Phytochemicals from Indian Ethnomedicines: Promising Prospects for the Management of Oxidative Stress and Cancer

Efficacy and safety of the Ayurvedic herbal preparation Maharishi Amrit Kalash: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background

Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) 4 and 5 are Ayurvedic herbal nutritional supplements that are believed to have beneficial effects on overall health and wellbeing. This study aimed to systematically review all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the clinical effects and safety of MAK.

Methods

We included RCTs on therapy, health promotion, and prevention for patients and healthy volunteers of all ages. We systematically searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via Ovid), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library), DHARA, Clinicaltrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Google Scholar from inception through 7 May 2023, with no time or language restrictions. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool version 1. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO before conducting the review (CRD42023421655).

Results

Three RCTs with 418 study participants were included. Two studies were on breast cancer patients and one on healthy adults. The two studies on cancer evaluated the efficacy of MAK in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in women with breast cancer. The study on healthy adults evaluated whether MAK has an effect on an age-related alertness task as an indicator of cognitive aging. Both studies on breast cancer patients found beneficial effects on performance status, anorexia, vomiting, and body weight. One study reported positive effects regarding stomatitis. Regarding visual alertness, results showed that individuals who received MAK improved in performance. None of the three included studies reported adverse events. The risk of bias was mixed. Due to the small number and heterogeneity of the RCTs, no meta-analysis could be performed.

Conclusion

There is evidence that MAK may have supportive effects in chemotherapeutic treatments for breast cancer patients and for healthy individuals regarding visual discrimination. However, it is difficult to verify treatment effects due to the small number of RCTs and the mixed risk of bias. Furthermore, none of the included studies recorded adverse events. Therefore, further high-quality studies are warranted to confirm the potential health benefits of MAK and to determine its optimal dosage and duration of use.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, CRD42023421655.

Therapeutic target mapping from the genome of Kingella negevensis and biophysical inhibition assessment through PNP synthase binding with traditional medicinal compounds

Kingella negevensis belongs to the Neisseriaceae family. It is implied that it has significant virulence potential due to RTX toxin production, which can cause hemolysis. It usually colonizes the orophayrynx of pediatric population, along with Kingella kingae but has also been isolated from vagina. Todate no report on its drug targets is present, therefore putative therapeutic targets were identified from its genomic sequence data. Traditional Chinese (n > 36,000) and Indian medicinal compounds (n > 2000) were then screened against its pyridoxine 5'-phosphate synthase, a vital therapeutic target. Prioritized TCM compounds included ZINC02525131, ZINC33833737 and ZINC85486932, and Cadiyenol, 9,11,13-Octadecatrienoic acid and 6-Gingerol from Indian medicinal library. Molecular dynamics simulation of top compounds revealed ZINC02525131 as having best stability for 100 ns, compared to Cadiyenol. ADMET profiling was then done, along with physiologically based pharmacokinetic simulation of these compounds in a population of 200 individuals, for 12 h to see fate of the ingested compound. Additionally, the impact of these compounds in a population with cirrhosis and renal impairment was also simulated. We imply in light of all the studied parameters of safety and bioavailability, etc., that 6-Gingerol from Zingiber officinalis rhizome must be proceeded further for in vitro and in vivo testing for inhibition of K. negevensis.

Anti-angiogenic Potential of Trans-chalcone in an In Vivo Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Model: An ATP Antagonist to VEGFR with Predicted Blood-brain Barrier Permeability

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by massive tumorinduced angiogenesis aiding tumorigenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) via VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) constitutes majorly to drive this process. Putting a halt to tumordriven angiogenesis is a major clinical challenge, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the prime bottleneck in GBM treatment. Several phytochemicals show promising antiangiogenic activity across different models, but their ability to cross BBB remains unexplored.

METHODS

We screened over 99 phytochemicals having anti-angiogenic properties reported in the literature and evaluated them for their BBB permeability, molecular interaction with VEGFR-2 domains, ECD2-3 (extracellular domains 2-3) and TKD (tyrosine kinase domain) at VEGF-A and ATP binding site, cell membrane permeability, and hepatotoxicity using in silico tools. Furthermore, the anti-angiogenic activity of predicted lead Trans-Chalcone (TC) was evaluated in the chick chorioallantoic membrane.

