Amygdalin induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer cell line HeLa cells

The immunomodulatory effects of vitamins in cancer

Nutrition may affect animal health due to the strong link between them. Also, diets improve the healing process in various disease states. Cancer is a disease, where the harmful consequences of tumors severely impair the body. The information regarding the evolution of this disease is extrapolated from human to animal because there are few specific studies regarding nutritional needs in animals with cancer. Thus, this paper aims to review the literature regarding the immunomodulatory effects of vitamins in mammal cancer. An adequate understanding of the metabolism and requirements of nutrients for mammals is essential to ensuring their optimal growth, development, and health, regardless of their food sources. According to these: 1) Some species are highly dependent on vitamin D from food, so special attention must be paid to this aspect. Calcitriol/VDR signaling can activate pro-apoptotic proteins and suppress anti-apoptotic ones. 2) Nitric oxide (NO) production is modulated by vitamin E through inhibiting transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. 3) Thiamine supplementation could be responsible for the stimulation of tumor cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to chemotherapy. 4) Also, it was found that the treatment with NO-Cbl in dogs is a viable anti-cancer therapy that capitalizes on the tumor-specific properties of the vitamin B12 receptor. Therefore, diets should contain the appropriate class of compounds in adequate proportions. Also, the limitations of this paper are that some vitamins are intensively studied and at the same time regarding others, there is a lack of information, especially in animals. Therefore, some subsections are longer and more heavily debated than others.

Assessment of the cytotoxic effect of carboxymethyl chitosan-loaded amygdalin nanoparticles against human normal and cancer cell lines

In recent years, the development of antitumor drugs has been dedicated to natural products. Amygdalin is a natural herbal cyanoglycoside that has anticarcinogenic effect on many types of cancers once hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is released. The main objective of the present study is to synthesize and investigate the potential of carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (CMC NPs) as drug delivery agents for amygdalin encapsulation and its delivery to cancer and normal cell lines. In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated with amygdalin (CMC-Am NPs) were prepared and characterized through their particle size, surface charge, chemical structure and dielectric properties. Also, the invitro drug release of amygdalin from CMC NPs was studied. Additionally, the cytotoxcity of the amygdalin and CMC-loaded amygdalin NPs were evaluated through MTT assay. The results showed that the prepared CMC-loaded amygdalin NPs exhibited a small particle size of 129 nm, high zeta potential value of - 43 mV and confirmed the amygdalin stability and compatibility with CMC NPs. Furthermore, the CMC NPs demonstrated sustained release of amygdalin during 24 h. Moreover, compared to free amygdalin, amygdalin-loaded CMC NPs have significant anti-cancerous effect on human colon HCT-116 and breast MCF-7 cancer cell lines while being safe on normal cells BJ1. In conclusion, CMC NPs can be employed as an efficient drug delivery vehicle for controlled and sustained amygdalin release with enhanced cytotoxicity on malignant cells without harming normal cells.

Armeniacae semen amarum: a review on its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, toxicology and pharmacokinetics

Armeniacae semen amarum-seeds of Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae) (ASA), also known as Kuxingren in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese herbal drug commonly used for lung disease and intestinal disorders. It has long been used to treat coughs and asthma, as well as to lubricate the colon and reduce constipation. ASA refers to the dried ripe seed of diverse species of Rosaceae and contains a variety of phytochemical components, including glycosides, organic acids, amino acids, flavonoids, terpenes, phytosterols, phenylpropanoids, and other components. Extensive data shows that ASA exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as anticancer activity, anti-oxidation, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammation, protection of cardiovascular, neural, respiratory and digestive systems, antidiabetic effects, and protection of the liver and kidney, and other activities. In clinical practice, ASA can be used as a single drug or in combination with other traditional Chinese medicines, forming ASA-containing formulas, to treat various afflictions. However, it is important to consider the potential adverse reactions and pharmacokinetic properties of ASA during its clinical use. Overall, with various bioactive components, diversified pharmacological actions and potent efficacies, ASA is a promising drug that merits in-depth study on its functional mechanisms to facilitate its clinical application.

Anti-tumoral Immunity and Chemo-preventive Effectiveness of Herbal Extracts of Curcumin, Ginger, Clove and Amygdaline in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-Challenging Mice

BACKGROUND

Due to its systemic toxicity, traditional chemotherapy of tumors is being taken into consideration. Herbal therapy, containing phytochemical polyphenol derivatives such as Curcumin (Cur), Ginger (Gin), Cloves (Clov) and Amygdaline (Amyg), is one of the numerous complementary and alternative approaches as an anti-cancer therapy and holds great promise for cancer chemo-prevention with fewer side effects.

AIM

The current study was designated to assess anti-tumoral immunity and anti-cancer and chemo-preventive effectiveness of herbal extracts of Cur, Ginger, Clov and Amyg in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC)-challenging mice.

METHODS

Chemo-preventive efficacy of herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg were analyzed in vivo by examination of the apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells by flow cytometry. The total numbers of EAC cells, splenocytes counts and leucocytes count with their differentials relative % in peripheral blood (PB) of EACchallenging mice were investigated.

RESULTS

EAC-challenging mice treated with herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg showed a marked decline in EAC tumor cell count and a noticeable increase in apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells, a remarkable decrease in serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) with an obvious increase in the number of splenocytes comparing to that in EAC-challenging mice treated with PBS alone. Moreover, the data indicated an insignificant change in the total leucocytes count and their differentials relative % of eosinophil, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in EAC-challenging mice treated with Cur and Amyg, but these parameters were markedly increased in EAC-challenging mice injected with Gin and Clov compared to that in EAC-challenging mice treated with PBS alone.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, the herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg may have anti-tumoral immunity and anti-cancer potency and potential to reduce the resistance to cancer conventional chemotherapy and exert cancer chemo-protective approaches with low adverse effects. Further research is necessary to determine the regimen's toxicity on various tissues and organs and to connect the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used in the regimen's biomedical use.

Amygdalin as a Promising Anticancer Agent: Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives for the Development of New Nanoformulations for Its Delivery

Cancer rates are increasing, and cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Amygdalin, also known as vitamin B17 (and laetrile, a synthetic compound), is a cyanogenic glycoside compound that is mainly found in the kernels and pulps of fruits. This compound has been proposed for decades as a promising naturally occurring substance which may provide anticancer effects. This is a comprehensive review which critically summarizes and scrutinizes the available studies exploring the anticancer effect of amygdalin, highlighting its potential anticancer molecular mechanisms as well as the need for a nontoxic formulation of this substance. In-depth research was performed using the most accurate scientific databases, e.g., PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, applying effective, characteristic, and relevant keywords. There are several pieces of evidence to support the idea that amygdalin can exert anticancer effects against lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers. Amygdalin has been reported to induce apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibiting cancer cells' proliferation and slowing down tumor metastatic spread. However, only a few studies have been performed in in vivo animal models, while clinical studies remain even more scarce. The current evidence cannot support a recommendation of the use of nutritional supplements with amygdalin due to its cyano-moiety which exerts adverse side effects. Preliminary data have shown that the use of nanoparticles may be a promising alternative to enhance the anticancer effects of amygdalin while simultaneously reducing its adverse side effects. Amygdalin seems to be a promising naturally occurring agent against cancer disease development and progression. However, there is a strong demand for in vivo animal studies as well as human clinical studies to explore the potential prevention and/or treatment efficiency of amygdalin against cancer. Moreover, amygdalin could be used as a lead compound by effectively applying recent developments in drug discovery processes.

