Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq extract effectively inhibits inflammation, proliferation and induces p53 expression on colitis-associated colon cancer

Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh. and Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq.: A review of traditional medical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and applications

Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh. (DF) and Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. (DP) have been traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments, such as cancer, ulcers, asthma, paralysis, skin diseases, tuberculosis, and menstrual troubles, in the ethnomedicinal systems of India and Indonesia. Currently, the chemical structures of 46 compounds have been elucidated from DF and DP, including flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, steroids, open-chain aliphatics, benzyl derivates, and cyclic chain derivatives. In vitro assays have revealed their anti-tumor and anti-microbial activities. In vivo studies have unraveled their pharmacological properties against tumors, depression, fertility disorders, inflammatory responses, and so on. Additionally, their weak toxicity to rats and brine shrimp, as well as their promising applications for pharmaceutical preparations and combined medication, were also revealed. Herein, we not only recapitulated traditional medical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and applications of DF and DP but also discussed current research limitations and future perspectives, which are instructive for those interested in them and are committed to advancing parasitic plants to the Frontier of phytomedicine. We highlighted that DF and DP will become promising medical plants rather than being discarded as notorious pests, provided that more and deeper research is undertaken.

Protective role of a melon superoxide dismutase combined with gliadin (GliSODin) on the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense against azoxymethane-induced experimental colon carcinogenesis

Background

Azoxymethane (AOM) is a potent carcinogenic agent commonly used to induce colon cancer in rats and mice, with the cytotoxicity of AOM mediated by oxidative stress.

Aim of Study

This study investigated the protective effect of a natural antioxidant (GliSODin) against AOM-induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis in rat colon.

Methods

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (five rats/group). The control group was fed a basal diet. AOM-treated group (AOM) was fed a basal diet and received intraperitoneal injections of AOM for 2 weeks at a dose of 15 mg/kg. The GliSODin treatment group (superoxide dismutase [SOD]) received oral supplementation of GliSODin (300 mg/kg) for 3 months, and the fourth combined group received AOM and GliSODin (AOM + SOD). All animals were continuously fed ad libitum until the age of 16 weeks when all rats were sacrificed. The colon tissues were examined microscopically for pathological changes and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) development, oxidant status (lipid peroxidation-LPO), and enzyme antioxidant system (glutathione [GSH], GSH-S-transferase, catalase, and SOD).

Results

Our results showed that AOM induced ACF development and oxidative stress (GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation) in rat colonic cells. The concomitant treatment of AOM with GliSODin significantly ameliorated the cytotoxic effects of AOM.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide in vivo evidence that GliSODin reduced the AOM-induced colon cancer in rats, through their potent antioxidant activities.

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.

Antimalarial and Erythrocyte Membrane Stability Properties of Globimetula braunii (Engle Van Tiegh) Growing on Cocoa in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Introduction

Resistant malaria is a fatal disease. Globimetula braunii (African Mistletoe) is traditionally used for malarial treatment but this fact has not been scientifically reported.

Methods

Plasmodium berghei (NK65)-infected male Swiss mice (20±2 g) were treated orally and once daily with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW of methanol extract and its respective hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions for 9 days. P-alaxin was used as control drug P. berghei (ANKA)-infected mice were then treated with the most potent fraction for 5 days. Parasitemia and parasite clearance were determined by microscopy, while hematological parameters, heme, hemozoin, and mouse erythrocyte membrane stabilisation were assayed. The phytochemicals in the most potent fraction were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Hexane fraction (HF)-treated mice (400 mg/kg BW) had the least mean parasite load (0.00 ± 0.00; 0.14 ± 0.05%) and highest clearance (100 ± 0.00; 75.50 ± 4.95%) compared with infected control (9.81 ± 0.09; 6.84 ± 0.09%) in susceptible and resistant models, respectively. Hexane fraction modulated hematological indices, minimised erythrocyte membrane damage in heat-induced (2.18 ± 0.94%) and hypotonic solution-induced (7.93 ± 0.93%) compared to artequin (5.05 ± 2.18; 6.38 ± 0.33%) and P-alaxin (67.45 ± 5.15; 56.78 ± 1.10%) in both models of membrane stabilisation, respectively. Hexane fraction (P<0.01) increased heme and decreased hemozoin contents. Friedelan-3-one was identified as the most abundant triterpene.

