Oxidative Stress and Cancer: Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Role of Triphala

Indian Ayurvedic medicine: Overview and application to brain cancer

Ayurveda is the traditional medicine system of India, and has been in practice for millennia. It is a traditional approach that uses 1000's of different plant preparations in various combinations for treatment of human ailments, including cancer. Ethnopharmacological and phytochemical analyses are now elucidating the bioactive constituents of the different plant species and herbal formulations, including ashwagandha, curcumin, guduchi, triphala, and others. To provide an overview of: 1) the ethnopharmacology of Ayurveda and several of its most important plant species and formulations, including pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer effects; 2) review the literature applying Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to brain tumors. A detailed PubMed search was performed that included publications involving Ayurveda, cancer, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical analysis, molecular analysis, and brain tumors. In recent decades, significant research has begun to elucidate the bioactive compounds of ashwagandha, tumeric, guduchi, and triphala, such as withaferin A, withanolides, curcumin, palmatine, and many others. These compounds and extracts are now being applied to brain tumor cells in vitro and in animal models, with positive signs of anti-cancer activity including reduced cell growth, increased apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, increased differentiation, and inhibition of important internal signal transduction pathways. Several Ayurvedic herbs (ashwagandha, curcumin) have bioactive compounds with significant anti-cancer activity, and are effective in early pre-clinical testing against brain tumor cells in vitro and in animal models. Further pre-clinical testing is warranted, along with advancement into phase I and phase II clinical trials of patients with glioblastoma and other brain tumors.

Preventive mechanisms of Chinese Tibetan medicine Triphala against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Triphala (TLP), as a Chinese Tibetan medicine composing of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica (1.2:1.5:1), exhibited hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and gut microbiota modulatory effects. Nonetheless, its roles in prevention of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the related mechanistic insights involving the interplay of gut microbiota and hepatic inflammation are not known.

PURPOSE

The present study seeks to determine if TLP would prevent HFD-induced NAFLD in vivo and its underlying mechanisms from the perspectives of gut microbiota, metabolites, and hepatic inflammation.

METHODS

TLP was subjected to extraction and chemo-profiling, and in vivo evaluation in HFD-fed rats on hepatic lipid and inflammation, intestinal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and permeability, and body weight and fat content profiles.

RESULTS

The TLP was primarily constituted of gallic acid, corilagin and chebulagic acid. Orally administered HFD-fed rats with TLP were characterized by the growth of Ligilactobacillus and Akkermansia, and SCFAs (acetic/propionic/butyric acid) secretion which led to increased claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1 expression that reduced the mucosal permeability to migration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into blood and liver. Coupling with hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride lowering actions, the TLP mitigated both inflammatory (ALT, AST, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and pro-inflammatory (TLR4, MYD88 and NF-κB P65) activities of liver, and sequel to histopathological development of NAFLD in a dose-dependent fashion.

CONCLUSION

TLP is promisingly an effective therapy to prevent NAFLD through modulating gut microbiota, mucosal permeability and SCFAs secretion with liver fat and inflammatory responses.

Exploring the Antioxidant Potential of Blackberry and Raspberry Leaves: Phytochemical Analysis, Scavenging Activity, and In Vitro Polyphenol Bioaccessibility

The goal of this research was nutritional evaluation through the phytochemical analysis of blackberry and raspberry leaves, the screening of their biological activity (antioxidant capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation), and the investigation of the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) of blackberry and raspberry leaves on the bioaccessibility of polyphenol subclasses. The concentrations of the analyzed liposoluble antioxidants were higher (p < 0.05) in blackberry leaves compared to raspberry leaves, while a significant (p < 0.05) higher content of water-soluble antioxidants was registered in raspberry leaves (with a total polyphenol content of 26.2 mg GAE/g DW of which flavonoids accounted for 10.6 mg/g DW). Blackberry leaves had the highest antioxidant capacity inhibition of the superoxide radicals (O2•-), while raspberry leaves registered the highest inhibition of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), suggesting a high biological potency in scavenging-free radicals under in vitro systems. The maximum inhibition percentage of lipid peroxidation was obtained for blackberry leaves (24.86% compared to 4.37% in raspberry leaves), suggesting its potential to limit oxidative reactions. Simulated in vitro digestion showed that hydroxybenzoic acids registered the highest bioaccessibility index in the intestinal phase of both types of leaves, with gallic acid being one of the most bioaccessible phenolics. The outcomes of this investigation reveal that the most significant release of phenolic compounds from blackberry and raspberry leaves occurs either during or after the gastric phase. Knowledge about the bioaccessibility and stability of polyphenol compounds during digestion can provide significant insights into the bioavailability of these molecules and the possible effectiveness of plant metabolites for human health.