Isomerization and Stabilization of Amygdalin from Peach Kernels

In this study, isomerization conditions, cytotoxic activity, and stabilization of amygdalin from peach kernels were analyzed. Temperatures greater than 40 °C and pHs above 9.0 resulted in a quickly increasing isomer ratio (L-amygdalin/D-amygdalin). At acidic pHs, isomerization was significantly inhibited, even at high temperature. Ethanol inhibited isomerization; the isomer rate decreased with the ethanol concentration increasing. The growth-inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells of D-amygdalin was diminished as the isomer ratio increased, indicating that isomerization reduces the pharmacological activity of D-amygdalin. Extracting amygdalin from peach kernels by ultrasonic power at 432 W and 40 °C in 80% ethanol resulted in a 1.76% yield of amygdalin with a 0.04 isomer ratio. Hydrogel beads prepared by 2% sodium alginate successfully encapsulated the amygdalin, and its encapsulation efficiency and drug loading rate reached 85.93% and 19.21%, respectively. The thermal stability of amygdalin encapsulated in hydrogel beads was significantly improved and reached a slow-release effect in in vitro digestion. This study provides guidance for the processing and storage of amygdalin.

Investigation of the antitumor effect on breast cancer cells of the electrospun amygdalin-loaded poly(l-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) nanofibers

In this study, PLA/PEG nanofibers (NFs) loaded with amygdalin (AMG) and bitter almond kernels extract were produced by electrospinning to prevent local breast cancer recurrence, and the effect of produced NFs on the MCF-7 cell line was investigated in vitro. The electrospun NFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal analysis (DSC) and tensile strength and physical analyzes were performed. Loading of AMG to nanofibers increased fiber diameters from 827.93 ± 174.507 nm to 1855.32 ± 291.057 μm. When drug release results were analyzed, the NFs showed a controlled release profile extending up to 10 h. The encapsulation efficiency of AMG-loaded NFs was calculated at 100 ± 0,01 %, 94 ± 0,02 %, and 88 ± 0,02 %. When in vitro cytotoxicity results were analyzed, showed that all NFs are effective in inducing cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Importantly, 20 mg AMG-loaded NFs displayed effectively higher cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cells relative to the other NFs. Considering all the results, AMG-loaded NFs can give sustained release of drugs at the local sites. Therefore, AMG-loaded nanofibers can reduce the risk of local recurrence of cancer after surgery and can be directly implanted into solid tumor cells for treatment.

Anticancer Activities of Re(I) Tricarbonyl and Its Imidazole-Based Ligands: Insight from a Theoretical Approach

Rhenium complexes have been observed experimentally to exhibit good inhibitory activity against malignant cells. Hence, our motivation is to explore this activity from a theoretical perspective. In the present study, density functional theory (DFT) and in silico molecular docking approaches were utilized to unravel the unique properties of metal-based rhenium tricarbonyl complexes as effective anticancer drugs. All DFT calculations and geometric optimizations were conducted using the well-established hybrid functional B3LYP-GD(BJ)/Gen/6-311++G(d,p)/LanL2DZ computational method. The FT-IR spectroscopic characterization of the complexes: fac-[Re(Pico)(CO)₃(Pz)] (R1), fac-[Re(Pico)(CO)₃(Py)] (R2), fac-[Re(Dfpc)(CO)₃(H₂O)] (R3), fac-[Re(Dfpc)(CO)₃(Pz)] (R4), fac-[Re(Dfpc)(CO)₃(Py)] (R5), fac-[Re(Tfpc)(CO)₃(H₂O)] (R6), fac-[Re(Tfpc)(CO)₃(Py)] (R7), and fac-[Re(Tfpc)(CO)₃(Im)] (R8) was explored. To gain insights into the electronic structural properties, bioactivity, and stability of these complexes, the highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital analysis, binding energy, and topological analysis based on quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules were considered. The anticancer activities of the complexes were measured via in silico molecular docking against human BCL-2 protein (IG5M) and proapoptotic (agonist) BAX 1 protein (450O). The results showed that the studied complexes exhibited good binding affinity (-3.25 to -10.16 kcal/mol) and could cause significant disruption of the normal physiological functions of the studied proteins. The results of DFT calculations also showed that the studied complexes exhibited good stability and are suitable candidates for the development of anticancer agents.

Onco-immunity and therapeutic application of amygdalin: A review

Background

Amygdalin is known as a chemical compound derived from various fruits. The glycosides existing in this plant have been historically utilized as an anticancer agent. This review presented an overview of amygdalin and its onco-immunity and other therapeutic medical applications.

Method

A literature search for studies relating to amygdalin and cancer treatment was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar. Combinations of the following terms were used in the search strategies: "amygdalin," "rhodanese," "cyanide," "cyanogenic," "hypothiocyanite," "mandelonitrile," "glucosides," "cancer," "apoptosis," and "cytotoxicity," combined with a cancer term such as "seed," "almond," or "apricot," "cancer + cell line, antiproliferation or inhibition," "BAX From the March 3, 1981 until the April 15, 2021, all of the English-language papers were evaluated based on the inclusion criteria. Publications included reviews, chapters from books, and original research papers.

Results

The FDA prohibits Amygdalin from medical usage as an anticancer treatment due to a lack of proof of cure in cancer cases. When this natural-based compound is used with conditional chemotherapeutic medicines causes synergistic effects. Besides, amygdalin is used to manage asthma, improve the immune system, induce apoptosis in human renal fibroblasts, and inhibit hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

Various medical uses of amygdalin have been found such as managing asthma, improving the immune system, inducing apoptosis in human renal fibroblasts, and inhibiting hyperglycemia. More effective in vitro and review studies are required to elucidate the exact role of this herb in medical applications.

Targeting Proteolysis with Cyanogenic Glycoside Amygdalin Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women, and its incidence and mortality are rapidly growing worldwide. In this regard, plant-derived natural compounds have been shown to be effective as chemotherapeutic and preventative agents. Apricot kernels are a rich source of nutrients including proteins, lipids, fibers, and phenolic compounds and contain the aromatic cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin that has been shown to exert a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells by affecting the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and regulating the immune function.

METHODS

Here, we describe a previously unexplored proapoptotic mechanism of action of amygdalin in breast cancer (MCF7) cells that involves the modulation of intracellular proteolysis. For comparative purposes, the same investigations were also conducted upon cell treatment with two apricot kernel aqueous extracts from Prunus armeniaca L.

RESULTS

We observed that both the 20S and 26S proteasome activities were downregulated in the MCF7 cells upon 24 h treatments. Simultaneously, the autophagy cascade resulted in being impaired due to cathepsin B and L inhibition that also contributed to a reduction in cancer cell migration. The inhibition of these proteolytic systems finally promoted the activation of apoptotic events in the MCF7 cells.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our data unveil a novel mechanism of the anticancer activity of amygdalin, prompting further investigations for potential application in cancer preventative strategies.

Amygdalin: A Review on Its Characteristics, Antioxidant Potential, Gastrointestinal Microbiota Intervention, Anticancer Therapeutic and Mechanisms, Toxicity, and Encapsulation

Bioactive amygdalin, found in high concentrations in bitter almonds, has been recognized as a symbol of the cyanogenic glycoside chemical organic substance, which was initially developed as a pharmaceutical for treating cancer after being hydrolyzed to hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Regrettably, research has shown that HCN can also damage normal cells, rendering it non-toxic to the human body. Extreme controversy surrounds both in vivo and in vitro studies, making its use risky. This review provides an extensive update on characteristics, antioxidant potential, gastrointestinal microbiota intervention, anticancer therapeutic, mechanisms, toxicity, and encapsulation of amygdalin. Antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-fibrotic, antiatherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and analgesic characteristics, and the ability to improve digestive and reproductive systems, neurodegeneration, and cardiac hypertrophy are just some of the benefits of amygdalin. Studies verified the HCN-produced amygdalin to be harmful orally, but only at very high doses. Although intravenous treatment was less effective than the oral method, the oral route has a dose range of 0.6 to 1 g daily. Amygdalin’s toxicity depends heavily on the variety of bacteria in the digestive tract. Unfortunately, there is currently no foolproof method for determining the microbial consortium and providing a safe oral dosage for every patient. Amygdalin encapsulation in alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs) is a relatively new area of research. Amygdalin has an enhanced cytotoxic effect on malignant cells, and ACNPs can be employed as an active drug-delivery system to release this compound in a regulated, sustained manner without causing any harm to healthy cells or tissues. In conclusion, a large area of research for a substance that might be the next step in cancer therapy is opened up due to unverified and conflicting data.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Antiproliferative Effect of CuO-TiO2-Chitosan-Amygdalin Nanocomposites in Human Leukemic MOLT4 Cells

