Terpenes from essential oils and hydrolate of Teucrium alopecurus triggered apoptotic events dependent on caspases activation and PARP cleavage in human colon cancer cells through decreased protein expressions

Evaluation of Antiproliferative Potentials Associated with the Volatile Compounds of Lantana camara Flowers: Selective In Vitro Activity

Probing the chemical profiles and biological activities of medicinal plants is important for the discovery of new potent therapeutic products. Our study deciphers the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) obtained from three different flowers of Lantana camara and evaluates their antioxidant and anticancer activities. This work represents the first study of EOs obtained from this plant and is based particularly on the difference in flower color. In addition, no other reports dealing specifically with the antitumor effects of such flower-derived EOs have been described in the literature. The collected flowers, white, pink, and orange, were extracted by hydrodistillation to yield EO1, EO2, and EO3 respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was primarily employed to identify the existing volatile compounds in the samples. Their antioxidant activities were screened through both DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assays and FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power) assays. The antiproliferative effects were evaluated on two distinct breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, and compared to a normal human breast cell line, MCF-10A, using an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium) assay. All EOs showed notable antioxidant potential attributed to the active phytochemical compounds, with results being supported by a positive correlation between such activity and the total phenolic and flavonoid content. The most eminent, EO1, revealed a selective dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in both breast cancer cell lines, thus reflecting its potent role as an anticancer agent. We suggest that this highly selective activity is associated with the presence of bicyclogermacrene and epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene in its chemical composition.

Colorectal carcinoma cell targeting aromatherapy with Teucrium ramosissimum essential oil to sensitize TRAIL/Apo2L-induced HCT-116 cell death

This report drives insights for the investigation of the underlying mechanisms of antitumor effects of Teucrium ramosissimum (TrS) essential oil (EO) that elicits colon tumor protection via activation of cell death machinery. A study of the aerial part phytocomplex was performed by FTIR spectra and GC/MS. In vivo colon carcinogenesis induced by LPS was carried out using mouse model. HCT-116 cells were coincubated with TrS EO and TRAIL-resistant cancer cells, and then cell lysates were assessed using Western blotting technique for death and decoy receptor expression. TrS essential oil potentiates TRAIL-mediated apoptosis cell death of HCT-116 as detected by PARP cleavage and caspase activation. Further data suggest that TrS up-regulates DR 5/4 expression, and down-regulates DcRs expression. Additionally, TrS potentiates apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant tumor cells through induction of MAPK signalling components, including ERK, p38 kinase, JNK, and activation of CHOP, and SP1, involved in DR5 expression. Moreover, Teucrium EO phytoconstituents mediate HCT-116 cells apoptosis by evoking cell cycle arrest at the G1 and G2/M phase through diminishing the expression of cyclin D1 acting as a potent multitargeted factors of inhibition of JAK/STAT oncogenic signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that TRAIL-induced apoptosis enhancing effect of TrS mediated through proto-oncogene expression in HCT-116. TrS administered intragastrically is able to prevent tumor of colon by stopping carcinogenesis process and impede tumor cell growth in in vivo analysis promoted by LPS. On the whole, our results revealed that TrS is an effective antitcancer agent through the induction of transcription factor and kinases, either are needed to trigger Apo2L receptors.

Synergism of d-limonene and temozolomide on migratory and apoptotic behaviors of human glioblastoma cell lines

Introduction

Glioblastoma (GBM), which is a heterogeneous and aggressive type of brain tumor, is known for its poor survival outcomes. The treatment of GBM remains challenging primarily due to the drug resistance to the current standard therapeutic option, temozolomide (TMZ). Researchers are currently focusing on developing an appropriate alternative combinatorial therapeutic to enhance treatment outcomes. D-limonene (DL) is a monoterpene derived from citrus fruit. This study aims to assess the impact of combining DL with TMZ and explore its potential mechanism of action in U87MG and LN229 GBM cells.

