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Olas B. The cardioprotective potential of selected species of mistletoe. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1395658. [PMID: 38666019 PMCID: PMC11043484 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1395658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mistletoe is an evergreen woody shrub with stems measuring 30-100 cm. It has leathery, yellowish-green strap-shaped leaves, yellowish-green flowers, and bears typical berries. The most common species is Viscum album L., mainly present in Europe and Asia. It is commonly known as European mistletoe or simply, mistletoe. Scientific interest in mistletoe was awakened in the XX century. Mistletoe, especially V. album L., has historically been used in the treatment and prophylaxis of CVD, with its properties being confirmed in recent studies. This mini-review describes new aspects of the cardioprotective properties of various species of mistletoe, especially V. album L. The effect of oral and subcutaneous application of fresh V. album L. extracts on blood pressure has been studied in various models; while the data suggests that mistletoe may be a promising herbal extract with cardioprotective properties, the species has only been tested in vitro and in vivo, on animals. In addition, it is unclear whether the cardioprotective activity of mistletoe may be due to particular chemical components, as the chemical composition of mistletoe extracts can vary depending on inter alia the time of harvest, extraction method and plant part. Hence, this activity may instead result from synergistic interactions between various secondary metabolites. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms of action of mistletoe compounds on CVDs, and determine their interactions with other cardioprotective drugs, their metabolic mechanisms, pharamacokinetics and adverse effects. More research is also needed to determine the therapeutic doses of active ingredients for use in clinical trials; this would require an accurate understanding of the chemical composition of extracts from different species of mistletoe (not only V. album L.) and from various host trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Olas
- University of Lodz, Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Łódź, Poland
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Jimoh OA, Oyeyemi BF, Oyeyemi WA, Ayodele SO, Okin-Aminu HO, Ayodele AD, Faniyi TO, Nwachukwu CU. Herbal inclusions ameliorate effect of heat stress on haematology, proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines and oxidative stress of weaned rabbit does in humid tropics. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2024; 108:55-63. [PMID: 37526207 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
A study was designed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album leaf meal as herbal inclusions to alleviate the detrimental outcomes of heat stress in weaned female rabbits. Forty (40) weaned rabbit does (527.99 ± 10.35 g; 28 days old) were randomly allotted to four dietary groups consisting of Diet 1(control diet; without leaf meal), Diets 2 (supplemented with 10% V. album); 3 (supplemented with 10% M. oleifera) and 4 (supplemented with 10% P. amarus) in an 84 days trial at the peak of heat stress in Southwest Nigeria. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected to assess physiological responses and oxidative status of the rabbit does. The results obtained revealed that rabbit does were exposed to heat stress; rabbit does fed control diet had higher leucocyte and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio compared to rabbit does fed on herbal inclusions. The herbal inclusions enhanced oxidative stability of rabbit does by lowering lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant activities during heat stress conditions. Rabbit does fed control-based diet had significantly higher heat shock protein 70, leptin and adiponectin compared to rabbit does on M. oleifera, P. amarus and V. album supplemented diets. The herbal inclusions tend to suppress proinflammatory cytokines in rabbit does during heat stress condition. In conclusion, the herbal inclusions suppress inflammation, adipokines and promotes oxidative stability of rabbit does exposed to heat stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatunji A Jimoh
- Department of Agricultural Technology, The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Bolaji F Oyeyemi
- Department of Science Technology, The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Wahab A Oyeyemi
- Department of Physiology, Osun State University Oshogbo, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Simeon O Ayodele
- Department of Agricultural Technology, The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Hafsat O Okin-Aminu
- Animal Science Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Ayoola D Ayodele
- Department of Agricultural and Industrial Technology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Tolulope O Faniyi
- Department of Crop and Animal Science, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Chinwe Uchechi Nwachukwu
- Department of Agricultural Science Education, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
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Nicoletti M. The Antioxidant Activity of Mistletoes ( Viscum album and Other Species). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2707. [PMID: 37514321 PMCID: PMC10384781 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the European mistletoe, Viscum album, which is the most known and utilized one, there are several species commonly known as mistletoe. They are spread in various regions of the planet and are all characterized by hemiparasitism and epiphytic behaviour. The published studies evidence other similarities, including the sharing of important biological properties, with the common presence of antioxidant effects. However, whereas the European mistletoe is largely utilized in medical treatments, although with controversial aspects, the scientific knowledge and medical uses of other mistletoes are still insufficient. This review focuses on the controversial medical story of European mistletoe regarding its antioxidant activity and the potentiality of the other species named mistletoe pertaining to botanical families and genera different from Viscum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Nicoletti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Foundation in Unam Sapientiam, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Nicoletti M. The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Viscum album. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1460. [PMID: 37050086 PMCID: PMC10096603 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic story of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) presents a seesawing profile. In ancient times, this hemiparasitic plant was considered a panacea and even to be endowed with exceptional beneficial properties. In more recent times, despite its multiple uses in traditional medicines, some parts of the plant, in particular the berries, were considered poisonous and dangerous, including concerns of cytotoxicity, which spread serious suspicion on its medicinal utility. However, since the last century, medical interest in mistletoe has come back in force due to its utilization in clinical cancer treatments, based on its selective action on tumor cells. In Central Europe, the hydro-alcoholic extracts of European mistletoe register a relevant and continuous utilization in anthroposophic medicine, which is a holistic system that includes the utilization of phytomedicinal substances. In Switzerland and Germany, most physicians and patients use these products as complementary therapy in oncological treatments. However, despite its increasing use in this field, the results of mistletoe's use are not always convincing, and other aspects have appeared. Nowadays, products that contain mistletoe are utilized in several fields, including diet, phytotherapy, veterinary medicine and homeopathy, but in particular in cancer therapies as coadjuvant factors, in consideration of several positive effects including effects in the improvement of quality-of-life conditions and reinforcement of the immune system. In this review, based on the understanding of the association between cancer and inflammation, we propose a relationship between these recent uses of mistletoe, based on its antioxidant properties, which are supported by phytochemical and pharmacological data. The unicity of mistletoe metabolism, which is a direct consequence of its hemiparasitism, is utilized as a key interpretation element to explain its biological properties and steer its consequent therapeutic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Nicoletti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Are Aspects of Integrative Concepts Helpful to Improve Pancreatic Cancer Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041116. [PMID: 36831465 PMCID: PMC9953994 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous clinical studies have been conducted to improve the outcomes of patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Different approaches using targeted therapeutic strategies and precision medicine methods have been investigated, and synergies and further therapeutic advances may be achieved through combinations with integrative methods. For pancreatic tumors, a particular challenge is the presence of a microenvironment and a dense stroma, which is both a physical barrier to drug penetration and a complex entity being controlled by the immune system. Therefore, the state of immunological tolerance in the tumor microenvironment must be overcome, which is a considerable challenge. Integrative approaches, such as hyperthermia, percutaneous irreversible electroporation, intra-tumoral injections, phytotherapeutics, or vitamins, in combination with standard-oncological therapies, may potentially contribute to the control of pancreatic cancer. The combined application of standard-oncological and integrative methods is currently being studied in ongoing clinical trials. An actual overview is given here.