The main aim of this study was to synthesize copper oxide- (CuO-) titanium oxide- (TiO2-) chitosan-amygdalin nanocomposites (CTCANc) and to characterize them physically and biologically (antimicrobial and anticancer activity using MOLT4 blood cancer cell line) to endorse their useful applications as potential drug candidates in anticancer avenues. CuO-TiO2-chitosan-amygdalin nanocomposites were synthesized according to standard, reported methods. Physical characterization of the nanocomposites was performed using methods like X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and morphological and ultrastructural analysis of nanocomposites were done using electron microscope scanning and transmission. FTIR was recorded using a Perkin-Elmer spectrometer, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were done using the spectrometer. Further, antibacterial activities were assessed using standard bacterial cultures. To demonstrate the nanocomposite's anticancer effects, MTT assay, morphological analysis, apoptosis studies using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) dual staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis, and levels of antioxidant enzymes were analyzed using the MOLT4 blood cancer cell line. Synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using XRD and showed various peaks, respectively, for CuO-TiO2, amygdalin, and chitosan. MTT assay indicated an IC50 value of 38.41 μg/ml concentration of CTCANc. Hence, 30 and 40 μg/ml were used for the subsequent experiments. Morphological analysis, staining for apoptosis using AO/EtBr, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP or ΔΨm) analysis, ROS analysis, and determination of the SOD, CAT, MDA, and GSH levels were performed. Observations like a significant loss of morphology, induction of apoptosis, elevated ROS, and decreased MMP were significant in 30 and 40 μg/ml nanocomposite-treated cells when compared to control cells. The bimetallic nanocomposites exhibited typical nanocomposites characteristics and significant antibacterial and anticancer effects. The study results endorse the antibacterial, anticancer activity of CuO-TiO2-chitosan-amygdalin nanocomposites and strongly suggest that further in-depth research using CuO-TiO2-chitosan-amygdalin nanocomposites could reveal their efficacy in the clinical scenario.

Amygdalin as a chemoprotective agent in co-treatment with cisplatin

Amygdalin is a naturally occurring glycoside used in traditional Chinese medicine and is known to have anti-cancer properties. Even though the anti-cancer properties of amygdalin are well known, its effect on normal cells has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible chemo-protective role of amygdalin against the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy for normal human cells. Specifically, it was tested in combination with a strong chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin. Human non-tumorigenic MCF12F epithelial cell line, human fibroblasts cells, human breast cancer MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with cisplatin in a dose- and time-depended manner in the absence or presence of amygdalin. When MCF12F cells and fibroblasts underwent pre-treatment with amygdalin followed by cisplatin treatment (24 h amygdalin + 24 h cisplatin), the cell viability was increased (22%, p < 0.001) as indicated using MTT assay. As attested by flow cytometry, combination treatment was associated with decreased the percentage of late apoptotic cells compared with monotherapy (fold-change of decrease = 1.6 and 4.5 for 15 and 20 μΜ, respectively). Also, the proteins expression of PUMA, p53, phospho-p53 and Bax decreased, when a combination treatment was used vs. cisplatin alone, while the proapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL exhibited an increased tendency in the presence of amygdalin. Moreover, the levels of pro-apoptotic genes PUMA, p53, and BAX mRNA were significantly downregulated (∼83%, ∼66%, and ∼44%, respectively) vs. cisplatin alone, while the mRNA levels of anti-apoptotic genes BCl-2 and Bcl-XL were upregulated (∼44.5% and ∼51%, respectively), vs. cisplatin alone after 24 h of combination treatment. The study on the Combination index (CI) assay indicated that amygdalin could be possibly considered as an antagonist to cisplatin (2.2 and 2.3) for MCF12F and fibroblast cells, respectively. In contrast, for the breast cancer MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, amygdalin and cisplatin indicated a synergistic effect (0.8 and 0.65), respectively. Our present findings suggest that amygdalin has chemo-modulatory effect when used in co-treatment with cisplatin and is able to protect normal breast cells as well as the fibroblasts during chemotherapy treatment, indicating a strong selective chemoprotective ability and may contribute to a better quality of life for cancer patients.

Monascus spp. and citrinin: Identification, selection of Monascus spp. isolates, occurrence, detection and reduction of citrinin during the fermentation of red fermented rice

Red fermented rice (RFR) is rice fermented using Monascus spp. This product contains monacolin K, providing health benefits including mitigation of diarrhoea and improving blood circulation. RFR can produce pigments that can act as natural colour and flavouring agents. However, Monascus spp. (a fungal starter to ferment RFR) can also produce the mycotoxin, citrinin (CIT) which is believed to have adverse effects on human health. CIT in RFR has been reported worldwide by using different methods of detection. This review focuses on the production of RFR by solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF), the occurrence of CIT in RFR, CIT quantification, the factors affecting the growth of Monascus spp., pigments and CIT production in RFR, and possible methods to reduce CIT in RFR. This review will help the food industries, researchers, and consumers understand the risk of consuming RFR, and the possibility of controlling CIT in RFR.

Amygdalin Induced Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis of Lung Cancer Cells via Regulating NF[Formula: see text]B-1/NF[Formula: see text]B Signaling Cascade in Vitro and in Vivo

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Amygdalin, a natural compound commonly distributed in plants of the Rosaceae species, owns anticancer activity, less side effects, wide source, and relatively low price. Although the apoptosis is a central process activated by amygdalin in cancer cells, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which amygdalin induces the apoptosis of lung cancer cells remain poorly understood. In this research work, amygdalin could suppress the proliferation of lung cancer A549 and PC9 cells by CCK8 assay. Amygdalin significantly promoted the apoptosis of lung cancer A549 and PC9 cells stained with Annexin V-FITC/PI by flow cytometry assay. Furthermore, amygdalin dose-dependently decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) with JC-1 dye by flow cytometry. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms through which amygdalin induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of cancer cells, the differentially-expressed genes with a fold change >2.0 and [Formula: see text] < 0.05 were acquired from the cDNA microarray analysis. The results of qRT-PCR further confirmed that the differentially-expressed level of the NF[Formula: see text]B-1 gene was most obviously enhanced in lung cancer cells treated with amygdalin. The results of immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting and siRNA knockdown indicated that amygdalin induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of lung cancer cells via enhancing the expression of NF[Formula: see text]B-1 and inactivating NF[Formula: see text]B signaling cascade and further changing the expressions of proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome C, caspase 9, caspase 3 and PARP) related to apoptosis, which were further checked by in vivo study of the lung cancer cell xenograft mice model accompanying with immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL staining. Our results indicated that amygdalin might be a potential activator of NF[Formula: see text]B-1, which sheds more light on the molecular mechanism of anticancer effects of amygdalin. These results highlighted amygdalin as a potential therapeutic anticancer agent, which warrants its development as a therapy for lung cancer.

Effect of amygdalin on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and T-47D breast cancer cells in the in vitro study

Introduction

Amygdalin is a chemical compound found in the seeds of many edible plants. Different studies using cancer cell cultures in vitro indicate its potential anti-cancer activity. Various types of cancer cells showed different responses to different doses of amygdalin. This may suggest many in vitro models of the activity of this compound. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of amygdalin on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and T-47D breast cancer cells and on HFF-1 normal dermal fibroblasts (control cell culture) in vitro. Cell proliferation, viability, and the changes in mRNA transcript levels of basic proteins (BAX, caspase 3 and BCL-2) involved in apoptosis were analyzed.

Materials and Methods

MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, T-47D, and HFF-1 cell lines were purchased from the ATCC. Amygdalin derived from apricot kernels was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. CVDE, WST-1, and LDH assays were used to evaluate the effects of amygdalin on cell proliferation and viability. Molecular evaluation of gene transcription levels was performed using the RT-qPCR technique.

Results

Amygdalin causes a dose-dependent decrease in proliferation and metabolic activity of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and T-47D cells in the in vitro cultures. In all cell cultures amygdalin affects the mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic BAX and caspase 3 proteins and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein.

