Pharmacological Basis of Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements as Curatives

Molecular Understanding and Pharmacological Potency of Plant-Derived Compounds in Colorectal Cancer (CRC): A Critical Analysis and Future Perspectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the main driver of fatality and the 3rd most often determined malignancy. Despite advances in detection and therapy, colorectal cancer (CRC) endures as the largest driver of cancer-related morbidity, and mortality. Modern habits and dietary negligence might be one of the reasons that have enhanced cancer prevalence. Thus, changes in Dietary habits will have a better impact, and help in finding a better cure for CRC. Initially, CRC was explored as a genetic event and currently, the research is focused on the epigenetic modifications of chromatin and microRNA (miRNA) in CRC cells. Natural products such as Curcumin, Resveratrol, Flavonoids, and Ellagitannins are been explored as compounds from the perspective of genetic, epigenetic, and miRNA modifications which will have future therapeutic aspects. Also, the extracts of these key players and their analogs will intervene the signaling pathway activation that involves in cancer propagation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and epigenetic and miRNA modifications. Modulations of these miRNAs, and modification globally might have impact on CRC progression, and cancer tumor cell sensitivity.

Synthetic Derivatives of Natural ent-Kaurane Atractyligenin Disclose Anticancer Properties in Colon Cancer Cells, Triggering Apoptotic Cell Demise

The antitumor activity of different ent-kaurane diterpenes has been extensively studied. Several investigations have demonstrated the excellent antitumor activity of synthetic derivatives of the diterpene atractyligenin. In this research, a series of new synthetic amides and their 15,19-di-oxo analogues obtained from atractyligenin by modifying the C-2, C-15, and C-19 positions were designed in order to dispose of a set of derivatives with different substitutions at the amidic nitrogen. Using different concentrations of the obtained compounds (10-300 μM) a reduction in cell viability of HCT116 colon cancer cells was observed at 48 h of treatment. All the di-oxidized compounds were more effective than their alcoholic precursors. The di-oxidized compounds had already reduced the viability of two colon cancer cells (HCT116 and Caco-2) at 24 h when used at low doses (2.5-15 μM), while they turned out to be poorly effective in differentiated Caco-2 cells, a model of polarized enterocytes. The data reported here provide evidence that di-oxidized compounds induced apoptotic cell death, as demonstrated by the appearance of condensed and fragmented DNA in treated cells, as well as the activation of caspase-3 and fragmentation of its target PARP-1.

Syringic acid induces apoptosis in human oral squamous carcinoma cells through mitochondrial pathway

Background:

Syringic acid (SA) has long been used as traditional medicine and is known to have antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer effects. Studies regarding the anticancer effect of SA against squamous carcinoma cell (SCC)-25, human oral SCC (OSCC) line has not been studied.

Aim:

This study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic potentials of SA in SCC-25 cells.

Materials and Methods:

Cytotoxic effect of SA was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylte trazolium bromide assay, using concentrations of 25 and 50 μM/mL for 24 h. At the end of the treatment period, apoptotic markers such as caspase 3 and 9, bcl-2, bax and cytochrome c were evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. SA-induced morphological changes were investigated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining.

Results:

SA inhibited the proliferation and induced cytotoxicity in SCC-25 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. SA treatment caused apoptosis-related morphological changes as evidenced by the dual staining and the modulation of apoptotic marker gene expressions. SA treatments modulated bcl-2/bax homeostasis and increased the expressions of cytochrome c and caspases 3 and 9.

Conclusion:

SA specifically induces cell death and inhibits the proliferation in OSCC cells through intrinsic/mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, suggesting that SA may be an effective agent for the treatment of human OSCC.

Efficacy of a new local limb salvage treatment for limb-threatening diabetic foot wounds - a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the main risk factor for nontraumatic lower-limb amputation. We hypothesized that by reversing the offending local tissue factors resulting from the low tissue supply of oxygen, inefficient fuel metabolism and acidosis, we can eradicate the infection and help to promote healing. This might be enhanced with the help of an innovated local preparation (PEDYPHAR®) through its enriched alkaline ointment base and the regenerating growth factors of Royal Jelly (RJ) plus the antimicrobial, immune-modulatory nutritional and other biochemical properties of RJ and Panthenol. We conducted this study to test the safety and efficacy of PEDYPHAR ointment as an adjuvant in limb salvage management for patients with limb-threatening diabetic foot wounds.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled open-label study design with a mean follow-up period of 12 weeks. One hundred and nineteen eligible patients with diabetic foot wounds presenting to 3 outpatient clinics in Egypt were randomized to be treated with the local application of either PEDYPHAR or Panthenol ointment under dressing after conservative debridement of necrotic tissue and irrigation with warm normal saline.