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Kang Y, Liu Z, Li W, Li X, Zhang X, Xu Z, Gao Y, Qi Y. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of edible flower from Chimonanthus praecox. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1004520. [PMID: 36238556 PMCID: PMC9552299 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1004520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimonanthi Praecocis Flos, namely wintersweet flower, is the edible flower or flower bud of Chimonanthus praecox (L.) Link which is a deciduous shrub plant originated from China and is widely cultivated as a garden or ornamental plant all over the world. However, few studies focused on its anti-inflammatory property. In the present study, we explored the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of ethanol extract of Chimonanthi Praecocis Flos (CPE) which contained 7.980% ± 0.176% total flavonoids and 1.461% ± 0.041% total alkaloids. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, CPE significantly decreased the production of NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) through reducing the expressions of their synthases—inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It also suppressed the transcription and translation of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Further research revealed that CPE impeded the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, thus restraining the nuclear translocation of p65, and consequently dampening NF-κB signaling. In endotoxemia mice, several pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum were also decreased after CPE treatment. Besides anti-inflammatory activity, anti-oxidative activity is another important capacity of wintersweet flower. Indeed, CPE reduced LPS-elevated intracellular total reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by weakening NADPH oxidase activity in cell system. Moreover, it directly scavenged DPPH radical and superoxide anion, and exerted ferric reducing ability in cell-free system. Our findings demonstrate that wintersweet flower can be used as a beneficial natural product or an additive by virtue of its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuan Gao
- *Correspondence: Yuan Gao, ; Yun Qi,
| | - Yun Qi
- *Correspondence: Yuan Gao, ; Yun Qi,
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Valle ACV, Brunel HDSS, Dallago BSL, Rodrigues LS, Malard PF, da Costa RA, Rossetto R, de Andrade RV. In-Vitro Growth Kinetics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cytotoxicity Tests Using Low-Diluted Viscum Album. HOMEOPATHY 2022; 112:40-49. [PMID: 35988582 PMCID: PMC9868971 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1747682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in cytotoxicity tests is an in-vitro alternative model for predicting initial doses. Homeopathic medicines may stimulate the immune system to combat a pathology effectively and have been used for over two centuries. Viscum album (VA) extracts are widely used in the treatment of cancer, due to their immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro growth kinetics of canine MSC in relation to cytotoxicity, cell differentiation and expression of pluripotentiality markers, using a VA preparation at the D1D2 (1×10-1, 1×10-2 potency (VAD1D2). METHODS MSC were obtained from adipose tissue sampled from a healthy dog that was undergoing an elective veterinary procedure and with its owner's permission. The experiments were performed in three groups: MSC treated with VAD1D2 or diluent or untreated (control). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. The differentiation was induced in three lineages, and apoptotic cell labeling was performed by an Annexin-V test. RESULTS At the concentration of 10 μL/mL of VA, the number of cells after in-vitro culture was maintained when compared with the control (untreated) group. A significant and gradual decrease in cell viability was recorded as VA concentrations increased. The apoptosis analysis showed that VA at 20 μL/mL presented absolute percentages of initial apoptosis twice as high as at 10 μL/mL, which was similar to the control (untreated group). CONCLUSION The results suggest that the use of efficient methods to assess the in-vitro cytotoxicity of VA-based homeopathic medicines using MSC lineages may predict the potential action at different concentrations. These findings demonstrated that VAD1D2 interferes with canine MSC growth kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Viana Valle
- Doctor Izao Soares Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil,Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Patrícia Furtado Malard
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil,BioCell Cell Therapy, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Rossetto
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Rosângela Vieira de Andrade
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil,Address for correspondence Rosangela Vieira de Andrade, PhD GGraduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of BrasiliaSGAN 916, Brasília, DF 70790-160Brazil
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Zhong W, Li M, Han S, Sun J, Cao L, Mu Z, Du X, Cui Y, Feng Y, Zhong G. Carpelipines C and D, Two Anti-Inflammatory Germacranolides from the Flowers of Carpesium lipskyi Winkl. (Asteraceae). Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202200415. [PMID: 35608872 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Two new germacranolides, carpelipine C (1) and carpelipine D (2), together with four known ones (3-6), were isolated from Carpesium lipskyi Winkl. flowers, a folk Tibetan herbal medicine with antipyretic-analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The chemical structures of new structure were illuminated by diversified spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analyses. Compounds 1 and 3 dramatically suppressed the synthesis of NO and decreased pre-inflammatory protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, it was revealed that NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway were involved in the anti-inflammatory process of 1 and 3, and their effects on reducing oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were also measured. This article indicated that the traditional use of C. lipskyi to treat inflammatory diseases has a certain rationality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhong
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, P. R. China
| | - Min Li
- Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Ethnic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Shan Han
- Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Ethnic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Jie Sun
- Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Ethnic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Lan Cao
- Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Ethnic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Zejing Mu
- Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Ethnic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolang Du
- Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Ethnic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
| | - Yushun Cui
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330046, P. R. China
| | - Yulin Feng
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330046, P. R. China
| | - Guoyue Zhong
- Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Ethnic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, P. R. China
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330046, P. R. China
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Akindele AJ, Sowemimo A, Agunbiade FO, Sofidiya MO, Awodele O, Ade-Ademilua O, Orabueze I, Ishola IO, Ayolabi CI, Salu OB, Akinleye MO, Oreagba IA. Bioprospecting for Anti-COVID-19 Interventions From African Medicinal Plants: A Review. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221096968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that emanated from Wuhan in China in 2019 has become a global concern. The current situation warrants ethnomedicinal drug discovery and development for delivery of phytomedicines with potential for the treatment of COVID-19. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed evaluation of available information on plant species used in African traditional medicines with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and COVID-19 symptoms relieving effects. Literature from scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Google scholar, African Journals OnLine (AJOL), Science Direct, and Web of Science were used for this review. A total of 35 of the 38 reviewed plants demonstrated a wide range of antiviral activities. Bryophyllum pinnatum, Aframomum melegueta, Garcinia kola, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, Adansonia digitata, Sutherlandia frutescens, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Moringa oleifera, and Nigella sativa possess a combination of antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and COVID-19 symptoms relieving activities. Nine, 13, and 10 of the plants representing 23.7%, 34.2%, and 26.3% of the plants studied had antiviral activity with 3 other activities, antiviral activity with 2 other activities, and antiviral with one pharmacological activity alone, respectively. The plants studied were reported to be relatively safe at the subchronic toxicity level, except for 2. The study provides baseline information on the pharmacological activities, toxicity, and chemical components of 9 African medicinal plants with antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and symptoms relieving activities, thereby making the plants candidates for further investigation for effectiveness against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abidemi J. Akindele
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Abimbola Sowemimo
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Foluso O. Agunbiade
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Margaret O. Sofidiya
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olufunsho Awodele
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Omobolanle Ade-Ademilua
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ifeoma Orabueze
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ismail O. Ishola
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Christianah I. Ayolabi