Conclusions

Amygdalin anti-cancer activity may be selective in relation to different cell types. It seems that examined breast cancer cells are more sensitive to amygdalin than normal cells.

Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action

Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.

Phytonutrients of Bitter Apricot Seeds Modulate Human Lipid Profile and LDL Subfractions in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol Levels

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds phytonutrients on cardiovascular risk factors with a special focus on LDL cholesterol subfractions using the Lipoprint system. A group of 34 adult volunteers (21 female/13 male) consumed 60 mg kg⁻¹ of body weight of bitter apricot seeds daily for 42 days. Subjects were divided into two groups: one with normal cholesterol levels (NTC) and one with elevated total cholesterol levels (ETC). Blood serum levels of total cholesterol (T-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) did not change significantly (p > 0.05) in NTC group. However, there were significant decreasing of T-C (p ˂ 0.05) and LDL-C (p < 0.01) in ETC group. The LDL₁, LDL₂, and atherogenic LDL₃₋₇ subfractions progressively decreased after 42 days of apricot seeds consumption in ETC group (p < 0.05). Apricot seeds consumption was associated with a significant increase in the mean LDL particle size especially in ETC group (p ˂ 0.01). The results of the present study support the hypothesis that daily consumption of bitter apricot seeds for 42 days positively modified the lipoprotein profile in the group with elevated total cholesterol.

Drug Delivery Based on Stimuli-Responsive Injectable Hydrogels for Breast Cancer Therapy: A Review

Breast cancer is the most common and biggest health threat for women. There is an urgent need to develop novel breast cancer therapies to overcome the shortcomings of conventional surgery and chemotherapy, which include poor drug efficiency, damage to normal tissues, and increased side effects. Drug delivery systems based on injectable hydrogels have recently gained remarkable attention, as they offer encouraging solutions for localized, targeted, and controlled drug release to the tumor site. Such systems have great potential for improving drug efficiency and reducing the side effects caused by long-term exposure to chemotherapy. The present review aims to provide a critical analysis of the latest developments in the application of drug delivery systems using stimuli-responsive injectable hydrogels for breast cancer treatment. The focus is on discussing how such hydrogel systems enhance treatment efficacy and incorporate multiple breast cancer therapies into one system, in response to multiple stimuli, including temperature, pH, photo-, magnetic field, and glutathione. The present work also features a brief outline of the recent progress in the use of tough hydrogels. As the breast undergoes significant physical stress and movement during sporting and daily activities, it is important for drug delivery hydrogels to have sufficient mechanical toughness to maintain structural integrity for a desired period of time.

Investigation of the effect of Prunus Amygdalus Amara on the expression of some genes of apoptosis and immortality in breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

BACKGROUND

Anti-cancer effects of almond nuts or oil have been approved, but there are a few pieces of research that have evaluated, in detail, almond and other seeds' effects on cancer. Therefore, in the present project, the aim was to explore the regulatory effect of the bitter almond extract (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) on the apoptotic and anti-cancer potency of MCF-7 cells.

OBJECTIVES

In the current experimental research, the Almond effect on MCF7 cells was evaluated by investigating the expression and the balance between Bcl-2, Bax genes to unmark the potential molecular mechanism.

METHODS

For 24 and 48h, the MCF7 cells were treated with the bitter almond extract (187.5-3000 µg/mL). MTT assay was used to assess the viability, and Real-time-PCR was applied to determine the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, facing β-actin.

RESULTS

Our results revealed a significant difference between different extract concentrations on the viability of MCF7 cell lines in 24 and 48 h; cell viability decreased time-dependently (P < 0.05). After 24 and 48h of extract facing MCF7 cells, the evaluated IC50 value was 3000 and 1500 µg/mL, respectively. Based on Real Time-PCR analysis, after 24 and 48 h, the mRNA levels of BCL-2 decreased by the extract, whereas BAX was in the MCF-7 cell line.

CONCLUSION

From the results, it can be concluded that bitter almond extract has anti-cancer properties that may influence the apoptotic pathways by regulating relative gene expression.

In-vitro and in-vivo investigation of amygdalin, metformin, and combination of both against doxorubicin on hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a potentially life-threatening cancer. In the current study, anti-HCC efficacy of amygdalin, or metformin alone or in combination in comparison to doxorubicin was studied.

MAIN METHODS

Both in-vitro and in-vivo based models. HepG-2 and Huh-7 cell lines as established in-vitro model for HCC were treated with different concentrations of indicated drugs to evaluate the cytotoxicity and determine IC₅₀ for 24, 48 and 72 h. Moreover, the effect of different treatments on apoptosis and cell cycle using flow cytometric analysis were studied. Hepatocellular carcinoma induced in rats by diethyl-nitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride was established, to further investigate the efficacy of indicated drugs. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were measured by spectrophotometer, alpha-fetoprotein, cytochrome-c, caspase-3 and malondialdehyde were measured by ELISA, and liver biopsies were also evaluated histopathologically.

KEY FINDINGS

In-vitro results showed that the combination has a promising effect when compared to amygdalin or metformin alone as it is more cytotoxic and have higher ability for induction of apoptosis and arresting cell cycle. In-vivo doxorubicin has a good effect for treating HCC. Also, the combination showed a promising prognostic effect depending on the cytotoxic activity and tumor marker when compared to amygdalin or metformin alone.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on the current data, it was hypothesized that amygdalin and metformin especially when used in combination will be a promising approach with low side effects for enhancement of HCC.

Effect of cyanide ions (CN-) extracted from cassava (Manihotesculenta Crantz) on Alveolar Epithelial Cells (A549 cells)

Cassava (Manihotesculenta Crantz) is one of the most important root crops in tropical countries. It is a major source of cyanogenic glycosides viz. linamarin and lotaustralin, and these on breakdown liberate HCN and ketone. Cassava cyanide extract (CCE) from cassava leaves and tuber rinds were formulated as a biopesticide against certain borer insect pests of horticultural crops. Adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) were treated with three different concentrations (100, 200, 400 ppm) of CCE. The MTT and NRU assays showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The DCFH-DA assay does not show any free radical scavenging activity, whereas the NRR assay showed a reduction in the nitrile radicals with an increase in the concentration of the bioactive compound. A negative correlation was found between the concentration of the bioactive principles and mitochondrial and lysosomal functions. Various cellular assays demonstrated the cellular response of the CCE, and it was found that at higher concentration (400 ppm), the CCE exert a significant necrotic cell death rather than apoptosis. The results of the study indicated that the CCE have a remarkable tendency of anti-proliferative ability.

Theoretical Analysis of Anticancer Cellular Effects of Glycoside Amides

BACKGROUND

This article is a continuation of Theoretical Analysis for the Safe Form and Dosage of Amygdalin Product and Theoretical Study of the Process of Passage of Glycoside Amides through the Cell Membrane of Cancer Cell. They consider some possible natural modifications and hypothesize that it is not nitrile glycosides that have antitumor properties, but their amide / carboxyl derivatives. The possibility of using this circumstance in conservative oncology is also considered. A mechanism for crossing the cell membrane and overcoming the immune functions of the cancer cell is presented. The physiologically active cancer cell itself is quite inert to external influences. It is far more stable than any physiologically active structural and/or functional organismal cell. Its defenses are discussed in detail in the article, and its main weakness was defined, namely: the cancer cell feeds mainly on carbohydrates and/ or carbohydrate complexes. In an effort to preserve its gene set, it has evolved to counteract biologically active substances by maximally preventing its passage through its cell membrane. It is this property that could be used to minimize its effect on the whole body. In the same article, based on theoretical calculations and literature references, a hypothesis is stated: cancers could turn from severe infectious to controlled chronic ones (similar to diabetes, chronic hepatitis, etc.) Objective: The pharmaceutical form allows deviation from the chemically pure substance. It is a convenient and at the same time accessible (from a financial and/or technological point of view) form for admission by patients. Due to the great variety of natural glycosamide nitriles (starting material for the production of amide/ carboxylic acid), modern pharmacology allows their combined intake by chemical nature and concentration of the active form crossing the cell membrane. Natural nitrile glycosides hydrolyzed to amide/carboxylic acid are still unexplored, but with great theoretical potential. As biologically active substances, these compounds also have significant toxicity. One of the purposes of this article is to organize laboratory tests on animals.

