In vitro investigation of cytotoxic and antioxidative activities of Ardisia crispa against breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231

Metabolomic Profiling of Guadua Species and Its Correlation with Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities

Bamboo plants are widely used in Asian traditional medicine for various health issues and exhibit therapeutic potential. Guadua species are renowned bamboos for their high phenolic compound content, including flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and possess noteworthy biological properties. Despite this, there is a notable scarcity of research on the chemical and biological aspects of Latin American bamboo leaf extracts (BLEs), especially concerning the Guadua genus. This study aimed to employ a metabolomics approach to integrate the phytochemical and activity profiles of BLEs to identify potential bioactive markers. We determined the metabolic fingerprints of 30 BLEs through HPTLC, HPLC-DAD, UHPLC-QTOF-MS, and 1H-NMR analyses and screened for antioxidant and cytotoxic activities using ABTS, DPPH, and MTT methods. Ultimately, correlation analyses were performed by using chemometric methods and molecular networking. Our findings present a comprehensive chemical characterization, encompassing 40 flavonoids and 9 cinnamic acid derivatives. Notably, most of these compounds have been reported for the first time within the genus, signifying novel discoveries. Additionally, certain compounds identified in other species of the subfamily Bambusoideae provide valuable comparative insights. These compounds demonstrated a significant correlation with antioxidant potential, with values exceeding 100 and 30 μmol of TE/g of extract for ABTS and DPPH, respectively, in the samples. Extracts from G. incana and G. angustifolia exhibited potent cytotoxic effects with IC50 values of 1.23 and 4.73 μg/mL against HCT-116 colon cancer cells, respectively. Notably, glycosylated flavones showed a strong correlation with cytotoxicity. These new findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the chemical composition and biological properties of these often overlooked bamboo species, providing them with important added value and alternative use.

In-Vitro Cytotoxicity, Apoptotic Property, and Gene Expression Changes Induced by Naringenin-7-O-Glucoside in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges demanding the expansion of effectual therapeutic methods. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a form of aggressive cancer with inadequate therapeutic options which lacks the expression of certain hormones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study investigates the potential of naringenin-7-O-glucoside, a flavanone glycoside extracted from Holarrhena antidysenterica as an anticancer agent against TNBC cell lines. In-vitro analysis to evaluate cytotoxicity, apoptotic-inducing properties and effect on gene expression was conducted.

RESULTS

MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay studied the IC-50 of naringenin-7-O-glucoside to be 233.56 µg/µL, revealing the dose-dependent cytotoxicity with minimal effect on Vero cells. Extensive DNA fragmentation confirmed the apoptotic property. Furthermore, a significant downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was noted in treated cells when equated to the control specimen of the sample.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, naringenin-7-O-glucoside can be a potential targeted therapeutic agent.

Anti-cancer effect of a phytochemical compound - 7R-acetylmelodorinol - against triple-negative breast cancer cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype currently lacking effective treatment options. Consequently, novel and effective drugs or compounds are urgently needed to treat TNBC. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of 7R-acetylmelodorinol (7R-AMDL), a phytochemical compound isolated from Xylopia pierrei Hance, a plant found in Thailand, as a novel therapeutic agent for TNBC. MTT and clonogenic assays showed that 7R-AMDL significantly reduced the survival of breast cancer cell lines, with a markedly potent effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. Flow cytometry showed that treating MDA-MB-231 cells with 7R-AMDL at the concentration of dose 8 µM significantly increased early and late apoptosis after 24 and 48 h compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). The highest tested 7R-AMDL dose upregulated the death receptors and their ligands, with extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways significantly activated via the caspase cascade, compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). In addition, immunoblots showed decreased BCL2-like 1 (BCL2L1/Bcl-xL) expression (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, wound healing and Transwell assays showed that at a non-cytotoxic dose (≤4 µM), 7R-AMDL significantly inhibited the MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion. This reduction in cell migration was associated with decreased matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) expression (p < 0.01) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation (p < 0.05). Altogether, 7R-AMDL has anti-cancer effects against TNBC and the potential to be further developed and evaluated for treating this disease.

Effect of rapamycin on human periodontal ligament stem cells that have been exposed to sodium hypochlorite

AIMS

The present study investigated the effect of rapamycin on the viability and osteogenic differentiation potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) in the presence of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

MAIN METHODS

After determining the minimum inhibitory concentration of NaOCl and optimum concentration of rapamycin, the viability of hPDLSCs was evaluated using the MTT assay subsequent to their exposure to NaOCl, rapamycin, or a combination of both. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by the cell mineralization assay performed by alizarin red S staining, alkaline phosphatase activity, and monitoring the expression of osteogenic genes markers Runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin, using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression of autophagy-related genes PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, was also analyzed with RT-qPCR.