Thermal treatment enhances the resisting exercise fatigue effect of Phyllanthus emblica L.: novel evidence from tannin conversion in vitro, metabolomics, and gut microbiota community analysis

Polyphenols are the main component of Phyllanthus emblica (PE). However, polyphenols are so easy to transform that it is unknown that how drying methods driven by heating affect the anti-fatigue effect of PE. This manuscript investigated the effects of five drying methods on the chemical composition transformation and anti-fatigue of PE, and discussed the action mechanism. The results suggested that the anti-fatigue effect of PE with hot-air-dried at 100 °C was the best, which was as 1.63 times as that with freeze-drying. Ellagic acid (EA) may be a key component of PE in anti-fatigue, and its mechanism of action may be related to regulating intestinal microbiota, protecting mitochondria, and regulating energy metabolism. This study first revealed the thermal transformation of polyphenols in PE, found the most effective strategy for enhancing the anti-fatigue function, and explores its action mechanism.

Molecular Docking and In Vivo Biological Studies of Sodium Salt of 3-(4-Methyl-2-oxo-2-H-quinoline-7-yloxy)-3-phenylacrylic Acid As Anticancer Agent

Quinoline derivatives possess several therapeutic properties. Aim: studying the anticancer effect of 3-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2-H-quinoline-7-yloxy)-3-phenylacrylic acid's sodium solution on the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Median lethal dose (LD50) and dose response curve was determined for sodium salt solution of 3-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2-H-quinoline-7-yloxy)-3-phenylacrylic acid, then diving a group of one hundred Swiss albino mice, which are all females, into five groups: group 1: (negative control) where intraperitoneally injected with saline into mice for 10 successive days; group 2 (positive control), also namely (EAC-bearing group): where the EAC cells were intraperitoneally injected into mice (2.5 × 106 cells/mouse) only one time on the first day; group 3 which is defined as the (therapeutic group) where the Na+ salt of the synthetic compound was injected into the peritoneum of the mice (2.5 mg/kg) the very first day after the injection of the EAC, then the compound was injected every two days for a period of 10 days; group 4 which is the (preventive group) where the sodium salt of the synthetic compound (2.5 mg/kg) was injected in the peritoneum of the mice the day before the injection of the EAC, then the compound was successively injected every day for a period of ten days; and group 5 which is the (drug group) in which mice were repeatedly injected) in their peritoneum with the sodium salt of the synthetic compound (2.5 mg/kg on a daily basis over a period of ten days. On the eleventh day of the trial, EAC cells were harvested from each mouse in a heparinized saline, in addition to blood samples, liver and kidney tissues which are also collected. Molecular docking showed that compound's sodium salt was docked into (PDB: 2R7G) and (PDB: 2R3I), which are the retinoblastoma protein receptor and the cyclin D-1 receptor respectively. Compared to those in the positive control group, mice in both the therapeutic and preventive groups, has shown a significant decrease in MDA, cyclin D-1 levels in the tissues of both liver and kidney tissues, in addition to the serum ALT, AST, CK-MB, and LDH activities, and the serum urea and creatinine concentration. However, mice in the formerly mentioned groups, both therapeutic and preventive groups, have shown an increase in the serum albumin, total protein, retinoblastoma protein in both liver and kidney tissues as well as the total antioxidant capacity, when compared to mice in the positive control group. It is worth mentioning that histopathological findings have confirmed that. Sodium salt of 3-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-quinoline-7-yloxy)-3-phenylacrylic acid showed potential in vivo anticancer and antioxidant effects against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells; (EAC cells).

Ayurvedic Drug Triphala in Combination with Providone Iodine Mitigates Radiation-Induced Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients without Affecting the Tumor Response

Radiation-induced mucositis is a dose-limiting concern in the treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC). This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the Ayurvedic drug Triphala in reducing radiation-induced mucositis and influencing tumour control when combined with providone iodine. Data from patient files of HNC patients who received Triphala in conjunction with iodine or iodine alone over the course of curative radiotherapy (> 60 Gy) from May 2013 to February 2015 were extracted for this retrospective chart based study. Data was subjected to statistical analysis, X2 and unpaired t test using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 17 (IBM, Chicago, USA). When compared to iodine alone, the group that utilised Triphala gargling was very efficient in delaying mucositis, the extent of weight loss (p = 0.038), the incidence (p = 0.03), and the number (p = 0.02) of treatment breaks. However, it had no influence on the radiation-induced tumour response. According to the observations, Triphala coupled with iodine was more successful in preventing radiation mucositis, and without affecting the killing of tumour cells than iodine gargle alone. According to the authors, this is the first observation to demonstrate the value of combining providone iodine with Triphala in preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis.