METHODS

A comparative analysis is performed on the basis of stoichiometric calculations for the concentration of the active form and the prediction of the bioactivity. For this purpose, the following methodology is applied: Data analysis for active anticancer cell molecular form and Determination of the drug dose. The derived chemicals obtained immediately after the passage of glycosamide across the cancer cell membrane are: (R)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetamide, (R)-2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide, (R)-2-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide, (S)-2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanamide, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enamide, (2Z,4E)-4-(2-amino-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethylidene)hex-2-enedioic acid, (S)-1-hydroxycyclopent-2-ene-1-carboxamide, (1S,4S)-1,4-dihydroxycyclopent-2-ene-1-carboxamide, (1R,4R)-1,4,5-trihydroxycyclopent-2-ene-1-carboxamide, (Z)-2-((4S,6R)-4,6-dihydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)acetamide, (R)-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanamide, (E)-2-((4S,5R,6R)-4,5,6-trihydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)acetamide, (Z)-2-((4R,5R,6S)-5,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxycyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)acetamide, (E)-2-((4R,6S)-4,6-dihydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)acetamide и (E)-2-((4S,5R,6R)-4,5,6-trihydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)acetamide.

RESULTS

The use of two or more pharmaceutical forms would not prevent their penetration subject to the mass ratios between the active antitumor amide and the active carboxyl transfer form.

CONCLUSION

Amides resulting from the hydrolysis of nitrile glycosides would have the ability to cross the cell membrane of a cancer cell and thus cause its cellular response. The pharmaceutical form must represent the exact amide / carboxylic acid ratio for the corresponding active anticancer cell form.

Guizhi Fuling Wan reduces autophagy of granulosa cell in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome via restoring the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Guizhi Fuling Wan (GFW) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to remove blood stasis and dissipate phlegm for treating gynecological diseases that was invented by Zhang Zhongjing in the Eastern Han dynasty. In recent years, GFW has been widely used to treat patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Clinical and animal studies have shown that it is effective in the treatment of PCOS, but its mechanism is unknown. Generally, it works by regulating autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the effects and mechanism of GFW in PCOS rats with insulin resistance (IR) in order to provide better understanding of its observed clinical effects and a theoretical basis for the study of traditional Chinese medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 12 per group): 1) control, 2) PCOS model, 3) low-dose GFW, 4) medium-dose GFW, 5) high-dose GFW, 6) metformin, and 7) medium-dose GFW plus LY294002. In all non-control groups, we induced PCOS through daily letrozole combined with intragastric high-fat emulsion for 21 days. After treatment, rats were sacrificed and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-estradiol, fasting insulin (FINS), and fasting plasma glucose levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The LH/FSH ratios and HOMA-IR values were calculated. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and all follicles were counted under a microscope. MDC-positive vesicles were used as markers to detect autophagy, and the expression levels of p62, Beclin1, and LC3-II were examined by immunostaining. Western blotting was used to measure PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation, granulosa cell apoptosis, and autophagy.

RESULTS

Compared with the PCOS model group, GFW-treated rats had less atretic and cystic follicles, and more mature follicles and corpus lutea. The GFW-treated rats had lower serum T, LH, and FINS levels than the PCOS model group, as well as lower LH/FSH ratios and HOMA-IR values. GFW treatment resulted in significantly reduced levels of cleaved-Caspase-3, cleaved-Caspase-9, BAX, Beclin1, Atg5, and LC3-II. Phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was significantly higher in GFW-treated rats compared with the PCOS model group. The phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was decreased with the use of a PI3K antagonist.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that GFW inhibited granulosa cell autophagy and promoted follicular development to attenuate ovulation disorder in PCOS-IR rats. This was associated with activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Amygdalin: Toxicity, Anticancer Activity and Analytical Procedures for Its Determination in Plant Seeds

Amygdalin (d-Mandelonitrile 6-O-β-d-glucosido-β-d-glucoside) is a natural cyanogenic glycoside occurring in the seeds of some edible plants, such as bitter almonds and peaches. It is a medically interesting but controversial compound as it has anticancer activity on one hand and can be toxic via enzymatic degradation and production of hydrogen cyanide on the other hand. Despite numerous contributions on cancer cell lines, the clinical evidence for the anticancer activity of amygdalin is not fully confirmed. Moreover, high dose exposures to amygdalin can produce cyanide toxicity. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the sources, toxicity and anticancer properties of amygdalin, and analytical methods for its determination in plant seeds.

Cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin influences functions of human osteoblasts in vitro

Amygdalin has been promoted as an alternative cancer cure. However, it is still unclear how this cyanogenic glycoside affects non-cancer cells including bone cells. This study first investigated the impact of amygdalin on viability, morphology and expression of important genes in human osteoblasts in vitro. Primary human osteoblast cultures were exposed to amygdalin at concentrations 0; 0.1; 1 and 10 mg/mL in growth medium for 72 h. Cell viability, osteoblasts morphology and expression of 10 genes associated with osteoblast-specific pathways, oxidative stress and cell death were determined. Osteoblasts viability was significantly decreased (-27.26%) and their size was reduced (-23.20%) at the highest concentration of amygdalin (10 mg/mL). This concentration of amygdalin down-regulated the expression of COL1A1 and ALPL genes, whereas the expression of BGLAP, TNFSF11 and WNT5A genes was increased. The osteoblast cultivation with 0.1 mg/mL amygdalin caused down-regulation of COL1A1 gene. No changes in expression were determined for RUNX2, BAX, CASP1, SOD1 and GPX1 genes among all tested concentrations of amygdalin. In conclusion, amygdalin in a high concentration negatively affected mineralization of extracellular matrix, increased bone resorption and decreased osteoblast viability. These changes were accompanied by modified expression profiles of responsible genes.

Genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of amygdalin on isolated human lymphocytes by the comet assay

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside, mainly present in the seeds of the Rosaceae family such as apricots, peaches, and bitter almond. In this study, in vitro genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of amygdalin have been investigated on human peripheral blood lymphocytes using the comet assay. The antigenotoxic effect of amygdalin was performed against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using three different treatment types (pre-, simultaneous, and post-treatment). The isolated lymphocytes were incubated with different concentrations of amygdalin (0.86-13.75 µg/ml) alone and in combination with H2O2 (100 µM). The results indicated that amygdalin exhibited an antigenotoxic effect against H2O2, but it did not induce the genotoxic effect alone in tested concentrations in vitro on human lymphocytes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Amygdalin is a natural compound used in alternative medicine as an anti-cancer, antipyretic, and cough suppressant. The comet assay which is relatively simple, rapid, sensitive, and economically efficient, measures the changes in genomic stability. Assessment of amygdalin alone has no genotoxic effect on human lymphocytes. Moreover, antigenotoxicity applications (pre-, simultaneous, and post-treatments) of amygdalin significantly reduced the DNA damage induced by H2O2 on isolated human lymphocytes. In conclusion, amygdalin is not genotoxic, also, it exhibited antigenotoxic activity against oxidatively damaged DNA due to its antioxidant properties on human lymphocytes.