KEY FINDINGS

Stem cells treated with rapamycin showed the highest percentage of viable cells in the presence of NaOCl. The same trend was observed for all osteogenic differentiation assays. The hPDLSCs treated with rapamycin demonstrated the highest calcium nodule deposition, alkaline phosphatase activity, and the expression of osteogenic gene markers. These effects were not adversely affected by the presence of NaOCl. Rapamycin significantly inhibited mTOR gene expression, while there were no differences in the gene expression of PI3K and Akt.

SIGNIFICANCE

Rapamycin counteracts the cytotoxic effect of NaOCl by enhancing the viability and osteogenic differentiation potential of hPDLSCs. Rapamycin appears to accomplish these processes via autophagy activation, by inhibiting mTOR gene expression. The incorporation of rapamycin in regenerative endodontic therapy may encourage a higher success rate.

An In Vitro Evaluation and Network Pharmacology Analysis of Prospective Anti-Prostate Cancer Activity from Perilla frutescens

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is extensively cultivated in East Asia as a dietary vegetable, and nutraceuticals are reportedly rich in bioactive compounds, especially with anticancer activities. This study explored the in vitro cytotoxic effects of P. frutescens parts' (stems, leaves, and seeds) extracts on prostate cancer cells (DU-145) and possible interactions of putative metabolites to related prostate cancer targets in silico. The ethanol extract of P. frutescens leaves was the most cytotoxic for the prostate cancer cells. From high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, rosmarinic acid was identified as the major metabolite in the leaf extracts. Network analysis revealed interactions from multiple affected targets and pathways of the metabolites. From gene ontology enrichment analysis, P. frutescens leaf metabolites could significantly affect 14 molecular functions and 12 biological processes in five cellular components. Four (4) KEGG pathways, including for prostate cancer, and six (6) Reactome pathways were shown to be significantly affected. The molecular simulation confirmed the interactions of relevant protein targets with key metabolites, including rosmarinic acid. This study could potentially lead to further exploration of P. frutescens leaves or their metabolites for prostate cancer treatment and prevention.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Assessment and Phytochemical Investigation of Three Varieties of Date Fruits

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits contain high concentrations of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and other micronutrients, which impact human health due to their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer characteristics. In the present study, the effect of ethyl acetate, hydroethanol, hydromethanol, and aqueous extract from three date palm varieties (i.e., Ajwa, Siwi, and Sukkari) on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant and anticancer activities was investigated. Fruit extracts were screened for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH· method. Phenolic constituents were quantified and identified using HPLC-DAD. Extracts (ethyl acetate, hydroethanol, and hydromethanol) were assessed for cytotoxicity on nine human cancer cell lines, i.e., MG-63, HCT116, MCF7, MDA-MB-231, HEPG2, HUH7, A549, H460, and HFB4, using the sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) assay. Results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of the Sukkari fruits has the greatest antioxidant potential with an IC₅₀ value of 132.4 ± 0.3 μg·mL^-1, while the aqueous extract of Ajwa date fruits exhibited the lowest antioxidant effect with an IC₅₀ value of 867.1 ± 0.3 μg·mL^-1. The extracts exhibited potent to moderate anticancer activities against the investigated cancer cell line in a source-dependent manner. Methanol extract of Siwi fruits exhibited the most potent anticancer activity (IC₅₀ = 99 ± 1.6 µg·mL^-1), followed by the same extract of Sukkari fruits with an IC₅₀ value of 119 ± 3.5 µg·mL^-1 against the cell line of human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was investigated to determine the relationship among the investigated traits and treatments. Our findings reveal that date palm fruit-derived extracts are excellent sources of biologically active constituents and substantiate their potential use in new anticancer strategies from natural resources.

Co-delivery of doxorubicin and hydroxychloroquine via chitosan/alginate nanoparticles for blocking autophagy and enhancing chemotherapy in breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and the standard treatment is chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery. In order to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, various nanoparticles (NPs) have been discovered and synthesized, which has become a promising treatment for BC. In this study, a co-delivery nanodelivery drug system (Co-NDDS) was designed and synthesized with 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) coated Fe₃O₄ NPs as core encapsulated into chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (CANPs) shell, doxorubicin (DOX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as loading drugs. Smaller NPs carrying DOX (FeAC-DOX NPs) were loaded into larger NPs containing HCQ (FeAC-DOX@PC-HCQ NPs) by ionic gelation and emulsifying solvent volatilization methods. The physicochemical properties of this Co-NDDS were characterised, followed by in vitro studies of the anticancer effects and mechanisms using two different BC cell lines, MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. The results indicated that the Co-NDDS showcases exemplary physicochemical qualities and encapsulation capacity, facilitating accurate intracellular release through pH-sensitive attributes. Importantly, NPs can significantly increase the in vitro cytotoxicity of co-administered drugs and effectively inhibit the autophagy level of tumour cells. The Co-NDDS constructed in this study provides a promising strategy for the treatment of BC.