RESULTS

At the end of the 12-week follow-up period, PEDYPHAR showed a higher rate of complete healing of limb-threatening wounds in the intent-to-treat population, 11 of 34 (32.4%) in PEDYPHAR-treated group versus 3/25 (12%) in the Panthenol-treated (control) group (p=0.034* [*indicates it is statistically significant]).

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that PEDYPHAR could be an effective and safe conservative local adjuvant treatment for cases of diabetic foot infection.Registration number in ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01531517.

In Vivo Anti Cancer Potential of Pyrogallol in Murine Model of Colon Cancer

Background: Colon cancer is aggressive and it causes 0.5 million deaths per year. Practicing natural medicines for cancer treatment is safer than conventional drugs. World health organization emphasizes on the importance of practicing natural medicines and developing natural product based drugs for cancer treatment. Recently we reported an anti colon cancer activity associated with pyrogallol isolated from medicinal plant Acacia nilotica in HT-29 cells in vitro. To extend our observation in this study we evaluated in vivo colon tumor remission property of acetone extract of A. nilotica (ACE) and pyrogallol. Materials and Methods: In vivo toxicity of ACE and pyrogallol was assessed and In vivo tumor remission activity of ACE and pyrogallol was determined in murine model. Results: Mice were tolerated different doses of ACE and pyrogallol. Tumor size was considerably reduced in pyrogallol treated mice similar to doxorubicin. Tumor bearing mice treated with ACE and pyrogallol showed mild decline in body weight. Conclusion: Pyrogallol was found to be an effective anti colon cancer agent with less toxicity.

Syringic acid triggers reactive oxygen species–mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the second most common cause of cancer death in the world and its incidence has dramatically increased worldwide in the past two decades. Syringic acid (SA) has been studied for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, free radical scavenging, and antioxidant activities. We aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of SA against human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. HepG2 cells were treated with SA at concentration ranges of 25, 50, and 100 µM for 24 h. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression was investigated by dichlorofluorescein staining assay. Morphological changes of SA-treated HepG2 cells were evaluated by acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB) dual staining. Apoptotic marker gene expressions were evaluated by qPCR. SA treatment caused significant cytotoxicity and liberation of ROS in HepG2 cells. AO and EB staining showed membrane blebbing and distortion in SA-treated cells. Apoptotic markers such as caspases 3 and 9, cytochrome c, Apaf-1, Bax, and p53 gene expressions were significantly increased upon SA treatment indicating the possibility of apoptosis induction in HepG2 cells. This treatment also caused significant downregulation of Bcl-2 gene expression. SA has a cytotoxic effect on human HepG2 cell line, and this might be a promising agent in anticancer research.

Herb Formula ZhenRongDan Balances Sex Hormones, Modulates Organ Atrophy, and Restores ERα and ERβ Expressions in Ovariectomized Rats

Herb mixtures are widely used for treatment of the menopausal syndrome long before the hormonal therapy. However, there is insufficient data for herb remedies in treating menopausal syndromes. Here we aim to investigate the effect of ZhenRongDan (ZRD) in balancing female hormones, regulating expression of estrogen receptors (ERs), and preventing organ atrophy in menopausal rats. Rats that underwent bilateral ovariectomy were used in the experiments; the effects of ZRD on serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and estradiol (E2) levels were observed. Histology of vagina and ERs expression in vagina, uterus, and adrenal gland were also examined. ELISAs were used to analyze the changes of FSH, LH, PRL, and E2 in serum, and the morphological changes of the cervical epithelium cells were observed by Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were applied to detect estrogen receptors subtypes alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) expression in vagina, uterus, and adrenal gland. We found that ZRD could significantly reduce the weight of the adrenal gland and increase the weight of the uterus. It could decrease the release of FSH and LH as well as increasing E2 and PRL levels. Furthermore, ZRD could improve the number of cervical vaginal epithelial cells and increase the thickness of the vaginal wall. And the altered expressions of ERα and ERβ are also restored by ZRD. ZRD could obviously relieve the endocrine disorders, modulate organ atrophy, and restore ERα and ERβ expression in the ovariectomized rat model.