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olumuyiwa B. Salu
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Moshood O. Akinleye
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim A. Oreagba
- African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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Choi HJ, Park SJ, Choi YN, Kim SD, Kwag EB, Song SY, Park JH, Kim JK, Seo C, Choi JJ, Yoo HS. Selective Immune Modulating Activities of Viscum album and Its Components; A Possibility of Therapeutics on Skin Rash Induced by EGFR Inhibitors. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221118332. [PMID: 36154312 PMCID: PMC9513566 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221118332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Viscum album var. coloratum (Kom.) Ohwi is a traditional herbal medicine used in East Asia to treat hypertension, skeletal muscle disorders, and cancer. The inhibitory effects of Viscum album (VA) extract on chemokines and its therapeutic potential in erlotinib-induced skin rash were investigated in this study. ELISA was used to measure the levels of chemokines, MCP-1 and RANTES, which are thought to be mediators of erlotinib-induced skin rash in RAW264.7 cells. Western blot analysis was used to look into the activation of signaling pathways like AKT, MAPK, and EGF. In order to investigate the active compounds in VA extract, solvent fractionation and preparative HPLC were performed sequentially. VA extract significantly reduced the production of TNF-α, MCP-1, and RANTES but not IL-1. Furthermore, macrophage transmigration was inhibited without causing cell toxicity. VA extract had no effect on the phosphorylation of EGF receptors stimulated by EGF or suppressed by erlotinib in both A549, a non-small cell lung cancer cells, and Hacat, a human skin keratinocyte. The isolated viscumneoside III and viscumneoside V from VA extract significantly suppressed the expression of MCP-1, according to activity guided fractionation with organic solvent fractionation and preparative HPLC. These findings suggest that VA extract and its active compounds, viscumneoside III and viscumneoside V, regulate MCP-1 production and may have the potential to suppress erlotinib-induced skin toxicity by modulating macrophage activity without neutralizing anti-cancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - You Na Choi
- Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Dam Kim
- Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Ji Hye Park
- Daejeon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kyu Kim
- Gyeonggido Business and Science Accelerator, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Changon Seo
- Gyeonggido Business and Science Accelerator, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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11
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Jäger T, Holandino C, Melo MNDO, Peñaloza EMC, Oliveira AP, Garrett R, Glauser G, Grazi M, Ramm H, Urech K, Baumgartner S. Metabolomics by UHPLC-Q-TOF Reveals Host Tree-Dependent Phytochemical Variation in Viscum album L. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1726. [PMID: 34451771 PMCID: PMC8399568 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Viscum album L., commonly known as European mistletoe, is a hemi-parasitic plant of the Santalaceae family. The in vitro and in vivo effects of V. album differ, according to its host tree. However, little is known about the host-dependent phytochemical diversity in V. album. In this study, the metabolic profiles of V. album ssp. album from Malus domestica Bork., Quercus robur L., and Ulmus carpinifolia Gled were compared. Leaves, stems, and berries were collected in Switzerland, by the same procedure, in September 2016 and 2017. The methanolic extracts were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography, coupled to electrospray quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in positive ionization mode. The data were submitted to partial-least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and the results showed that the V. album ssp. album samples were clustered into three groups, according to the three distinct host trees. Seven compounds, with high VIP scores (variable importance in projection), were responsible for this differentiation. The following four compounds were detected in both the harvest years: arginine, pipecolic acid or lysine, dimethoxycoumarin, and sinapyl alcohol, suggesting their use as host specific V. album biomarkers. The present work highlights the importance of standardized harvest and analytical procedures for the reproducibility of the chemical results of herbal materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Jäger
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; (T.J.); (M.G.); (H.R.); (K.U.)
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 115b, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
| | - Carla Holandino
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; (T.J.); (M.G.); (H.R.); (K.U.)
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (M.N.d.O.M.); (E.M.C.P.); (A.P.O.)
| | - Michelle Nonato de Oliveira Melo
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (M.N.d.O.M.); (E.M.C.P.); (A.P.O.)
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
| | - Evelyn Maribel Condori Peñaloza
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (M.N.d.O.M.); (E.M.C.P.); (A.P.O.)
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
| | - Adriana Passos Oliveira
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (M.N.d.O.M.); (E.M.C.P.); (A.P.O.)
| | - Rafael Garrett
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
| | - Gaétan Glauser
- Neuchatel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Avenue de Bellevaux 51, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland;
| | - Mirio Grazi
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; (T.J.); (M.G.); (H.R.); (K.U.)
| | - Hartmut Ramm
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; (T.J.); (M.G.); (H.R.); (K.U.)
| | - Konrad Urech
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; (T.J.); (M.G.); (H.R.); (K.U.)
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; (T.J.); (M.G.); (H.R.); (K.U.)
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 46, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Oei SL, Thronicke A, Kröz M, von Trott P, Schad F, Matthes H. Impact of Oncological Therapy and Viscum album L Treatment on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Internal Coherence in Nonmetastasized Breast Cancer Patients. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735420917211. [PMID: 32478590 PMCID: PMC7273755 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420917211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction:Viscum album L extracts (VA) are frequently used in integrative
oncology. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of add-on VA applications
on various patient-reported outcome measures. Methods: A
longitudinal real-world study was conducted, using data from the Network
Oncology clinical registry. Primary, nonmetastasized breast cancer patients
treated with oncological standard therapy partly combined with VA applications
were included. Internal Coherence Cancer-related Fatigue, and EORTC QLQ-C30
questionnaires were assessed at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months later.
Results: A total of 319 patients received standard oncological
therapy and 40% of them additionally VA applications. After 6 and 12 months for
patients treated with chemotherapy (Ctx) only a significant decline of the
thermo-coherence, and worsening of fatigue was observed. For patients receiving
VA applications but no Ctx, significant beneficial effects on thermo-coherence,
fatigue, and seven EORTC QLQ-C30 scales were observed 24 months later. Adjusted
multivariable long-term subgroup (n = 106) regression analysis
revealed that Ctx, immuno-, and endocrine therapies had a worsening of 17, 17,
and 6 point changes, respectively, for EORTC QLQ-C30 fatigue (P
= .0004), while VA applications showed an improvement of 12 point change. A
similar impact of improvement (add-on VA) and worsening (standard oncological
treatment regimens) on EORTC QLQ-C30 insomnia (P = .009) and
physical functioning (P = .005) were observed.
Conclusions: In the present real-world study, add-on VA
applications had a supportive effect on cancer-related fatigue, insomnia,
physical functioning, and thermo-coherence. Thus, VA applications might be
suited to alleviate symptom burden during anticancer therapy in breast cancer
patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthias Kröz
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Philipp von Trott
- Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Schad
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Matthes
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany.,Medical Clinic for Gastroenterology, CBF, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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13
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The Potential Role of Korean Mistletoe Extract as an Anti-Inflammatory Supplementation. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:2183427. [PMID: 34307692 PMCID: PMC8263236 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2183427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Korean mistletoe has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions and may be a useful training supplement. We investigated the effect of Korean mistletoe extract (KME) on inflammatory markers after high-intensity exercise by 20 university male rowers (KME group vs. CON group) consuming 110 mL KME/dose (2 times a day over 8 weeks). Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum cytokine levels at baseline, immediately after exercise, and following 30 minutes of recovery. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were used as markers for inflammation. After supplementation, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly lowered in the KME group than in the CON group at baseline, immediately after exercise, and following 30 minutes of recovery. KME can reduce high-strength exercise-induced increases in the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines in active individuals and improve anti-inflammatory functions.
