Nanoencapsulation of pomegranate bioactive compounds for breast cancer chemoprevention

Therapeutic potential of dietary bioactive compounds against anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in breast cancer

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. One of its defining features is resistance to apoptosis, driven by aberrant expression of apoptosis-related proteins, notably the overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. These proteins enable breast cancer cells to evade apoptosis and develop resistance to chemotherapy, underscoring their critical role as therapeutic targets. Diet plays a significant role in breast cancer risk, potentially escalating or inhibiting cancer development. Recognizing the limitations of current treatments, extensive research is focused on exploring bioactive compounds derived from natural sources such as plants, fruits, vegetables, and spices. These compounds are valued for their ability to exert potent anticancer effects with minimal toxicity and side effects. While literature extensively covers the effects of various dietary compounds in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, comprehensive information specifically on how dietary bioactive compounds modulate anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression in breast cancer is limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between Bcl-2 proteins and caspases in the regulation of apoptosis, as well as the impact of dietary bioactive compounds on the modulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in breast cancer. It further explores how these interactions influence breast cancer progression and treatment outcomes.

A review of nanomaterials from synthetic and natural molecules for prospective breast cancer nanotherapy

Breast cancer being one of the most frequent cancers in women accounts for almost a quarter of all cancer cases. Early and late-stage breast cancer outcomes have improved dramatically, with considerable gains in overall survival rate and disease-free state. However, the current therapy of breast cancer suffers from drug resistance leading to relapse and recurrence of the disease. Also, the currently used synthetic and natural agents have bioavailability issues which limit their use. Recently, nanocarriers-assisted delivery of synthetic and natural anticancer drugs has been introduced to the breast cancer therapy which alienates the limitations associated with the current therapy to a great extent. Significant progress has lately been made in the realm of nanotechnology, which proved to be vital in the fight against drug resistance. Nanotechnology has been successfully applied in the effective and improved therapy of different forms of breast cancer including invasive, non-invasive as well as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), etc. This review presents a comprehensive overview of various nanoformulations prepared for the improved delivery of synthetic and natural anticancer drugs alone or in combination showing better efficacy and pharmacokinetics. In addition to this, various ongoing and completed clinical studies and patents granted on nanotechnology-based breast cancer drug delivery are also reviewed.

TRAIL mediated apoptosis ruling and anticancer trigger by fine-tuned nano spheres of Fagonia cretica methanolic extracts as novel cancer regime

Fagonia cretica L. is a tropical plant of family Zygophyllaceae with wide range of medicinally important secondary metabolites. The low cellular uptake of the polar compounds in the extract of the plant limits its biological application. In present study efficacy of F. cretica modified bioactive nano-formulations for in vitro modulation of TRAIL mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway as cancer therapy was investigated. F. cretica methanolic extracts were formulated at nano-scale for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles, albumin conjugation and liposomes encapsulation to enhance targeted bioactivity against cancer. Physical characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was done by SEM, EDX and Zeta potential analyzer. In vitro cell viability assay MTT was done for MCF-7, Hep-2, HUH-7 and HCEC cell lines. Relative expression variation of the apoptotic pathway-associated genes was done by qRT-PCR. SEM revealed spherical shape of 56.62 ± 8.04, 143 ± 11.54 and 83.36 ± 38.73 nm size and zeta potential - 18.6, - 15.5 and - 18.3 mV for liposomes, silver and albumin nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles showed highest anticancer activity in vitro than albumin and liposomes nanoparticles with IC₅₀ 0.101 ± 0.004, 0.177 ± 0.03 and 0.434 ± 0.022 mg/mL in MCF-7, Hep-2 and HUH-7 respectively. F. cretica albumin and silver nanoparticles upregulated the in vitro TRAIL, DR4, DR5 and FADD gene expression at statistically significant levels in Hep-2 cell lines. Nano-formulations of F. cretica proved therapeutically important biomolecules in vitro. The hypothesized modulation of extrinsic apoptosis pathway genes through the plant nanoparticles proved novel medicinal options for effective treatment of cancer and enhancing the bioavailability of the active plant metabolites.

Puerarin inhibits EMT induced by oxaliplatin via targeting carbonic anhydrase XII

Puerarin is a flavonoid molecule that widely exists in various plants. Puerarin has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor effects in various cancers. However, its exact underlying pharmacological mechanism is unclear. This study evaluated the anticancer effect of puerarin combined with oxaliplatin (OXA) in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicated that puerarin can reverse platinum-based anti-cancer drug resistance, and enhance the OXA’s anticancer effects on breast cancer. Furthermore, puerarin can inhibit migration and reverse the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by low-dose OXA. Further studies showed that the carbonic anhydrase (CA) XII is a potential target of puerarin. In conclusion, puerarin is expected to become an adjuvant chemotherapy drug and potentially become one of the medicated foods for breast cancer patients.