Anti-tumor and anti-metastasis activities of honey bee larvae powder by suppressing the expression of EZH2

Honey bee larvae products have been widely used as traditional daily supplements and complementary medicine for health promotion. However, there is little scientific evidence about their bioactivities. This study was designed to examine the anti-tumor and anti-metastasis effects of honey bee larvae powder (HLP) and explore the underlying mechanism. A subcutaneous transplantation model (murine breast cancer cell 4T1-LUC) and lung metastasis model (murine melanoma cell B16-F10) were established to evaluate the anti-tumor and anti-metastasis effects of HLP. Honey bee larvae powder extract (HLE) was obtained by 70% ethanol extraction, and its chemical composition was determined according to physiochemical methods. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to test the cytotoxicity of HLE, and qRT-PCR assays were conducted to examine the mRNA levels of tumor marker EZH2 in HLE-treated tumor cells. In vivo xenograft tumor assays in BALB/c mice revealed dose-dependent suppression of tumor growth and lung metastasis showing an inhibition rate of 37.5% and 70.4% at 6 g/kg HLP-administered group with no toxicity to the animals. In vitro studies indicated that HLE showed no cytotoxicity to cancer cells at doses up to 1000 μg/mL, however, it significantly decreased EZH2 mRNA levels in HLE (1000 μg/mL)-treated B10-F10 cells (28.49%) and 4T1-LUC cells (26.75%). Further studies to elucidate the mechanisms involved and to isolate the active components of honey bee larva may provide more valuable information for its development and application in cancer treatment.

Purple head broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), a functional food crop for antioxidant and anticancer potential

Natural foods are used in many folks and household treatments and have immense potential to treat a serious complication and health benefits, in addition to the basic nutritional values. These food products improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy, and possibly prevent chronic diseases. Purple head Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck is one of such foods and in current studies was explored for chemical compounds at different development stages by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant potential was explored employing different assays like molybdate ion reduction, DPPH, superoxide anion radical scavenging and plasmid nicking assay. Inspired by antioxidant activity results, we further explored these extracts for antiproliferative potential by morphological changes, cell cycle analysis, measurement of intracellular peroxides and mitochondrial membrane potential changes. Current study provides the scientific basis for the use of broccoli as easily affordable potent functional food.

Eupatorin and Salvigenin Potentiate Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in HT-29 and SW948 Human Colon Cancer Cells

Background: Cancer persists as one of the world’s most pressing maladies. Notable points about chemotherapy are drug side effects which are almost universally encountered. Emerging knowledge focusing on mechanisms of toxicity due to chemotherapy has led to characterization of novel methods, including the exploitation of natural compounds, in combination therapies. Flavonoids are natural polyphenolic compounds that play protective roles against tumor cell development. The focus of this study was apoptotic effects of two flavonoids, eupatorin and salvigenin, in combination with doxorubicin on a cellular model of colon cancer. Method: Upon establishing a non-effective dose of doxorubicin, and effective doses of eupatorin (100μM) and salvigenin (150μM) via MTT, morphological features of apoptosis were distinguished using DAPI staining and cell cycle blockage in the sub-G1 phase. Apoptosis was determined by annexin/ PI and western blotting. ROS levels and MMP were measured to show any role of mitochondria in apoptosis. Results: Co-administration of flavonoids with doxorubicin induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway as mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production were changed. Annexin/PI analysis demonstrated that apoptosis frequency was increased with the combination treatments in colon cancer cells. Finally, the combination of these flavonoids with doxorubicin increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3 expression and PARP cleavage. Conclusion: Combination of flavonoids with doxorubicin induces apoptosis and enhances effect on cancer cells which might allow amelioration of side effects by dose lowering.

Estrogenic Potentials of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Estrogen, a steroid hormone, is associated with several human activities, including environmental, industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical fields. In this review paper, estrogenic activity associated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is discussed first by focusing on the assays needed to detect estrogenic activity (animal test, cell assay, ligand-binding assay, protein assay, reporter-gene assay, transcription assay and yeast two-hybrid assay), and then, their sources, the nature of activities (estrogenic or anti-estrogenic, or other types), and pathways/functions, along with the assay used to detect the activity, which is followed by a summary of effective chemicals found in or associated with TCM. Applications of estrogens in TCM are then discussed by a comprehensive search of the literature, which include basic study/pathway analysis, cell functions, diseases/symptoms and medicine/supplements. Discrepancies and conflicting cases about estrogenicity of TCM among assays or between TCM and their effective chemicals, are focused on to enlarge estrogenic potentials of TCM by referring to omic knowledge such as transcriptome, proteome, glycome, chemome, cellome, ligandome, interactome and effectome.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of carnosol and carnosic acid in vivo and in vitro and in silico analysis of their target interactions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The diterpenoids carnosol (CS) and carnosic acid (CA) from Salvia spp. exert prominent anti-inflammatory activities but their molecular mechanisms remained unclear. Here we investigated the effectiveness of CS and CA in inflammatory pain and the cellular interference with their putative molecular targets.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effects of CS and CA in different models of inflammatory pain were investigated. The inhibition of key enzymes in eicosanoid biosynthesis, namely microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) was confirmed by CS and CA, and we determined the consequence on the eicosanoid network in activated human primary monocytes and neutrophils. Molecular interactions and binding modes of CS and CA to target enzymes were analyzed by docking studies.