Terpenoids with Cytotoxic Activity from Roots of Ardisia crispa

Three new terpenoids, ardisiacrispins G-I (1, 4 and 8), and eight known compounds, cyclamiretin A (2), psychotrianoside G (3), 3-hydroxy-β-damascone (5), megastigmane (6), corchoionol C (7), zingiberoside B (9), angelicoidenol (10), trans-linalool-3,6-oxide-β-D-glucopyranoside (11) were isolated from the roots of Ardisia crispa. The chemical structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, such as HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Ardisiacrispin G (1) represents the oleanolic-type scaffold featuring a rare 15,16- epoxy system. All compounds were evaluated for the cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines (U87 MG and HepG2) in vitro. Compounds 1, 8 and 9 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging from 7.6±1.1 to 28.8±3.2 μM.

Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa cv. Festival: A Polyphenol-Based Phytochemical Characterization in Fruit and Leaf Extracts

Berry fruits are an important dietary source of health-promoting antioxidant polyphenols. Interestingly, berry leaves of diverse species, including strawberries, have shown higher bioactive phytochemical content in the leaves than in the fruit. Moreover, the vegetative part of the plants is usually discarded, representing a presumably large source of underutilized bioactive biomass. In this investigation, the polyphenol profiles of tropical highland strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Festival) leaves and fruits were compared by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD) and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The total polyphenol strawberry leaf extracts exhibited a 122-fold-higher total polyphenol content and 13-fold higher antioxidant activity (ORAC) than strawberry fruits, and they showed evidence of possible photoprotective effects against UV damage in human melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28) and in murine embryo fibroblasts (NIH/3T3), together with promising anti-proliferative activities against the same melanoma cells. Seven polyphenols were confirmed by HPLC-DAD in the leaf extracts, with differences depending on fraction solubility. Moreover, three substituted quercetin derivatives, three substituted kaempferol derivatives, two anthocyanins, and catechin were confirmed in the soluble fraction by HPLC-MS. Given their higher total polyphenol content and bioactive activities, underutilized strawberry Festival leaves are a potential source of apparently abundant biomass with prospective bioactive applications.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Sand Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scabra) Extracts using Wet Rendering Extraction Method

Antioxidant and anticancer activities of sand sea cucumber Holothuria scabra (dried and fresh) extracts were studied. The highest extraction yield of sea cucumber H. scabra (3.9%) was obtained using dried H. scabra at 60oC. The highest antioxidant activity was found in fresh H. scabra extract at 60°C with an IC50 value of 629.89 ± 0.15 µg/mL using the ABTS method, and the highest antioxidant activity by DPPH method was found in dried H. scabra extract at 70°C with an IC50 value of 32017.18 ± 0.82 µg/mL. The best antioxidant activity based on FRAP and TBARS methods was found in fresh H. scabra extracts at 80°C, respectively. The highest total phenol and flavonoid contained in dried H. scabra extract were 317.54 ± 8.91 mg GAE/100 g sample and 247.56 ± 11.70 mg QE/100 g sample. H. scabra extracts inhibited more than 50% of the growth of the MDA-MB-231 cell line at concentrations of 25 and 50 μg/mL except for dried H. scabra extracts at 80°C. Similarly, the extracts showed the highest cytotoxic effect up to 100% at the highest concentration (100 μg/mL) except for dried H. scabra extracts at 70°C and 80°C.

Self-Emulsifying Micellization of Crude Extracts from Apple (Malus domestica cv. Anna), Plum (Prunus domestica cv. Satsuma), and Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Fruits

Micellar microemulsions are thermodynamically stable self-emulsifying systems that have been used to successfully improve the low oral bioavailability of several bioactive phytochemicals, such as antioxidant polyphenols. However, most studies have reported the micellization of single-compounds or purified chemical fractions; thus, the stability, phytochemical-loading efficiency, and bioactivity of complex crude extracts remain largely unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the effects of micellar emulsification of tropical apple (Malus domestica cv. Anna), plum (Prunus domestica cv. Satsuma), and guava (Psidium guajava L.) extracts regarding particle size and stability, polyphenol-loading efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxic activity in human and murine cells. Simple food-grade extraction protocols were implemented to obtain apple, plum, and guava extracts. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were determined in the fruit extracts, and their polyphenol profile was further characterized by liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD). The dried extracts were mixed into a food-grade, self-emulsifying system, and their cytotoxicity in human and murine cell lines was compared. Our research showed that complex fruit matrixes were successfully emulsified into thermodynamically stable polysorbate-based nanometric micelles with uniform size distribution and consistent pH stability, with potential applications in food and biomedical industries.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Ardisia crispa Thunb

Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A. DC. belongs to the genus Ardisia (Myrsinaceae). It is a traditional medicinal plant widely used to treat inflammatory-related diseases in southern China. Here, we provide the complete chloroplast genome of A. crispa from Laibin, Guangxi, PR China using Illumina high-throughput sequencing approach. The total length of the chloroplast genome is 156,709 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region, a small single-copy (SSC) region, and a pair of inverted repeats IRa and IRb regions which are separated by the LSC and SSC, with lengths of 86,301 bp, 18,411 bp, and 25,999 bp, respectively. In general, 132 genes were identified, including 93 protein-coding genes, 31 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The overall GC content is 47.82%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. crispa is close to congeneric species A. mamillata.