Ellagic Acid: A Review on Its Natural Sources, Chemical Stability, and Therapeutic Potential

Ellagic acid (EA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound naturally occurring as secondary metabolite in many plant taxa. EA content is considerable in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and in wood and bark of some tree species. Structurally, EA is a dilactone of hexahydroxydiphenic acid (HHDP), a dimeric gallic acid derivative, produced mainly by hydrolysis of ellagitannins, a widely distributed group of secondary metabolites. EA is attracting attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative properties. EA displayed pharmacological effects in various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, EA has also been well documented for its antiallergic, antiatherosclerotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review reports on the health-promoting effects of EA, along with possible mechanisms of its action in maintaining the health status, by summarizing the literature related to the therapeutic potential of this polyphenolic in the treatment of several human diseases.

Enhanced Bioactivity of Pomegranate Peel Extract following Controlled Release from CaCO3 Nanocrystals

Pomegranate peel extract is rich of interesting bioactive chemicals, principally phenolic compounds, which have shown antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidative properties. The aim of this work was to improve extract’ bioactivity through the adsorption on calcium carbonate nanocrystals. Nanocrystals revealed as efficient tools for extract adsorption reaching 50% of loading efficiency. Controlled release of the contained metabolites under acidic pH has been found, as it was confirmed by quantitative assay and qualitative study through NMR analysis. Specific functionality of inorganic nanocarriers could be also tuned by biopolymeric coating. The resulting coated nanoformulations showed a great antimicrobial activity against B. cinerea fungus preventing strawberries disease better than a commercial fungicide. Furthermore, nanoformulations demonstrated a good antiproliferative activity in neuroblastoma and breast cancer cells carrying out a higher cytotoxic effect respect to free extract, confirming a crucial role of nanocarriers. Finally, pomegranate peel extract showed a very high radical scavenging ability, equal to ascorbic acid. Antioxidant activity, measured also in intracellular environment, highlighted a protective action of extract-adsorbed nanocrystals twice than free extract, providing a possible application for new nutraceutical formulations.

Drug Delivery of Natural Products Through Nanocarriers for Effective Breast Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC), it remains a global health issue affecting millions of women annually. Poor prognosis in BC patients is often linked to drug resistance as well as the lack of effective therapeutic options for metastatic and triple-negative BC. In response to these unmet needs, extensive research efforts have been devoted to exploring the anti-BC potentials of natural products owing to their multi-target mechanisms of action and good safety profiles. Various medicinal plant extracts/essential oils and natural bioactive compounds have demonstrated anti-cancer activities in preclinical BC models. Despite the promising preclinical results, however, the clinical translation of natural products has often been hindered by their poor stability, aqueous solubility and bioavailability. There have been attempts to overcome these limitations, particularly via the use of nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs). This review highlights the tumour targeting mechanisms of NDDSs, the advantages and disadvantages of the major classes of NDDSs and their current clinical status in BC treatment. Besides, it also discusses the proposed anti-BC mechanisms and nanoformulations of nine medicinal plants' extracts/essential oils and nine natural bioactive compounds; selected via the screening of various scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, based on the following keywords: "Natural Product AND Nanoparticle AND Breast Cancer". Overall, these nanoformulations exhibit improved anti-cancer efficacy against preclinical BC models, with some demonstrating biocompatibility with normal cell lines and mouse models. Further clinical studies are, however, warranted to ascertain their efficacy and biocompatibility in humans.

Pharmacological potentials and Nutritional values of Tropical and Sub-tropical Fruits of India: Emphasis on their anticancer bioactive components

BACKGROUND

Fruits are an important dietary component, which supply vitamins, minerals, as well as dietary fiber. In addition, they are rich sources of various biological and pharmacologically active compounds. Among these, temperate fruits are well studied for their pharmacological potentials, whereas tropical/subtropical fruits are less explored for their health impacts. In India, most of the consumed fruits are either tropical or subtropical.

OBJECTIVES

The present review aims to provide a health impact of major tropical and sub-tropical fruits of India, emphasizing their anticancer efficacy. In addition, the identified bioactive components from these fruits exhibiting anticancer efficacy are also discussed along with the patent literature published.

METHODS

The literature was collected from various repositories, including NCBI, ScienceDirect, Eurekaselect, and Web of Science; literature from predatory journals was omitted during the process. Patent literature was collected from google patents and similar patent databases.

RESULTS

Tropical fruits are rich sources of various nutrients and bioactive components including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanin, etc. By virtue of these biomolecules, tropical fruits have been shown to interfere with various steps in carcinogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Their mode of action is either by activation of apoptosis, regulation of cell cycle, inhibition of cell survival and proliferation pathways, increased lipid trafficking or inhibiting inflammatory pathways. Several molecules and combinations have been patented for their anticancer and chemoprotective properties.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the present concludes that Indian tropical/ subtropical fruits are nutritionally and pharmacologically active and may serve as a source of novel anticancer agents in the future.