Conclusion

The results indicated that G. braunii has anti-plasmodial properties and minimally dis-stabilised erythrocyte membrane. The major findings in this study are that n-hexane fraction of G. braunii possess excellent and moderate antiplasmodial activity against susceptible and resistant P. berghei, respectively. This was reflected via decreased parasite load, improved hematological parameters, increased heme and decreased hemozoin contents. Friedelan-3-one, a major constituent of the n-hexane fraction, may be responsible for this activity.

The Effect of Mango Mistletoes (Dendrophthoe pentandra) Leaves Extract on Percentage of CD4+CD28+, CD8+CD28+, and interleukin-2 Levels of Aged Balb/c Mice

BACKGROUND: Population aging is considered to be a global phenomenon today. Age-associated immune system dysfunction or “immunosenescence” is indicated by increased susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and atherosclerosis. One of the immunosenescence markers is a significant drop in CD28 and reduced proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2). The mango mistletoes are deemed to have a better affinity for docking the CD28 and IL-2R receptors of α and β subunits than other plants. AIM: This study aims to determine the effect of ethanol extract of mango mistletoes on IL-2 levels, the percentage of CD4+CD28+, and the percentage of CD8+CD28+ in aged female mice. METHODS: The leaves of mango mistletoes were extracted using 96% ethanol solvent, and the extract was administered to aged female mice (18–20 months) orally with different doses for each group, namely 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg. Mango mistletoe leaves extract was administered once a day for 14 days. Then, the IL-2 levels of the mice were checked from their heart blood samples using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, while the percentages of CD4+CD28+ and CD8+CD28+ were examined from the spleen samples using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The ethanol extract of mango mistletoe leaves was able to increase the percentage of CD4+CD28+ significantly (p < 0.05) at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg and increase the percentage of CD8+CD28+ significantly (p < 0.05) at a dose of 600 mg/kgBW, while other various doses had a strong enough correlation (r = 0.48) to increase IL-2 levels. CONCLUSION: The ethanol extract of mango mistletoe leaves has the good potential to inhibit the aging process in the immune system, as characterized by an increase in IL-2 levels and the percentage of CD4+CD28+ and CD8+CD28+.

Activity and Toxicity of Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. Extract on BALB/c Mice Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer Model

OBJECTIVE

Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. extract (EPE) containing isoliquiritigenin and oxyresveratrol is believed to be an anticancer agent. This study evaluates colon histopathology, TNF-α, TGF-β, and hepatotoxicity on BALB/c mice colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) model treated with EPE.

METHODS

In vivo study was performed on BALB/c mice CAC model induced by 10 mg/kgBW AOM on the first day followed by administration that each cycle consisted of 5% DSS in water for seven days and regular water for seven days. The indicators of the formation of CAC were observed by a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and serum amyloid α (SAA) test. The treatment was conducted once a week started from the seventh week up to the twentieth week with six treatment groups: I was administrated by regular water only (negative control), II was administrated by AOM and DSS only (positive control), III was administrated by doxorubicin,  IV-VI were treated by EPE (0.25 mg/kg BW, 0.50 mg/kg BW, and 1.00 mg/kg BW) respectively. The colon and liver's histopathology was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, TNF-α with immunohistochemistry (IHC), and level measurement of TGF-β colon with ELISA reader. The data were used one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc as statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The administration of EPE increased the expression of TNF-α, the total of goblet cells of the colon, and decreased the level of TGF-β. Administration of EPE 0.50 mg/20g BW decreased a liver histopathological score but induced a histopathological alteration of the liver at a dose of 1.00 mg/20g BW.

CONCLUSION

This study indicate that EPE could be recommended as a colon anticancer through increase the goblet cells, induce apoptosis through increase TNF-α, and decrease TGF-β.

