Therapeutic Potential of Plant Phenolic Acids in the Treatment of Cancer

Unlocking Antioxidant-Anticancer Synergy: An Exploration of Therapeutic Bioactives from Methanolic Extracts of Rubus ellipticus and Boerhavia diffusa Using HeLa Cell Line

This study aimed to assess the synergistic antioxidant and anticancer effects of methanolic extracts derived from Rubus ellipticus and Boerhavia diffusa fruits against the HeLa cell line. The methanolic extracts were prepared from the fruits of R. ellipticus and B. diffusa, and their antioxidant potential was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity assay and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The anticancer effects of benzoic acid and rutin extracted from the aforementioned fruits were also investigated against the HeLa cell line using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to measure the cell metabolic activity. Using Synergy Finder plus software, the bioactive compounds were tested to explore any synergistic effects. R. ellipticus exhibited higher antioxidant potential as revealed by higher DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP value compared with B. diffusa. The benzoic acid extracted from R. ellipticus demonstrated potent anticancer activity against the HeLa cell line, with an IC50 of 1.07 µg/mL. Similarly, rutin extracted from B. diffusa displayed moderate anticancer activity with an IC50 of 1.4 µg/mL while exhibiting minimal impact on normal cell lines. The combination studies of the extracted bioactive compounds revealed a synergistic effect. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of R. ellipticus and B. diffusa in combating the oxidative stress and cancer. Their bioactive compounds like benzoic acid and rutin were observed to act synergistically. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate their applicability in clinical settings.

Saponin and Phenolic Composition and Assessment of Biological Activities of Saponaria officinalis L. Root Extracts

The purpose of this study was to identify the saponin and phenolic components in root extracts of Saponaria officinalis, a widespread species, found in Cyprus. A total of six major saponins, including gypsogenin and gypsogenic acid derivatives, as well as saponariosides C, D, and E, were identified using UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis, with gypsogenin derivatives being the most common saponins detected through quantitative analysis. A total of six phenolic compounds were also identified, including rutin, quercetin galactoside, syringic acid, apigenin, protocatechuic, and vanillic acid. In addition to their saponin and phenolic contents, the root extracts were prepared through different extraction methods, and their biological activity was assessed. All samples demonstrated antioxidant capacity, as well as antibacterial activity, against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Salmonella enteritidis), with the acetone extract presenting higher susceptibility. The evaluation of anticancer activity in A375 (human malignant melanoma), HeLa (human cervical epithelioid carcinoma), and HaCaT (healthy human keratinocytes) cell lines revealed that the acetone extract of S. officinalis extract demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of A375 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. None of the extracts demonstrated anti-neurotoxic potential against Aβ25-35 cytotoxic peptides. The results of this study support previous findings that reveal that the Saponaria species are an excellent natural source of biologically active compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.

HPLC-ESI/MS-MS metabolic profiling of white pitaya fruit and cytotoxic potential against cervical cancer: Comparative studies, synergistic effects, and molecular mechanistic approaches

Natural approach became a high demand for the prevention and treatment of such diseases for their proven safety and efficacy. This study is aimed to perform comparative phytochemical analysis of white pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) peel, pulp and seed extracts via determination of total flavonoid content, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity, coupled with HPLC-ESI/MS-MS analysis. Further, we evaluated the synergistic cytotoxic potential with Cisplatin against cervical cancer cells with investigation of underlying mechanism. The highest content of phenolics and antioxidants were found in both seed and peel extracts. The HPLC-ESI/MS-MS revealed identification of flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanin glycosides, lignans, stilbenes, and coumarins. The cytotoxicity effects were evaluated by MTT assay against prostate, breast and cervical (HeLa) and Vero cell lines. The seed and peel extracts showed remarkable cytotoxic effect against all tested cell lines. Moreover, the selectivity index confirmed high selectivity of pitaya extracts to cancer cells and safety on normal cells. The combined therapy with Cisplatin effectively enhanced its efficacy and optimized the treatment outcomes, through the apoptotic ability of pitaya extracts in HeLa cells, as evaluated by flow cytometry. Besides, RT-PCR and western blotting analysis showed downregulation of Bcl-2 and overexpression of P53, BAX among HeLa cells treated with pitaya extracts, which eventually activated apoptosis process. Thus, pitaya extract could be used as adjuvant therapy with cisplatin for treatment of cervical cancer. Furthermore, in-vivo extensive studies on the seed and peel extracts, and their compounds are recommended to gain more clarification about the required dose, and side effects.