Nutraceuticals and Cancer: Potential for Natural Polyphenols

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, associated with multifactorial pathophysiological components. In particular, genetic mutations, infection or inflammation, unhealthy eating habits, exposition to radiation, work stress, and/or intake of toxins have been found to contribute to the development and progression of cancer disease states. Early detection of cancer and proper treatment have been found to enhance the chances of survival and healing, but the side effects of anticancer drugs still produce detrimental responses that counteract the benefits of treatment in terms of hospitalization and survival. Recently, several natural bioactive compounds were found to possess anticancer properties, capable of killing transformed or cancerous cells without being toxic to their normal counterparts. This effect occurs when natural products are associated with conventional treatments, thereby suggesting that nutraceutical supplementation may contribute to successful anticancer therapy. This review aims to discuss the current literature on four natural bioactive extracts mostly characterized by a specific polyphenolic profile. In particular, several activities have been reported to contribute to nutraceutical support in anticancer treatment: (1) inhibition of cell proliferation, (2) antioxidant activity, and (3) anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, owing to their attenuation of the toxic effect of current anticancer therapies, natural antioxidants may contribute to improving the compliance of patients undergoing anticancer treatment. Thus, nutraceutical supplementation, along with current anticancer drug treatment, may be considered for better responses and compliance in patients with cancer. It should be noted, however, that when data from studies with bioactive plant preparations are discussed, it is appropriate to ensure that experiments have been conducted in accordance with accepted pharmacological research practices so as not to disclose information that is only partially correct.

Punicalagin in Cancer Prevention-Via Signaling Pathways Targeting

The extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been applied in medicine since ancient times due to its broad-spectrum health-beneficial properties. It is a rich source of hydrolyzable tannins and anthocyanins, exhibiting strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. Anticancer activities of pomegranate with reference to modulated signaling pathways in various cancer diseases have been recently reviewed. However, less is known about punicalagin (Pug), a prevailing compound in pomegranate, seemingly responsible for its most beneficial properties. In this review, the newest data derived from recent scientific reports addressing Pug impact on neoplastic cells are summarized and discussed. Its attenuating effect on signaling circuits promoting cancer growth and invasion is depicted. The Pug-induced redirection of signal-transduction pathways from survival and proliferation into cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy (thus compromising neoplastic progression) is delineated. Considerations presented in this review are based mainly on data obtained from in vitro cell line models and concern the influence of Pug on human cervical, ovarian, breast, lung, thyroid, colorectal, central nervous system, bone, as well as other cancer types.

Proniosomal Formulation Encapsulating Pomegranate Peel Extract for Nutraceutical Applications

In this study, pomegranate peel as a traditional natural remedy was extracted and encapsulated in proniosomal systems in order to improve its stability against harsh environmental conditions. Pomegranate peel was extracted by using sonication as a green extraction technology and the antioxidant activity of the obtained extract was evaluated to be 85.37% by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Proniosomal powder was prepared based on the slurry method with a mixture of non-ionic surfactants namely span 60 and tween 20 in combination with cholesterol as a bilayer stabilizer. Proniosome-derived niosomes were achieved by hydration of the powder with water. The obtained vesicles were evaluated for their particle size, morphological observations, entrapment efficiency, cytotoxicity assay, DPPH antioxidant activity and, physical stability at 4 °C for 28 days. The results demonstrated that the proniosome-derived niosomes were of small size (198.16 nm for unloaded and 411.3 for extract loaded), quite homogeneous (PDI = 0.188 for unloaded and 0.216 for loaded) with highly negative charged spherical vesicles and showed appropriate physical stability during the time of storage. The encapsulation efficiency was 68.43±0.24% and the cytotoxicity assay proved that the formulations were not toxic against 3T3 fibroblast cells in the applied concentration.

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Properties of Punica granatum Phytochemicals: Possible Roles in Breast Cancer

Background: Pomgranate (Punica granatum) represents a high source of polyphenols with great bioavailability. The role of this fruit in the prevention and treatment of various malignant pathologies has been long time cited in both scientific and non-scientific literature, making thus important to identify its involvement in the pathophysiological processes. The treatment for breast cancer had focused on the inhibition of the mechanisms that governs the estrogen activity. These mechanisms are covered either by the antagonism of the estrogen receptor (ER) or by the inhibition of the estrogen synthesis. Our interest in identifying a bioactive compound rich in polyphenols, which induces both the antagonism of the estrogen receptor, and the inhibition of the estrogen synthesis, revealed us the pomegranate fruit and its derivatives: peel and seeds. Pomegranates' chemical composition include many biological active substances such as flavonols, flavanols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, ellagitannins and gallotannins. Materials and Methods: We performed a review of the scientific literature by using the following keywords: "pomegranate", "breast cancer", "Punica granatum", "pomegranate polyphenols". Our search was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and it included only original research written in English from the last 20 years. None of the articles were excluded due to affiliation. A total number of 28 original papers, which mentioned the beneficial activity of pomegranate against breast cancer, were selected. Both clinical and preclinical studies were considered for this review. Results: Recent discoveries pointed out that polyphenols from Punica granatum possess strong anti-cancer activity, exhibited by a variety of mechanisms, such as anti-estrogenic, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastatic. Pomegranate extracts induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and induced cytotoxicity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, several polyphenols extracted from pomegranate inhibited the invasion potential, migration and viability of breast cancer cells. The effects of pomegranate juice on serum estrogens and other sexual hormones levels were also investigated on two human cohorts. Conclusions: Punica granatum represents a promising area in oncology. The large availability and low cost, associated with the lack of side effects, made from this natural product a great strategy for the management of breast cancer. There are several mechanistic studies in mouse models and in breast cancer cell lines, suggesting the possible pathways through which polyphenols from pomegranate extracts act, but larger and better-controlled studies are necessary in the future. Only two small clinical trials were conducted on humans until now, but their results are contradictory and should be considered preliminary.