KEY RESULTS

CS and CA displayed significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects in carrageenan-induced mouse hyperalgesia 4 h post injection of the stimuli, and also inhibited the analgesic response in the late phase of the formalin test. Moreover, both compounds potently inhibited cell-free mPGES-1 and 5-LO activity and preferentially suppressed the formation of mPGES-1 and 5-LO-derived products in cellular studies. Our in silico analysis for mPGES-1 and 5-LO supports that CS and CA are dual 5-LO/mPGES-1 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

In summary, we propose that the combined inhibition of mPGES-1 and 5-LO by CS and CA essentially contributes to the bioactivity of these diterpenoids. Our findings pave the way for a rational use of Salvia spp., traditionally used as anti-inflammatory remedy, in the continuous expanding context of nutraceuticals.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.

Insects, arachnids and centipedes venom: A powerful weapon against bacteria. A literature review

Currently, new antimicrobial molecules extracted or obtained by natural sources, could be a valide alternative to traditional antibiotics. Most of these molecules are represented by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are essential compounds of insect, arachnids and centipedes venom. AMPs, due to their strong effectiveness, low resistance rates and peculiar mode of action, seem to have all the suitable features to be a powerful weapon against several bacteria, especially considering the increasing antibiotic-resistance phenomena. The present literature review focuses on the antibacterial activity of bee, wasp, ant, scorpion, spider and scolopendra crude venom and of their main biological active compounds. After a brief overview of each animal and venom use in folkloristic medicine, this review reports, in a comprehensive table, the results obtained by the most relevant and recent researches carried out on the antibacterial activity of different venom and their AMPs. For each considered study, the table summarizes data concerning minimal inhibitory concentration values, minimal bactericidal concentration values, the methods employed, scientific name and common names and provenience of animal species from which the crude venom and its respective compounds were obtained.

Glycyrrhizae Radix Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation by Inhibiting c-Fos-Dependent NFATc1 Expression

Osteoporosis results from imbalance between new bone formation and bone resorption leading to bone loss and is especially troublesome for postmenopausal women who suffer from estrogen deficiency. The ability of new therapeutic agents to treat this bone disease with minimal side effects has been extensively reported on and is continuously being sought out by researchers in this field. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate a natural herb that was already being used as a new treatment for osteoporosis. Here we found that water extract of Glycyrrhizae radix (GR) inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner without causing cytotoxicity. The mRNA expression of c-Fos, nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) was considerably inhibited by GR treatment. GR inhibited RANKL-mediated c-Fos and NFATc1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. GR inhibited the degradation of I-[Formula: see text]B in RANKL-stimulated BMMs. However, GR-mediated inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast-specific gene expression, including NFATc1, was reversed by ectopic expression of c-Fos. Also, GR significantly inhibited osteoclast formation in mouse calvariae in the presence of IL-1 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Taken together, these results suggest that GR inhibited osteoclast differentiation, raising the possibility that GR may serve as a useful drug for osteoporosis.

The Immunomodulatory Activity of Mori folium, the Leaf of Morus alba L., in RAW 264.7 Macrophages In Vitro

Background

Immunoregulatory elements have emerged as useful immunotherapeutic agents against cancer. In traditional medicine, Mori folium, the leaf of Morus alba L. (Moraceae), has been used for various medicinal purposes; however, the immunomodulatory effects have not been fully identified. We evaluated the immunoenhancing potential of water extract of Mori folium (WEMF) in murine RAW264.7 macrophages.

Methods

RAW264.7 cells were treated with WEMF for 24 hours and cell viability was detected by an MTT method. Nitric oxide (NO) levels in the culture supernatants were assayed using Griess reagent. The productions of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and immune-related cytokines was measured using ELISA detection kits. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Inducible NO synthase, COX-2, and cytokines were assayed by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The effect of WEMF on phagocytic activity was measured using a Phagocytosis Assay Kit.

Results

WEMF significantly stimulated the production of NO and PGE₂ as immune response parameters at noncytotoxic concentrations, which was associated with the increased expression of inducible NO synthase and COX-2. The release and expression of cytokines, such as TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, were also significantly increased in response to treatment with WEMF. Moreover, WEMF promoted the macrophagic differentiation of RAW264.7 cells and the resulting phagocytosis activity.

Conclusions

WEMF has the potential to modulate the immune function by regulating immunological parameters. Further studies are needed to identify the active compounds and to support the use of WEMF as an immune stimulant.