RESULTS

Out of 99 phytochemicals, 35 showed an efficient ability to cross BBB with a probability score of > 0.8. Docking studies revealed 30 phytochemicals crossing benchmark binding affinity < -6.4 kcal/mol of TKD with the native ligand ATP alone. Out of 30 phytochemicals, 12 showed moderate to low hepatotoxicity, and 5 showed a violation of Lipinski's rule of five. Our in silico analysis predicted TC as a BBB permeable anti-angiogenic compound for use in GBM therapy. TC reduced vascularization in the CAM model, which was associated with the downregulation of VEGFR-2 transcript expression.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed TC to possess anti-angiogenic potential via the inhibition of VEGFR-2. In addition, the study predicted TC to cross BBB as well as a safe alternative for GBM therapy, which needs further investigation.

Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Molecules in Cancer Therapeutics

Phytochemicals are natural plant-derived products that provide significant nutrition, essential biomolecules, and flavor as part of our diet. They have long been known to confer protection against several diseases via their anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, anti-microbial, and several other properties. Deciphering the role of phytochemicals in the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of cancer-unrestrained cell proliferation due to the loss of tight regulation on cell growth and replication-has been the focus of recent research. Particularly, the immunomodulatory role of phytochemicals, which is pivotal in unchecked cell proliferation and metastasis, has recently been studied extensively. The immune system is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment, and it plays essential roles in both preventing and promoting oncogenesis. Immunomodulation includes stimulation, amplification, or inactivation of some stage(s) of the immune response. Phytochemicals and their products have demonstrated immune regulation, such as macrophage migration, nitric oxide synthase inhibition, lymphocyte, T-cell, and cytokine stimulation, natural killer cell augmentation, and NFκB, TNF, and apoptosis regulation. There is a dearth of extensive accounts of the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals in cancer; thus, we have compiled these effects with mechanistic aspects of dietary phytochemicals in cancer, highlighting promising candidates and ongoing clinical trials on immunotherapeutic strategies to mitigate oncogenesis.

Red Kale (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. acephala L. var. sabellica) Induces Apoptosis in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells In Vitro

This article presents the results of studies investigating the effect of red kale (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. acephala L. var. sabellica) extract on cancer cells (HT-29). The cytotoxicity of the red kale extract was assessed using MTT and LDH assays, while qRT-PCR was employed to analyze the expression of genes associated with the p53 signaling pathway to elucidate the effect of the extract on cancer cells. Furthermore, HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was applied to identify bioactive compounds present in red kale. The obtained results indicated that red kale extract reduced the viability and suppressed the proliferation of HT-29 cells (the IC50 value of 60.8 µg/mL). Additionally, mRNA expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of several genes, i.e., casp9, mapk10, mapk11, fas, kat2 b, and ubd, suggesting the induction of cell apoptosis through the caspase-dependent pathway. Interestingly, the study revealed a decrease in the expression of genes including cdk2 and cdk4 encoding cell cycle-related proteins, which may lead to cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the study identified certain bioactive compounds, such as sinigrin, spirostanol, hesperetin and usambarensine, which could potentially contribute to the apoptotic effect of red kale extracts. However, further investigations are necessary to elucidate the specific role of these individual compounds in the anti-cancer process.

Isorhamnetin Influences the Viability, Superoxide Production and Interleukin-8 Biosynthesis of Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma HT-29 Cells In Vitro

Isorhamnetin has gained research interest for its anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and chemoprotective properties. In this study, human colon adenocarcinoma cells were cultured in the presence or absence of different isorhamnetin concentrations (5-150 μM) for 24 h or 48 h of cultivation to explore the impact on several parameters of viability/proliferation (mitochondrial function using an MTT test, metabolic activity, cell membrane integrity and lysosomal activity using a triple test). The intracellular generation of superoxide radicals using an NBT test and ELISA analysis was performed to observe the biosynthesis of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in cells stimulated with zymosan, as well as in basal conditions. The antiproliferative activity of isorhamnetin was demonstrated by significantly reduced values of mitochondrial and metabolic activity, integrity of cell membranes and lysosomal activity. Its high prooxidant potential was reflected by the significantly elevated generation of superoxides even in cells with low viability status. The anti-inflammatory effect of isorhamnetin was evident due to decreased IL-8 production, and the most significant decline in IL-8 concentration was observed after 24 h treatment in cells with induced inflammation. We demonstrated that isorhamnetin can suppress the proliferation of HT-29 cells, and this effect was correlated with pro-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity of isorhamnetin.