Anticancer potential of Phoenix dactylifera L. seed extract in human cancer cells and pro-apoptotic effects mediated through caspase-3 dependent pathway in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells: an in vitro and in silico investigation

Background

Phoenix dactylifera L. has a diverse set of pharmacological properties due to its distinct phytochemical profile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer potential of Phoenix dactylifera seed extract (PDSE) in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, as well as liver cancer HepG2 cells, and to investigate the anticancer efficacy in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells, followed by in silico validation of the molecular interaction between active components of PDSE and caspase-3, an apoptosis executioner protein .

Methods

In this study, human cancer cell lines were cultured and subsequently treated with 10 to 100 μg/mL of PDSE. MTT test was performed to determine the cell viability, MMP was measured using fluorescent probe JC-1, nuclear condensation was determined by Hoechst 33258 dye, Annexin V-FITC & PI staining and cell cycle analysis were evaluated through flow cytometer, and apoptotic markers were detected using western blotting. The bioactive agents in PDSE were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The binding affinity was validated using molecular docking tools AutoDock Vina and iGEMDOCK v2.1.

Results

Cell viability data indicated that PDSE inhibited cell proliferation in both breast cancer cells and liver cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 cells showed maximum growth inhibition with an IC₅₀ value of 85.86 μg/mL for PDSE. However, PDSE did not show any significant toxicity against the normal Vero cell line. PDSE induced MMP loss and formation of apoptotic bodies, enhanced late apoptosis at high doses and arrested cells in the S phase of cell cycle. PDSE activated the enzymatic activity of cleaved caspase-3 and caused the cleavage of poly-ADB ribose polymerase (PARP) protein. PDSE upregulated pro-apoptotic Bax protein markedly but  no significant effect on tumor suppressor protein p53, while it downregulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression. HPLC analysis showed the presence of rutin and quercetin bioactive flavonols in ethanolic extract of PDS. Interestingly, both active components revealed a strong binding interaction with amino acid residues of caspase-3 (PDB ID: 2XYP; Hetero 4-mer - A2B2) protein.

Conclusion

PDS could serve as a potential medicinal source for apoptotic cell death in human breast cancer cells and, thus, could be used as a promising and crucial candidate in anticancer drug development. This study warrants further in vivo research, followed by clinical investigation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03533-0.

Cytotoxic 13,28 Epoxy Bridged Oleanane-Type Triterpenoid Saponins from the Roots of Ardisia crispa

Ardisiacrispin D–F (1–3), three new 13,28 epoxy bridged oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, together with four known analogues (4–7) were isolated from the roots of Ardisia crispa. The structures of 1–7 were elucidated based on 1D and 2D-NMR experiments and by comparing their spectroscopic data with values from the published literatures. Ardisiacrispin D–F (1–3) are first examples that the monosaccharide directly linked to aglycone C-3 of triterpenoid saponins in genus Ardisia are non-arabinopyranose. In the present paper, all compounds are evaluated for the cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines (HeLa, HepG2 and U87 MG) in vitro. The results show that compounds 1, 4 and 6 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against Hela and U87 MG cells with IC₅₀ values in the range of 2.2 ± 0.6 to 9.5 ± 1.8 µM. The present investigation suggests that roots of A. crispa could be a potential source of natural anti-tumor agents and their triterpenoid saponins might be responsible for cytotoxicity.

Bioassay Guided Fractionation of Senna singueana and Its Potential for Development of Poultry Phytogenic Feed Additives

There has been burgeoning interest in plant-based feed additives following restrictions placed on the use of antibiotic feed additives in many countries. Phytogenic feed additives are recommended to have a range of useful properties to support the growth and development of poultry to a similar level as that obtained by supplementing feed with antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, anti-lipoxygenase and antioxidant activity, and in vitro safety of fractions and isolated compounds from leaves of Senna singueana. Antibacterial activities of the fractions and isolated compounds were determined against a panel of bacteria using a two-fold serial microdilution assay and qualitative bioautography assays. Anti-lipoxygenase activity was evaluated using the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) method. Antioxidant activity was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively using radical scavenging assays. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions from solvent-solvent partitioning had the best antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 156 to 313 μg/ml. Fractions obtained from column chromatography had significant to weak antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 50 to 1,250 μg/ml. Bioautography showed clear bands of bacterial inhibition, indicating the presence of a number of active compounds in several fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction and all the tested column fractions had potent anti-lipoxygenase activity with IC₅₀ values of ≤2.5 μg/ml which were lower than that of quercetin (positive control), indicating anti-inflammatory potential. The ethyl acetate fraction and several column fractions had powerful antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of ≤5 μg/ml in the ABTS assay. Cytotoxicity values against Vero kidney cells ranged from LC₅₀ = 40.0–989.3 μg/ml. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation and identification of a known bioactive compound, luteolin. S. singueana is a promising candidate for the development of poultry phytogenic feed additives.