Preventive effects of a major component of green tea, epigallocathechin-3-gallate, on hepatitis-B virus DNA replication

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the major world health problems. Epigallocatechin-3 gallate is the major component of the polyphenolic fraction of green tea and it has an anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, anti- tumorigenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative, and/or pro-apoptotic effects on mammalian cells. In this study, our aim was to investigate the inhibition of HBV replication by epigallocatechin-3 gallate in the Hep3B2.1-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HBV-replicating Hep3B2.1-7 cells were used to investigate the preventive effects of epigallocatechin-3 gallate on HBV DNA replication. The expression levels of HBsAg and HBeAg were determined using ELISA. Quantitative real-time-PCR was applied for the determination of the expression level of HBV DNA.

RESULTS

Cytotoxicity of epigallocathechin-3-gallate was not observed in the hepatic carcinoma cell line when the dose was lower than 100 μM. The ELISA method demonstrated that epigallocatechin-3 gallate have strong effects on HBsAg and HBeAg levels. Also it was detected by real-time PCR that epigallocatechin-3 gallate could prevent HBV DNA replication.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained data pointed out that although the exact mechanism of HBV DNA replication and related diseases remains unclear, epigallocatechin-3 gallate has a potential as an effective anti-HBV agent with low toxicity.

Herbal medicines for the treatment of functional and inflammatory bowel disorders

In many parts of the world, there continues to be a long-standing tradition of prescribing herbal products for a range of gastrointestinal conditions. Scientific evidence supporting the use of all herbal preparations is imperfect, however, and available studies are plagued by methodological limitations. For functional gastrointestinal disorders, there is limited evidence supporting the use of some well-characterized preparations. A number of herbals have immunomodulatory activity, and in inflammatory bowel disease there are limited positive placebo-controlled trials; other studies used active controls with suboptimal doses of the comparators. Like all drugs, herbals can lead to serious adverse events (eg, hepatic failure). Quality control is a serious issue to consider when prescribing herbal medicines. Many herbal preparations are marketed without evidence for stringent adherence to good manufacturing practice guidelines. Unpredictable environmental conditions may affect the composition and the concentration of the active ingredients of plant extracts. Further, commercial herbal products usually combine a variable plethora of chemical families with possible medicinal utility. While some of these ingredients might be of benefit, the concentration and dose of these constituents needs to be closely monitored. Physicians and regulators need to remain very cautious about the use of herbal remedies. Appropriate scientific evidence for the claimed clinical benefits should become mandatory worldwide, and the standards for production and safety monitoring should comply with established standards for chemically defined products. If these principles were adopted, the full value of herbal remedies may come to light, particularly as the individually bioactive compounds present in these preparations become recognized.

The effect of royal jelly on oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of royal jelly on oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The study population consisted of 103 patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Oral mucositis was graded according to the World Health Organization criteria, and patients were divided into 2 groups. All patients received mouthwash therapy with benzydamine hydrochloride and nystatin rinses. In addition, patients in the experimental group received royal jelly. The mean resolution time of oral mucositis in the royal jelly group was significantly shorter than that of the control group. As a result, the study results demonstrate that royal jelly administrated by a certain procedure improved the signs and symptoms of oral mucositis and markedly shortened its healing time.

Effect of Royal Jelly on premenstrual syndrome among Iranian medical sciences students: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may have negative effects on women's health and sometimes need therapeutic non-pharmacological management.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of oral consumption of 1000 mg Royal Jelly capsule on premenstrual syndrome.

METHOD

This is a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, which was conducted in Tehran University of Medical Sciences female dormitories between December 2011 and October 2012. The study population comprised 110 medical sciences student with PMS, whom were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. Each participant in the intervention group took one Royal jelly capsule orally per day, starting on the first day of menstruation and continued the same treatment daily throughout two consecutive menstrual cycles, while participants in the intervention group took placebo capsules as same method. The outcome measure in this study was PMS score as obtained through the Premenstrual Profile 2005.

RESULTS

The mean of personal characteristics and baseline level of the premenstrual score before intervention did not differ between groups. After two consecutive months consumption of Royal Jelly, PMS score had decreased from 23.17 ± 17.43 to 11.42 ± 14.58 (mean change: 11.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.31-15.19) and in Placebo, PMS score changed from 21.48 ± 16.39 to 20.27 ± 15.76 (mean change: 1.20; 95% CI: -1.69 to 4.10). Also difference between mean changes was significant (mean difference: 10.54; 95% CI: 6.10-14.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study have demonstrated that 2 months consumption of Royal Jelly was effective in reducing PMS.

Syringic acid from Tamarix aucheriana possesses antimitogenic and chemo-sensitizing activities in human colorectal cancer cells

CONTEXT

For its variety of biological activities, Tamarix aucheriana (Decne.) Baum. (Tamaricaceae) has an extensive history as a traditional Arab medicine.