Methods

The effects of the combined treatment of DL and TMZ were assessed on various cellular aspects, including cell viability, anchorage-independent cell growth, and DNA damage. Furthermore, the influence of this combination on cell cycle progression, cell migration, and cell death was also investigated.

Results

The combination of DL+TMZ demonstrated a synergistic effect, resulting in reduced cell proliferation and suppressing the colony formation ability of a single cell. Treatment with DL and TMZ arrested the cells in G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, the DL+TMZ combination induced apoptosis by upregulating the expression of Bax, and Caspase (CASP)-3, while reducing the expression of the Bcl-2 gene in GBM cells. In addition, the combined treatment of DL+TMZ significantly decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, expression, indicating inhibition of cell migration in GBM cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combination of DL and TMZ demonstrated a synergistic effect in reducing cell proliferation, suppressing colony formation, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting cell migration in GBM cells. These findings suggest the potential of DL+TMZ combination therapy as an effective treatment for GBM.

Natural essential oils as a new therapeutic tool in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most revalent type of cancer in the world and the second most common cause of cancer death (about 1 million per year). Historically, natural compounds and their structural analogues have contributed to the development of new drugs useful in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. Essential oils are natural odorous products made up of a complex mixture of low molecular weight compounds with recognized biological and pharmacological properties investigated also for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The aim of this paper is to highlight the possible role of essential oils in CRC, their composition and the preclinical studies involving them. It has been reviewed the preclinical pharmacological studies to determine the experimental models used and the anticancer potential mechanisms of action of natural essential oils in CRC. Searches were performed in the following databases PubMed/Medline, Web of science, TRIP database, Scopus, Google Scholar using appropriate MeSH terms. The results of analyzed studies showed that EOs exhibited a wide range of bioactive effects like cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, and antimetastatic effects on cancer cells through various mechanisms of action. This updated review provides a better quality of scientific evidence for the efficacy of EOs as chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive agents in CRC. Future translational clinical studies are needed to establish the effective dose in humans as well as the most suitable route of administration for maximum bioavailability and efficacy. Given the positive anticancer results obtained from preclinical pharmacological studies, EOs can be considered efficient complementary therapies in chemotherapy in CRC.

Chemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Mentha piperita L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oils and In Vitro Potential Cytotoxic Effect in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer, and the therapeutic solutions are frequently aggressive requiring improvements. Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites of aromatic plants with important pharmacological properties that proved to be beneficial in multiple pathologies including cancer. Mentha piperita L. (M_EO) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (R_EO) essential oils are well-known for their biological effects (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic in different cancer cells), but their potential as complementary treatment in colorectal cancer is underexplored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the M_EO and R_EO in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects in a colorectal cancer cell line—HCT 116. The gas-chromatographic analysis revealed menthone and menthol, and eucalyptol, α-pinene and L-camphor as major compounds in M_EO and R_EO respectively. M_EO exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, moderate antioxidant activity and a low cytotoxic effect in HCT 116 cells. R_EO presented a significant cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells and a low antimicrobial effect. The cytotoxic effect on non-cancerous cell line HaCaT was not significant for both essential oils. These results may provide an experimental basis for further research concerning the potential use of M_EO and R_EO for anticancer treatment.

A comprehensive review on clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus L.) essential oil and its significance in the formulation of edible coatings for potential food applications

Many studies have demonstrated the use of synthetic preservatives and chemical additives in food is causing poisoning, cancer, and other degenerative disorders. New solutions for food preservation with quality maintenance are currently emerging. As a result, public concern has grown, as they desire to eat healthier products that use natural preservatives and compounds rather than synthetic ones. Clove is a highly prized spice used as a food preservative and for a variety of therapeutic reasons. Clove essential oil and its principal active component, eugenol, indicate antibacterial and antifungal action, aromaticity, and safety as promising and valuable antiseptics in the food sector. Clove essential oil and eugenol are found to have strong inhibition effects on a variety of food-source bacteria, and the mechanisms are linked to lowering migration and adhesion, as well as blocking the creation of biofilm and various virulence factors. This review emphasizes the importance of CEO (clove essential oil) in the food industry and how it can be explored with edible coatings to deliver its functional properties in food preservation.

