and lung cancer cells. In contrast, Alox12 inhibition via genetic and pharmacological approaches suppressed growth and migration, induced apoptosis, and sensitized lung cancer cells to chemotherapy. This is through suppressing RhoA signaling, inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and NF-κB activity. Our work reveals the therapeutic value of inhibiting Alox12 in overcoming chemoresistance in lung cancer.

The interaction between cucurbit[8]uril and baicalein and the effect on baicalein properties

The host-guest interactions between baicalein (BALE) and cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) and the corresponding properties of the inclusion complex were studied using ¹H NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy and DTA. The results showed that BALE forms an inclusion compound (1:1) with Q[8], and the properties of baicalein are changed by cucurbit[8]uril.

Baicalein inhibits cell development, metastasis and EMT and induces apoptosis by regulating ERK signaling pathway in osteosarcoma

Background: Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant primary tumor. Baicalein has broad-spectrum anti-tumor effects. This study aimed to study the specific molecular regulatory mechanism of baicalein in anti-osteosarcoma and the possible regulatory signaling network involved.Methods: In vitro experiment, MG-63 cells treated with 0, 50, 75, and 100 μM of baicalein. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle, apoptosis, and morphology were detected using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazoliumbromide (MTT), clone formation, wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry, Hoechst staining, wound healing and microscopic observation. In addition, cycle, apoptosis and EMT-related proteins and p-ERK/ERK expression level were analyzed using western blotting. In vivo experiments were performed by BALB/c-nude mice model establishment to detect mice and tumor weight, tumor volume, positive rate and p-ERK/ERK expression when mice treated with 100 μM of baicalein.Results: Firstly, the IC₅₀ of baicalein was 67.57 μM. Then, baicalein decreased cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and the expression of CDK2, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E1, Bcl-2, N-cad, Vimentin, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-ERK/ERK, while increased G1 phase numbers, apoptosis and the expression level of p21, p27, cleaved caspase 3/9, Bax, E-cad, ZO-1 in a dose-dependent manner in MG-63 cells. Also, baicalein reduced the body weight, tumor weight and volume and relative expression level of p-ERK/ERK in vivo.Conclusion: Baicalein inhibits cell development, metastasis, and EMT progress and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by regulating ERK signaling pathway in osteosarcoma, and has a visible anti-osteosarcoma effect in vivo.

Network Pharmacology Approach Reveals the Potential Immune Function Activation and Tumor Cell Apoptosis Promotion of Xia Qi Decoction in Lung Cancer

As the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, lung cancer (LC) has seriously affected human health and longevity. Chinese medicine is a complex system guided by traditional Chinese medicine theories (TCM). Nowadays, the clinical application of TCM for LC patients has become the focus for its effectiveness and security. In this paper, we will analyze and study the mechanism of Xia Qi Decoction (XQD) in the treatment of LC. The results collectively show that XQD could act on 41 therapeutic targets of LC. At the same time, 8 of 41 targets were significantly expressed in immune tissues and cells by activating CD8+T cells to promote apoptosis of cancer cells. It reveals the molecular mechanism of XQD in the treatment of LC from the perspective of network pharmacology. In addition, in the treatment of LC, XQD can activate (up-regulate) the function of immune cells, promote the apoptosis of tumor cells, and have an active anti-tumor immune effect. In conclusion, this study reveals the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cancer, in reinforcing the healthy qi and eliminating the pathogenic factors. More research, however, is needed to verify the potential mechanisms.

The concurrent treatment of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin but also attenuates chemotherapy-induced cachexia and acute kidney injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cisplatin is an important chemotherapy to lung cancer, but it usually induces severe cachexia and acute kidney injury in patients. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB), commonly known as a skullcap, is a popular Chinese herbal medicine mainly used to treat inflammation, infection, and malignancy. In this study, we report the synergic effect of SB and cisplatin to Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells, and the ameliorative effect of SB to cisplatin-induced cachexia and acute kidney injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extract of SB was applied by water boiling and lyophilization. The MTS assay was used to exam the in-vitro effects of SB and cisplatin on the LLC viability. In the animal experiment, male C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with LLC cells, and then treated by cisplatin intraperitoneally and the SB extract orally. Tumor volume, weights of tumor, murine body, white adipose tissue and gastrocnemius muscle, as well as serum levels of BUN and creatinine were measured during the experiment. Murine kidney sample was observed after the H&E and annexin V staining.