Biomedical PEVA Nanocomposite with Dual Clay Nanofiller: Cytotoxicity, Mechanical Properties, and Biostability

Poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA) nanocomposite incorporating dual clay nanofiller (DCN) of surface modified montmorillonite (S-MMT) and bentonite (Bent) was studied for biomedical applications. In order to overcome agglomeration of the DCN, the S-MMT and Bent were subjected to a physical treatment prior to being mixed with the copolymer to form nanocomposite material. The S-MMT and Bent were physically treated to become S-MMT(P) and Bent(pH-s), respectively, that could be more readily dispersed in the copolymer matrix due to increments in their basal spacing and loosening of their tactoid structure. The biocompatibility of both nanofillers was assessed through a fibroblast cell cytotoxicity assay. The mechanical properties of the neat PEVA, PEVA nanocomposites, and PEVA-DCN nanocomposites were evaluated using a tensile test for determining the best S-MMT(P):Bent(pH-s) ratio. The results were supported by morphological studies by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biostability evaluation of the samples was conducted by comparing the ambient tensile test data with the in vitro tensile test data (after being immersed in simulated body fluid at 37 °C for 3 months). The results were supported by surface degradation analysis. Our results indicate that the cytotoxicity level of both nanofillers reduced upon the physical treatment process, making them safe to be used in low concentration as dual nanofillers in the PEVA-DCN nanocomposite. The results of tensile testing, SEM, and TEM proved that the ratio of 4:1 (S-MMT(P):Bent(pH-s)) provides a greater enhancement in the mechanical properties of the PEVA matrix. The biostability assessment indicated that the PEVA-DCN nanocomposite can achieve much better retention in tensile strength after being subjected to the simulated physiological fluid for 3 months with less surface degradation effect. These findings signify the potential of the S-MMT(P)/Bent(pH-s) as a reinforcing DCN, with simultaneous function as biostabilizing agent to the PEVA copolymer for implant application.

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.

Bioactive properties of Persea lingue Ness (Lauraceae) fruit and leaf extracts

Persea lingue Ness is a tree species that lives mainly in temperate forests of south-central Chile. Its leaves are used in ethnomedicine, the fruit is a drupe similar to that of the avocado and has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity in leukemia cell and antibacterial activity, along with some chemical content characteristics of P. lingue fruit and leaf extracts. The antibacterial activity was determined by the inhibition of bacterial growth in liquid medium assay against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The leukemia cell lines Kasumi-1 and Jurkat were used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity by using propidium iodide and AlamarBlue assays. Total phenolic, flavonoid, condensed tannin, alkaloid and lipid contents were evaluated in the fruit and in the leaf extracts. The antioxidant activity of both extracts were also elavaluated. Leaf extract presented the highest content of total phenols, condensed tannins and flavonoids, and also the highest antioxidant activity. While the fruit extract has a higher amount of lipids and alkaloids and the high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium and Micrococcus luteus. The leaf extract only showed activity against M. luteus. Concerning the cytotoxic activity, only the fruit extract showed cytotoxicity against the cell lines Jurkat and Kasumi-1. P. lingue fruit extract is a potential source of biologically active molecules for the development of new drugs to be used in some types of leukemia, as well as antibacterial agent.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibition, and Wound Healing Potential of Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand: A Source of a Bioactive Medicinal Product