Immunomodulatory Role of Urolithin A on Metabolic Diseases

Urolithin A (UroA) is a gut metabolite produced from ellagic acid-containing foods such as pomegranates, berries, and walnuts. UroA is of growing interest due to its therapeutic potential for various metabolic diseases based on immunomodulatory properties. Recent advances in UroA research suggest that UroA administration attenuates inflammation in various tissues, including the brain, adipose, heart, and liver tissues, leading to the potential delay or prevention of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this review, we focus on recent updates of the anti-inflammatory function of UroA and summarize the potential mechanisms by which UroA may help attenuate the onset of diseases in a tissue-specific manner. Therefore, this review aims to shed new insights into UroA as a potent anti-inflammatory molecule to prevent immunometabolic diseases, either by dietary intervention with ellagic acid-rich food or by UroA administration as a new pharmaceutical drug.

Pomegranate variety and pomegranate plant part, relevance from bioactive point of view: a review

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belongs to the Punicaceae plant family. It is an important fruit due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. Pomegranates are widely distributed around the world and, therefore, have a broad genetic diversity, resulting in differences in their phytochemical composition. The scientific community has focused on the positive health effects of pomegranate as a whole, but the different varieties have rarely been compared according to their bioactive compounds and bioactivity. This review aims to provide a holistic overview of the current knowledge on the bioactivity of pomegranate trees, with an emphasis on differentiating both the varieties and the different plant parts. This review intends to provide a general and organized overview of the accumulated knowledge on pomegranates, the identification of the most bioactive varieties, their potential consumption pathways and seeks to provide knowledge on the present gaps to guide future research.

Strategies to improve ellagic acid bioavailability: from natural or semisynthetic derivatives to nanotechnological approaches based on innovative carriers

Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenolic compound whose dietary consumption is mainly associated with the intake of red fruits, including pomegranates, strawberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, grapes or dried fruits, like walnuts and almonds. A number of studies indicate that EA exerts health-beneficial effects against several chronic pathologies associated with oxidative damage, including different kinds of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, EA possesses wound-healing properties, antibacterial and antiviral effects, and acts as a systemic antioxidant. However, clinical applications of this polyphenol have been hampered and prevented by its poor water solubility (9.7 ± 3.2 μg ml^-1 in water) and pharmacokinetic profile (limited absorption rate and plasma half-life <1 h after ingestion of pomegranate juice), properties due to the chemical nature of the organic heterotetracyclic compound. Little has been reported on efficient strategies to enhance EA poor oral bioavailability, including chemical structure modifications, encapsulation within nano-microspheres to be used as carriers, and molecular dispersion in polymer matrices. In this review we summarize the experimental approaches investigated so far in order to improve EA pharmacokinetics, supporting the hypothesis that enhancement in EA solubility is a feasible route for increasing its oral absorption.

Development of Pomegranate Extract-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Quality by Design Approach to Screen the Variables Affecting the Quality Attributes and Characterization

The aim of this work was to study the influence of process variables on the quality attributes of pomegranate extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (PE-SLNs) using Plackett-Burman design. PE-SLN formulations were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultra-sonication technique and evaluated based on the dependent variables that were analyzed utilizing Statgraphics Centurion XV software. The lipid and surfactant (type and concentration), co-surfactant concentration, sonication time, and amplitude were selected as the independent variables (X ₁-X ₇). The dependent parameters were particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and cumulative drug release (Y ₁-Y ₅). Response surface plots, Pareto charts, and mathematical equations were generated to study the influence of independent variables on the dependent quality parameters. Out of seven variables, X ₁, X ₂, and X ₆ have the main significant (p value < 0.05) effect on the entrapment efficiency, the cumulative drug release, the polydispersity index, respectively, while particle size was mainly affected by X ₃, X ₆ and zeta potential by X ₁, X ₃, and X ₄. Consequently, this screening study revealed that stearic acid as lipid, Tween 80 as surfactant, as well as sonication with short time and high amplitude can be selected for the development of PE-SLN formulation with minimum particle size, maximum zeta potential, highest entrapment, and sustained drug release behavior. Meanwhile, concentrations of lipid, surfactant, and co-surfactant are planned to be scaled up for further optimization study. In conclusion, the Plackett-Burman design verified its influence and significance in determining and understanding both process and formulation variables affecting the quality of PE-SLNs.