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In vivo effects of Viscum album and probiotics against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2021; 53:139-148. [PMID: 33625632 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-021-09883-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the possible protective and therapeutic effects of Viscum album extract and probiotics against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute/chronic liver injury. Male Wistar rats were assigned to seven groups: Control, acute CCl4, acute V. album + CCl4, acute V. album + Probiotics + CCl4, chronic CCl4, chronic CCl4 + V. album, and chronic CCl4 + V. album + Probiotics. Acute and chronic liver injuries were induced by 2 mg/kg CCl4 (i.p.) and 1 mg/kg CCl4 (i.p.), respectively. The extract and probiotics were administered daily to related groups. Serum enzyme activities, lipid profile, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, heme oxgenase-1 and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels were measured. Liver tissue sections stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Acute or chronic CCl4-exposure caused to significant changes in concentrations/activities of the measured parameters. The oral administration of extract and probiotics showed protective and therapeutic effects against CCl4-induced liver-injury. The supplementation of intestinal flora by the use of probiotics may enhance the efficacy of orally given therapeutic extracts.
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15
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Szurpnicka A, Kowalczuk A, Szterk A. Biological activity of mistletoe: in vitro and in vivo studies and mechanisms of action. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:593-629. [PMID: 32621089 PMCID: PMC7340679 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01247-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mistletoe has been used as treatment of many diseases in traditional and folk medicine. To date, anticancer, immunomodulatory, cardiac, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuropharmacological, antibacterial and antifungal properties of mistletoe extracts have been studied the most. In this review, we summarized in vitro and in vivo studies on the pharmacological activity of Viscum species. Furthermore, we proposed the possible mechanisms of action of this herb, which might include many signalling pathways. Mistletoe could regulate either similar or different targets in various pathways that act on membrane receptors, enzymes, ion channels, transporter proteins and transcriptional targets. Still, pharmacological activities of mistletoe have been investigated mainly for crude extracts. It is a new field for scientists to determined which chemical compounds are responsible for the individual biological activities of mistletoe and how these activities are achieved. As a result, mistletoe might become a source of new complementary therapies supporting the treatment of many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szurpnicka
- Department of Natural Medicinal Products and Dietary Supplements, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Kowalczuk
- National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Szterk
- Department of Spectrometric Methods, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland
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Halo M, Massanyi P, Gren A, Lasak A, Slanina T, Ondruska L, Muchacka R, Galbavy D, Ivanic P, Schneir ER, Formicki G. Time and Dose-Dependent Effects of Viscum Album Quercus on Rabbit Spermatozoa Motility and Viability in Vitro. Physiol Res 2019; 68:955-972. [PMID: 31647301 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The target of this study was to evaluate the effect of extract of the European mistletoe - Viscum album quercus L. on spermatozoa motility and viability in vitro. The CASA system was used to determine the spermatozoa motility parameters at different time intervals (0, 1, 2 and 3 h) and spermatozoa viability was determined in five different doses of Viscum album quercus L [10 (QA), 6.6 (QB), 3.3 (QC), 2.5 (QD) and 2 (QE) mg/ml]. Results in experimental groups detected a significant deterioration on rabbit spermatozoa after 1, 2 and 3 hours, compared to the control. The initial total spermatozoa motility showed increased value for all doses of Viscum album quercus in comparison to control. After in vitro culture a dose-dependent decrease (QA: reduction of 69.7 %, QB: reduction of 40.9 %) was found. For the progressive spermatozoa most significant decrease (86.8 % for QA vs. 48.5 % for QB) was detected compared to the control after 3 hours of culture. Spermatozoa viability (MTT test) was decreased in all experiment groups at the end of experiment, but the differences were not significant. Significant alterations of membrane integrity were found in groups with the highest Viscum album quercus concentration (QA, QB), but acrosome integrity showed no significant changes. Results suggest negative dose- and time-dependent effect of Viscum album quercus at higher doses on spermatozoa motility and viability parameters in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Halo
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
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Mistletoe and Immunomodulation: Insights and Implications for Anticancer Therapies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:5893017. [PMID: 31118962 PMCID: PMC6500636 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5893017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In early tumor development, cancer cells develop a plethora of strategies to escape surveillance from the adaptive and innate immune system. Cancer immunotherapies, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, are becoming a highly promising cancer therapeutic approach that has remarkable increased progress in combating various cancer types. Unfortunately, their mechanisms of action induce some complications, such as inflammatory reactions and immune-related adverse events. In the management of side effects during anticancer therapy, complementary and integrative therapy approaches are becoming of growing interest. Particularly, mistletoe, Viscum album L. (VA), has a long traditional history of about 100 years as an add-on therapy of cancer treatment in German-speaking countries. Besides antitumoral and quality of life-promoting activities, VA applications reduce side effects of modern conventional anticancer therapies and exert immunomodulatory characteristics. As these properties may provide a good basis for a combination with modern oncological therapies, the biological activities of VA applications and mechanisms involved have to be understood. In this review, the impact of VA compounds on different cellular pathways and immunological reactions in the fight against cancerous cells is discussed.