Traditionally, plants of the genus Calotropis have been used to cure various common diseases. The present research work explores the chemical and biological characterization of one of the most common species of this genus, i.e., Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand (syn. Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand.), having multiple folklore applications. The ethanolic extract of leaves of Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand was analyzed for the phytochemical composition by determining the total bioactive (total phenolic and total flavonoid) contents and UHPLC-MS secondary metabolites analysis. For phytopharmacological evaluation, in vitro antioxidant (including DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelation antioxidant assays) activities, enzyme inhibition potential (against AChE, BChE, α-amylase, and tyrosinase enzymes), and in vivo wound healing potential were determined. The tested extract has been shown to contain considerable flavonoid (46.75 mg RE/g extract) and phenolic (33.71 mg GAE/g extract) contents. The plant extract presented considerable antioxidant potential, being the most active for CUPRAC assays. Secondary metabolite UHPLC-MS characterization, in both the positive and negative ionization modes, indicated the tentative presence of 17 different phytocompounds, mostly derivatives of sesquiterpene, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Similarly, the tested extract exhibited considerable inhibitory effects on tyrosinase (81.72 mg KAE/g extract), whereas it showed weak inhibition ability against other tested enzymes. Moreover, in the case of in vivo wound healing assays, significant improvement in wound healing was observed in both the tested models at the doses of 0.5 percent w/w (p < 0.001) and 2.0 percent w/w (p < 0.01) on the 16^th day. The outcomes of the present research work suggested that C. gigantea (L.) Dryand plant extract could be appraised as a potential origin of bioactive molecules having multifunctional medicinal uses.

Plant cell cultures of Nordic berry species: Phenolic and carotenoid profiling and biological assessments

Plant cell cultures from cloudberry (CL), lingonberry (LI), stone berry (ST), arctic bramble (AB), and strawberry (SB) were studied in terms of their polyphenol and carotenoid composition, antioxidant activity, antihemolytic activity and cytotoxicity effects on cancerous cells. High-resolution mass spectrometry data showed that LI, presented the highest antioxidant activity, contained the highest contents of flavones, phenolic acids, lignans, and total carotenoids, while CL, ST and SB presented the opposite behavior. AB and SB presented the lowest FRAP and CUPRAC values, while AB and CL presented the lowest reducing power. SB presented the lowest antioxidant activity measured by single electron transfer assays and the lowest content of lignans, phenolic acids, and flavones. CL and LI decreased the viability of in vitro mammary gland adenocarcinoma while only LI decreased the viability of in vitro lung carcinoma and showed protective effects of human erythrocytes against mechanical hemolysis.

Bioactive fractions and compound of Ardisia crispa roots exhibit anti-arthritic properties mediated via angiogenesis inhibition in vitro

Background

Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC (Primulaceae), is a medicinal herb traditionally used by Asian people as remedies to cure inflammatory related diseases, including rheumatism. The plant roots possess various pharmacological activities including antipyretic, anti-inflammation and antitumor. Previous phytochemical studies of the plant roots have identified long chain alkyl-1,4-benzoquinones as major constituents, together with other phytochemicals. Hexane fraction of the plant roots (ACRH), was previously reported with anti-angiogenic and anti-arthritic properties, while its effect on their anti-arthritic in vitro, is yet unrevealed. Considering the significance of angiogenesis inhibition in developing new anti-arthritic agent, thus we investigated the anti-arthritic potential of Ardisia crispa roots by suppressing angiogenesis, in vitro.

Methods

Ardisia crispa roots hexane extract (ACRH) was prepared from the plant roots using absolute n-hexane. ACRH was fractionated into quinone-rich fraction (QRF) and further isolated to yield benzoquinonoid compound (BQ), respectively. In vitro experiments using VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and IL-1β-induced human fibroblast-like synoviocytes for rheumatoid arthritis (HFLS-RA) were performed to evaluate the effects of these samples on VEGF-induced HUVECs proliferation and tube formation, and towards IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis, respectively. Therapeutic concentrations (0.05, 0.5, and 5 μg/mL) tested in this study were predetermined based on the IC₅₀ values obtained from the MTT assay.

Results

ACRH, QRF, and BQ exerted concentration-independent antiproliferative effects on VEGF-induced HUVECs and IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA, with IC₅₀ values at 1.09 ± 0.18, 3.85 ± 0.26, and 1.34 ± 0.16 μg/mL in HUVECs; and 3.60 ± 1.38, 4.47 ± 0.34, and 1.09 ± 0.09 μg/mL in HFLS-RA, respectively. Anti-angiogenic properties of these samples were verified via significant inhibition on VEGF-induced HUVECs tube formation, in a concentration-independent manner. The invasiveness of IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA was also significantly inhibited in a concentration-independent manner by all samples. ACRH and BQ, but not QRF, significantly enhanced the apoptosis of IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA elicited at their highest concentration (5 μg/mL) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the bioactive fractions and compound from Ardisia crispa roots as potential anti-arthritic agents by inhibiting both HUVECs and HFLS-RA’s cellular functions in vitro, possibly mediated via their anti-angiogenic effects.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03341-y.