Formulation Strategies to Improve Oral Bioavailability of Ellagic Acid

Ellagic acid, a polyphenolic compound present in fruit and berries, has recently been the object of extensive research for its antioxidant activity, which might be useful for the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular pathologies, and neurodegenerative disorders. Its protective role justifies numerous attempts to include it in functional food preparations and in dietary supplements, and not only to limit the unpleasant collateral effects of chemotherapy. However, ellagic acid use as a chemopreventive agent has been debated because of its poor bioavailability associated with low solubility, limited permeability, first pass effect, and interindividual variability in gut microbial transformations. To overcome these drawbacks, various strategies for oral administration including solid dispersions, micro and nanoparticles, inclusion complexes, self-emulsifying systems, and polymorphs were proposed. Here, we listed an updated description of pursued micro and nanotechnological approaches focusing on the fabrication processes and the features of the obtained products, as well as on the positive results yielded by in vitro and in vivo studies in comparison to the raw material. The micro and nanosized formulations here described might be exploited for pharmaceutical delivery of this active, as well as for the production of nutritional supplements or for the enrichment of novel foods.

Cancer Chemoprevention Using Nanotechnology-Based Approaches

Cancer research in pursuit of better diagnostic and treatment modalities has seen great advances in recent years. However, the incidence rate of cancer is still very high. Almost 40% of women and men are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Such high incidence has not only resulted in high mortality but also severely compromised patient lifestyles, and added a great socioeconomic burden. In view of this, chemoprevention has gained wide attention as a method to reduce cancer incidence and its relapse after treatment. Among various stems of chemoprevention research, nanotechnology-based chemoprevention approaches have established their potential to offer better efficacy and safety. This review summarizes recent advances in nanotechnology-based chemoprevention strategies for various cancers with emphasis on lung and bronchial cancer, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer and highlights the unmet needs in this developing field towards successful clinical translation.

Nanoformulated Bioactive Compounds Derived from Different Natural Products Combat Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation

Purpose

This study was designed to determine the potential effect of nanoencapsulated bioactive compounds from different natural sources on human pancreatic cancer.

Background

Pancreatic cancer carries the highest fatality rate among all human cancers because of its high metastatic potential and late presentation at the time of diagnosis. Hence there is a need for improved methods to prevent and treat it. Natural products, such as 3, 3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) and ellagic acid (EA) demonstrated anticancer efficacy against various cancer types. However, DIM is insoluble. Hence, using nanotechnology to encapsulate these compounds in combination with EA might improve their physical and chemical properties and their delivery to the cancer cells.

Methods

Human pancreatic cancer cells, namely SUIT2-luciferase transfected, were used to examine the effects of DIM or EA and their nanoformulation in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) [PLGA-PEG] nanoparticles (NPs) on SUIT2-luciferase cell viability/proliferation over 24 hrs. Additionally, effects on tumor weight and angiogenesis were determined using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) tumor implant model.

Results

Both DIM and EA PLGA-PEG NPs resulted in rapid suppression of pancreatic cancer cell viability/proliferation within 24 hrs (P < 0.01), while the non-encapsulated DIM and EA did not show any significant effect on SUIT2 cancer cell viability or cell proliferation (MTT assay). In the CAM pancreatic cancer cell (SUIT2) implant model, results showed a greater suppression of tumor weight (P < 0.01), tumor cell viability, and tumor angiogenesis (P < 0.01) for DIM NPs and EA NPs and their combinations versus DIM or EA alone.

Conclusion

Nanoformulation of DIM and EA resulted in a more effective suppression of pancreatic cancer cell viability, pancreatic tumor weight, implanted cancer cell viability, and tumor angiogenesis as compared with these bioactive compounds alone.

Bioactive Compounds: Natural Defense Against Cancer?

Cancer is a devastating disease that has claimed many lives. Natural bioactive agents from plants are gaining wide attention for their anticancer activities. Several studies have found that natural plant-based bioactive compounds can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, and in some cases ameliorate some of the side-effects of drugs used as chemotherapeutic agents. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature on the anticancer effects of four plant-based bioactive compounds namely, curcumin, myricetin, geraniin and tocotrienols (T3) to provide an overview on some of the key findings that are related to this effect. The molecular mechanisms through which the active compounds may exert their anticancer properties in cell and animal-based studies also discussed.

Effect of microencapsulation on antioxidant and antifungal properties of aqueous extract of pomegranate peel