A Narrative Review of the Herbal Preparation of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines Applied as Radioprotectors

In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in the search for natural radioprotectors that can be used to mitigate the effects of radiation on patients, healthcare personnel, and even for space travel. This narrative review covers the past fifty years and focuses on herbal preparations of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines that have the potential to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of radiation. Our findings highlight ten herbal preparations, namely Abana, Amalakyadi Churna, Amritaprasham, Brahma, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BZYQT), Chyavanaprasha, Cystone, Geriforte, Mentat, and Triphala, which have demonstrated potential radioprotective effects. This review examines their composition, properties, and possible mechanisms of action in relation to their radioprotective properties. Exploring the ethnobotany of traditional Asian medicine is particularly interesting as it may lead to the discovery of new active compounds with radioprotective properties.

Chemical fingerprint analysis and quality assessment of Tibetan medicine Triphala from different origins by high-performance liquid chromatography

INTRODUCTION

Although the Tibetan medicine Triphala (THL) is widely used in many countries, insufficient progress has been made in quality control.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to propose a methodology for quality control of THL based on HPLC fingerprinting combined with an orthogonal array design.

METHODS

Seven identified peaks were used as indicators to examine the effects of temperature, extraction time, and solid-liquid ratio on the dissolution of active ingredients in THL. Fingerprint analysis was performed on 20 batches of THL from four geographical areas (China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam). For further chemometric assessment, analysis techniques including similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to classify the 20 batches of samples.

RESULTS

Fingerprints were established and 19 common peaks were identified. The similarity of 20 batches of THL was more than 0.9 and the batches were divided into two clusters. Four differential components of THL were identified based on OPLS-DA, including chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, and corilagin. The optimal extraction conditions were an extraction time of 30 min, a temperature of 90°C, and a solid-liquid ratio of 30 mL/g.

CONCLUSION

HPLC fingerprinting combined with an orthogonal array design could be used for comprehensive evaluation and quality assessment of THL, providing a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of THL.

Caesalpinia palmeri: First Report on the Phenolic Compounds Profile, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Effect

This study aimed to determine the phenolic compounds profile, antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity of extracts and fractions of Caesalpinia palmeri. Methanolic extracts were generated from C. palmeri berries, stems and flowers. The latter was subjected to liquid-liquid partition, obtaining hexane, ethyl acetate and residues fractions. Results showed that the flower extract and ethyl acetate fraction had a larger concentration of phenolic compounds (148.9 and 307.9 mg GAE/g, respectively), being ellagic acid (6233.57 and 19550.08 μg/g, respectively), quercetin-3-β-glycoside (3023.85 and 8952.55 μg/g, respectively) and gallic acid (2212.98 and 8422.34 μg/g, respectively) the most abundant compounds. Flower extract and ethyl acetate fraction also presented the highest antioxidant capacity on all tested methods (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC and FRAP) and low cytotoxicity against ARPE-19 cells (IC₅₀ >170 μg/mL). C. palmeri possessed high antioxidant potential, associated with the presence of phenolic compounds and low cytotoxicity, suggesting that they could represent an option to counter oxidative stress.

Natural Products as Cancer Chemo Preventive Agents: Where We Stand

This work briefly reviews cancer chemoprevention. This is a very challenging field, as products with a high level of toxicity such as chemotherapeutic agents may be proposed and accepted only under life-threatening conditions. Cancer chemoprevention is otherwise limited to completely safe substances, preferably having neither toxic nor side effects, administered in relatively low amounts. Phases of clinical trials, therapeutic end-points, and biomarkers of chemoprevention are difficult to be defined. The clinical trials needed to prove the efficacy of chemopreventive agents must be very long and extremely widespread to achieve significance, with many variables difficult to control, and therefore subjected to many confounding factors. This makes them almost impossible. It is, therefore, no surprise, if the progress of chemoprevention has been so far very limited. There are only a few examples of direct use of chemopreventive agents, under investigation, but with anything but established protocols, in addition to indirect uses such as general supplementation with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supportive agents. Cancer chemoprevention remains a potentially very rewarding approach, certainly worth further study, but extremely difficult to pursue, in need of different methodological approaches to producing valuable chemopreventive compounds of clear dosages and benefits.