OBJECTIVES

Antimitogenic and chemo-sensitizing activities of syringic acid (SA) were studied against human colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chromatographic and spectral data were used for the isolation and identification of SA. MTT, flow cytometry, in vitro invasion and angiogenesis assays, fluoremetry, ELISA and Real Time qPCR were used to test antimitogenic and chemo-sensitizing activities of SA, cell cycle, apoptosis, proteasome and NFκB-DNA-binding activities, cancer cell invasion and angiogenesis, and expression of cell cycle/apoptosis-related genes.

RESULTS

SA showed a time- and dose-dependent (IC₅₀ = 0.95-1.2 mg mL⁻¹) antimitogenic effect against cancer cells with little cytotoxicity on normal fibroblasts (≤20%). SA-altered cell cycle (S/G2-M or G1/G2-M phases) in a time-dependent manner, induced apoptosis, inhibited DNA-binding activity of NFκB (p ≤ 0.0001), chymotrypsin-like/PGPH (peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing) (p ≤ 0.0001) and the trypsin-like (p ≤ 0.002) activities of 26S proteasome and angiogenesis. SA also differentially sensitized cancer cells to standard chemotherapies with a marked increase in their sensitivity to camptothecin (500-fold), 5FU (20,000-fold), doxorubicin (210-fold), taxol (3134-fold), vinblastine (1000-fold), vincristine (130-fold) and amsacrine (107-fold) compared to standard drugs alone.

DISCUSSION

SA exerted its chemotherapeutic and chemo-sensitizing effects through an array of mechanisms including cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, inhibition of cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis, NFκB DNA-binding and proteasome activities.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate the potential of SA as an antimitogenic and chemo-sensitizing agent for human colorectal cancer.

Contribution of lipids in honeybee (Apis mellifera) royal jelly to health

Honeybee (Apis mellifera) royal jelly (RJ) has a long history in human medicine because of its health-protecting properties. To develop a fundamental and comprehensive understanding of lipids in RJ, this article reviews the available literature on lipid compounds identified from RJ extracts and in vitro pharmacological effects of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid in RJ and other closely related compounds, some of which are also identified as lipid compounds in RJ. Overall, the lipids in RJ are composed of mostly (aliphatic) fatty acids, almost all of which are present as free fatty acids and scarcely any as esters. Most fatty acids in RJ are medium-chain fatty acids, whether hydroxylated in terminal and/or internal positions, terminated with mono- or dicarboxylic acid groups, and saturated or monounsaturated at the 2-position. Besides these fatty acids, lipids in RJ contain sterols in minor amounts. Lipids in RJ are useful as preventive and supportive medicines with functionalities that include potential inhibitors of cancer growth, immune system modulators, alternative therapies for menopause, skin-aging protectors, neurogenesis inducers, and more. Taken together, the evidence suggests that health-protecting properties of RJ can be, in part, ascribed to actions of lipids in RJ.

Effects of Extract from Mangifera indica Leaf on Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Gouty Arthritis in Rats

The leaves of Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) is used as a medicinal material in traditional herb medicine for a long time in India, China, and other Eastern Asian countries. Our present study investigated the therapeutic effects of the ethanol extract from Mangifera indica (EMI) in rat with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals-induced gouty arthritis. Effects of EMI (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) administrated for 9 days on the ankle swelling, synovial tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) levels were assessed in MSU crystal rat. Data from our study showed that rat with gouty arthritis induced by MSU crystal demonstrated an elevation in ankle swelling, synovial TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA, and protein levels. Oral administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg EMI for 9 days reversed the abnormalities in ankle swelling, synovial TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA, and protein levels. The results indicated that the beneficial antigouty arthritis effect of EMI may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting TNF-α and IL-1β expression in the synovial tissues. Our study suggests that Mangifera indica and its extract may have a considerable potential for development as an anti-gouty arthritis agent for clinical application.

Inhibition of the replication of hepatitis B virus in vitro by pu-erh tea extracts

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most widespread viral infections in the world and poses a significant global public health problem. The implementation of effective vaccination programs has resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of acute hepatitis B. Nevertheless, there is still a need for as many effective anti-HBV drugs as possible. In this study, the role of pu-erh tea extracts (PTE) against HBV was analyzed in vitro by using a stably HBV-transfected cell line HepG2 2.2.15. The MTT assay showed that PTE and its active components (tea polyphenols, theaflavins, and theanine) presented low cytotoxicity. ELISA analysis revealed that PTE effectively reduced the secretion of HBeAg, but any one of the active components alone showed weaker efficacy, suggesting that the anti-HBV activity of PTE might be a synergetic effect of different components. RT-PCR and luciferase assay showed that PTE suppressed HBV mRNA expression while leaving four HBV promoter transcriptional activities unchanged. Fluorescence quantitative PCR results demonstrated that PTE dramatically diminished HBV DNA produced in cell supernatants as well as encapsidated DNA in intracellular core particles. Finally, PTE significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. This study is the first to demonstrate that PTE possesses anti-HBV ability and could be used as a potential treatment against HBV infection with an additional merit of low cytotoxicity.