The aqueous extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel compounds was freeze-dried (FDPOPx) and encapsulated using two wall forming components at two concentrations (maltodextrin: MDX and β-cyclodextrin: βCDX; 5 and 10%) with a mass ratio of 1:5 (extract/wall material). Different properties of the encapsulated powders (bioactive components, physicochemical and morphological properties) and storage stability of prepared microcapsules were evaluated during 42 days of storage at a different relative humidity (52 and 75%) and temperatures (4 and 25 °C). Encapsulated powder with βCDX-10% had the highest total phenolic compounds (TPC: 58.78 mg GA/g) and antioxidant capacity [FRAP: 1414.76 μmol Fe²⁺/g and DPPH assay (RSA): 77.83%] among other wall materials. The amounts of TPC and their antioxidant capacity decreased during the 42 days of storage. However, the highest TPC was observed in the freeze-dried MDX-10%  % encapsulated powder at 4 °C storage temperature and 52% relative humidity with a half-life (t_1/2) of 81 days, the reaction rate constant (k) of 0.85 × 10^-2 min^-1 and the glass transition temperature of 69.73 °C. In addition, the polyphenolic extracts (both free and encapsulated) were able to control the growth of yeasts and molds, and maintaining the sensory properties of cupcakes as the model food system. The lowest growth after 9 days of storage of cupcake was observed in samples prepared with 1.5% of microencapsulated powder (MDX-10%) which was equivalent to the effect of the chemical preservative potassium sorbate.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Loaded with Callistemon citrinus Phenolics Exhibited Anticancer Properties against Three Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Fruit and vegetable diets rich in phenolic compounds reduce the risk of various cancers and offer multiple other health benefits due to their bioactivity and powerful antioxidant properties. However, the human health benefits of most phenolic compounds are restricted due to their limited aqueous solubility, low absorption, restricted passive cellular efflux, and poor gastrointestinal stability. Nanotechnology has been used to deliver various therapeutic drugs to specific targets overcoming many of the limitations of direct treatments. This study was designed to develop poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoencapsulated phenolic-rich extracts from Callistemon citrinus and berberine and to evaluate their effectiveness against extremely invasive MDA-MB 231, moderately invasive MCF-10A, and minimally invasive MCF-7 breast cancers. We have achieved about 80% encapsulation of phenolics from C. citrinus. Most encapsulated nanoparticles were polygonal with particles sizes of 200 to 250 nm. Release of phenolics from encapsulation during storage was biphasic during the first week and then levelled off thereafter. Nanoencapsulated phenolics from C. citrinus extract, berberine, and combination of both enhanced their bioactivity against the three breast cancer cell lines by nearly 2-fold. Growth inhibition of cells was a linear curve relative to phenolic concentration, with a maximum inhibition of nearly 100% at 0.1 mg/ml compared to control.

Anthocyanins in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome: A Pharmacological and Biopharmaceutical Review

The term "metabolic syndrome" (MetS) refers to a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. The origin of MetS includes a combination of multiple factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet choice, and genetic factors. MetS is highly prevalent and adversely affects the general population by elevating risk of cardiovascular complications, organ failure, and much other pathology associated with late-stage diabetes. Anthocyanins (ANTs) are health-promoting bioactive compounds belonging to the flavonoids subclass of polyphenols. Numerous studies have reported the potential therapeutic benefits on MetS syndrome and diabetes from fruits rich in ANTs. This review summarizes the role of several dietary ANTs on preventing and managing MetS as well as the pharmacological mechanisms and biopharmaceutical features of their action. We also discuss potential nanoformulation and encapsulation approaches that may enhance the bioefficacy of ANTs in MetS. Experiments have demonstrated that ANTs may attenuate the symptoms of MetS via improving insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidaemia, cholesterol levels, hypertension, blood glucose, protecting β cells, and preventing free radical production. In brief, the intake of ANT-rich supplements should be considered due to their plausible ability for prevention and management of MetS. Additionally, randomized double-blind clinical trials are obligatory for evaluating the bioefficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of ANTs and their pharmaceutical formulations in patients with MetS.

Anti-Cancerous Potential of Polyphenol-Loaded Polymeric Nanotherapeutics

Recent evidence has extensively demonstrated the anticancer potential of nutraceuticals, including plant polyphenols. Polymeric nanocarrier systems have played an important role in improving the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of polyphenols, thus ameliorating their therapeutic effectiveness. This article summarizes the benefits and shortcomings of various polymeric systems developed for the delivery of polyphenols in cancer therapy and reveals some ideas for future work.

Microfluidization trends in the development of nanodelivery systems and applications in chronic disease treatments

Plant bioactive compounds are known for their extensive health benefits and therefore have been used for generations in traditional and modern medicine to improve the health of humans. Processing and storage instabilities of the plant bioactive compounds, however, limit their bioavailability and bioaccessibility and thus lead researchers in search of novel encapsulation systems with enhanced stability, bioavailability, and bioaccessibility of encapsulated plant bioactive compounds. Recently many varieties of encapsulation methods have been used; among them, microfluidization has emerged as a novel method used for the development of delivery systems including solid lipid nanocarriers, nanoemulsions, liposomes, and so on with enhanced stability and bioavailability of encapsulated plant bioactive compounds. Therefore, the nanodelivery systems developed using microfluidization techniques have received much attention from the medical industry for their ability to facilitate controlled delivery with enhanced health benefits in the treatment of various chronic diseases. Many researchers have focused on plant bioactive compound-based delivery systems using microfluidization to enhance the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of encapsulated bioactive compounds in the treatment of various chronic diseases. This review focuses on various nanodelivery systems developed using microfluidization techniques and applications in various chronic disease treatments.