Pharmacological and biological effects of alpha-bisabolol: An updated review of the molecular mechanisms

Alpha-bisabolol (α-bisabolol), an unsaturated monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, is known as one of the "most-used herbal constituents" in the world. Various therapeutic and biological properties of α-bisabolol in preventing oxidative stress, inflammatory disorders, infections, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and metabolic disorders have been reported. In this review, we evaluated new findings regarding the molecular mechanisms of α-bisabolol published from 2010 until 2021 in PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. The antioxidant mechanism of α-bisabolol is mainly associated with the reduction of ROS/RNS, MDA, and GSH depletion, MPO activity, and augmentation of SOD and CAT. Additionally, upregulating the expression of bcl-2 and suppression of bax, P53, APAF-1, caspase-3, and caspase-9 activity indicates the anti-apoptotic effects of α- bisabolol. It possesses anti-inflammatory effects via reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 and suppresses the activation of ERK1/2, JNK, NF-κB, and p38. The antimicrobial effect is mediated by inhibiting the viability of infected cells and improves cognitive function via downregulation of bax, cleaved caspases-3 and 9 levels, β-secretase, cholinesterase activities, and upregulation of bcl-2 levels. Finally, due to multiple biological activities, α-bisabolol is worthy to be subjected to clinical trials to achieve new insights into its beneficial effects on human health.

Mechanism of Phellodendron and Anemarrhena Drug Pair on the Treatment of Liver Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics

Background

This study aims to explore the key targets and signaling pathways of the traditional Chinese medicine Phellodendron and Anemarrhena drug pair (PADP) for the treatment of liver cancer.

Methods

Firstly, bioinformatics technology was used to analyze GSE62232 gene chip to obtain the differential genes of liver cancer. A network pharmacology technology was used to find the active components of PADP and their targets. Secondly, the differential genes were imported into STRING database to draw a PPI network, and network topology structure map combined with Cytoscape software. And the R language was used to identify differential gene targets and pathways through GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking of core targets and core compounds. Moreover, GEPIA online analysis tool was used to perform survival analysis of the core target genes. Finally, RT-PCR was used to verify the changes of key target genes. CCK−8 assay was performed to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the cell cycle and apoptotic. Transwell invasion assay was performed to detect cell invasion.

Results

Firstly, a total of 21,654 genes were obtained. After screening, 1019 differential genes were obtained, including 614 down-regulated genes and 405 up-regulated genes. Furthermore, after screening by ADME standards, 52 active ingredients were obtained, of which 37 were Phellodendron and 15 were Anemarrhena. And a total of 36 differential genes have been identified, including 13 up-regulated genes and 23 down-regulated genes. Moreover, through enrichment analysis, we found that PADP may treat liver cancer through multiple channels and multiple pathways including the p53 signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and so on. Secondly, the molecular docking results showed that there was certain affinity between the core compounds and core target genes. In addition, GEPIA online analysis showed that ESR1, AR, CCNB1, CDK1, AKR1C3 and CCNA2 might become potential target genes for the survival and prognosis of PADP for the treatment of liver cancer. Finally, it was found that PADP could up regulate genes ESR1 and AR, down regulate genes CCNB1, CDK1, AKR1C3, and CCNA2. PADP could promote the apoptosis of liver cancer cells, shorten the cell cycle, and inhibit the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer cells.

Conclusion

PADP may treat liver cancer through multiple targets, multiple channels, and multiple pathways, thereby suppressing cancer cells and improving the living quality of patients.

Chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil of Teucrium scordium L. subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcang. (Lamiaceae) from Sardinia Island (Italy)

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-migratory potential of the essential oil of Teucrium scordium subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcang, a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Sardinia. The oil was rich in germacrene D (25.1%), δ-cadinene (12.9%) and alloaromadendrene (11.3%). The yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and Epidermophyton floccosum were the most susceptible fungi to the action of the oil. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, the oil was able to decrease nitric oxide production by ca. 30% at 1.25 μL/mL, without affecting cell viability. In the scratch wound assay, it allowed for ca. 36% of wound closure after 18 h, thus showing anti-migratory properties. Overall, this study highlights the potential of this species to mitigate fungal infections associated with an inflammatory response. Furthermore, we also reported for the first time its anti-migratory capacity, thus suggesting anticancer properties.

Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): Extraction, Chemical Composition, Food Applications, and Essential Bioactivity for Human Health

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae) is an aromatic plant widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries, rich in volatile compounds and antioxidants such as eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene. Clove essential oil has received considerable interest due to its wide application in the perfume, cosmetic, health, medical, flavoring, and food industries. Clove essential oil has biological activity relevant to human health, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activity. The impacts of the extraction method (hydrodistillation, steam distillation, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, cold pressing, and supercritical fluid extraction) on the concentration of the main volatile compounds in clove essential oil and organic clove extracts are shown. Eugenol is the major compound, accounting for at least 50%. The remaining 10-40% consists of eugenyl acetate, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene. The main biological activities reported are summarized. Furthermore, the main applications in clove essential oil in the food industry are presented. This review presents new biological applications beneficial for human health, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anesthetic, antinociceptive, and anticancer activity. This review aims to describe the effects of different methods of extracting clove essential oil on its chemical composition and food applications and the biological activities of interest to human health.

Characterization and phytochemical constituents of Periploca hydaspidis Falc crude extract and its anticancer activities

The current study aims to investigate the anticancer potential of Periploca hydaspidis extracts against HCCLM3 and MDA-MB 231 cell lines with invasive properties and to identify molecular targets underlying its action mechanism. Cytotoxic screening of plant extracts was done via MTT assay against liver and breast cancer cell lines and GC/MS of the best cytotoxic fraction was performed to identify its chemical composition. Flow cytometry detected apoptosis and cell-cycle changes after drug treatment. The specified cells were studied for migration and invasion potential along with performing western blot analysis of proteins involved in apoptosis, cell-cycle, metastasis, and MAPK (Mitogen-activated protein kinase) cell-signaling pathway. The results revealed the crude methanol (PHM) fraction of P. hydaspidis shown dose and time dependent cell-proliferative inhibition response. GC/MS analysis detected 54 compounds of which fatty acids (29.8%), benzenoids (15.7%), and esters (14.3%) constituted the bulk. The inhibitory effect against cancer cells was linked with cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, induction of apoptosis, reduced migration and invasion capabilities post treatment. PHM induced apoptosis via downregulation of anti-apoptotic (survivin, B-cell lymphoma Extra-large; BCL-XL, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein; XIAP, Myelocytomatosis; C-myc), metastatic (Matrix metallopeptidases 9/2; MMP9/2), and cell-cycle regulatory (cyclin D1 and E) proteins, whereas upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer; BAK, Bcl-2-Associate X protein; BAX, cleaved caspases; 3,7,8,9, and PARP) and activation of MAPK (Jun amino-terminal kinase; JNK and P38) pathway. P38 was needed for PHM-induced apoptosis, where the inhibition of P38 by pharmacological inhibitor (SB239063) diminished the apoptotic effects. Overall, our results conclude that PHM can inhibit cell-proliferation and induce apoptotic effects by activation of P38 MAPK cell-signaling pathway. This suggests the methanol fraction of P. hydaspidis (PHM) to have anticancer compounds, potentially useful for treating liver and breast cancer. In future, one-step advance studies of PHM regarding its role in metastatic inhibition, immune response modulation for reducing tumor, and inducing apoptosis in suitable animal models would be an interesting and promising research area.

Thymus hirtus sp. algeriensis Boiss. and Reut. volatile oil enhances TRAIL/Apo2L induced apoptosis and inhibits colon carcinogenesis through upregulation of death receptor pathway

Background: The aim of the study is to determine the anticancer activity of Thymus algeriensis (TS) and its underlying mechanisms using in vitro and in animal models.