Novel royal jelly proteins identified by gel-based and gel-free proteomics

Royal jelly (RJ) plays an important role in caste determination of the honeybee; the genetically same female egg develops into either a queen or worker bee depending on the time and amount of RJ fed to the larvae. RJ also has numerous health-promoting properties for humans. Gel-based and gel-free proteomics approaches and high-performance liquid chromatography-chip quadruple time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry were applied to comprehensively investigate the protein components of RJ. Overall, 37 and 22 nonredundant proteins were identified by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis and gel-free analysis, respectively, and 19 new proteins were found by these two proteomics approaches. Major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) were identified as the principal protein components of RJ, and proteins related to carbohydrate metabolism such as glucose oxidase, α-glucosidase precursor, and glucose dehydrogenase were also successfully identified. Importantly, the 19 newly identified proteins were mainly classified into three functional categories: oxidation-reduction (ergic53 CG6822-PA isoform A isoform 1, Sec61 CG9539-PA, and ADP/ATP translocase), protein binding (regucalcin and translationally controlled tumor protein CG4800-PA isoform 1), and lipid transport (apolipophorin-III-like protein). These new findings not only significantly increase the RJ proteome coverage but also help to provide new knowledge of RJ for honeybee biology and potential use for human health promotion.

Herbal medicines: can we do without pharmacologist?

The increase of herbal medicine use led many scientists to contribute to the research in this field. Also a few pharmacologists, after an initial phase of correct criticisms, today recognize the possibility of investigating the scientific value of medicinal products composed essentially of vegetable extracts. However, it is logical to pose the questions: (i) is there a role for the pharmacologist in herbal medicine (or phytotherapy)? (ii) can we do without pharmacologists’? First, two worlds—drug researchers (pharmacologists) and herbal medicines—yesterday appearing in opposition, are today closer and it is not unusual to read scientific works describing herbal extracts in journals traditionally dedicated to the study of synthetic drugs. Second, clinical application of herbal medicines is evaluable through the methods of modern clinical pharmacology. Efficacy and safety of medicinal plants represent naturally the object of interest for the pharmacologist and it is surely this aspect which gives the most important information on herbal medicine use. Many plants have been studied and results published showing, one time good or another poor, efficacy. Safety aspects of some of the most frequently used plants are now well known. For example, today we learn to use hypericum and we do not give it to patients taking other drugs because the interactions of hypericum with them. Contraindications of other plants, often represented by interactions with drugs, are finally known (Ginkgo biloba and drugs acting on blood coagulation). In conclusion, antagonistic behavior of pharmacologists versus herbal medicines is not useful. On the contrary, modern phytotherapy needs the contribution of researchers usually trained to evaluate efficacy and safety of medicinals.

A pilot study of the multiherb Kampo medicine bakumondoto for cough in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of bakumondoto, Kampo medicine, on cough in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DESIGN

A 16-week, randomized, open-labeled, cross-over design.

SETTING

Outpatient clinics at one university hospital and two general hospitals in Japan from May 2007 to March 2009.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four elderly patients (14 men and 9 women aged over 65) with COPD.

INTERVENTION

Treatment with or without bakumondoto for 8 weeks in a cross-over design.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome measurements were the frequency and intensity of cough assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a daily cough diary. Secondary outcome measurements were quality of life (QOL) assessed using St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and lung functions measured using spirometry.

RESULTS

Treatment with bakumondoto significantly improved cough severity during the first treatment period (week 0 vs. week 8, p=0.004) and showed a trend to decrease during the second treatment period (week 8 vs. week 16, p=0.129) assessed by the VAS. Neither QOL nor lung function was affected by the treatment with bakumondoto.

CONCLUSION

Bakumondoto may be effective in suppressing cough in elderly patients with COPD. To further confirm the efficacy, a larger and placebo-controlled study with objective cough assessment is necessary.

Phytochemicals and adipogenesis

Obesity is an increasing health problem all over the world. Phytochemicals are potential agents to inhibit differentiation of preadipocytes, stimulate lipolysis, and induce apoptosis of existing adipocytes, thereby reducing the amount of adipose tissue. Flavonoids and stilbenoids represent the most researched groups of phytochemicals with regards to their effect on adipogenesis, but there are also a number of in vitro and in vivo studies with phenolic acids, alkaloids, and vitamins, as well as other plant compounds. Although phytochemicals like epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein, and resveratrol reduce lipid accumulation and induce adipocyte apoptosis in vitro and reduce body weight and adipose tissues mass in animal models of diet-induced obesity, well-conducted clinical trials are lacking. Pharmacological doses are often used in vitro and when applied in physiological doses in animals or humans, the phytochemicals are often ineffective in affecting adipogenesis. However, by combining several phytochemicals or using them as templates for synthesizing new drugs, there is a large potential in targeting adipogenesis using phytochemicals.