Carotenoids in Human SkinIn Vivo: Antioxidant and Photo-Protectant Role against External and Internal Stressors

The antioxidant system of the human body plays a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis and has an important protective function. Carotenoids have pronounced antioxidant properties in the neutralization of free radicals. In human skin, carotenoids have a high concentration in the stratum corneum (SC)-the horny outermost layer of the epidermis, where they accumulate within lipid lamellae. Resonance Raman spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are optical methods that are used to non-invasively determine the carotenoid concentration in the human SC in vivo. It was shown by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy that carotenoids support the entire antioxidant status of the human SC in vivo by neutralizing free radicals and thus, counteracting the development of oxidative stress. This review is devoted to assembling the kinetics of the carotenoids in the human SC in vivo using non-invasive optical and spectroscopic methods. Factors contributing to the changes of the carotenoid concentration in the human SC and their influence on the antioxidant status of the SC in vivo are summarized. The effect of chemotherapy on the carotenoid concentration of the SC in cancer patients is presented. A potential antioxidant-based pathomechanism of chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome and a method to reduce its frequency and severity are discussed.

Complexity of Tumor Microenvironment: Therapeutic Role of Curcumin and Its Metabolites

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex network of cellular and non-cellular components surrounding the tumor. The cellular component includes fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and immune cells, while non-cellular components are tumor vasculature, extracellular matrix and signaling molecules. The tumor cells have constant close interaction with their surrounding TME components that facilitate their growth, survival, and metastasis. Targeting a complex TME network and its interaction with the tumor can offer a novel strategy to disrupt cancer cell progression. Curcumin, from turmeric rhizome, is recognized as a safe and effective natural therapeutic agent against multiple diseases including cancer. Here the effects of curcumin and its metabolites on tumor-TME interaction modulating ability have been described. Curcumin and its metabolites regulate TME by inhibiting the growth of its cellular components such as cancer-associated adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblast, tumor endothelial cells, tumor-stimulating immune cells, and inducing anticancer immune cells. They also inhibit the interplay of tumor cells to TME by suppressing non-cellular components such as extracellular matrix, and associated tumor promoting signaling-pathways. In addition, curcumin inhibits the inflammatory environment, suppresses angiogenic factors, and increases antioxidant status in TME. Overall, curcumin has the capability to regulate TME components and their interaction with tumor cells.

Itrifal-e-Aftimoon potentiates imatinib-induced anti-leukemic effect by influencing FAK/STAT/Akt/ERK signalling pathways against chronic myeloid leukaemia in vitro

OBJECTIVES

Limited treatment options are available for advanced stages of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Moreover, patients' relapse after a short remission period, which prompts them to identify a potent drug with the least toxicity. An Unani herbal formulation, Itrifal-e-Aftimoon (IEA) is used for certain neurological disorders, however, its antitumor potential has not been reported yet in any malignancy, including CML.

METHODS

The aqueous extract of IEA was characterized by HPLC/LC-MS and used alone or in combination with standard drug, imatinib in CML cell lines (K562, KU812) in vitro to assess its effect on cancer-associated parameters such as cytotoxicity, cell cycle, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and certain signalling pathways.

RESULTS

LC-MS characterization of IEA showed the presence of antitumor compounds including catechin and caffeic acid. Treatment with IEA caused cytotoxicity and arrested cells in the sub-G0/G1 phase. Subsequent assays confirmed apoptosis-mediated cell death with mitochondrial membrane depolarization and alleviation of oxidative stress. IEA abrogates IL-6, VEGF, angiopoietin-2, and alters Th1/Th2 cytokines. IEA potentiated the effect of imatinib even at lower doses by affecting FAK/STAT/Akt/ERK pathways.

CONCLUSION

IEA possesses antitumor potential against CML and increases the efficacy of imatinib when used in combination, suggesting utilization of IEA as an adjuvant therapy for better management of CML in the future.

Inhibitory effects of Triphala on CYP isoforms in vitro and its pharmacokinetic interactions with phenacetin and midazolam in rats

Context

Direct evidence of Triphala-drug interactions has not been provided to date.

Objective

This study was aimed to determine the effects of Triphala on cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in vitro, and to investigate pharmacokinetic interactions of Triphala with CYP-probes in rats.

Materials and methods

Effects of Triphala on the activities of CYP isoforms and P-gp were examined using human liver microsomes (HLMs) and Caco-2 cells, respectively. Pharmacokinetic interactions between Triphala and CYP-probes (i.e., phenacetin and midazolam) were further examined in rats.