Subacute and subchronic toxicity of microencapsulated pomegranate juice in rats and mice

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit used extensively in traditional medicine by ancient and modern cultures. Different parts of the tree and fruit, such as leaf, peel, pericarp, aril, seed, and juice contain considerable amounts of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activities. To improve its storability, pomegranate juice was microencapsulated by spray drying. The present study evaluated microencapsulated pomegranate juice (MPJ) for toxic effects in Wistar rats and CD-1 mice to determine if MPJ can be considered safe for human consumption and used as a nutraceutical. No deaths or deleterious effects occurred when high doses of 5000 mg/kg were orally administered in rats for 14 days, indicating an absence of subacute toxicity. Similarly, 3000 mg/kg MPJ administered to CD-1 mice for 90 days did not show subchronic toxicity. In fact, MPJ resulted in lowered weight gain in both rats and mice. Cytotoxic and microbiological analyses of MPJ were also performed. MPJ did not cause any cytotoxicity in epithelial cell culture as tested using the Alamar blue assay. Additionally, histopathological analysis of kidney and liver corroborated the absence of toxicity in CD-1 mice. The microbial load of the MPJ was low, and no pathogenic bacteria were present. In conclusion, the results reported here show that high doses of MPJ are apparently innocuous in rats and mice for the 14 and 90 days investigated, respectively. Although preliminary, our results suggest that MPJ may be safe to ingest and may even have beneficial effects in reducing weight gain.

Bone-protective and anti-tumor effect of baicalin in osteotropic breast cancer via induction of apoptosis

PURPOSE

Research suggested that bone is the specific target organ for breast cancer metastasis. The related tumor causes significant morbidity due to a reduction in quality of life and physical function. Increased osteoclast function is implicated in the bone microenvironment during the outgrowth of breast cancer. In the present experimental study, we examined the potential bone-protective effect of baicalin osteotropic breast Cancer and explored the possible mechanism of action.

METHODS

In vitro cell viability effect of baicalin was assessed on the breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7). We also estimated the in vitro osteoclast and bone resorption. Further, baicalin-regulated osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis were also estimated in vitro. Finally, the role of the baicalin in the expansion of osteolytic bone disease was scrutinized in a breast cancer bone metastases model.

RESULTS

Baicalin significantly (p < 0.001) downregulated the viability of murine and human cancer cell lines and diminished the osteoclastogenesis of osteoclast progenitors via estimation with the help of qRT-PCR. Baicalin showed the downregulation in the mRNA expression of OCN and ALP. Baicalin reduced the TRAP-positive cells in the presence of RANKL. Baicalin considerably upregulated the cytochrome c secretion into the cytoplasm. Baicalin markedly increased the DNA fragmentation, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. Baicalin significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the metastatic growth of MDA-MB-231 cells,preserving the bone mass in a bone metastasis model.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, we can conclude that these results highlight the bone-protective effect of baicalin, which also highlighted the anti-tumor effect; further research is needed into the likely effects on bone health in the bone metastases and osteoporosis populations, such as post-menopausal women with breast cancer.

Therapeutic propensities, phytochemical composition, and toxicological evaluation of Anagallis arvensis (L.): A wild edible medicinal food plant

Anagallis arvensis (L.) is a wild edible food plant that has been used in folklore as a natural remedy for treating common ailments. This study aimed to explore the biochemical properties and toxicity of methanol (MeOH) and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of A. arvensis (aerial and root parts). Bioactive contents were assessed spectrophotometrically, and the secondary metabolites were identified by UHPLC-MS analysis. DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating assays were employed to assess antioxidant activity. Inhibitory potential against key enzymes (α-glucosidase, urease, lipoxygenase (LOX), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)) were also assessed. MTT assay was employed to test toxicity against SW-480, MDA-MB-231, CaSki, MCF-7, and DU-145 cancer cell lines. Methanolic extracts showed highest phenolic (aerial-MeOH: 27.5 mg GAE/g extract; root-MeOH: 21.17 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (aerial-MeOH: 26.15 mg QE/g extract; root-MeOH: 19.07 mg QE/g extract) contents, and potent antioxidant activities. The aerial-MeOH extract was most potent for DPPH (IC₅₀: 231 ug/mL), ABTS (131.12 mg TE/g extract), FRAP (82.97 mg TE/g extract), and CUPRAC (137.15 mg TE/g extract) antioxidant assays. All extracts were cytotoxic towards tested cancer cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 12.57 to 294.5 µg/mL and conferred a comparatively strong inhibition against α-glucosidase (aerial-DCM extract showed the highest inhibition against α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ value of 20.97 µg /mL), while aerial extracts were also considerably active against BChE (aerial-MeOH IC₅₀: 224.63 µg /mL), LOX (aerial-DCM IC₅₀: 385.7 µg /mL). Likewise, aerial-MeOH extract was most active against urease enzyme (IC₅₀: 129.72 µg /mL). UHPLC-MS investigation of methanolic extracts showed the existence of important phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins, including methyl gallte, quercetin, lanceoletin, and balanitesin, amongst others. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted the correlation amongst bioactive contents and observed biological activities. A. arvensis extracts could be regarded as a natural source of bioactive antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors and anticancer agents and can be further investigated as a lead source for food and pharmaceutical products. However, further studies to isolate, purify, and to characterize its bioactive phytochemicals are needed.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic activity assessment of Channa striatus (Haruan) extract

Background and Aim

Channa striatus extract, a freshwater snakehead fish known as Haruan, is popular in Southeast Asia for consumption and as a traditional therapeutic remedy for wound healing. C. striatus is also used in osteoarthritic for its anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibacterial properties of C. striatus extract against oral bacteria and to investigate the cytotoxic activity against Vero cells.