Specific targeting of HER2-positive human breast carcinoma SK-BR-3 cells by amygdaline-ZHER2 affibody conjugate

Amygdalin induces apoptotic death in several carcinoma cells. Affibody is an engineered protein with a high affinity for human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2). We assessed the cytotoxic effects of the amygdalin-Z_HER2 affibody conjugate on two breast carcinoma cell lines. The Z_HER2 affibody gene was synthesized and transferred into E. coli BL21 as an expression host. After purification, the Z_HER2 affibody was conjugated to amygdalin. The cytotoxic effects of amygdalin and its Z_HER2 affibody conjugate on the SK-BR-3, with overexpression of HER2, and MCF-7 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. The effects of amygdalin and its conjugate on apoptotic death and expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins were measured. Amygdalin individually showed a potent cytotoxic effect against both MCF-7 (IC₅₀ = 14.2 mg ml^-1) and SK-BR-3 cells (IC₅₀ = 13.7 mg ml^-1). However, the amygdalin-Z_HER2 affibody conjugate had a more cytotoxic effect on SK-BR-3 (IC₅₀ = 8.27 mg ml^-1) than MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 19.8 mg ml^-1). Amygdalin had a significant apoptotic effect on both cell lines and the effect of its conjugate on SK-BR-3 cells was significantly more potent than MCF-7 cells. Amygdalin increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 expression in both cell lines. However, the effect of its conjugate on the Bax and Bcl-2 expression in SK-BR-3 was more potent than MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, the amygdalin-Z_HER2 affibody conjugate may be considered as a valuable candidate for specific treatment of breast cancer patients with overexpression of HER2. However, further in vivo studies are required to explain the antitumoral effects of constructed amygdalin-Z_HER2 affibody conjugate.

Theoretical Analysis for the Safe Form and Dosage of Amygdalin Product

Introduction:

This article presents a theoretical analysis of the safe form and dosage of the amygdalin derivative. By making a precise socio-anthropological analysis of the life of the ancient people of Botra (Hunza people, Burusho/Brusho people), a hypothesis has been postulated through a number of modern quantum-mechanical, molecular-topological and bio analytical checks, and has also been confirmed by two proofs.

Methods:

The proposed hypothesis underwent theoretical and logical analysis to confirm and/or reject it. The methodological scheme was: determining the optimal chemical formula, determination of the pharmaceutical molecular form and determination of the drug dose.

Results:

A convenient, harmless, form of amygdalin derivative is available that has the same biological and chemical activity and could be used in conservative clinical oncology. The article also presents a theoretical comparative analysis of biochemical reactivity in in vivo and in vitro media, by which we also determine the recommended dosage for patient administration. A comparative analysis of the data, obtained in published clinical studies of amygdalin, is presented, summarizing a scheme of the anti-tumor activity of the proposed molecular form.

Conclusion:

The hydrolyzed to amide / carboxylic acid cyano / nitrile glycosides are potential drugs. Their biological activity remains unchanged, but their toxicity is many times lower than unmodified native molecules. We claim that this study we have conducted on amygdalin / dhurrin-derived amide is the only study on this molecular form. Other substances in these groups with pronounced biological activity (including anti-tumor) are the hydrolyzed nitrile groups by Prunasin, Lucumin, Vicianin, Sambunigrin, Dhurrin, Taxiphyllin, Zierin, Preteacin, p-Glucosyloxymandelonitrile, Linamarin, Lotaustralin, Acaciapetalin, Triglochinin, Dejdaclin, Tetraphyllin A, Tetrallin B, Gynocardin etc., to their amide/carboxylic acid.

Amygdalin - A pharmacological and toxicological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Amygdalin is commonly distributed in plants of the Rosaceae, such as peach, plum, loquat, apple and bayberry, but most notably in the seeds (kernels) of apricot almonds. As a naturally aromatic cyanogenic compound, it has long been used in Asia, Europe and other regions for the treatment of various diseases including cough, asthma, nausea, leprosy and leukoderma. Importantly, in recent years, an increasing attention has been paid to its antitumor effect.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The paper aims to review the pharmacological activities and toxicological effects of amygdalin and provide a reference and perspective for its further investigation.

METHODS

Electronic databases including the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, the Chinese Biological Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database and VIP information database were searched up to November 2019 to identify eligible studies. A meticulous review was performed, an in-depth analysis on the pharmacological activity and toxicology of amygdalin was conducted, and perspectives for future research were also discussed.

RESULTS

A total of 110 papers about in vitro/in vivo studies on amygdalin have been reviewed. Analysis on the data suggested that this compound presented pharmacological activities of anti-tumor, anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, anti-atherosclerosis, ameliorating digestive system and reproductive system, improving neurodegeneration and myocardial hypertrophy, as well as reducing blood glucose. In addition, studies revealed that amygdalin's toxicity was caused by its poisonous decomposite product of benzaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide after oral ingestion, toxicity of intravenous administration route was far less than the oral route, and it can be avoidable with an oral dose ranging from 0.6 to 1 g per day.

CONCLUSION

This paper has systematically reviewed the pharmacology and toxicology of amygdalin and provided comprehensive information on this compound. We hope this review highlights some perspectives for the future research and development of amygdalin.

Ameliorative effects of vitamin B17 on the kidney against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced renal toxicity in mice

Cancer is the major cause of death and many factors that lead to its occurrences, such as environmental pollution and pesticides and other factors. Ehrlich carcinoma development depends on many things associated with the environment, nutrition, personal habits, and family history. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of vitamin B17 (VB17) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) that induced kidney toxicity in female mice. The mice were divided into five groups (first group, control group; second group, VB17 group; third group, EAC group; fourth group, pretreated EAC with VB17; fifth group, cotreated EAC with VB17). Results showed the VB17 in pretreated (G4) and cotreated (G5) groups lead to an improvement in DNA damage and cytological examination, in addition significantly (P < .05) increase in Na⁺ , red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration, whereas significantly (P < .05) decrease in urea, creatinine, K⁺ , platelets, and white blood cells while insignificant (P < .05) changes in mean corpuscular volume when compared to the EAC group. Many histopathological changes were observed in kidney sections in EAC as marked damage and degenerated, glomerular atrophy, the Malpighian corpuscles that lost their characteristic configuration. On the other hand, a moderate improvement and arrangement in the kidney histological structure in pretreated VB17 + EAC, while a mild enhancement and arrangement of the kidney structure in cotreated EAC + VB17. In addition, depletion in renal P53 and PCNA protein expression compared with the EAC group. It could be concluded that VB17 has a potential renal protective effect against EAC cells induced kidney injury.

Understanding the mechanism of amygdalin's multifunctional anti-cancer action using computational approach

Amygdalin possesses anticancer properties and induces apoptosis. Based on experimental studies the presence of amygdalin with cancer cells led to activate the caspase-3 and BAX and inhibits Bcl-2 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) but without deep information on action mode of these activities. Herein, we leaped forward to examine the molecular dynamics of the bound amygdalin and free ligand proteins, to identify precise action (conformation changes in targeted proteins) of amygdalin through using double docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for 50 ns time scale. The MD simulations revealed that the binding of amygdalin led to disrupting the interaction between the Bcl-2/BAX complex. We furthermore conducted MD simulation for Bcl-2/amygdalin to investigate the stability of the complex which is responsible for inhibition of Bcl-2. It has been obtained a stable Bcl-2/amygdalin complex during the 50 ns. The results give a detail explanation of how amygdalin activates BAX and inhibits Bcl-2. For caspase-3, the matter is different, we found that amygdalin led to disrupting the interaction of caspase-3's two chains for intervals during 50 ns and then bind together repeatedly. The mechanism of caspase-3's activation through switching by disrupt the interacts for periodic intervals manner. For PARP-1, the dynamics simulations results indicated amygdalin interacts with PARP-1's binding site and forms stable interaction during simulation to render it inactive. Hence, amygdalin revealed a supernatural behavior through the MD simulations: it revealed a further clarification of the mystery amygdalin's experimental action which can act as a multifunctional drug in the cancer therapeutics.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Hepatic ameliorative role of vitamin B17 against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-induced liver toxicity

Vitamin B17 (VB17), also known as amygdalin and laetrile, is a type of carbohydrate occurring naturally in many plants, such as apricot kernels which have obtained a great interest in cancer therapy. This study aimed to investigate the hepatic protective potential of VB17 against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice-induced liver injury, DNA damage, apoptotic P53, and PCNA alterations. A total of 100 female mice were divided into 5 groups (1st group, control group; 2nd group, VB17 group; 3rd group, EAC group; 4th group, pre-treated EAC with VB17; 5th group, co-treated EAC with VB17). Results showed that the presence of VB17 in pre-treated and co-treated groups lead to decreased DNA damage, microsomal protein, NADPH cytochrome c reductase, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), AST, ALT, and ALP while showed increased cytochrome b5, cytochrome P450 amidopyrine N-demethylase, and aniline 4-hydroxylase compared with the EAC group. Many histopathological changes were observed in liver sections in EAC as moderate fibrosis and marked diffuse necrosis of hepatic tissue, marked inflammatory cells, and congested blood sinusoids. On the other hand, there was a moderate degree of improvement in hepatocytes in liver sections in pre-treated VB17+EAC, while a mild degree of improvement in hepatocytes, moderate cellular infiltrations, and moderate cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes in liver sections in co-treated EAC+VB17. In addition, there was a depletion in hepatic P53 and PCNA protein expression compared with the EAC group. It could be concluded that VB17 has a potential hepatoprotective effect against EAC cell-induced liver toxicity.