Integrating network pharmacology and experimental models to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Tiansha mixture on xerosis

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors (EGFRIs) is a common cancer therapy, but they occasionally cause severe side effects such as xerosis. Tiansha mixture (TM), a traditional Chinese medicines formulation, is develpoed to treat xerosis. This study aims to understand mechanisms of TM on xerosis. Bio-active compounds were selected from databases (TCMSP, TCM-ID, HERB, ETCM) and removed for poor oral bioavailability and low drug likeness. Then a network-based approach filtered out potential active compounds against xerosis. KEGG enrichment analysis identified PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways, which were further verified by molecular docking. Afterwards, the effect of TM on activation of PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways was validated in gefitinib-induced xerosis rats, where AKT-activator SC79 and MAPK-activator CrPic were also applied. Skin damage was assessed by dorsal score and HE and Tunel stainings. the levels of inflammation factors IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and skin tissue were measured by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect protein levels in the pathways. Network pharmacology identified 111 bio-active compounds from TM and 14 potential targets. Docking simulation showed apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin bio-active compounds in TM bound to IKBKG, INSR, and RAF-1 proteins. In xerosis model rats, TM mitigated xerosis damage, decreased inflammation factors, and phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK proteins. SC79 or CrPic or their combination reversed TM's effect. The current study identified potential targets and PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways involved in the effect of TM on xerosis, thus providing a foundation for TM clinical application.

Fabrication of bimetallic Ag@ZnO nanocomposite and its anti-cancer activity on cervical cancer via impeding PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

INTRODUCTION

Bimetallic nanoparticles, specifically Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Silver (Ag), continue to much outperform other nanoparticles investigated for a variety of biological uses in the field of cancer therapy. This study introduces biosynthesis of bimetallic silver/zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag@ZnO NCs) using the Crocus sativus extract and evaluates their anti-cancer properties against cervical cancer.

METHODS

The process of generating bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs), namely Ag@ZnO NCs, through the utilization of Crocus sativus extract proved to be uncomplicated and eco-friendly. Various methods, such as UV-vis, DLS, FTIR, EDX, and SEM analyses, were utilized to characterize the generated Ag@ZnO NCs. The MTT assay was employed to assess the cytotoxic properties of biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs against the HeLa cervical cancer cell line. Moreover, the impact of Ag@ZnO NCs on HeLa cells was assessed by examining cell survival, ROS production, MMP levels, and induced apoptosis. Through western blot analysis, the expression levels of the PI3K, AKT, mTOR, Cyclin D, and CDK proteins seemed to be ascertained. Using flow cytometry, the cancer cells' progression through necrosis and apoptosis, in addition to the cell cycle analysis, were investigated.

RESULTS

Bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs that were biosynthesized showed a high degree of stability, as demonstrated by the physicochemical assessments. The median size of the particles in these NCs was approximately 80-90 nm, and their zeta potential was -14.70 mV. AgNPs and ZnO were found, according to EDX data. Further, Ag@ZnO NCs hold promise as a potential treatment for cervical cancer. After 24 hours of treatment, a dosage of 5 µg/mL or higher resulted in a maximum inhibitory effect of 58 ± 2.9. The concurrent application of Ag/ZnO NPs to HeLa cells resulted in elevated apoptotic signals and a significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a result, the bimettalic Ag@ZnO NCs treatment has been recognized as a chemotherapeutic intervention by inhibiting the production of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR-mediated regulation of propagation and cell cycle-regulating proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

The research yielded important insights into the cytotoxic etiology of biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs against HeLa cells. The biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs have a significant antitumor potential, which appears to be associated with the development of oxidative stress, which inhibits the development of the cell cycle and the proliferation of cells. Therefore, in the future, biosynthesized bimetallic Ag@ZnO NCs may be used as a powerful anticancer drug to treat cervical cancer.