Results

Triphala extract inhibited the activities of CYP isoforms in the order of CYP1A2>3A4>2C9>2D6 with the IC₅₀ values of 23.6 ± 9.2, 28.1 ± 9.8, 30.41 ± 16.7 and 93.9 ± 27.5 μg/mL, respectively in HLMs. It exhibited a non-competitive inhibition of CYP1A2 and 2C9 with the K_i values of 23.6 and 30.4 μg/mL, respectively, while its inhibition on CYP3A4 was competitive manner with the Ki values of 64.9 μg/mL. The inhibitory effects of Triphala on CYP1A2 and 3A4 were not time-dependent. Moreover, Triphala did not affect the P-gp activity in Caco-2 cells. Triphala, after its oral co-administration at 500 mg/kg, increased the bioavailabilities of phenacetin and midazolam by about 61.2% and 40.7%, respectively, in rats.

Discussion and conclusions

Increases observed in the bioavailabilities of phenacetin and midazolam after oral co-administration of Triphala in rats provided a direct line of evidence to show Triphala-drug interactions via inhibition of CYP1A and CYP3A activities, respectively. These results, together with the lack of time-dependency of CYP 1A2 and 3A4 inhibition in vitro, suggested that the inhibitory effect of Triphala is primarily reversible.

Identification of bioactive molecules from Triphala (Ayurvedic herbal formulation) as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) through computational investigations

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) induced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the present worldwide health emergency. The global scientific community faces a significant challenge in developing targeted therapies to combat the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Computational approaches have been critical for identifying potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in the face of limited resources and in this time of crisis. Main protease (M^pro) is an intriguing drug target because it processes the polyproteins required for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The application of Ayurvedic knowledge from traditional Indian systems of medicine may be a promising strategy to develop potential inhibitor for different target proteins of SARS-CoV-2. With this endeavor, we docked bioactive molecules from Triphala, an Ayurvedic formulation, against M^pro followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (100 ns) to investigate their inhibitory potential against SARS-CoV-2. The top four best docked molecules (terflavin A, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, and corilagin) were selected for MD simulation study and the results obtained were compared to native ligand X77. From docking and MD simulation studies, the selected molecules showed promising binding affinity with the formation of stable complexes at the active binding pocket of M^pro and exhibited negative binding energy during MM-PBSA calculations, indication their strong binding affinity with the target protein. The identified bioactive molecules were further analyzed for drug-likeness by Lipinski's filter, ADMET and toxicity studies. Computational (in silico) investigations identified terflavin A, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, and corilagin from Triphala formulation as promising inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M^pro, suggesting experimental (in vitro/in vivo) studies to further explore their inhibitory mechanisms.

GC-MS-employed phytochemical characterization, synergistic antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of Triphala methanol extract at non-equivalent ratios of its constituents

Triphala is a famous triherbal drug, comprising three herb fruits, including Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Terminalia bellirica (Bibhitaki), and Phyllanthus emblica (Amalaki). It is enriched with vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols, saponins, etc., and is well-documented for its potent antioxidant, anticancer, chemoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. This research was conducted to evaluate the synergistic antioxidative and cytotoxic potential of mixtures of the individual constituents of Triphala at their nonequivalent ratios along with the chemical characterization of individual constituents of Triphala to identify and quantify individual compounds. The antioxidative potential was measured using total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and total phenolic content (TPC) tests. The cytotoxic potential was assessed on brain cancer cells (N4X4) using MTT assay, and phytochemical characterization was performed by GS-MS analysis. Nonequivalent ratios of Triphala constituents exhibited significantly higher synergistic antioxidant and cytotoxic potential than the equivalent ratios of them. Moreover, the nonequivalent ratio where the quantity of Amalaki was doubled than the other two constituents showed the highest synergistic antioxidant and cytotoxic effect. GC-MS analysis of individual constituents of Triphala identified and quantified the presence of a wide array of compounds, and fatty acid, fatty acid ester, triterpene, and aminoglycoside remained the predominant class of compounds. Thus, it can be inferred that the observed bioactivities can be attributed to the phytocompounds characterized and extracts at the nonequivalent ratio of Triphala constituents where Amalaki is doubled can be more effective in treating oxidative degenerative diseases and glioblastoma.