Synthesis, characterization, and assessment of chitosan-nanomatrix enriched with antifungal formulation against biodeterioration of active ingredients of selected herbal raw materials

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), a potent natural group 1 carcinogen produced by Aspergillus flavus is considered an unavoidable toxic contaminant of herbal raw materials, which often deteriorates their active ingredients making them less effective and hazardous during their formulation in herbal drugs. The present investigation reports the antifungal (0.5 μl/ml) and AFB₁ inhibitory (0.4 μl/ml) effects of the developed formulation CIM based on a mixture of essential oils (Carum carvi, and Illicium verum), and methyl anthranilate using mathematical modeling. The insight into the mechanism of action has also been explored using biochemical, molecular docking, and RT-PCR. Further, the nanoencapsulation of CIM (Ne-CIM) was prepared using a green facile synthesis of chitosan-based nanomatrix and characterized by Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform-infrared, (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The in-situ results showed that at MIC doses Ne-CIM effectively controls the A. flavus (81.25-89.57 %), AFB₁ contamination (100 %), and protects the active ingredients deterioration of Piper nigrum, P. longum, Andrographis paniculata, Silybum marianum, and Withania somnifera caused by toxigenic species of A. flavus without affecting their sensory properties. Hence, Ne-CIM could be used as a green chemical agent to protect the biodeterioration of active ingredients of herbal raw materials caused by toxigenic species of A. flavus.

Updates on the anticancer potential of garlic organosulfur compounds and their nanoformulations: Plant therapeutics in cancer management

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) possesses numerous pharmacological potential, including antibacterial, antiarthritic, antithrombotic, anticancer, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. The anti-cancer action of garlic is likely the best researched of the many advantageous pharmacological effects, and its use offers significant protection against the risk of developing cancer. A few active metabolites of garlic have been reported to be essential in the destruction of malignant cells due to their multi-targeted activities and lack of significant toxicity. The bioactive compounds in garlic having anticancer properties include diallyl trisulfide, allicin, allyl mercaptan diallyl disulfide, and diallyl sulphide. Different garlic-derived constituents and their nanoformulations have been tested for their effects against various cancers including skin, ovarian, prostate, gastric, breast, and lung, colorectal, liver, oral, and pancreatic cancer. The objective of this review is to summarize the antitumor activity and associated mechanisms of the organosulfur compounds of garlic in breast carcinoma. Breast cancer continues to have a significant impact on the total number of cancer deaths worldwide. Global measures are required to reduce its growing burden, particularly in developing nations where incidence is increasing quickly and fatality rates are still high. It has been demonstrated that garlic extract, its bioactive compounds, and their use in nanoformulations can prevent breast cancer in all of its stages, including initiation, promotion, and progression. Additionally, these bioactive compounds affect cell signaling for cell cycle arrest and survival along with lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide synthase activity, epidermal growth factor receptor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and protein kinase C in breast carcinoma. Hence, this review deciphers the anticancer potential of garlic components and its nanoformulations against several breast cancer thereby projecting it as a potent drug candidate for efficient breast cancer management.

Targeting Apoptotic Pathway of Cancer Cells with Phytochemicals and Plant-Based Nanomaterials

Apoptosis is the elimination of functionally non-essential, neoplastic, and infected cells via the mitochondrial pathway or death receptor pathway. The process of apoptosis is highly regulated through membrane channels and apoptogenic proteins. Apoptosis maintains cellular balance within the human body through cell cycle progression. Loss of apoptosis control prolongs cancer cell survival and allows the accumulation of mutations that can promote angiogenesis, promote cell proliferation, disrupt differentiation, and increase invasiveness during tumor progression. The apoptotic pathway has been extensively studied as a potential drug target in cancer treatment. However, the off-target activities of drugs and negative implications have been a matter of concern over the years. Phytochemicals (PCs) have been studied for their efficacy in various cancer cell lines individually and synergistically. The development of nanoparticles (NPs) through green synthesis has added a new dimension to the advancement of plant-based nanomaterials for effective cancer treatment. This review provides a detailed insight into the fundamental molecular pathways of programmed cell death and highlights the role of PCs along with the existing drugs and plant-based NPs in treating cancer by targeting its programmed cell death (PCD) network.