Pomegranate extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: design, optimization, and in vitro cytotoxicity study

Background

Pomegranate extract (PE) is a natural product with potent antioxidant and anticancer activity because of its polyphenols content. The main purpose of this study was to maximize the PE chemotherapeutic efficacy by loading it in an optimized solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) formula.

Materials and methods

The influence of independent variables, which were lipid concentration (X₁), surfactant concentration (X₂) and cosurfactant concentration (X₃), on dependent ones, which were particle size (Y₁), polydispersity index (Y₂), zeta potential (Y₃), entrapment efficiency (Y₄) and cumulative % drug release (Y₅), were studied and optimized using the Box–Behnken design. Fifteen formulations of PE-SLNs were prepared using hot homogenization followed by ultra-sonication technique. Response surface plots, Pareto charts and mathematical equations were produced to study the impact of independent variables on the dependent quality parameters. The anti-proliferative activity of the optimized formula was then evaluated in three different cancer cell lines, namely, MCF-7, PC-3 and HepG-2, in addition to one normal cell line, HFB-4.

Results

The results demonstrated that the particle sizes ranged from 407.5 to 651.9 nm and the entrapment efficiencies ranged from 56.02 to 65.23%. Interestingly, the 50% inhibitory concentration of the optimized formula had more than a 40-fold improved effect on the cell growth inhibition in comparison with its free counterpart. Furthermore, it was more selective against cancer cells than normal cells particularly in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

These data proved that nanoencapsulation of PE enhanced its anticancer efficacy. Therefore, our results suggested that a PE-loaded SLNs optimized-formula could be a promising chemo therapeutic agent.

Punica granatum (Pomegranate) activity in health promotion and cancer prevention

Cancer has become one of the most fatal diseases in most countries. In spite of the medical care developing, cancer still remains a significant problem. The majority of the cancers are resistant to treatment. Thus, the research for novel, more efficient and less side effect treatment methods continues. Pomegranate contains strong antioxidant activity, with potential health interests. Research concern in pomegranate is increasing because of their anticancer potential due to possess rich in polyphenols. We highlight the pomegranate potential health benefits and mechanism of cancer progression inhibition. Pomegranate has indicated antiproliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-invasive effects on different cancer cell line in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial. The aim of this review is to evaluate functional properties and the medical benifits of pomegranate against various cancer diseases. In addition, pomegranate properties in in vitro and in vivo experimental human and animal clinical trials and its future use are explored. The available data suggest that Punica granatum (pomegranate) might be used in the control and potential therapeutic for some disease conditions and benefits human health status. This review summarizes in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies highlighting the pomegranate role in prevent and treatment of breast, prostate, lung, colon, skin and hepatocellular cell cancers.

The potential contribution of dietary factors to breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer (BC), the leading cancer in women, is increasing in prevalence worldwide, concurrent with western metabolic epidemics, that is, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, and shares major risk factors with these diseases. The corresponding potential for nutritional contributions toward BC prevention is reviewed and related to critical stages in the life cycle and their implications for carcinogenic and pathometabolic trajectories. BC initiation potentially involves diet-related pro-oxidative, inflammatory, and procarcinogenic processes, that interact through combined lipid/fatty acid peroxidation, estrogen metabolism, and related DNA-adduct/depurination/mutation formation. The pathometabolic trajectory is affected by high estrogen, insulin, and growth factor cascades and resultant accelerated proliferation/progression. Anthropometric risk factors - high birth weight, adult tallness, adiposity/BMI, and weight gain - are often reflective of these trends. A sex-based nutritional approach targets women's specific risk in western obesogenic environments, associated with increasing fatness, estrogen metabolism, n-6 : n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio, and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid conversion to proinflammatory/carcinogenic eicosanoids, and effects of timing of life events, for example, ages at menarche, full-term pregnancy, and menopause. Recent large-scale studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the evidence-based recommendations against BC risk, emphasizing low-energy density diets, highly nutritious plant-based regimes, physical activity, and body/abdominal adiposity management. Better understanding of dietary inter-relationships with BC, as applied to food intake, selection, combination, and processing/preparation, and recommended patterns, for example, Mediterranean, DASH, plant-based, low energy density, and low glycemic load, with high nutrient/phytonutrient density, would increase public motivation and authoritative support for early/timely prevention, optimally merging with other dietary/health goals, for lifelong BC prevention.

Polyphenols delivery by polymeric materials: challenges in cancer treatment

Nanotechnology can offer different solutions for enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of polyphenols, a class of natural products widely explored for a potential applicability for the treatment of different diseases including cancer. While possessing interesting anticancer properties, polyphenols suffer from low stability and unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and thus suitable carriers are required when planning a therapeutic protocol. In the present review, an overview of the different strategies based on polymeric materials is presented, with the aim to highlight the strengths and the weaknesses of each approach and offer a platform of ideas for researchers working in the field.