Coelomic Fluid of Eisenia fetida Ameliorates Cetuximab to Reduce K-Ras and Vimentin Expression through Promoting RUNX3 in an AOM/DSS-Induced Colitis Associated Colon Cancer

Ulcerative colitis is a major risk factor that increases the occurrence of colorectal cancer. In colorectal cancer due to colitis, intestinal inflammation plays an important role which causes DNA damage. The aim of this study is to investigate the anticancer effect of coelomic fluid of Eisenia fetida (CFEF) and cetuximab combinations. Colitis associated colon cancer was induced in BALB/c mice by DSS/AOM. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: group 1 received vehicle (control), groups 2–6 received DSS/AOM, groups 3–5 received cetuximab + CFEF (30, 60, or 120 mg/kgBW), and group 6 received CFEF only. After the 12^th week of treatments, the colon tissues were removed for histological examination and immune-fluorescence. Intestinal Epithelial Cells (CECs) were analyzed by flow cytometer. Administration of CFEF significantly decreased the severity of DSS/AOM-induced CAC in a dose-dependent manner. The combinations of CFEF-cetuximab were revealed by histological change. The CFEF significantly reduced the severity scores (P < 0.05). The combinations of CFEF-cetuximab significantly inhibited K-Ras and vimentin expressions, whereas the percentage of RUNX3 significantly increased in CECs. The increasing of RUNX3 could prevent EMT, so that it can decrease K-Ras and vimentin to suppressed cell invasion and migration by CFEF. Our results suggest that CFEF has the therapeutic potential to CAC.

Medicinal Plants in the Prevention and Treatment of Colon Cancer

The standard treatment for cancer is generally based on using cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, the use of traditional treatments has received attention in recent years. The aim of the present work was to provide an overview of medicinal plants effective on colon cancer with special emphasis on bioactive components and underlying mechanisms of action. Various literature databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, were used and English language articles were considered. Based on literature search, 172 experimental studies and 71 clinical cases on 190 plants were included. The results indicate that grape, soybean, green tea, garlic, olive, and pomegranate are the most effective plants against colon cancer. In these studies, fruits, seeds, leaves, and plant roots were used for in vitro and in vivo models. Various anticolon cancer mechanisms of these medicinal plants include induction of superoxide dismutase, reduction of DNA oxidation, induction of apoptosis by inducing a cell cycle arrest in S phase, reducing the expression of PI3K, P-Akt protein, and MMP as well; reduction of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins, and decrease of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin B1 and cyclin E. Plant compounds also increase both the expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p53, p21, and p27, and the BAD, Bax, caspase 3, caspase 7, caspase 8, and caspase 9 proteins levels. In fact, purification of herbal compounds and demonstration of their efficacy in appropriate in vivo models, as well as clinical studies, may lead to alternative and effective ways of controlling and treating colon cancer.

Cytotoxic Test of Extract and Fraction of Dendrophtoe Pentandra (L) Miq on T47D Cell

Indonesia has a variety of plants that have the potential for medicine. One of the plants used by the community as a drug with anticancer effects is Dendrophtoe petandra (L.) Miq. This study aims to determine the cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction and water ethanol fraction of Dendrophtoe petandra (L.) Miq on T47D breast cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects of ethanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction and water ethanol fraction were carried out by MTT assay method using series concentration. Cytotoxic effects were assessed by calculating IC50 values using linear equations. Phytochemical test showed that Dendrophtoe petandra (L.) Miq contained saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. The IC50 value of the ethanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction and water ethanol fraction were 417.506 μg/mL, 233.617 μg/mL, and 2748.357 μg/mL, respectively. The smaller the IC50 value means that the compound is more active. Water ethanol fraction of Dendrophtoe petandra (L.) Miq does not have a cytotoxic effect, whereas ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Dendrophtoe petandra (L.) Miq have cytotoxic effects in the medium strength category. The content of flavonoids and saponins in ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Dendrophtoe petandra (L.) Miq is thought to play role in causing T47D cell death. Cytotoxic effects of ethyl acetate fraction are stronger than ethanol extracts.