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Wójciak-Kosior M, Sowa I, Pucek K, Szymczak G, Kocjan R, Luchowski P. Evaluation of seasonal changes of triterpenic acid contents in Viscum album from different host trees. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2017; 55:1-4. [PMID: 27593449 PMCID: PMC7011989 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1225773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Viscum album L. (Loranthaceae) is a semi-parasitic plant used in pharmacy and medicine mostly for its hypotensive and anticancer activity. The effects may be related to the presence of triterpenic acids, such as betulinic (BA) and oleanolic (OA) acids. OBJECTIVES In our investigations the content of triterpenic acids in V. album from different host trees depending on the season of harvest was determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS V. album herb was dried and extracted with ethyl acetate using ultrasound energy. The reversed phase HPLC-PDA method was used for the analysis of triterpenic acids. The structure of the target components was confirmed by mass spectrometry with an electrospray ionization source. RESULTS Diversity in the content of both compounds was noted; however, OA was the dominant triterpenic acid and the amount thereof was ∼10 times higher than that of BA. The analysis of changes in the amount of triterpenic acids during the spring-winter period revealed the highest content of OA in summer (from 6.84 to 13.65 mg/g). In turn, in the other seasons of harvest, the content was in the range of 4.41-9.83, 6.41-9.56 and 5.59-12.16 mg/g for spring, autumn and winter, respectively. In most cases, a similar tendency was observed for BA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION In most cases, the highest amount of the investigated compounds was found in summer; thus, this period seems to be optimal for acquisition of plant material rich in triterpenic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wójciak-Kosior
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical
University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- CONTACT Magdalena Wójciak-KosiorDepartment of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of
Lublin, Chodźki 4a, Lublin 20-093,
Poland
| | - Ireneusz Sowa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical
University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kamila Pucek
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical
University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Szymczak
- Botanical Garden of Maria Curie-Skłodowska
University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ryszard Kocjan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical
University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Luchowski
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of
Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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González JA, Carvalho AM, Vallejo JR, Amich F. Plant-based remedies for wolf bites and rituals against wolves in the Iberian Peninsula: Therapeutic opportunities and cultural values for the conservation of biocultural diversity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 209:124-139. [PMID: 28755969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Combined approaches to local knowledge and folk plant use improve awareness and promote effective strategies for the conservation of significant biocultural patrimony. Moreover, the information reported might be the basis for further appropriate phytochemical and pharmacological research. Therefore we provide an insight into traditional herbal remedies and practices for healing bite injuries in humans and domestic animals caused by the Iberian wolf. Wolf bites are associated with inflammatory processes and rabies is a potential complication AIMS: This paper describes and summarises the medicinal-veterinary empirical and ritual uses of the Iberian flora for wolf injuries and reviews the ethnopharmacological data of specific plants that are already published. The Iberian wolf is a critically endangered subspecies of the grey wolf. Livestock attacks attributed to wolves are increasingly frequent in the Iberian Peninsula, resulting in serious social problems. Interesting strategies for Iberian wolf conservation might be related to traditional grazing practices that are deeply linked with empirical knowledge and local practices passed on by oral tradition, which are also vulnerable now. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on documentary sources from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present, we systematically searched old monographs, regional documents, technical papers, project reports, as well as the international and national databases and the available scientific literature, without restrictions regarding the language of the publications consulted. RESULTS A total of 39 remedies for healing wolf bite injuries in humans and domestic animals was reported, highlighting the medicinal use of 33 species of vascular plants, mostly wild herbs, belonging to 18 botanical families. The use of wood ashes was also reported. The number of use-reports found represents a very high number considering similar European studies. Leaves were the predominant plant part mentioned. Boiling plant materials in water for topical uses was the most frequent method of preparation found. Some traditional remedies combined two or more plant species in order to potentiate their effects. Moreover, some plant-based traditional practices and rituals to ward off wolves and to prevent wolf attacks were also documented. In these practices eleven other species (belonging to seven more families) were used. CONCLUSIONS Despite the decline of the Iberian wolf over the last few decades, wolves are still in the imaginary of rural communities that perceive this large carnivore as both a diabolic creature and a mythic and benign animal. Wolf-related cultural heritage is of great interest in terms of conservation strategies. This review emphasises the importance of local knowledge and provides useful information about several potential sources of phytochemicals and their claimed therapeutic effects, aiming at contributing to the conservation and appreciation of the Iberian biocultural heritage.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A González
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Etnobiológicos del Duero-Douro (GRIRED), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca E-37071, Spain.
| | - Ana Maria Carvalho
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), School of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal.
| | - José Ramón Vallejo
- Área de Didáctica de Ciencias Experimentales, Equipo de Historia de la Ciencia y Antropología de la Salud,Salud, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, E-06006, Spain.
| | - Francisco Amich
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Etnobiológicos del Duero-Douro (GRIRED), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca E-37071, Spain.
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Viscum album (L.) in experimental animal tumors: A meta-analysis. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:2723-2740. [PMID: 28596809 PMCID: PMC5457804 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) has been used as complementary anticancer treatment for ~100 years. Although the clinical efficacy of mistletoe in cancer and associated survival benefits remain contested, several studies point to its effectiveness and others have reported antitumor and immunomodulatory properties. In the present review, a search was conducted for original articles reporting the outcomes of treatments for experimental animal tumors with mistletoe. The inclusion criteria were: Publication in English, from 1996 onwards and in peer-reviewed journals included in the database PubMed. The parameters analyzed were: Provenance and time of publication, rationale, methods (animal species used, mistletoe preparation, treatment protocol, tumor lineage, blinding, randomization, controls and concomitant treatments), outcomes and investigated mechanisms of action. A total of 37 studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was adequate in the terms of sample size and use of controls, and the only animal species employed were mice and rats. However, few studies reported having performed random allocation and none reported blinding. There was wide variation in the type and preparation of mistletoe used, route of administration, regimen, tumor type and the mechanism of action assessed. A temporal trend was identified; earlier studies sought to establish the antitumor effect of mistletoe and its possible mechanisms, cytotoxicity and immunomodulation in particular, whereas the later ones tended to focus more on biologically active principles, genomics and oxidative stress. A total of 32/37 studies reported an antitumor effect, 3 of which had mixed results. A total of 2 studies did not detect any antitumor effect and a further 2 found stimulation of tumor growth in the treated groups. One study did not assess antitumor effects, investigating immunomodulation action instead. The quality of the studies was satisfactory and the majority reported positive outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a great deal of methodological heterogeneity among the studies, which precludes conclusive comparisons. Based on these results, the present authors strongly suggest developing guidelines for reporting in vivo mistletoe cancer treatment experiments.
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Jeong J, Park CH, Kim I, Kim YH, Yoon JM, Kim KS, Kim JB. Korean mistletoe (Viscum album coloratum) extract regulates gene expression related to muscle atrophy and muscle hypertrophy. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:68. [PMID: 28109285 PMCID: PMC5251312 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Korean mistletoe (Viscum album coloratum) is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on various trees and has a diverse range of effects on biological functions, being implicated in having anti-tumor, immunostimulatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. Recently, we also reported that Korean mistletoe extract (KME) improves endurance exercise in mice, suggesting its beneficial roles in enhancing the capacity of skeletal muscle. Methods We examined the expression pattern of several genes concerned with muscle physiology in C2C12 myotubes cells to identify whether KME inhibits muscle atrophy or promotes muscle hypertrophy. We also investigated these effects of KME in denervated mice model. Results Interestingly, KME induced the mRNA expression of SREBP-1c, PGC-1α, and GLUT4, known positive regulators of muscle hypertrophy, in C2C12 cells. On the contrary, KME reduced the expression of Atrogin-1, which is directly involved in the induction of muscle atrophy. In animal models, KME mitigated the decrease of muscle weight in denervated mice. The expression of Atrogin-1 was also diminished in those mice. Moreover, KME enhanced the grip strength and muscle weight in long-term feeding mice. Conclusions Our results suggest that KME has beneficial effects on muscle atrophy and muscle hypertrophy.