Materials and Methods

The authors prepared C. striatus extract in chloroform-methanol solvents. Next, the authors took subgingival microbiological samples from 16 cats that had periodontal disease. The authors determined the antibacterial properties of C. striatus extract against the isolated bacteria using the disk diffusion method and a broth microdilution-based resazurin microtiter assay. Finally, the authors used the Vero cell line to evaluate the cytotoxic activity, and they assessed the cell availability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results

The results showed weak antibacterial activity of C. striatus extract against Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli. In addition, the authors found that minimum inhibition concentration values ranged between 400 and 500 mg/mL, and minimum bactericidal concentration values ranged between 650 and 550 mg/mL. However, the cytotoxic results were promising, showing that C. striatus extract increased the cell viability and growth when it was at a higher concentration. The extract also promotes growth and cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that C. striatus extract promoted cell proliferation in vitro and could be a plausible therapeutic wound healing alternative for periodontal disease in cats.

In-vivo and in-vitro evaluation of pharmacological activities of Ardisia solanacea leaf extract

Background

The Bangladeshi rural and hilly areas people have long tradition to use various medicinal plants for treating different diseases. That’s why, the crude methanolic leaf extract of Ardisia solanacea with its different fractions (petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, n-hexane and chloroform fractions) were subjected to investigate bioactivities in swiss albino mice; namely analgesic, CNS, and Oral hypoglycemic activities, while in-vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity.

Methods

Central nervous system activity was investigated by various method such as Elevated plus maze, Hole board, Hole cross and Open field test apparatus. Analgesic activity was evaluated by both acetic acid induced and tail immersion method. Hypoglycemic activity was evaluated by oral glucose tolerance test and cytotoxicity was evaluated by Brine shrimp lethality bioassay.

Results

In CNS activity, among others fractions, ASCF fraction produced a significant anxiolytic activity in both elevated plus maze and Hole board test. During open-field test almost all the fractions of A. solanacea leaves extract display decreased locomotor activities that indicates significant sedative activity. The ASME and ASCF showed significant peripheral analgesic activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight (p < 0.05). In tail immersion method, among others extracts chloroform fractions exhibited significant (p < 0.05) elongation of reaction time 30 min after oral dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. The methanolic and n-hexane extracts reduced blood glucose level significantly after 90 min with value of 53.94% and 48.15% respectively (p < 0.05). In case of cytotoxicity activity, among other fractions carbon tetrachloride fraction showed lowest LC50 values.

Conclusions

From the above results, it is clear that different fractions of A. solanacea showed significant pharmacological potentiality in different in-vitro and in-vivo study model. So, it will be very much possible source for an isolating lead compound for curing the numerous disorders.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the Syzygium polyanthum leaf extract from Malaysia

Background and Aim:

The increasing prevalence of drug resistance eventually leads scientist to discover new drugs that could solve the problem. Since ancient immemorial times, medicinal plants generally known as herbs were widely used in every culture throughout the world. In fact, currently up to 70,000 plant species have been screened for biological activities and about 70% ends up for commercialization. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the potential cytotoxic and antibacterial effect of Syzygium polyanthum leaves which are local Malaysia plants, against 4T1 and MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cells, respectively, and also against bacteria causing mastitis in cows.

Materials and Methods:

The cytotoxic effect of hydromethanolic extract of S. polyanthum against 4T1 and MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cells was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The cells were treated with the concentration of extracts ranging from 15.63 µg/mL to 1000 µg/ml for 72 h, and the percentage of cell survivability was determined based on minimum concentration that was able to allow at least 50% growth of cancer cells (IC₅₀) after 72 h. The antibacterial activity was tested against common bacteria causing mastitis in cow. The bacteria were isolated from milk samples. The antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by disk diffusion method and susceptibility test based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

Results:

Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hyicus, and Staphylococcus intermedius were isolated from the milk samples that positive for mastitis. The MIC values range from 7.12 mm to 13.5 mm. The extract exhibits the widest zone of inhibition (13.5±0.20 mm) at 1000 mg/ml of concentrations. The extract relatively has low cytotoxicity effect against 4T1 and MCF-7 cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 672.57±59.42 and 126.05±50.89 µg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion:

S. polyanthum exerts weak antibacterial activity and cytotoxic effect to mammary carcinoma cells. The extract does not toxic to cells. However, further study is recommended, especially, this plant should be tested for in vivo.