Methods: HCT116 cells were treated with TS essential oil alone or with TRAIL, and then its anticancer effect was determined by using MTT assay, live dead assay, caspase activation and PARP cleavage. Further mechanisms of its anticancer effects was determined by analyzing expression of death receptor signaling pathway using Western blotting. A mouse model was also used to assess the antitumor potential of thyme essential oil.

Results: TS oily fraction showed tumor growth inhibitory effect even at lower concentration. TS induces apoptotic cell death as indicated by cleavage of PARP, and activation of the initiator and effector caspases (caspase-3, -8 and -9). Further, results showed that TS increases the expression of death receptors (DRs) and reduces the expression of TRAIL decoy receptors (DcRs). In addition, upregulation of signaling molecules of MAPK pathway (p38 kinase, ERK, JNK), down-regulation of c-FLIP, and overexpression of SP1 and CHOP were observed by TS. Further in animal model, intragastric administration of TS (12.5 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml) prevented colorectal carcinogenesis by blocking multi-steps in carcinoma.

Conclusion: Overall, these results indicate that thymus essential oil promotes apoptosis in HCT116 cells and impedes tumorigenesis in animal model. Moreover, thyme potentiates TRAIL-induced cell death through upregulation of DRs, CHOP and SP1 as well as downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins in HCT116 cells. However, therapeutic potential of TS needs to be further explored.

A Review of Research Progress on Agathis dammara and its Application Prospects for Cardiovascular Diseases and Fatty Liver Disease

Cardiovascular diseases and fatty liver disease have become the leading causes of death in modern society. However, the currently existing drugs do not solve all issues related to these diseases; thus, it is expected that more potential drugs for clinical use will be developed. Undeniably, natural products have attracted increasing attention. It is of great significance to identify effective active monomer components for drug discovery and disease prevention. As a pure natural product, Agathis dammara (AD) has antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, at present, there are few reports regarding the effects of AD on chronic inflammatory cardiovascular diseases, such as aneurysm, atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and cardiac hypertrophy and liver diseases such as fatty liver disease. AD and products derived from it have a very broad application prospect for cardiovascular diseases and fatty liver disease.

Characterization of Essential Oils from Different Taxa Belonging to the Genus Teucrium in Sardinia Island, Italy

The genus Teucrium L. (Lamiaceae) is a genus growing in mild climate zones, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia. It is represented by 11 taxa in Sardinia (Italy), living commonly in sunny habitats. In this study, the following eight Sardinian Teucrium taxa were selected, and the essential oils (EOs), obtained by stem distillation, were analyzed by GC–FID and GC–MS: T. capitatum subsp. capitatum, T. chamaedrys subsp. chamaedrys, T. flavum subsp. glaucum, T. marum, T. massiliense, T. scordium subsp. scordioides, T. scorodonia, and T. subspinosum. The comprehensive analyses led to the identification of 87 constituents representing the majority of the volatile compounds. Significant differences, both qualitative and quantitative, were observed between the taxa. Overall, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes characterized all Teucrium EOs: T. capitatum subsp. capitatum and T. flavum subsp. glaucum revealed the highest content of monoterpene hydrocarbons, while in the other Teucrium taxa sesquiterpene hydrocarbons prevailed. Worthy of note, diterpenes were found only in T. marum and T. subspinosum, whereas T. massiliense was rich in non-terpenic oxygenated compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the chemical composition of EOs obtained from Sardinian Teucrium species.

A Review of the Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Biological Activities of the Essential Oils of Genus Teucrium

The genus Teucrium is a large and polymorphic genus of the Lamiaceae family distributed in mild climate zones, particularly in the Mediterranean basin and Central Asia. Studies of nonvolatile constituents of Teucrium species showed that they are a rich source of neo-clerodane diterpenoids, considered as chemotaxonomic markers of the genus. In addition to the nonvolatile metabolites, there has been a large interest in the essential oils of this genus. In this review, a complete survey of the chemical composition and biological properties of the essential oils isolated from Teucrium taxa is provided. In traditional medicine, since ancient times, species of this genus have been widely implemented for their biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, insecticidal, anti-malaria, etc. Therefore, a complete review of all of the traditional uses of Teucrium taxa are also reported.