Hormonal and inflammatory modulatory effects of hesperidin in hyperthyroidism-modeled rats

The goal of the current study was to investigate the hormonal modulatory efficiency of hesperidin, through its regulatory potential of immunological, inflammatory, and/or antioxidant changes in on hyperthyroidism modeled adult female albino rats. Both normal and hyperthyroidism modeled rats (140-160g) were randomly divided into four groups (10 animals each) as follows: 1) healthy animals were daily ingested with saline for six weeks, and served as control group, 2) healthy animals were intraperitoneally injected with hesperidin (50 mg/kg/day) for a similar period, 3) hyperthyroidism-modeled animals without any treatment acted as positive control, and 4) hyperthyroidism-modeled animals were treated intraperitoneally with hesperidin for a similar period. The findings showed that hesperidin significantly modulated hyperthyroidism deteriorations, this was evidenced by a remarkable decline in serum T4, FT4, T3, FT3, TNF-α, IL1β-, IL4-, IL-6, and IL-10 levels, with a minor increase in TSH and significant raise in CD4+ level. Similarly, valuable improvement was observed in the oxidative status; serum SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH levels were dramatically enhanced, associated with remarkable drop in MDA and NO levels. Also, hesperidin demonstrated nephro-hepatoprotective and anti-atherogenic potential, this was achieved from the notable reduction in ALAT and ASAT activities as well as urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglyceride close to the corresponding values of healthy group. These findings were supported by histological and immunohistochemical ones that showed a notable decrease in the expression of the calcitonin antibody. In conclusion, hesperidin possesses anti-hyperthyroidism, immunoinflammatory regulatory, and antioxidant activities that evidenced from the improvement of physio-architecture of the thyroid gland, reduction of inflammation and restoration of the impaired oxidative stress. This effect might be mechanized through immunological, inflammatory, apoptotic, and/or antioxidant modulatory pathways.

Zimbro (Juniperus communis L.) as a Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds and Biomedical Activities: A Review on Recent Trends

Plant-derived products and their extracted compounds have been used in folk medicine since early times. Zimbro or common juniper (Juniperus communis) is traditionally used to treat renal suppression, acute and chronic cystitis, bladder catarrh, albuminuria, leucorrhea, and amenorrhea. These uses are mainly attributed to its bioactive composition, which is very rich in phenolics, terpenoids, organic acids, alkaloids, and volatile compounds. In the last few years, several studies have analyzed the huge potential of this evergreen shrub, describing a wide range of activities with relevance in different biomedical discipline areas, namely antimicrobial potential against human pathogens and foodborne microorganisms, notorious antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, antidiabetic, antihypercholesterolemic and antihyperlipidemic effects, and neuroprotective action, as well as antiproliferative ability against cancer cells and the ability to activate inductive hepato-, renal- and gastroprotective mechanisms. Owing to these promising activities, extracts and bioactive compounds of juniper could be useful for the development of new pharmacological applications in the treatment of several acute and chronic human diseases.

Differential Activity of Antioxidants in Testicular Tissues Following Administration of Chlorophytum borivilianum in Gamma-Irradiated Swiss Albino Mice

Background: Oxidative stress induced by radiation causes variable expression of antioxidant enzymes in a tissue-specific manner. Testicular tissues carry out the complex process of spermatogenesis, and studies indicate that testicular damages due to irradiation require long-term recovery before complete resumption. Ionizing radiation also causes oxidative stress in tissues, leading to testicular damage. Aims and Objectives: This study measured differential expression of antioxidant enzymes following administration of C. borivilianum root extract (CRB) in response to irradiation-induced oxidative stress. The activity of various important endogenous enzymatic defense systems was evaluated and correlated for strength of association. Materials and method: Two forms of C. borivilianum (CB) extracts [CB alone and CB-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)] were administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight to Swiss albino male mice for 7 consecutive days. After that, they were irradiated with 6 Gy irradiation and further used to study various parameters of antioxidant enzymes. Results: Results indicate a significant increase in the level of glutathione (GSH) and the activity of GSH-related antioxidant enzymes in irradiated mice treated with CRE and CRE-AgNPs (silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using C. borivilianum root extract) in comparison to non-pretreated ones (groups I and II). Reciprocal elevation was observed in related enzymes, that is, glutathione S-transferase activity (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx). Elevation in the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was also evident in both the irradiated groups pretreated with CRE-AgNPs. However, expression of CAT in the CRE-treated irradiated group was similar to that of the non-treated irradiated group. Higher association among CAT-SOD, CAT-GPx, and GR-GST was observed. Conclusion: Overall, it was observed that testicular cells post-irradiation in all groups go through intense oxidative stress; however, groups pretreated with CRE or CRE-AgNPs indicated better toleration and resumption of antioxidant capacity. CRE or CRE-AgNPs pretreated non-irradiated groups mostly remained within the control range indicating stimulated expression of antioxidants.