Plant-derived and dietary phenolic cinnamic acid derivatives: Anti-inflammatory properties

Cinnamic acids are aromatic acids primarily found in plants and plant-derived food. Phenolic cinnamic acids, with one or more hydroxyl groups in the aromatic ring, often contribute to the biological activities attributed to these compounds. The presence of hydroxyl groups and a carboxyl group makes cinnamic acids very hydrophilic, preventing them from crossing biological membranes and exerting their biological activities. To alleviate this condition, a panel of synthetic modifications have been made leading to a diverse set of phenolic cinnamic structures. In this review, an overview of the natural phenolic cinnamic acid derivatives and their plant sources (more than 200) is described. The synthetic approaches to obtain the referred derivatives (more than 200) namely esters and amides are reviewed. Further, their anti-inflammatory activity (more than 70 compounds) is scrutinized. Finally, future directions will be indicated to translate the research on phenolic cinnamic derivatives into potentially effective anti-inflammatory drugs.

Comprehensive Characterization of Phytochemical Composition, Membrane Permeability, and Antiproliferative Activity of Juglans nigra Polyphenols

The aim of our study was the detailed polyphenol profiling of Juglans nigra and the characterization of the membrane permeability and antiproliferative properties of its main phenolics. A total of 161 compounds were tentatively identified in J. nigra bark, leaf, and pericarp extracts by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-MS/MS). Eight compounds including myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (86), quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (106), quercetin-3-O-xyloside (74), juglone (141), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-4-oxonaphthalen-1-yl-6-O-galloyl-glucoside (92), ellagic acid (143), gallic acid (14), and ethyl gallate (58) were isolated from J. nigra pericarp. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of the isolated compounds was investigated against three human cancer cell lines, confirming that juglone (141) inhibits cell proliferation in all of them, and has similar activity as the clinical standards. The permeability of the isolated compounds across biological membranes was evaluated by the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). Both juglone (141) and ethyl-gallate (58) showed positive results in the blood-brain-barrier-specific PAMPA-BBB study. Juglone (141) also possesses logPe values which indicates that it may be able to cross both the GI and BBB membranes via passive diffusion.

Seedless black Vitis vinifera polyphenols suppress hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by targeting apoptosis, cancer stem cells, and proliferation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor and one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Here, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo ameliorating impacts of seedless black Vitis vinifera (VV) polyphenols on HCC. Following the preparation of the VV crude extract (VVCE) from seedless VV (pulp and skin), three fractions (VVF1, VVF2, and VVF3) were prepared. The anticancer potencies of the prepared fractions, compared to 5-FU, were assessed against HepG2 and Huh7 cells. In addition, the effects of these fractions on p-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced HCC in mice were evaluated. The predicted impacts of selected phenolic constituents of VV fractions on the activity of essential HCC-associated enzymes (NADPH oxidase "NADPH-NOX2", histone deacetylase 1 "HDAC1", and sepiapterin reductase "SepR") were analyzed using molecular docking. The results showed that VVCE and its fractions induced apoptosis and collapsed CD133+ stem cells in the studied cancer cell lines with an efficiency greater than 5-FU. VVF1 and VVF2 exhibited the most effective anticancer fractions in vitro; therefore, we evaluated their influences in mice. VVF1 and VVF2 improved liver morphology and function, induced apoptosis, and lowered the fold expression of various crucial genes that regulate cancer stem cells and other vital pathways for HCC progression. For most of the examined parameters, VVF1 and VVF2 had higher potency than 5-FU, and VVF1 showed more efficiency than VVF2. The selected phenolic compounds displayed competitive inhibitory action on NADPH-NOX2, HDAC1, and SepR. In conclusion, these findings declare that VV polyphenolic fractions, particularly VVF1, could be promising safe anti-HCC agents.