Is the Antimicrobial Activity of Hydrolates Lower than That of Essential Oils?

Among the top five human infections requiring medical treatment is dermatitis. Treatment of bacterial and fungal skin infections is usually based on antibiotic therapy, which is often ineffective due to the involvement of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (Hys) extracted from six aromatic plants grown in Italy (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula intermedia, Origanum hirtum, Satureja montana, Monarda didyma, and Monarda fistulosa) towards fungal (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis; Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton violaceum and Microsporum canis) and bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus MSSA, Streptococcus pyogenes, E. faecalis, Enterococcus faecalis VRE, and Enterococcus faecium) potentially pathogenic for human skin. The composition and antimicrobial activity of EOs and Hys were evaluated using the Gas-chromatography mass spectrometry and micro dilution-broth test, respectively. The volatiles’ conversion factors (CFs) were calculated to compare the activity of Hys with that of the corresponding EOs. Data show that, although the minimum inhibitory concentration values of EOs are lower than the corresponding Hys, the volatiles contained in Hys are more effective at inhibiting microbial growth because they are active at lower concentrations.

Evaluation of Chemical Composition, Radical Scavenging and Antitumor Activities of Satureja hortensis L. Herb Extracts

Satureja hortensis L. is an annual herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae Lindl. family. S. hortensis L., related to thyme and rosemary, is used as spice and traditional medicinal herb in Europe. Mainly due to the polyphenols contained in S. hortensis L., this plant exhibits multiple biological effects. However, therapeutic effects on cells, including skin tumors, have not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the composition and the resulting antioxidant as well as biological properties [on melanocytes and melanoma cells] of summer, savory growing in botanical garden of Vytautas Magnus University in middle Lithuania climatic conditions, collected during various phases of vegetation. It has been shown that the budding phase alcohol extract of this plant contains the largest amounts of polyphenols, including rutin and rosemary acid, which promote the radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties. In contrast, the extract from the massive flowering phase already at a concentration of 12.5 µg/mL reduces the survival of melanoma cells to 60% with 90% melanocytes survival. In addition, extracts from beginning of flowering and end of flowering at a concentration of 25 µg/mL, containing significantly less rutin and rosmarinic acid, in combination with irradiation of cells with UVB, significantly increased the lipid peroxidation process, particularly in melanoma cells. These data indicate the possibility of using extracts from S. hortensis L. to modulate/differentiate the metabolism of normal and tumor skin cells.

Cannabis Phytomolecule 'Entourage': From Domestication to Medical Use

Cannabis has been used as a medicine for millennia. Crude extracts of cannabis inflorescence contain numerous phytomolecules, including phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Combinations of phytomolecules have been recently established as superior to the use of single molecules in medical treatment owing to the 'entourage effect'. Two types of entourage effects are defined: 'intra-entourage', resulting from interactions among phytocannabinoids or terpenes, and 'inter-entourage', attributed to interactions between phytocannabinoids and terpenes. It is suggested that the phytomolecule assemblages found in cannabis chemovars today derive from selective breeding during ancient cultivation. We propose that the current cannabis chemotaxonomy should be redefined according to chemical content and medicinal activity. In parallel, combinations of phytomolecules that exhibit entourage activity should be explored further for future drug development.

