COX-2 Docking Structural Analysis with Phytochemical Extracts of Rosemary: A Possible Cytotoxicity on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line (HEp-2)

Cellular mechanisms mediating the anti-cancer effects of carnosol on gingiva carcinoma

Carnosol, a rosemary polyphenol, displays anticancer properties and is suggested as a safer alternative to conventional surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Given that its effects on gingiva carcinoma have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to explore its anti-tumor selectivity and to unravel its underlying mechanisms of action. Hence, oral tongue and gingiva carcinoma cell lines exposed to carnosol were analyzed to estimate cytotoxicity, cell viability, cell proliferation, and colony formation potential as compared with those of normal cells. Key cell cycle and apoptotic markers were also measured. Finally, cell migration, oxidative stress, and crucial cell signaling pathways were assessed. Selective anti-gingiva carcinoma activity was disclosed. Overall, carnosol mediated colony formation and proliferation suppression in addition to cytotoxicity induction. Cell cycle arrest was highlighted by the disruption of the c-myc oncogene/p53 tumor suppressor balance. Carnosol also increased apoptosis, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity. On a larger scale, the alteration of cell cycle and apoptotic profiles was also demonstrated by QPCR array. This was most likely achieved by controlling the STAT5, ERK1/2, p38, and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Lastly, carnosol reduced inflammation and invasion ability by modulating IL-6 and MMP9/TIMP-1 axes. This study establishes a robust foundation, urging extensive inquiry both in vivo and in clinical settings, to substantiate the efficacy of carnosol in managing gingiva carcinoma.

Natural Compounds in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Prevention and Treatment

The elevated occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and the adverse effects associated with available treatments adversely impact the quality of life in multiple dimensions. In connection with this, there is a necessity for alternative approaches characterized by increased tolerance and lower side effects. Natural compounds could be employed due to their safety profile and effectiveness for inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases. These anti-cancer drugs are often derived from natural sources such as marine, zoonotic, and botanical origins. Natural compounds should exhibit anti-carcinogenic actions through various pathways, influencing apoptosis potentiation, cell proliferation inhibition, and metastasis suppression. This review provides an overview of natural compounds used in cancer chemotherapies, chemoprevention, and promotion of skin regeneration, including polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, terpenoids, isothiocyanates, cannabinoids, carotenoids, and ceramides.

Assessing the potential of rosary pea (Abrus precatorius L.) derived aqueous seed extracts as anticancer agents and their phytoconstituents as COX-2 inhibitor: an in-vitro and in-silico approach

Abrus precatorius L. is a traditional remedy with a long history of use in medicine around the globe due to its diverse phytochemical composition and bioactivities which are of utmost significance to the scientific community. With the aim to provide new insights into the antioxidant, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties of A. precatorius aqueous seed extracts, different extraction methods were employed. Aqueous extract prepared by Soxhlet method APW (Sox) had higher total phenolics, flavonoids and tannin content. In DPPH assay, APW (Sox) had the maximum free radical scavenging activity. The maximum FRAP value was displayed by APW (Mac). The maximum inhibition was shown by APW (Sox) against HPV18 (Hep2C) cells and APW (Mac) against HPV18 (KB) cells. In cervical cancer (Hep2C) cells, catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activity, and glutathione (GSH) content were all highest in APW (Sox) extract, whereas APW (Mac) extract demonstrated the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Similarly, in oral cancer (KB) cells, APW (Mac) extract showed the highest SOD, CAT, GST activity and GSH content whereas APW (Sox) extract showed the least MDA content. Docking studies showed that tannic acid and rutin had the highest binding affinity, while MD simulations showed that they were stable in complex with COX-2 for at least 90 ns. Promising antiangiogenic activities were observed in both APW (Sox) and APW (Mac) in a dose dependent manner. Therefore, aqueous seed extracts of A. precatorius could be considered promising candidates for anticancer and antiangiogenic drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.