Antiproliferative, antimigratory, and prooxidative potential of novel platinum(IV) complexes and resveratrol on breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and choriocarcinoma (JEG-3) cell lines

Platinum(IV) complexes offer the potential to overcome cisplatin resistance of cancer cells, with possible improved selectivity. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with anticancer and antioxidant capacity, could limit the possible side effects of chemotherapeutics on healthy cells. This study investigates the effects of platinum(IV) complexes containing some esters of the ethylenediamine-N,N'-di-S,S-(2,2'-dibenzyl)acetate acid (H₂ -S,S-eddba), and resveratrol on proliferation, migration, and redox balance of breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), choriocarcinoma (JEG-3), and human lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cell line. According to IC₅₀ values, all complexes exhibited a significantly stronger antiproliferative effect on tested cell lines compared to cisplatin. Due to reduced adverse effects on MRC-5 cells, the complex containing ethyl-substituent (10 μM) was selected for further examination with resveratrol (25 μM) cotreatment. Resveratrol enhanced the survival of MRC-5 cells while diminished the viability of both used cancer cell lines when applied combined with selected complex. Furthermore, cotreatment of these two compounds decreased the migratory potential of tested cancer cell lines. The examined platinum(IV) complex was able to induce oxidative stress in all tested cell lines. Resveratrol proved to be efficient in protecting MRC-5 cells from complex-induced oxidative damage, while it significantly amplified antiproliferative, antimigratory, and prooxidative effects of platinum(IV) complex on both examined cancer cell lines. These findings may be valuable in elucidating the mechanism of action of platinum(IV) drugs, which should be further investigated.

Superoxide dismutase as multipotent therapeutic antioxidant enzyme: Role in human diseases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is consistently recognized as a threat to living organisms, especially for human beings. For proper working of cellular signaling, functioning, and survival, a strict and balanced level of ROS is necessary. Superoxide dismutase (SOD); a group of metalloenzymes provides an important antioxidant defense mechanism, required to preserve the level of ROS in the body. The enzyme reveals the therapeutic potential against various diseases due to a deficiency in the ROS level. The review illustrates the numerous clinical aspects of SOD in various physiological and pathological conditions such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, etc., with the mechanism of action. Despite limitations, the SOD enzyme has proved as a powerful tool against diseases, and various forms of conjugates and mimetics have been developed and reported to make it more efficient. Extensive studies need in this direction for use of natural SOD-based therapeutics for the prevention and cure of diseases.

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

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

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

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

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

High or low temperature extraction, which is more conducive to Triphala against chronic pharyngitis?

OBJECTIVE

Explore the effects of high-temperature reflux extraction and low-temperature decompressing inner ebullition on Triphala's chemical composition and anti-chronic pharyngitis activity.

METHODS

The network pharmacology was used to analyze the material basis, targets and pathways of Triphala for chronic pharyngitis. HPLC were used to compare the fingerprint profile and content of components between the two extracts. The antioxidant and anti-chronic pharyngitis activities of the two extracts were compared by DPPH assay and ammonia induced chronic pharyngitis model in rats.

RESULTS

The network pharmacology results showed that the active ingredients of Triphala for chronic pharyngitis are epigallocatechin-3-gallate, (+)-catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, (+)-gallocatechin, quercetin, luteolin, leucodelphinidin and other flavonoids; phenolic acids such as gallic acid and ellagic acid; alkaloids such as ellipticine, cheilanthifoline; hydrolyzed tannins such as corilagin and chebulic acid. The high-temperature reflux extract and the low-temperature decompressing inner ebullition extract have extremely significant differences in the fingerprint profile. Among them, the content of gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulic acid, catechin, epicatechin, corilagin, quercetin, and epicatechin gallate in the reflux extract is 1.1-5.3 times as much as decompressing inner ebullition extract. The free radical scavenging ability of reflux extract is significantly stronger than that of decompression extract (p < 0.01), and it has a repairing effect on pharyngeal mucosal damage (reducing keratinization or hyperplasia of mucosal epithelium, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and bleeding), and reducing IL-1β (P＜0.05), IL-6 (p＜0.05), TNF-α overexpression ability is stronger than the decompressing inner ebullition extract.

CONCLUSIONS

gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulic acid, catechin, epicatechin, corilagin and epicatechin gallate are the basic aglycones or oligomers of tannin. High temperature reflux extraction can significantly promote the occurrence of the hydrolysis of tannins and significantly increases the content of these components.Therefore, its anti-chronic pharyngitis activity is enhanced. It is suggested that high temperature reflux extraction should be used in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Different Extracts From Triphala Against CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Background:Triphala is a traditional polyherbal formula used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese Tibetan medicine. A wide range of biological activities have been attributed to Triphala, but the impact of various extraction methods on efficacy has not been determined.

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate Triphala extracts obtained by various methods for their hepatoprotective effects and molecular mechanisms in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury.