Application of dual chemotherapeutic drug delivery system based on metal-organic framework platform in enhancing tumor regression for breast cancer research

The nanomedicine system based on dual drug delivery systems (DDDs) can significantly enhance the efficacy of tumor treatment. Herein, a metal-organic framework, Zeolite imidazole salt frames 8 (ZIF-8), was successfully utilized as a carrier to load the dual chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and camptothecin (CPT), named DOX/CPT@ZIF-8 (denoted as DCZ), and their inhibitory effects on 4T1 breast cancer cells were evaluated. The study experimentally demonstrated the synergistic effects of the dual chemotherapeutic drugs within the ZIF-8 carrier and showed that the ZIF-8 nano-carrier loaded with the dual drugs exhibited stronger cytotoxicity and inhibitory effects on 4T1 breast cancer cells compared to single-drug treatment. The use of a ZIF-8-based dual chemotherapeutic drug carrier system highlighted its potential advantages in suppressing 4T1 breast cancer cells.

In Vitro and In Silico Anti-Glioblastoma Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Artemisia annua L. and Artemisia vulgaris L

Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and challenging brain tumor, is a key focus in neuro-oncology due to its rapid growth and poor prognosis. The C6 glioma cell line is often used as a glioblastoma model due to its close simulation of human glioma characteristics, including rapid expansion and invasiveness. Alongside, herbal medicine, particularly Artemisia spp., is gaining attention for its anticancer potential, offering mechanisms like apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and the inhibition of angiogenesis. In this study, we optimized extraction conditions of polyphenols from Artemisia annua L. and Artemisia vulgaris L. herbs and investigated their anticancer effects in silico and in vitro. Molecular docking of the main phenolic compounds of A. annua and A. vulgaris and potential target proteins, including programmed cell death (apoptosis) pathway proteins proapoptotic Bax (PDB ID 6EB6), anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 (PDB ID G5M), and the necroptosis pathway protein (PDB ID 7MON), mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), in complex with receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), revealed the high probability of their interactions, highlighting the possible influence of chlorogenic acid in modulating necroptosis processes. The cell viability of rat C6 glioma cell line was assessed using a nuclear fluorescent double-staining assay with Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide. The extracts from A. annua and A. vulgaris have demonstrated anticancer activity in the glioblastoma model, with the synergistic effects of their combined compounds surpassing the efficacy of any single compound. Our results suggest the potential of these extracts as a basis for developing more effective glioblastoma treatments, emphasizing the importance of further research into their mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Identification and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Leaves of Australian Myrtles and Their Antioxidant Activities

Phenolic compounds, present in plants, provide substantial health advantages, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which enhance cardiovascular and cognitive well-being. Australia is enriched with a wide range of plants with phytopharmacological potential, which needs to be fully elucidated. In this context, we analyzed leaves of aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum), lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), and cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) for their complex phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential. LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was applied for screening and characterizing these Australian myrtles' phenolic compounds and the structure-function relation of phenolic compounds. This study identified 145 and quantified/semi-quantified 27 phenolic compounds in these Australian myrtles. Furthermore, phenolic contents (total phenolic content (TPC), total condensed tannins (TCT), and total flavonoids (TFC)) and antioxidant potential of phenolic extracts from the leaves of Australian myrtles were quantified. Aniseed myrtle was quantified with the highest TPC (52.49 ± 3.55 mg GAE/g) and total antioxidant potential than other selected myrtles. Catechin, epicatechin, isovitexin, cinnamic acid, and quercetin were quantified as Australian myrtles' most abundant phenolic compounds. Moreover, chemometric analysis further validated the results. This study provides a new insight into the novel potent bioactive phenolic compounds from Australian myrtles that could be potentially useful for functional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic applications.

Therapeutic Implications of Dietary Polyphenols-Loaded Nanoemulsions in Cancer Therapy

Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide, even the second foremost cause related to non-communicable diseases. Cancer cells typically possess several cellular and biological processes including, persistence, propagation, differentiation, cellular death, and expression of cellular-type specific functions. The molecular picture of carcinogenesis and progression is unwinding, and it appears to be a tangled combination of processes occurring within and between cancer cells and their surrounding tissue matrix. Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites abundant in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and other natural plant sources. Natural polyphenols have implicated potential anticancer activity by various mechanisms involved in their antitumor action, including modulation of signaling pathways majorly related to cellular proliferation, differentiation, relocation, angiogenesis, metastatic processes, and cell death. The applications of polyphenols have been limited due to the hydrophobic nature and lower oral bioavailability that could be possibly overcome through encapsulating them into nanocarrier-mediated delivery systems, leading to improved anticancer activity. Nanoemulsions (NEs) possess diverse feasible properties, including greater surface area, modifiable surficial charge, higher half-life, site-specific targeting, and formulation imaging capability necessary to create a practical therapeutic impact, and have drawn increased attention in cancer therapy research. This review has summarized and discussed the basic concepts, classification, delivery approaches, and anticancer mechanism of various polyphenols and polyphenols-encapsulated nanoemulsions with improved cancer therapy.