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22
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Lim YC, Rajabalaya R, Lee SHF, Tennakoon KU, Le QV, Idris A, Zulkipli IN, Keasberry N, David SR. Parasitic Mistletoes of the Genera Scurrula and Viscum: From Bench to Bedside. Molecules 2016; 21:E1048. [PMID: 27548121 PMCID: PMC6273404 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21081048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The mistletoes, stem hemiparasites of Asia and Europe, have been used as medicinal herbs for many years and possess sophisticated systems to obtain nutrients from their host plants. Although knowledge about ethnomedicinal uses of mistletoes is prevalent in Asia, systematic scientific study of these plants is still lacking, unlike its European counterparts. This review aims to evaluate the literature on Scurrula and Viscum mistletoes. Both mistletoes were found to have anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Plants from the genus Scurrula were found to inhibit cancer growth due to presence of phytoconstituents such as quercetin and fatty acid chains. Similar to plants from the genus Viscum, Scurrula also possesses TNFα activity to strengthen the immune system to combat cancer. In line with its anticancer activity, both mistletoes are rich in antioxidants that confer protection against cancer as well as neurodegeneration. Extracts from plants of both genera showed evidence of vasodilation and thus, antihypertensive effects. Other therapeutic effects such as weight loss, postpartum and gastrointestinal healing from different plants of the genus Scurrula are documented. As the therapeutic effects of plants from Scurrula are still in exploration stage, there is currently no known clinical trial on these plants. However, there are few on-going clinical trials for Viscum album that demonstrate the functionalities of these mistletoes. Future work required for exploring the benefits of these plants and ways to develop both parasitic plants as a source of pharmacological drug are explained in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Chee Lim
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Rajan Rajabalaya
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Shirley Huan Fang Lee
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Kushan U Tennakoon
- Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Quang-Vuong Le
- Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
- Biology Faculty, Vinh University, 182 Le Duan, 470000 Vinh City, Nghe An Province, Vietnam.
| | - Adi Idris
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Ihsan N Zulkipli
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Natasha Keasberry
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
| | - Sheba R David
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE 1410 Gadong, Brunei.
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Differential Effects of Viscum album Preparations on the Maturation and Activation of Human Dendritic Cells and CD4⁺ T Cell Responses. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21070912. [PMID: 27428940 PMCID: PMC6273690 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21070912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracts of Viscum album (VA); a semi-parasitic plant, are frequently used in the complementary therapy of cancer and other immunological disorders. Various reports show that VA modulates immune system and exerts immune-adjuvant activities that might influence tumor regression. Currently, several therapeutic preparations of VA are available and hence an insight into the mechanisms of action of different VA preparations is necessary. In the present study, we performed a comparative study of five different preparations of VA on maturation and activation of human dendritic cells (DCs) and ensuing CD4+ T cell responses. Monocyte-derived human DCs were treated with VA Qu Spez, VA Qu Frf, VA M Spez, VA P and VA A. Among the five VA preparations tested VA Qu Spez, a fermented extract with a high level of lectins, significantly induced DC maturation markers CD83, CD40, HLA-DR and CD86, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α. Furthermore, analysis of T cell cytokines in DC-T cell co-culture revealed that VA Qu Spez significantly stimulated IFN-γ secretion without modulating regulatory T cells and other CD4+ T cytokines IL-4, IL-13 and IL-17A. Our study thus delineates differential effects of VA preparations on DC maturation; function and T cell responses.
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Asian Elm tree inner bark prevents articular cartilage deterioration in ovariectomized obese rats with monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis. Menopause 2016; 23:197-208. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Singh BN, Saha C, Galun D, Upreti DK, Bayry J, Kaveri SV. European Viscum album: a potent phytotherapeutic agent with multifarious phytochemicals, pharmacological properties and clinical evidence. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra27381a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Viscum albumL. or European mistletoe (Loranthaceae), a semi-parasitic shrub, has been used as a traditional medicine in Europe for centuries to treat various diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorder, epilepsy, infertility, hypertension and arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahma N. Singh
- Pharmacognosy & Ethnopharmacology Division
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute
- Lucknow-226 001
- India
| | - Chaitrali Saha
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1138
- Paris
- France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
- Equipe – Immunopathologie et immuno-intervention thérapeutique
| | - Danijel Galun
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery
- Clinical Centre of Serbia
- Belgrade
- Serbia
- Medical School
| | - Dalip K. Upreti
- Lichenology Division
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute
- Lucknow-226 001
- India
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1138
- Paris
- France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
- Equipe – Immunopathologie et immuno-intervention thérapeutique
| | - Srini V. Kaveri
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1138
- Paris
- France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
- Equipe – Immunopathologie et immuno-intervention thérapeutique
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Singh VK, Dwivedi P, Chaudhary BR, Singh R. Immunomodulatory Effect of Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.) Leaf Extract: An In Vitro Study in Rat Model. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139631. [PMID: 26474420 PMCID: PMC4608767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gymnema sylvestre Wild R.Br (family: Asclepidaceae) is a valuable medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat diabetes, obesity, asthma etc. in India for antiquity. Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome characterized immunologically by lymphocyte apoptosis and reduced cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Modulation of immune responses to alleviate diseases has been of interest, and traditional herbal medicines may play an important role in this regard. In this study, we aim to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of methanolic extract of G. sylvestre leaf using rat model. HPLC analysis of leaf extract was carried out for gymnemic acid. The method involves the initial hydrolysis of gymnemic acids, the active ingredients, to a common aglycone followed by the quantitative estimation of gymnemagenin, using gymnemagenin as reference standard. Gymnemic acid content was 2.40% (w/w) in G. sylvestre leaf extract. In vitro immunomodulatory activity of the methanolic extract of G. sylvestre leaf (1-200μg/ml) was evaluated by gauging its effects on nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and nitrite release in rat peritoneal macrophages and on mitogen (ConA, PHA and LPS) induced splenic lymphocyte proliferation. G. sylvestre leaf extract showed significant (<0.05) enhancement in NO and ROS generation in macrophages and in proliferation of lymphocytes in dose dependent manner. EC50 value was 3.10, 3.75 and 2.68 μg/ml for NBT reduction, nitrite release and lymphoproliferation, respectively. Potential effect was observed at 100 μg/ml in NO and ROS generation in macrophages and 20 μg/ml in lymphocyte proliferation. G. sylvestre leaf extract stimulates macrophage reactivity, increasing the level of activity even higher when combined with PMA or LPS. These findings suggest the presence of active compounds, gymnemic acid, in methanolic extract of G. sylvestre leaf that stimulates both myeloid and lymphoid components of immune system, and therefore can restore the innate immune function. Through this study, the traditional knowledge of anti-diabetic property of G. sylvestre is scientifically supplemented with its immunomodulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Kumar Singh
- Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., India
| | - Padmanabh Dwivedi
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., India
| | - B. R. Chaudhary
- Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., India
| | - Ramesh Singh
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, U.P., India
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Abstract