Methods: HPLC fingerprinting was used to characterize the chemical characteristics of Triphala extracts obtained by (a) 0.5 h ultrasonication, (b) 2 h reflux, and (c) 4 h reflux. Hepatoprotective efficacy was evaluated in a mouse model of CCl₄-induced liver damage. Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured, as well as the liver antioxidant and inflammatory markers malondialdehyde superoxide dismutase glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), TNF-α, and IL-6. Gene and protein expression of Nrf-2 signaling components Nrf-2, heme oxygenase (HO-1), and NADPH Quinone oxidoreductase (NQO-1) in liver tissue were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blotting.

Results: Chemical analysis showed a clear difference in content between extracts produced by ultrasonic and reflux methods. The pharmacological analysis showed that all three Triphala extracts reduced ALT, AST, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels and increased SOD and GSH-Px. Triphala extracts also induced transcript and protein expression of Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO-1.

Conclusion: Triphala extract prevents CCl₄-induced acute liver injury. The ultrasonic extract of Triphala was most effective, suggesting that hepatoprotection may be related to the larger tannins via activation of Nrf-2 signaling.

Effects of Triphala on Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters: A Systematic Review

Aim.

The efficacy of triphala on lipid profile, blood glucose and anthropometric parameters and its safety were assessed.

Methods.

Databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Thai Library Integrated System (ThaiLIS) were systematically searched to review current evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCT) on triphala. RCTs investigating the safety and efficacy of triphala on lipid profile, blood glucose and anthropometric parameters were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 authors.

Results.

Twelve studies on a total of 749 patients were included. The triphala-treated groups showed significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride in 6 studies. Five RCTs demonstrated triphala-treated groups led to statistically significant decrease in body weight, body mass index and waist circumference of obese patients. Moreover, triphala significantly decreased fasting blood glucose level in diabetic patients but not in people without diabetes. No serious adverse event associated with triphala was reported during treatment.

Conclusions.

This review summarized a current evidence to show triphala might improve the lipid profile, blood glucose, the body weight, body mass index and waist circumference under certain conditions. However, large well-designed RCTs are required to confirm this conclusion.

Protective Effect of Triphala against Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurotoxicity

Background

Oxidative stress is implicated in the progression of many neurological diseases, which could be induced by various chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and acrylamide. Triphala is a well-recognized Ayurvedic medicine that possesses different therapeutic properties (e.g., antihistamine, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticariogenic effects). However, little information is available regarding the neuroprotective effect of Triphala on oxidative stress.

Materials and Methods

An in vitro H₂O₂-induced SH-SY5Y cell model and an in vivo acrylamide-induced zebrafish model were established. Cell viability, apoptosis, and proliferation were examined by MTT assay, ELISA, and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. The molecular mechanism underlying the antioxidant activity of Triphala against H₂O₂ was investigated dose dependently by Western blotting. The in vivo neuroprotective effect of Triphala on acrylamide-induced oxidative injury in Danio rerio was determined using immunofluorescence staining.

Results

The results indicated that Triphala plays a neuroprotective role against H₂O₂ toxicity in inhibiting cell apoptosis and promoting cell proliferation. Furthermore, Triphala pretreatment suppressed the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MARK) signal pathway (p-Erk1/2, p-JNK1/2, and p-p38), whereas it restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and catalase) in the H₂O₂-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Consistently, similar protective effects of Triphala were observed in declining neuroapoptosis and scavenging free radicals in the zebrafish central neural system, possessing a critical neuroprotective property against acrylamide-induced oxidative stress.

Conclusion

In summary, Triphala is a promising neuroprotective agent against oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells and zebrafishes with significant antiapoptosis and antioxidant activities.

Indian Medicinal Plants and Formulations and Their Potential Against COVID-19-Preclinical and Clinical Research

The cases of COVID-19 are still increasing day-by-day worldwide, even after a year of its first occurrence in Wuhan city of China. The spreading of SARS-CoV-2 infection is very fast and different from other SARS-CoV infections possibly due to structural differences in S proteins. The patients with severe diseases may die due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by systemic inflammatory reactions due to the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by the immune effector cells. In India too, it is spreading very rapidly, although the case fatality rate is below 1.50% (https://www.statista.com), which is markedly less than in other countries, despite the dense population and minimal health infrastructure in rural areas. This may be due to the routine use of many immunomodulator medicinal plants and traditional AYUSH formulations by the Indian people. This communication reviews the AYUSH recommended formulations and their ingredients, routinely used medicinal plants and formulations by Indian population as well as other promising Indian medicinal plants, which can be tested against COVID-19. Special emphasis is placed on Indian medicinal plants reported for antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-allergic/anti-inflammatory activities and they are categorized for prioritization in research on the basis of earlier reports. The traditional AYUSH medicines currently under clinical trials against COVID-19 are also discussed as well as furtherance of pre-clinical and clinical testing of the potential traditional medicines against COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. The results of the clinical studies on AYUSH drugs will guide the policymakers from the AYUSH systems of medicines to maneuver their policies for public health, provide information to the global scientific community and could form a platform for collaborative studies at national and global levels. It is thereby suggested that promising AYUSH formulations and Indian medicinal plants must be investigated on a priority basis to solve the current crisis.