RESULTS

SB provided an enhancement of cisplatin action to inhibit tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. In the animal experiment, SB improved the loss of murine body weight and gastrocnemius muscle, the elevating BUN level, and the apoptosis of renal tubular cells in mice receiving cisplatin therapy. Meanwhile, the current treatment of SB did not further interfere with the blood cell counts of mice receiving chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

SB can enhance the anti-cancer effect of cisplatin. It also attenuates cisplatin-induced cachexia and acute kidney injury.

Enhanced cancer therapy with pH-dependent and aptamer functionalized doxorubicin loaded polymeric (poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles

Aptamer based drug delivery systems are gaining the importance in anticancer therapy due to their targeted drug delivery efficiency without harming the normal cells. The present work formulated the pH-dependent aptamer functionalized polymer-based drug delivery system against human lung cancer. The prepared aptamer functionalized doxorubicin (DOX) loaded poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) nanoparticles (APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs) were spherical in shape with an average size of 87.168 nm. The crystallography and presence of the PLGA (poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)) and DOX (doxorubicin) in APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs were indicated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR). The pH-dependent aptamer AS1411 based drug release triggered the cancer cell death was evidenced by cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry, and fluorescent microscopic imaging. In addition, the cellular uptake of the DOX was determined and the apoptosis-related signaling pathway in the A549 cells was studied by Western blot analysis. Further, the in vivo study revealed that mice treated with APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs were significantly recovered from cancer as evident by mice weight and tumor size followed by the histopathological study. It was reported that the APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs induced the apoptosis through the activation of the apoptosis-related proteins. Hence, the present study revealed that the APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs improved the therapeutic efficiency through the nucleolin receptor endocytosis targeted drug release.

Phytochemicals Targeting VEGF and VEGF-Related Multifactors as Anticancer Therapy

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer cells is not limited to angiogenesis; there are also multiple factors, such as neuropilins (non-tyrosine kinases receptors), tyrosine kinases receptors, immunodeficiencies, and integrins, that interact with VEGF signaling and cause cancer initiation. By combating these factors, tumor progression can be inhibited or limited. Natural products are sources of several bioactive phytochemicals that can interact with VEGF-promoting factors and inhibit them through various signaling pathways, thereby inhibiting cancer growth. This review provides a deeper understanding of the relation and interaction of VEGF with cancer-promoting factors and phytochemicals in order to develop multi-targeted cancer prevention and treatment.

Baicalein induces apoptosis and autophagy of breast cancer cells via inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway in vivo and vitro

Purpose

Baicalein, a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, has shown anticancer effects on many types of human cancer cell lines. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism in human breast cancer cells. In this study, we examined the apoptotic and autophagic pathways activated following baicalein treatment in human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

In in vitro study, we used MTT and clone formation assay to confirm the inhibitory role of baicalein on proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Apoptosis was detected employing Hoechst 33258 staining, JC-1 staining, and flow cytometry. Autophagy was monitored by acridine orange staining and transmission electron microscopy observation. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were employed to study the effects of baicalein on PI3K/AKT signaling components of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In in vivo study, the effect of baicalein was tested with a breast cancer cells transplantation tumor model.

Results

Our study showed that baicalein has the potential to suppress cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and autophagy of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, baicalein significantly downregulated the expression of p-AKT, p-mTOR, NF-κB, and p-IκB while enhancing the expression of IκB in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. It also decreased the p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that baicalein induces apoptosis and autophagy of breast cancer cells via inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vivo and vitro. Our study revealed that baicalein may be a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

Baicalein suppresses non small cell lung cancer cell proliferation, invasion and Notch signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Baicalein is an important Chinese herbal medicine and has multiple pharmacological activities. However, the biological mechanisms of the anti-tumor effects of Baicalein on non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still need to be understood.

METHODS

Human NSCLC A549 and H1299 cells were pretreated with Baicalein or DMSO. Cells viability and transwell cell invasion assays were performed to assess cell proliferation and invasion. QRT-PCR assay was used to analyze mRNA expression levels of Twist1, E-cadhertin, Vimentin, Notch1 and hes-1. Western blot analysis was also performed to determine protein expression.