Fabrication, characterization, in vitro drug release and glucose uptake activity of 14-deoxy, 11, 12-didehydroandrographolide loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles

Biodegradable polymer based novel drug delivery systems brought a considerable attention in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of various drugs. 14-deoxy 11, 12-didehydro andrographolide (poorly water soluble compound) loaded polycaprolactone (nano-DDA) was synthesized using the solvent evaporation technique. Nano-DDA was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies. Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the structural interaction between the drug and the polymer. Functional characterization of the formulation was determined using drug content, cellular uptake and in vitro drug release. 2-deoxy-D-[1-³H] glucose uptake assay was carried out to assess the antidiabetic potential of nano-DDA in L6 myotubes. The nano-DDA displayed spherical shape with a smooth surface (252.898 nm diameter), zeta potential, encapsulation and loading efficiencies of −38.9 mV, 91.98 ± 0.13% and 15.09 ± 0.18% respectively. No structural alteration between the drug and the polymer was evidenced (FTIR analysis). Confocal microscopy studies with rhodamine 123 loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles (Rh123-PCL NPs) revealed the internalization of Rh123-PCL NPs in a time dependent manner in L6 myoblasts. A dose dependent increase in glucose uptake was observed for nano-DDA with a maximal uptake of 108.54 ± 1.42% at 100 nM on L6 myotubes, thereby proving its anti-diabetic efficacy. A biphasic pattern of in vitro drug release demonstrated an initial burst release at 24 h followed by a sustained release for up to 11 days. To conclude, our results revealed that nano-DDA formulation can be a potent candidate for antidiabetic drug delivery.

Role of dietary bioactive natural products in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, including luminal-A and -B, is the most common type of breast cancer. Extended exposure to estrogen is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Both ER-dependent and ER-independent mechanisms have been implicated in estrogen-mediated carcinogenesis. The ER-dependent pathway involves cell growth and proliferation triggered by the binding of estrogen to the ER. The ER-independent mechanisms depend on the metabolism of estrogen to generate genotoxic metabolites, free radicals and reactive oxygen species to induce breast cancer. A better understanding of the mechanisms that drive ER-positive breast cancer will help optimize targeted approaches to prevent or treat breast cancer. A growing emphasis is being placed on alternative medicine and dietary approaches toward the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Many natural products and bioactive compounds found in foods have been shown to inhibit breast carcinogenesis via inhibition of estrogen induced oxidative stress as well as ER signaling. This review summarizes the role of bioactive natural products that are involved in the prevention and treatment of estrogen-related and ER-positive breast cancer.

Investigation of the biological and anti-cancer properties of ellagic acid-encapsulated nano-sized metalla-cages

Three new large hexanuclear metalla-prisms 9-11 incorporating 1,3, 5-tris(pyridin-4-ylethynyl)benzene (tpeb) 4 and one of the dinuclear arene ruthenium clips [Ru2(p-iPrC6H4Me)2(OO∩OO)][CF3SO3]2 (OO∩OO =2,5-dioxydo-1,4-benzoquinonato [dobq] 1, 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthaquinonato (donq) 2, and 6,11-dihydroxy-5,12-naphthacenedionato [dotq] 3), which encapsulate the guest molecule ellagic acid (2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione, 5) were prepared. All complexes were isolated as triflate salts in good yields and were fully characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The photophysical properties of these metalla-prisms were also investigated. Compounds 9 and 10 showed potent antioxidant activity, but 10 had the superior ORACPE value (1.30 ± 0.020). Ellagic acid (5) and compound 11 showed weaker activity than that of Trolox. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that the metalla-prism compounds exhibit anticancer properties in vitro. Compound 10 inhibited the growth of all cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations, with the highest cytotoxicity observed against A549 human lung cancer cells (IC50 =25.9 μM). However, these compounds had a lower anti-cancer activity than that of doxorubicin. In a tumoricidal assay, ellagic acid (5) and compound 10 induced cytotoxicity in tumor cells, while doxorubicin did not. While free ellagic acid had no effect on the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted protein, the encapsulated metalla-prism 10 stimulated granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and reduced regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted protein expression in the RAW264.7 macrophage line. Our results show that ellagic acid encapsulated in metalla-prisms inhibited cancer cells via the modulation of mRNA induction and protein expression levels of the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted protein in macrophages.

[Effect of Chemical Prevention Drugs-based MicroRNAs and Their Target Genes on Tumor Inhibition]

Chemopreventive drugs including natural chemopreventive drugs and synthetic chemopreventive drugs, it not only can prevent cancer, can also play a role in tumor treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) is a kind of short chains of non-coding RNA, regulating the expression of many genes through the way of degradation of mRNA or inhibitting mRNA translation. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that chemopreventive drugs through influence the expression of miRNAs and their target genes play a role in the prevention and treatment in a variety of tumors, and chemopreventive drugs on the experimental study of miRNAs and their target genes in tumor have demonstrated a good safety and efficacy. Effect on chemopreventive drugs-based microRNAs and their target genes into cancer cells will be expected as a new starting point for cancer research. The thesis expounds and analyzes between the natural chemopreventive drugs and synthetic chemopreventive drugs and miRNAs and their target genes in tumor research progress.