Viscum album L., the European mistletoe, is a common species from the Viscaceae family. This evergreen hemiparasitic shrub grows on various trees and contains diverse, biologically active substances. Its chemical composition may vary depending on the time of harvest, species of the host tree and the manufacturing process. Among well-described and most active phytochemicals identified in V. album are lectins and viscotoxins, which play substantial role in cancer treatment because of their apoptotic and cytotoxic effects. Another group of compounds found in mistletoe are phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which decrease blood pressure. Other mistletoe components include, among others, triterpenes with cytotoxic and apoptotic properties, and phytosterols, oligo- and polysaccharides. Extracts from the plant, especially aqueous, are applied in traditional and official medicine, among others in treating hypertension or arthritis. Potentially, it can also be used as a hepatoprotective or a sedative drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Nazaruk
- a Department of Pharmacognosy , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
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Saha C, Hegde P, Friboulet A, Bayry J, Kaveri SV. Viscum album-mediated COX-2 inhibition implicates destabilization of COX-2 mRNA. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0114965. [PMID: 25664986 PMCID: PMC4321838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive use of Viscum album (VA) preparations in the complementary therapy of cancer and in several other human pathologies has led to an increasing number of cellular and molecular approaches to explore the mechanisms of action of VA. We have recently demonstrated that, VA preparations exert a potent anti-inflammatory effect by selectively down-regulating the COX-2-mediated cytokine-induced secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), one of the important molecular signatures of inflammatory reactions. In this study, we observed a significant down-regulation of COX-2 protein expression in VA-treated A549 cells however COX-2 mRNA levels were unaltered. Therefore, we hypothesized that VA induces destabilisation of COX-2 mRNA, thereby depleting the available functional COX-2 mRNA for the protein synthesis and for the subsequent secretion of PGE2. To address this question, we analyzed the molecular degradation of COX-2 protein and its corresponding mRNA in A549 cell line. Using cyclohexamide pulse chase experiment, we demonstrate that, COX-2 protein degradation is not affected by the treatment with VA whereas experiments on transcriptional blockade with actinomycin D, revealed a marked reduction in the half life of COX-2 mRNA due to its rapid degradation in the cells treated with VA compared to that in IL-1β-stimulated cells. These results thus demonstrate that VA-mediated inhibition of PGE2 implicates destabilization of COX-2 mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitrali Saha
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1138, Paris, France
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, UMR CNRS 6022, Compiègne, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathology and therapeutic immunointervention, Paris, France
| | - Pushpa Hegde
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1138, Paris, France
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, UMR CNRS 6022, Compiègne, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathology and therapeutic immunointervention, Paris, France
| | - Alain Friboulet
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, UMR CNRS 6022, Compiègne, France
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1138, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathology and therapeutic immunointervention, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1138, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Paris, France
| | - Srinivas V. Kaveri
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1138, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathology and therapeutic immunointervention, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1138, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Bock PR, Hanisch J, Matthes H, Zänker KS. Targeting inflammation in cancer-related-fatigue: a rationale for mistletoe therapy as supportive care in colorectal cancer patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 13:105-11. [PMID: 24766319 PMCID: PMC4133960 DOI: 10.2174/1871528113666140428103332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) affects a majority of patients (pts) with symptoms lasting up to several years after finishing therapy. These symptoms lead to decreased health related quality of life. Fatigue during treatment for colorectal cancer is common, but poorly understood and can affect compliance with post-surgical cancer therapy. We examined the fatigue levels during first-line chemo- or radio-chemotherapy protocols, which were supported by a pharmaceutical mistletoe preparation (Iscador®Qu) (181patients). We compared the outcome to a parallel control group (143 patients), which did not receive this supportive care treatment. Methods: The medical records of 324 patients with non-metastasized colorectal cancer (UICC stage I - III), which were obtained from hospitals and resident physicians, were assessed. The documented treatment decision by chemo- or radio-chemotherapy supported by mistletoe interventions was followed for a median treatment period of 8.6 months. During the post-surgical treatment period the patients were diagnosed twice for the presence of fatigue symptoms by structural interviews carried out by physicians. Results: At the end of the median treatment period, 16/181 patients (8.8%) were diagnosed with CRF in the supportive care group and 86/143 (60.1%) in the chemo – or radio-chemotherapy group without supportive mistletoe medication. Multivariable-adjusted ORs provided evidence for a chance to improve CRF by supportive mistletoe medication compared to chemo- or radio-chemotherapy alone over the time of treatment. The OR = 10.651 (95% CI 5.09-22.28; p < 0.001) declined from the first visit to OR = 0.054 (95 CI 0.02-0.13; p < 0.001) at the end of therapy. Furthermore, 14 confounding factors for risk assessment of CRF were compared by means of forest plots. It turned out that the hospital versus office-based treatment and the co-morbidity/inflammation represent independent but important determinants for fatigue levels. Conclusion: The clinically used mistletoe medication (Iscador®Qu) is the first candidate to be included in a supportive care modus into chemo- or chemo-radiotherapy protocols for colorectal patients to improve CRF without discernable toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kurt S Zänker
- Institute of Immunology & Exp. Oncology, Department of Human Medicine, ZBAF, Faculty of Health Science, University Witten/Herdecke, D-58448 Whitten, Germany.
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Zhang XF, Zhu Y, Liang WB, Zhang JJ. Transcription factor Ets-1 inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of pancreatic β-cells partly through up-regulation of COX-2 gene expression. Endocrine 2014; 46:470-6. [PMID: 24287791 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-013-0114-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is associated with pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. We previously demonstrated that the transcription factor Ets-1 significantly up-regulated COX-2 gene promoter activity. In this report, we used the pancreatic β-cell line INS-1 and isolated rat islets to investigate whether Ets-1 could induce β-cell dysfunction through up-regulating COX-2 gene expression. We investigated the effects of ETS-1 overexpression and the effects of ETS-1 RNA interference on endogenous COX-2 expression in INS-1 cells. We used site-directed mutagenesis and a dual luciferase reporter assay to study putative Ets-1 binding sites in the COX-2 promoter. The effect of ETS-1 1 overexpression on the insulin secretion function of INS-1 cells and rat islets and the potential reversal of these effects by a COX-2 inhibitor were determined in a glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assay. ETS-1 overexpression significantly induces endogenous COX-2 expression, but ETS-1 RNA interference has no effect on basal COX-2 expression in INS-1 cells. Ets-1 protein significantly increases COX-2 promoter activity through the binding site located in the -195/-186 region of the COX-2 promoter. ETS-1 overexpression significantly inhibited the GSIS function of INS-1 cells and islet cells and COX-2 inhibitor treatment partly reversed this effect. These findings indicated that ETS-1 overexpression induces β-cell dysfunction partly through up-regulation of COX-2 gene expression. Moreover, Ets-1, the transcriptional regulator of COX-2 expression, may be a potential target for the prevention of β-cell dysfunction mediated by COX-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong-Fei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
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31