Evaluation of amygdalin-loaded alginate-chitosan nanoparticles as biocompatible drug delivery carriers for anticancerous efficacy

Amygdalin, despite possessing anticancerous properties, has been viewed as a controversial choice due to the presence of the cyanide group. Here, we synthesise and investigate the potential of alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs) as drug delivery agents for amygdalin encapsulation and its delivery to cancer cells. Amygdalin loaded ACNPs were made with both anionic and cationic outer layer to further investigate charge dependency on drug delivery and cytotoxicity. ACNPs encapsulating amygdalin were monodisperse, colloidally stable with ~90% drug encapsulation efficiency and were entirely made from natural materials. The nanoparticles exhibited sustained drug release for a duration of 10 h and significant swelling rates in neutral and slightly acidic environments. The ACNPs successfully adhered to porcine mucin type II when assessed for its mucoadhesion and shown to transmigrate with an average velocity of 1.68 μm/s in uncoated channels, under biomimicked flow conditions. To investigate charge dependency on drug delivery and cytotoxicity, amygdalin loaded ACNPs were made with both anionic and cationic outer layer and assessed. ACNPs demonstrated greater yet sustained anti-cancerous effect on H1299 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner than free amygdalin suggesting greater cellular uptake of the former. In conclusion, biocompatible and biodegradable alginate-chitosan nanoparticles can be used as an effective drug delivery system for sustained and controlled amygdalin release with its improved cytotoxic effect on cancerous cells while protecting normal cells and tissues.

Modulation of dysregulated cancer metabolism by plant secondary metabolites: A mechanistic review

Several signaling pathways and basic metabolites are responsible for the control of metabolism in both normal and cancer cells. As emerging hallmarks of cancer metabolism, the abnormal activities of these pathways are of the most noticeable events in cancer. This altered metabolism expedites the survival and proliferation of cancer cells, which have attracted a substantial amount of interest in cancer metabolism. Nowadays, targeting metabolism and cross-linked signaling pathways in cancer has been a hot topic to investigate novel drugs against cancer. Despite the efficiency of conventional drugs in cancer therapy, their associated toxicity, resistance, and high-cost cause limitations in their application. Besides, considering the numerous signaling pathways cross-linked with cancer metabolism, discovery, and development of multi-targeted and safe natural compounds has been a high priority. Natural secondary metabolites have exhibited promising anticancer effects by targeting dysregulated signaling pathways linked to cancer metabolism. The present review reveals the metabolism and cross-linked dysregulated signaling pathways in cancer. The promising therapeutic targets in cancer, as well as the critical role of natural secondary metabolites for significant anticancer enhancements, have also been highlighted to find novel/potential therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.

Bitter apricot ethanolic extract induces apoptosis through increasing expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth common cause of cancer death. Surgery and chemotherapy are the common treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients; however, the response rate is less than 20% at advanced stages. In recent years, growing interest has been dedicated to natural products. Bitter apricot seeds possess a number of pharmacological properties including antitumor activity and amygdalin from bitter apricot seeds can induce apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the cyto/genotoxic effects of bitter apricot ethanolic extract (BAEE) and amygdalin on human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 and normal epithelial 293/KDR cells. BAEE was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography for the confirmation of the structure. The biological impacts of BAEE and amygdalin on PANC-1 and 293/KDR cells were evaluated by MTT assay, DAPI staining, AnnexinV/PI and Real-time qPCR analysis. BAEE and amygdalin inhibited cancer cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DAPI staining and flow cytometric analysis revealed fragmented nuclei and elevated numbers of early and late apoptotic cells, respectively. Also, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and upregulation of caspase-3 further confirmed the occurrence of apoptosis in PANC-1 cells, but not in non-cancerous 293/KDR cells. These results indicate that BAEE could mediate apoptosis induction in cancer cells through a mitochondria dependent pathway. These findings suggest that BAEE functions as a potent pro-apoptotic factor for human pancreatic cancer cells without a significant effect on 293/KDR cells. Though, the potent anti-cancer components of BAEE should be further identified. Moreover, in vivo investigations are required to confirm bitter apricot ethanolic extract's clinical value as an anti-tumor drug.

Anticancer Effect of Amygdalin (Vitamin B-17) on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line (HepG2) in the Presence and Absence of Zinc

BACKGROUND

Amygdalin (Vitamin B-17) is a naturally occurring vitamin found in the seeds of the fruits of Prunus Rosacea family including apricot, bitter almond, cherry, and peach.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of amygdalin with and without zinc on hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line.

METHODS

MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of amygdalin without zinc, amygdalin + 20μmol zinc, and amygdalin + 800μmol zinc on HepG2 cell lines. The cell cycle distribution assay was determined by flow cytometry. Apoptosis was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay. Moreover, the pathway of apoptosis was determined by the percentage of change in the mean levels of P53, Bcl2, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3.

RESULTS

Amygdalin without zinc showed strong anti-HepG2 activity. Furthermore, HepG2 cell lines treatment with amygdalin + 20μmol zinc and amygdalin + 800μmol zinc showed a highly significant apoptotic effect than the effect of amygdalin without zinc. Amygdalin treatment induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M and increased the levels of P53, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3 significantly, while it decreased the level of anti-apoptotic Bcl2.

CONCLUSION

Amygdalin is a natural anti-cancer agent, which can be used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. It promotes apoptosis via the intrinsic cell death pathway (the mitochondria-initiated pathway) and cell cycle arrest at G/M. The potency of amygdalin in HepG2 treatment increased significantly by the addition of zinc.

Vascular Effects of Avocado Seed Glycosides during Diabetes-induced Endothelial Damage

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The relationship between vascular damage and diabetes mellitus was exploited using avocado seed extracts. The purpose of the study was to understand the therapeutic relevance of glycosides compared to standard vascular and anti-diabetic drugs. Constituent Avocado Seed Glycosides (ASG) were analysed and administered to rats with Diabetes-Induced Vascular Damage (DIVD).

METHODS

The rats were first administered with streptozotocin and screened after seven days for alterations in blood glucose, insulin, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), Von Willebrand factor (VWF), Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAS), eNOx, and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Only rats that satisfied these criteria were recruited and treated with either glibenclamide, met.su + losart, or 200 mg/kg body weight ASG for 28 days.

RESULTS

There was an abundance of digitoxin (13.41 mg/100g), digoxin (17.98 mg/100g), avicularin (165.85 mg/100g), and hyperoside (282.51 mg/100g). ASG or met.su + losart exhibited slight modulatory properties on glucose homeostasis. Rats with DIVD showed elevated renin, angiotensin, VCAM-1 and Lp-PLA2 levels but slightly decreased with glibenclamide treatment and normalized with ASG or met.su + losart administration. All treatments normalized Hcy levels. DIVD caused the overproduction of CnT, LDH, Crt-K, LDL-c, TG, and TC and suppressed HDL-c but was completely normalized by the ASG. Water intake remained altered in treated rats.

CONCLUSION

The ASG had no relevant effect on glucose homeostasis during DIVD but showed significant vasoprotective properties.