Terpenoids and Phytocannabinoids Co-Produced in Cannabis Sativa Strains Show Specific Interaction for Cell Cytotoxic Activity

Mixtures of different Cannabis sativa phytocannabinoids are more active biologically than single phytocannabinoids. However, cannabis terpenoids as potential instigators of phytocannabinoid activity have not yet been explored in detail. Terpenoid groups were statistically co-related to certain cannabis strains rich in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and their ability to enhance the activity of decarboxylase phytocannabinoids (i.e., THC or CBD) was determined. Analytical HPLC and GC/MS were used to identify and quantify the secondary metabolites in 17 strains of C. sativa, and correlations between cannabinoids and terpenoids in each strain were determined. Column separation was used to separate and collect the compounds, and cell viability assay was used to assess biological activity. We found that in "high THC" or "high CBD" strains, phytocannabinoids are produced alongside certain sets of terpenoids. Only co-related terpenoids enhanced the cytotoxic activity of phytocannabinoids on MDA-MB-231 and HCT-116 cell lines. This was found to be most effective in natural ratios found in extracts of cannabis inflorescence. The correlation in a particular strain between THCA or CBDA and a certain set of terpenoids, and the partial specificity in interaction may have influenced the cultivation of cannabis and may have implications for therapeutic treatments.

Potential of Teucrium chamaedrys L. to modulate apoptosis and biotransformation in colorectal carcinoma cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Teucrum chamaedrys L. is one of the known medicinal plants, useful for treatment of various health problems, especially digestive. In this study, we investigated methanol, ethyl-acetate and acetone extracts of T. chamaedrys in respect to their anticancer properties in SW480 colorectal cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytotoxicity and proapoptotic potential were assessed by MTT cell viability assay and AO/EB double staining. Molecular mechanisms of induced apoptosis were determined by monitoring Fas receptor protein expression through immunofluorescence, Caspase 8 and 9 activity, as well as concentrations of O₂^.- spectrophotometrically. Additionally, mRNA expression of biotransformation enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, GSTP1) and membrane transporters (MRP1 and MRP2) involved in drug resistance were investigated by qPCR method. Qualitative analysis of individual phenolic compounds was performed by reversed phase HPLC-MS analysis.

RESULTS

Methanol extract shows the best cytotoxicity and selectivity compared to ethyl-acetate and acetone extracts, mainly causing apoptosis of SW480 cells, without affecting normal HaCaT keratinocytes. The increased expression of Fas receptor protein and caspase 8 activity indicate that the death receptor-mediated pathway plays a crucial role in the observed apoptosis. The increased caspase 9 activity and O₂^.- concentration suggest that mitochondria are also involved in the apoptosis. T. chamaedrys methanol extract inhibits mRNA expression of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, GSTP1, MRP1 and MRP2 in SW480 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, GSTP1, MRP1 and MRP2 mRNA expression implies that T. chamaedrys can serve as a valuable source of bioactive compounds as dietary supplements or selective anticancer agents, with the ability to induce apoptosis and modulate drug resistance in colorectal cancer cells.

In vivo pathogenesis of colon carcinoma and its suppression by hydrophilic fractions of Clematis flammula via activation of TRAIL death machinery (DRs) expression

This work focused on characterizing hydrophilic fractions of Clematis flammula (CFl). The data here clearly demonstrated that hydrolate fractions act as a free radical scavengers and inhibited proliferation of different cell lines in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, transwell, and with a significant cytotoxic effect. Treating cells with CFl had the effect of suppressing cell growth attenuated by ROS generation in colonic carcinoma. Moreover, CFl in HCT116 cells suppressed survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis in vitro by inhibiting gene expression. Following CFl treatment, caspases and PARP cleavage were detected. The up- and down-regulated genes obtained from the WBA of the effect of CFl showed that several biological processes were associated with apoptosis and induction of G1 cell cycle arrest. CFl synergizes the effect of TRAIL by down-regulating the expression of cell survival proteins involved in apoptosis compared to cells treated with CFl or TRAIL alone. Our findings showed that CFl sensitizes apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant cells by activating MAPKs, SP1, and CHOP, that induced DR5 expression. Overall, our data showed that CFl is a promising antitumor agent through kinases and transcription factor induction, both of which are required to activate TRAIL receptors. Colon inflammation induced by LPS was inhibited by CFl hydrolate.