Determination of progesterone compounds in the crude methanol extract of benalu duku leaves

Background and Aim:

Dendrophthoepentandra L. Miq (benalu duku) is a parasitic herb that commonly grows on the host plant Lansium domesticum. Researchers have found that the plant contains anticancer compounds and may contain phytoandrogens, including progesterone-like compounds, in its crude methanol extract. The objective of the current study was to investigate the compound of phyto progesterone in benalu duku leaves after extracted by methanol and prepared using an analytical column of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Materials and Methods:

About 400 g of benalu duku leaves were pulverized, and their compounds were isolated by the isocratic method using an RP-18 analytical column (5 µm) with a mobile phase of 70:30 (methanol: water) in a photodiode array detector adjusted to 254 nm. The phyto progesterone compound was identified at a retention time of approximately 6.01 min.

Results:

By LC-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry focusing on molecular fractions, the fingerprint area of the Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, cm⁻¹) and ^Hnuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra indicated that the phyto progesterone product isolated was identical to the certified reference material of pure progesterone, particularly the specific functional groups in the FT-IR spectrum at wavenumbers of 1317.43 cm⁻¹ and 1386.86 cm⁻¹ and in the proton ^HNMR spectrum at carbon 21 of progesterone (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Each 49.888 µg/mL of crude benalu duku leaf extract dissolved in the mobile phase contained 28.515±0.713 µg/mL phyto progesterone.

T-Bet Is Dependent on Stat-4 Inhibiting Acute Colitis but Not Stat-1 Using L4 Somatic Antigen of Heligmosomoides polygyrus

Helminths may alter the immunoinflammatory reactions of colitis. Proteins derived from H. polygyrus have prospective therapy for colitis. The goal of this study was to interpret the protective mechanisms of L4 somatic antigen (LSA) from Heligmosomoides polygyrus against an inflammatory response to the pathogenesis of DNBS-induced colitis. Colitis was actuated in mice by rectal instillation of DNBS. The mice were randomly divided into five groups containing control, DNBS alone, and three groups, with different doses of LSA (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL), respectively. Mice initiated colitis by rectal administration of DNBS and after that were immunized with LSA for 14 days. Mice treated with LSA inhibited wasting disease compared with DNBS only group. The percentages of cells producing IFN-γ were reduced by LSA treatment. The level of T lymphocytes CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ cells in the LPL was significantly diminished by LSA at both 100 and 200 μg/mL groups (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of T-bet was significantly declined in LSA immunized mice, but not RORγ-T mRNA, whereas GATA-3 expression tended to increase. The activation of STAT-4 significantly reduced LSA-treated mice but not STAT-1. It can be concluded that T-bet is required for optimal production of IFN-γ in colitis.

Efficacy, Safety, and Cost of Therapy of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Catalpol, in Patients Following Surgical Resection for Locally Advanced Colon Cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost of treatment of the traditional Chinese herbal medicine, catalpol, in patients following surgical resection for locally advanced colon cancer.

Material/Methods

The 345 patients who had undergone surgical resection for locally advanced colon adenocarcinoma, were divided into three groups: a placebo-treated group (n=115); patients treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg catalpol twice a day for 12 weeks (treatment group) (n=115); patients treated with 5 mg/kg intravenous bevacizumab twice a week for 12 weeks (control group) (n=115). Serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) were measured. Patient overall survival (OS), cancer-free survival (CFS), adverse effects, and cost of therapy were evaluated. Statistical analysis included the Wilcoxon rank sum test and Tukey’s test for clinicopathological response at 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Patients in the catalpol-treated group had significantly reduced serum levels of CA 19-9 (p=0.0002, q=3.202), CEA (p=0.0002, q=3.007), MMP-2 (p≤0.0001, q=6.883), and MMP-9 (p<0.0001, q=3.347). Only non-fatal adverse effects occurred in the catalpol treatment group (p<0.0001, q=5.375). OS and CFS were significantly increased in the catalpol treatment group compared with the placebo group (p<0.0001 q=7.586). The cost of catalpol treatment compared favorably with other treatments (p<0.0001, q=207.17).

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, treatment with the Chinese herbal medicine, catalpol, showed benefits in clinical outcome, at low cost, and with no serious complications.