Separation and determination of amygdalin and unnatural neoamygdalin in natural food supplements by HPLC-DAD

This work is focused on separation and determination of amygdalin and its unnatural form neoamygdalin in natural food supplements. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a high-stability silica-based column with C₁₈ functional group has been used for solving this problem. The effect of the mobile phase composition as well as the column temperature on the separation of the amygdalin epimers has been investigated. Isocratic elution using a mobile phase composed of 0.05% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile achieved the required separation within 17 min. Under optimum chromatographic conditions, the developed method was validated and was applied for the determination of amygdalin epimers in natural food supplements containing apricot or peach kernels. A simple extraction method using methanol as an extractant supported by an ultrasonic bath was used with recovery in the range of 94.8% to 104.3%. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values for R-amygdalin were 0.13 mg/L and 0.40 mg/L, respectively. The developed method proved to be precise with the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation values less than 2.23%.

Anti-Tumor Effects of Vitamin B2, B6 and B9 in Promonocytic Lymphoma Cells

Chronic inflammation can lead to tumour initiation and progression. Vitamin B complex has the ability to regulate the immune response and, therefore, inflammation but many of the mechanistic and molecular processes involved in this regulation are still not fully understood. This study sought to determine some of these processes by studying the effects of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folic acid) on un-differentiated pro-monocytic lymphoma cells in regard to their ability to alter the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, cytokines and expression levels of programmed death ligand 1. We show that vitamin B2, B6 and B9, on pro-monocytic lymphoma cells exerted an anti-tumorigenic effect. This data could form the basis for future studies in using vitamin B supplementation to reduce cancer cell growth in vivo.

Recent updates and future perspectives about amygdalin as a potential anticancer agent: A review

The overall incidence of cancer is increasing in recent years. Despite advances in various comprehensive treatments, the mortality of advanced malignant tumors remains at a high level. Numerous pharmacological studies have confirmed that many Chinese herbal medicines possess remarkable antitumor activities. Amygdalin, mainly existing in bitter almond, is reported to have antitumor properties in addition to the antioxidative, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. This article summarizes the structural characteristics of amygdalin, its antitumor mechanisms, and recent progress and achievement in the research of amygdalin, hoping that it could provide theoretical clues for exploring the clinical value of amygdalin against tumors. Amygdalin is known to have an antitumor effect in solid tumors such as lung cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma by affecting cell cycle, inducing apoptosis and cytotoxicity, and regulating immune function. Further research is needed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of amygdalin in terms of the optimal dosage, the feasibility of combined use of amygdalin with other antitumor drugs, and even artificial synthesis of the active components in amygdalin, for the sake of enhancing its antitumor activities and reducing its adverse effects for clinical use.

Chinese medicine CGA formula ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride involving inhibition of hepatic apoptosis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL REVELVANCE

CGA consisting of Cordyceps sinensis mycelia polysaccharide, gypenosides and amygdalin, was demonstrated to be the effective components formula in Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine approved by China food and drug administration for treatment of liver fibrosis and to inhibit transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling, previously.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effects of CGA on hepatic apoptosis in liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hepatic injury and histology was detected by serum biomarker assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The hepatic collagen was illustrated by Sirius red staining and hydroxyproline (Hyp) concentration. The hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and hepatic apoptosis was visualized by immunohistochemical analysis of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUPT nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay respectively. The protein expression of collagen type I (Col-I), α-SMA, TGF-β1, Fas, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1), cleaved-caspase-8, cleaved-caspase-10, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-3, mitochondrial Bcl-2, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak), cytochrome C and cytoplasmic cytochrome C was detected by western-blot.

RESULTS

CGA or FZHY ameliorated liver histological changes, decreasing serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic Hyp, TUNEL positive-stained area, and down-regulated the protein expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, Col-I, Fas, TNF-R1, cleaved-caspase-8, cleaved-caspase-10, cleaved-caspase-9, and cleaved-caspase-3, mitochondrial Bax, Bak, and cytoplasmic cytochrome C, while restored the expression of mitochondrial Bcl-2 and cytochrome C.

CONCLUSION

CGA formula ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄, which is correlated to its inhibition on hepatic apoptosis.

The anti-cancer effect of amygdalin on human cancer cell lines

Derived from rosaceous plant seed, amygdalin belongs to aromatic cyanogenic glycoside group, and its anticancer effects have been supported by mounting evidence. In this study, we objected to investigate amygdalin effect on two antiapoptotic genes (Survivin, XIAP) and two lncRNAs (GAS5, MALAT1) in human cancer cells (A549, MCF7, AGS). Employing RT-qPCR analysis, we compared the mRNA levels of the genes related to apoptosis in A549, MCF7, and AGS cancer cells between amygdalin-treated (24, 48 and 72 h) and un-treated groups. RNA was extracted from both cell groups and then cDNAs were synthesized. The changes in the gene expression levels were specified using ΔΔCt method. RT-qPCR analysis has revealed that the expression of Survivin, XIAP, GAS5 and MALAT1 in amygdala-treated cancer cells were significantly different, compared to the un-treated cells. However, these expressions were different depending on the treatment time. According to the results, amygdalin significantly inhibited the expression level of Survivin, and XIAP genes in treated via untreated group. Our findings suggest that amygdalin might have an anticancer effect due to the various gene expressions in A549, MCF7, and AGS human cancer cells, showing it's potential as a natural therapeutic anticancer drug.

The anti-proliferative effect of apricot and peach kernel extracts on human colon cancer cells in vitro

Background

Colorectal malignant neoplasms is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women in the developed world and the incidence has recently increased markedly in South Africa. Studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of Amygdalin, a cyanogenic compound found in both peach and apricot kernels, in its ability to suppress the development of colon cancer. The focus of this study was to investigate the potential anti-proliferative properties of various apricot and peach kernels extractions from South Africa and China and to monitor alterations in cell cycle kinetics in colon cancer cells.

Methods

Studies were conducted on HT-29 colon cancer cells. The interactive role of three different kernel extractions on the modulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression was monitored over 24, 48 and 72 h periods.

Results

After 24 h, all extracts of the South African apricot kernels had a dose related bi-phasic proliferative effect on the HT-29 cells. It stimulated cell proliferation at the lowest and highest concentrations while at 500 μg/mL it inhibited cell proliferation. In contrast, after 72 h, the low concentration inhibited cell proliferation while the 500 μg/mL extracts stimulated cell proliferation. Morphological changes were observed in cells incubated with Chinese kernel extracts after 24 h and South African kernel treatment (1000 μg/mL) after 72 h. A possible intra-S-phase block after 24 and 48 h exposure to South African hydrophilic kernel extracts was observed. This transient block that is more concerned with tolerating and accommodating damage during replication rather than repairing it, could explain the initial anti-proliferative effects observed after 24 h exposure to the various Chinese kernel extract concentrations.

Conclusion

Abrogation of the block by exhaustion of the cyanide production, most likely allowed the cells to resume the cell cycle and continue into mitosis, whereas low ATP levels caused by the presence of amygdalin in the kernels, can also cause the induction of pycnosis or necrosis. These results highlight the possible mechanisms of growth inhibition by amygdalin containing extracts and may contribute towards the development of dietary anti-cancer therapies.

Toxicity and Toxicokinetics of Amygdalin in Maesil ( Prunus mume) Syrup: Protective Effect of Maesil against Amygdalin Toxicity

Maesil ( Prunus mume, green plum)-based products have been widely used in Asian cooking, which may contain amygdalin enzymatically converted to hydrogen cyanide after oral ingestion. In this study, the toxicity of Maesil syrups matured with and without Maesils was evaluated by focusing on relationship between amygdalin toxicity and its metabolic change. The cytotoxicity of amygdalin was highly related to its metabolites converted by β-glucosidase, and the metabolic change was retarded in Maesil syrup. Toxicokinetics revealed extremely low oral absorption and short half-life of amygdalin standard and Maesil syrups, and delayed metabolic change of amygdalin in Maesil syrup was found. It seems that complex Maesil syrup components play roles against amygdalin degradation. Maesil syrup matured with Maesils had higher total polyphenols, lower amygdalin, and shorter half-life in bloodstream than Maesil syrup without Maesils, suggesting more safety benefit. No significant oral toxicity of Maesil syrups was found after 14-day repeated administration, implying their safety.