RESULTS

In the study, we found that Baicalein had a significantly inhibited effect on proliferation ability of A549 and H1299 cells. Cells treated with Baicalein showed a down-regulated expression of CyclinD1 and CDK1 in A549 and H1299 cells. Furthermore, we found that Baicalein significantly inhibited cell invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) by up-regulating the mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin and down-regulated the Twist1 and Vimentin expression, Moreover, Treatment of Baicalein down-regulated Notch1 and hes-1 expression in A549 and H1299 cells, which indicated that Baicalein could suppress the Notch signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our studies suggest that Baicalein may be a potential phytochemical flavonoid for therapeutics of NSCLC and serve as a molecular target for NSCLC.

Baicalein alleviates tubular-interstitial nephritis in vivo and in vitro by down-regulating NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Tubular-interstitial nephritis (TIN) is characterized by tubular cell damage and inflammatory lesions of kidneys. Baicalein (BAI) is a flavonoid compound found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The present study was undertaken to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of BAI on TIN patients and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TIN cell model. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α in serum samples of TIN patients and culture supernatants of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs) were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Creatinine clearance was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Activities of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were also determined. Viability and apoptosis of RPTECs were measured using MTT assay and Guava Nexin assay, respectively. qRT-PCR was performed to determine the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα), and p65. Protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, IκBα, p65, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular regulated protein kinases, and p38 were analyzed using western blotting. We found that BAI reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, BAI alleviated the LPS-induced RPTECs viability inhibition and apoptosis enhancement, as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Phorbol ester, an activator of NF-κB, attenuated the effects of BAI on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine expressions in RPTECs. In conclusion, BAI had anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects on TIN patients and LPS-induced RPTECs by down-regulating NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Scutellaria: Debates on the anticancer property

The widespread use of plants as accessible anticancer agents leads to the identification of many natural source chemotherapeutic agents. Scutellaria one of the popular genus of flowering plants has been used for various human illnesses for thousands of years. Scutellaria has anti-metastatic, anti-proliferative, anti-invasion, anti-angiogenic and apoptosis effects in vitro as well as in vivo. Despite numerous reports on the cytotoxic-antitumor activity of the plant, there are still some issues need further consideration. Issues such as unjustified interpretations, lack of attention to the pharmacokinetics profile and weak study design may affect the final decision about the use of plants as anticancer agents and possibly needs reconsideration. In this review, we have summarized the potential health benefits of Scutellaria and its active components also the underlying mechanism of cytotoxicity and antitumor activity. Meanwhile we have discussed concerns may interfere with the precise conclusion.

Targeting VEGF/VEGFRs Pathway in the Antiangiogenic Treatment of Human Cancers by Traditional Chinese Medicine

Bearing in mind the doctrine of tumor angiogenesis hypothesized by Folkman several decades ago, the fundamental strategy for alleviating numerous cancer indications may be the strengthening application of notable antiangiogenic therapies to inhibit metastasis-related tumor growth. Under physiological conditions, vascular sprouting is a relatively infrequent event unless when specifically stimulated by pathogenic factors that contribute to the accumulation of angiogenic activators such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Since VEGFs have been identified as the principal cytokine to initiate angiogenesis in tumor growth, synthetic VEGF-targeting medicines containing bevacizumab and sorafenib have been extensively used, but prominent side effects have concomitantly emerged. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM)–derived agents with distinctive safety profiles have shown their multitarget curative potential by impairing angiogenic stimulatory signaling pathways directly or eliciting synergistically therapeutic effects with anti-angiogenic drugs mainly targeting VEGF-dependent pathways. This review aims to summarize (a) the up-to-date understanding of the role of VEGF/VEGFR in correlation with proangiogenic mechanisms in various tissues and cells; (b) the elaboration of antitumor angiogenesis mechanisms of 4 representative TCMs, including Salvia miltiorrhiza, Curcuma longa, ginsenosides, and Scutellaria baicalensis; and (c) circumstantial clarification of TCM-driven therapeutic actions of suppressing tumor angiogenesis by targeting VEGF/VEGFRs pathway in recent years, based on network pharmacology.