Comparison of the Efficacy, Side Effects, and Cost of Modafinil and Intranasal Mometasone Furoate in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome: A Preliminary Clinical Study

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is characterized by repeated episodes of reduction in airflow due to the collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcome, side effects, and cost of treatment between modafinil and intranasal mometasone furoate in patients with OSAHS.

Material/Methods

Patients with OSAHS (N=250) were divided into two groups: the modafinil group (MG) (N=125) were treated with 100 mg modafinil twice a day; the intranasal mometasone furoate group (IMFG) (N=125) were treated with 100 μg of intranasal mometasone furoate in the evening. Quality of life, grading of OSAHS, plain-film radiography, the adenoidal-nasopharyngeal ratio (AN ratio), side effects, cost of treatment, and beneficial effects after discontinuation of treatment were evaluated for all patients.

Results

Duration of sleep apnea was significantly reduced in the IMFG compared with the MG (p=0.0145, q=9.262). Modafinil and intranasal mometasone furoate both had moderate effects on improvement of the OSAHS score. The IMFG showed a significantly greater beneficial effect on the AN ratio when compared with the MG (p=0.0001, q=6.584). No adverse events of treatment with modafinil and intranasal mometasone furoate were reported. Cost of treatment and beneficial effect after discontinuation were both significantly greater for the IMFG compared with the MG.

Conclusions

The findings of this preliminary clinical study were that for patients diagnosed with OSAHS, night-time treatment with intranasal mometasone furoate was more effective than modafinil.

Extract from mango mistletoes Dendrophthoe pentandra ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis by regulating CD4+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes

Background

Mango mistletoes Dendrophthoe pentandra (MMDP) extract has attracted interest due to its pharmacological properties, including gastro protective effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether MMDP extract could increase Foxp3 regulatory T cells and inhibits development of Th17 cells.

Methods

Colitis was induced in Balb/c mice by rectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The mice were randomly divided into five groups comprising group1 receiving vehicle (the negative control), group 2–5 receiving TNBS, group 3–5 orally receiving either MMDP extract 150, 300 and 600 mg/kgBW for 7 days after TNBS administration. On day 8 of the experiment, the colon tissues were removed for histological examination, cytokine and myeloperoxidase (MPO) measurement. T-cells sub-population in mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometer.

Results

MMDP extract potently suppressed colon shortening and MPO in mice with TNBS-induced colitis. Administration of the extract significantly decreased the severity of TNBS-induced colitis in a dose-dependent manner. The extract significantly attenuated the loss of body weight (p < 0.05). These effects were associated with a remarkable amelioration of the disruption of the colonic architecture, significant reduction of the colonic MPO (p < 0.05). The extract lowered the levels of Th17-associated cytokines but increased the production of Treg-associated cytokines in mesenteric lymph node cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that MMDP has the therapeutic potential to ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis symptoms revealed by histological change and inhibit IL-17 production.

Anti-Proliferative Effects of Dendrophthoe pentandra Methanol Extract on BCR/ABL-Positive and Imatinib-Resistant Leukemia Cell Lines

Background:

Imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor specifically targeting the BCR/ABL fusion protein, induces hematological remission in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, the majority of CML patients treated with imatinib develop resistance with prolonged therapy. Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. is a Malaysian mistletoe species that has been used as a traditional treatment for several ailments such as smallpox, ulcers, and cancers.

Methods:

We developed a resistant cell line (designated as K562R) by long-term co-culture of a BCR/ABL positive CML cell line, K562, with imatinib mesylate. We then investigated the anti-proliferative effects of D. pentandra methanol extract on parental K562 and resistant K562R cells. Trypan blue exclusion assays were performed to determine the IC50 concentration; apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were conducted by flow cytometry.

Results:

D. pentandra extract had greater anti-proliferative effects towards K562R (IC50= 192 μg/mL) compared to K562 (500 μg/mL) cells. Upon treatment with D. pentandra extract at the IC50 concentration: K562 but not K562R demonstrated increase in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase.

Conclusion:

D. pentandra methanol extract exerts potent anti-proliferative effect on BCR/ABL positive K562 cells.