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Mistletoe: from basic research to clinical outcomes in cancer and other indications. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:987527. [PMID: 24987438 PMCID: PMC4058517 DOI: 10.1155/2014/987527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Wang J, Liu L, Qiu H, Zhang X, Guo W, Chen W, Tian Y, Fu L, Shi D, Cheng J, Huang W, Deng W. Ursolic acid simultaneously targets multiple signaling pathways to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63872. [PMID: 23737956 PMCID: PMC3667855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid distributed in medical herbs, exerts antitumor effects and is emerging as a promising compound for cancer prevention and therapy, but its excise mechanisms of action in colon cancer cells remains largely unknown. Here, we identified the molecular mechanisms by which UA inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human colon cancer SW480 and LoVo cells. Treatment with UA led to significant inhibitions in cell viability and clone formation and changes in cell morphology and spreading. UA also suppressed colon cancer cell migration by inhibiting MMP9 and upregulating CDH1 expression. Further studies showed that UA inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK proteins. Pretreatment with an Akt or ERK-specific inhibitor considerably abrogated the proliferation inhibition by UA. UA also significantly inhibited colon cancer cell COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. Pretreatment with a COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) abrogated the UA-induced cell proliferation. Moreover, we found that UA effectively promoted NF-κB and p300 translocation from cell nuclei to cytoplasm, and attenuated the p300-mediated acetylation of NF-κB and CREB2. Pretreatment with a p300 inhibitor (roscovitine) abrogated the UA-induced cell proliferation, which is reversed by p300 overexpression. Furthermore, UA treatment induced colon cancer cell apoptosis, increased the cleavage of PARP, caspase-3 and 9, and trigged the release of cytochrome c from mitochondrial inter-membrane space into cytosol. These results indicate that UA inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells through simultaneous modulation of the multiple signaling pathways such as MMP9/CDH1, Akt/ERK, COX-2/PGE2, p300/NF-κB/CREB2, and cytochrome c/caspase pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqun Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital-Huangpu Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University Cancer Center, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University Cancer Center, Dalian, China
| | - Wangbing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingyi Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianding Cheng
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Medical School, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenlin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeted Drug for Tumors of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou Double Bioproduct Inc, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Gründemann C, Garcia-Käufer M, Sauer B, Stangenberg E, Könczöl M, Merfort I, Zehl M, Huber R. Traditionally used Veronica officinalis inhibits proinflammatory mediators via the NF-κB signalling pathway in a human lung cell line. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 145:118-126. [PMID: 23142555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Extracts from Veronica officinalis L. are traditionally used for the treatment of lung diseases; however, the effective compounds and the mode of action are still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY Here we analyzed the effects of a standardized Veronica extract on genes expression and signalling protein production associated with the development of inflammatory lung diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS The degranulation capacity of primary mast cells, as well as gene expression and release of inflammatory mediators from human lung epithelial cells (A549 cells) were analyzed in relation to the synthetic drugs azelastine and dexamethasone. Gene and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 were investigated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The involvement of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-κB signaling in regulation of these molecules were characterized by western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Characteristic extract components were identified by LC-MS and verminoside was quantified by HPLC analysis. RESULTS We demonstrated that Veronica officinalis has a small influence on the degranulation capacity of mast cells but rather inhibits gene and protein expression of the chemokine eotaxin in A549 lung epithelial cells, which is essential for recruitment of inflammatory-associated cells in lung diseases. Furthermore, release of the inflammatory mediator PGE(2) was diminished through inhibition of COX-2 expression via the NF-κB signaling pathway in TNF-α-activated A549 cells. Phytochemical analysis identified verproside and verminoside as the most abundant iridoid glycosides. CONCLUSION Our results are a contribution to explaining the observed anti-inflammatory effects of Veronica offcinalis extract on a molecular level. However, its clinical potency has at first to be proven in animals and subsequently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Gründemann
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 115B, 79111 Freiburg, Germany.
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Zhang XF, Zhu Y, Liang WB, Zhang JJ. The ETS-Domain Transcription Factor Elk-1 Regulates COX-2 Gene Expression and Inhibits Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion in the Pancreatic β -Cell Line INS-1. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:843462. [PMID: 23818898 PMCID: PMC3684088 DOI: 10.1155/2013/843462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is associated with many aspects of physiological and pathological conditions, including pancreatic β -cell dysfunction. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, as a consequence of COX-2 gene induction, has been reported to impair β -cell function. The molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of COX-2 gene expression are not fully understood. We previously demonstrated that transcription factor Elk-1 significantly upregulated COX-2 gene promoter activity. In this report, we used pancreatic β -cell line (INS-1) to explore the relationships between Elk-1 and COX-2. We first investigated the effects of Elk-1 on COX-2 transcriptional regulation and expression in INS-1 cells. We thus undertook to study the binding of Elk-1 to its putative binding sites in the COX-2 promoter. We also analysed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in INS-1 cells that overexpressed Elk-1. Our results demonstrate that Elk-1 efficiently upregulates COX-2 expression at least partly through directly binding to the -82/-69 region of COX-2 promoter. Overexpression of Elk-1 inhibits GSIS in INS-1 cells. These findings will be helpful for better understanding the transcriptional regulation of COX-2 in pancreatic β -cell. Moreover, Elk-1, the transcriptional regulator of COX-2 expression, will be a potential target for the prevention of β -cell dysfunction mediated by PGE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong-Fei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Academy of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Tumor Biology, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Wen-Biao Liang
- Transfusion Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Blood Center, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Academy of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Tumor Biology, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
- *Jing-Jing Zhang:
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Cancer-related stress and complementary and alternative medicine: a review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:979213. [PMID: 22844341 PMCID: PMC3403456 DOI: 10.1155/2012/979213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A cancer diagnosis elicits strong psychophysiological reactions that characterize stress. Stress is experienced by all patients but is usually not discussed during patient-healthcare professional interaction; thus underdiagnosed, very few are referred to support services. The prevalence of CAM use in patients with history of cancer is growing. The purpose of the paper is to review the aspects of cancer-related stress and interventions of commonly used complementary and alternative techniques/products for amelioration of cancer-related stress. Feasibility of intervention of several CAM techniques and products commonly used by cancer patients and survivors has been established in some cancer populations. Efficacy of some CAM techniques and products in reducing stress has been documented as well as stress-related symptoms in patients with cancer such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, acupuncture, energy-based techniques, and physical activity. Much of the research limitations include small study samples and variety of intervention length and content. Efficacy and safety of many CAM techniques and some herbs and vitamin B and D supplements need to be confirmed in further studies using scientific methodology. Several complementary and alternative medicine therapies could be integrated into standard cancer care to ameliorate cancer-related stress.
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Gupta G, Kazmi I, Afzal M, Rahman M, Saleem S, Ashraf MS, Khusroo MJ, Nazeer K, Ahmed S, Mujeeb M, Ahmed Z, Anwar F. Sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic effects of Viscum album L. (Loranthaceae) in mice and rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 141:810-816. [PMID: 22449438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Viscum album L. is claimed in traditional medical practice, to be useful in the treatment of epilepsy and insomnia in Himachal Pradesh, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of Viscum album L. on epilepsy, psychosis and sedative activity was evaluated in mice and rats using standard procedure. RESULTS The aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album L. prolonged the pentobarbital induced sleeping time and reduced the locomotor activity in actophotometer. This suggests that reduced locomotor activity facilitate GABAergic transmission. In addition the extract reduced MES, INH and PTZ-induced convulsions which suggest that there may be possibility of blocking Na(+) channels, opening of Cl(-) channels or enhancing the GABAergic system. The extract decreased the apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior and potentiates the HAL-induced cataleptic score which suggests the extract possess antidopaminergic activity. CONCLUSION The results obtained in present study suggested that title plant exhibited sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic activity in mice and rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Gupta
- Siddhartha Institute of Pharmacy, Near IT Park, Dehradun, India
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