Triphala extract negates arecoline-induced senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells in vitro

Background

Arecoline found in areca nut causes oral submucous fibrosis. Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicinal preparation used to improve overall physical wellness that has also been shown to improve oral health.

Objectives

To assess the activity of Triphala extract on arecoline-induced senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells in vitro.

Materials and methods

Oral mucosal epithelial cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess the viability of treated cells, while senescence was assessed by senescence-associated-β-galactosidase staining. Cell surface marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine gene expression levels.

Results

Triphala extract (5 µg/mL) reversed the cell senescence activity of arecoline, as evidenced by reduced β-galactosidase activity, increased Ki-67 marker expression, and reduced expression of senescence-related genes p16 and p21.

Conclusion

Triphala extract helped to reduce the pathological effects of arecoline-induced pathogenesis.

Clinical relevance.

Arecoline found in the areca nut causes oral pathological conditions including oral submucous fibrosis. Our results showed that Triphala counteracted the adverse effects of arecoline, in particular, negating senescence in oral mucosal epithelial cells. As a translational effect, Triphala treatment could restore normal epithelial thickness in oral submucous fibrosis, thus reducing the clinical severity of the disease. This reestablishment of oral homeostasis would help to improve oral health-related quality of life in patients with oral submucous fibrosis.

Ethanol leaf extract of Psychotria microphylla rich in quercetin restores heavy metal induced redox imbalance in rats

Psychotria microphylla is a plant found in Africa and many parts of the world where the leaves are locally used in folk medicine for the treatment of toxicity related liver diseases. We investigated the antioxidant potentials of ethanol leaf extract of Psychotria microphylla (ELE-PM) in restoring hepatic redox dysregulations in rats exposed to heavy metals. HPLC was used in quantifying the bioactive compounds in ELE-PM. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) and NO (Nitric Oxide) assays were used for in vitro studies. The in vivo studies involved 30 rats randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6). Group 1 received normal saline (2 mg/kg), group 2, 3, 4 and 5 received a combined solution of Pb(NO3)2 (11.25 mg/kg) and HgCl2 (0.4 mg/kg) respectively. After 7 days of heavy metal exposure, groups 3, 4 and 5 received a daily bolus administration of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of EE-PM respectively through oral intubation for 28 days. HPLC quantification revealed a high amount of quercetin (27.43 ± 0.04 mg/100g), lower amounts of gallic acid (7.60 ± 0.06 mg/100g) and rutin (0.38 ± 0.009 mg/100g). Additionally, ELE-PM demonstrated strong inhibitory potentials against free radical scavenging activity generated in vitro. More interestingly, administration of ELE-PM significantly ameliorated hepatic redox dysregulations elicited by the exposure of the rats to heavy metals in a dose dependent pattern. ELE-PM is highly rich in flavonoid compound quercetin and perhaps this may be responsible for the strong antioxidant potentials exhibited in this investigation.

Cysteine as a Carbon Source, a Hot Spot in Cancer Cells Survival

Cancer cells undergo a metabolic rewiring in order to fulfill the energy and biomass requirements. Cysteine is a pivotal organic compound that contributes for cancer metabolic remodeling at three different levels: (1) in redox control, free or as a component of glutathione; (2) in ATP production, via hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production, serving as a donor to electron transport chain (ETC), and (3) as a carbon source for biomass and energy production. In the present review, emphasis will be given to the role of cysteine as a carbon source, focusing on the metabolic reliance on cysteine, benefiting the metabolic fitness and survival of cancer cells. Therefore, the interplay between cysteine metabolism and other metabolic pathways, as well as the regulation of cysteine metabolism related enzymes and transporters, will be also addressed. Finally, the usefulness of cysteine metabolic route as a target in cancer treatment will be highlighted.

Free Radical Research in Cancer

It can be challenging to find efficient therapy for cancer due to its biological diversity [...].