Anti-inflammatory effect of glycoprotein isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau: involvement of MAPK/NF-κB signaling

The aim of this study was to evaluate inhibitory effect of glycoprotein isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (CTB glycoprotein) on allergic responses. We evaluated the activities of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), transcriptional factor, and production of immunoglobulin (Ig)E and interleukin (IL)-4 in RBL-2H3 cells and BALB/c mice. Our results showed that CTB glycoprotein inhibited the production of IgE and IL-4 in serum from ovalbumin (OVA)-treated BALB/c mice. We also found that CTB glycoprotein inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and transcriptional activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in RBL-2H3 cells. The activation of NF-κB was effectively blocked by treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor (SKF86002). The results from these experiments indicate that the CTB glycoprotein inhibits release of β-hexosaminidase, and production of IgE and IL-4 via down regulation of MAPK/ NF-κB on the stage of mast cell degranulation. In conclusion, we suggest that the CTB glycoprotein might be a potent preventive agent in allergic responses.

Natural products and colon cancer: current status and future prospects

Carcinogenesis is a multistage process consisting of initiation, promotion and progression phases. Thus, the multistage sequence of events has many phases for prevention and intervention. Chemoprevention, a novel approach for controlling cancer, involves the use of specific natural products or synthetic chemical agents to reverse, suppress or prevent premalignancy before the development of invasive cancer. Several natural products, such as, grains, nuts, cereals, spices, fruits, vegetables, beverages, medicinal plants and herbs and their various phytochemical constituents including, phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, nitrogen containing as well as organosulfur compounds confer protective effects against wide range of cancers including colon cancer. Since diet has an important role in the etiology of colon cancer, dietary chemoprevention received attention for colon cancer prevention. However, identification of an agent with chemopreventive potential requires in vitro studies, efficacy and toxicity studies in animal models before embarking on human clinical trials. A brief introduction about colon cancer and the role of some recent natural products in colon cancer chemoprevention with respect to multiple molecular mechanisms in various in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies are described in this review.

Proteome analysis of Apis mellifera royal jelly

Royal jelly plays a pivotal role in the development of honey bee larvae. However, while various health promoting properties of royal jelly have been reported, most of the active substances within royal jelly that lead to these properties are still unknown. Since up to 50% (dry mass) of royal jelly is protein, royal jelly proteome analysis is a promising starting point for attempts to identify the proteins that provide health-promoting effects. However, the comprehensive analysis of royal jelly proteins is hampered by the enormous abundance of some proteins in the major royal jelly protein family, which constitutes 80-90% of the royal jelly proteome. The high heterogeneity of these proteins is an additional challenge for proteomic analysis, since it necessitates the use of analytical techniques that provide high resolution and a wide dynamic range. The application of individual methods such as 2D-PAGE or multidimensional chromatography can only yield certain subpopulations of a proteome due to the specific bias of each method. We applied different methods for the prefractionation and separation of royal jelly proteins in order to circumvent the shortcomings of the individual techniques and achieve a high coverage of the royal jelly proteome. In this way, we were able to identify 20 different proteins in total, as well as to show a very high degree of cleavage of different proteins of the major royal jelly protein family. Furthermore, we investigated the protein phosphorylation of royal jelly proteins, and identified and located two phosphorylation sites within venom protein 2.

Efficacy of royal jelly against the oxidative stress of fumonisin in rats

Fumonisins (FB) are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium verticillioides, frequently associated with corn. It produces toxicity, including teratogenicity, equine leukoencephalomalacia, porcine pulmonary edema, hepatic or renal damage in most animal species and perturb sphingolipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) against FB toxicity. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six treatment groups including the control group; group fed FB-contaminated diet (200mg/kg diet) and the groups treated orally with RJ (100 or 150mg/kg body weight) with or without FB for 3 weeks. FB alone decreased body weight gain, feed intake, GPX and SOD. Whereas it increased in ALT, AST, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, createnine and uric acid levels. Animals received FB showed severe histological and histochemical changes in liver and kidney tissues. Cotreatment with FB plus RJ resulted in a significant improvement in all the tested parameters and the histological and histochemical pictures of the liver and kidney. These improvements were pronounced in animals fed FB-contaminated diet plus the high dose of RJ. It could be concluded that RJ have a protective effects against FB toxicity and this protection was dose dependent.