Natural bioactive compounds targeting DNA methyltransferase enzymes in cancer: Mechanisms insights and efficiencies

The regulation of gene expression is fundamental to health and life and is essentially carried out at the promoter region of the DNA of each gene. Depending on the molecular context, this region may be accessible or non-accessible (possibility of integration of RNA polymerase or not at this region). Among enzymes that control this process, DNA methyltransferase enzymes (DNMTs), are responsible for DNA demethylation at the CpG islands, particularly at the promoter regions, to regulate transcription. The aberrant activity of these enzymes, i.e. their abnormal expression or activity, can result in the repression or overactivation of gene expression. Consequently, this can generate cellular dysregulation leading to instability and tumor development. Several reports highlighted the involvement of DNMTs in human cancers. The inhibition or activation of DNMTs is a promising therapeutic approach in many human cancers. In the present work, we provide a comprehensive and critical summary of natural bioactive molecules as primary inhibitors of DNMTs in human cancers. The active compounds hold the potential to be developed as anti-cancer epidrugs targeting DNMTs.

System-level protein interaction network analysis and molecular dynamics study reveal interaction of ferulic acid with PTGS2 as a natural radioprotector

Ferulic acid is a crucial bioactive component of broccoli, wheat, and rice bran and is also an essential natural product that has undergone significant research. Ferulic acid's precise mode of action and effect on system-level protein networks have not been thoroughly investigated. An interactome was built using the STRING database and Cytoscape tools, utilizing 788 key proteins collected from PubMed literature to identify the ferulic acid-governed regulatory action on protein interaction network (PIN). The scale-free biological network of ferulic acid-rewired PIN is highly interconnected. We discovered 15 sub-modules using the MCODE tool for sub-modulization analysis and 153 enriched signaling pathways. Further, functional enrichment of top bottleneck proteins revealed the FoxO signaling pathway involved in enhancing cellular defense against oxidative stress. The selection of the critical regulatory proteins of the ferulic acid-rewired PIN was completed by performing analyses of topological characteristics such as GO term/pathways analysis, degree, bottleneck, molecular docking, and dynamics investigations. The current research derives a precise molecular mechanism for ferulic acid's action on the body. This in-depth in silico model would aid in understanding how ferulic acid origins its antioxidant and scavenging properties in the human body.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Induction of ferroptosis by natural phenols: A promising strategy for cancer therapy

In recent years, heightened interest surrounds the exploration of natural phenols as potential agents for cancer therapy, specifically by inducing ferroptosis, a unique form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. This review delves into the roles of key natural phenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, curcumin, and stilbenes, in modulating ferroptosis and their underlying mechanisms. Emphasizing the significance of amino acid, lipid, and iron metabolism, the study elucidates the diverse pathways through which these phenols regulate ferroptosis. Notably, curcumin, a well-known polyphenol, exhibits multifaceted interactions with cellular components involved in ferroptosis regulation, providing a distinctive therapeutic avenue. Stilbenes, another phenolic class, demonstrate promising potential in influencing lipid metabolism and iron-dependent processes, contributing to ferroptotic cell death. Understanding the intricate interplay between these natural phenols and ferroptosis not only illuminates complex cellular regulatory networks but also unveils potential avenues for novel cancer therapies. Exploring these compounds as inducers of ferroptosis presents a promising strategy for targeted cancer treatment, capitalizing on the delicate balance between cellular metabolism and regulated cell death mechanisms. This article synthesizes current knowledge, aiming to stimulate further research into the therapeutic potential of natural phenols in the context of ferroptosis-mediated cancer therapy.

3D-printed solid phase microextraction fiber based on Co-Al layered double hydroxide nanosheets; application in determination of phenolic acids in fruit juice samples

3D printing technology has attracted great attention in various fields of science and technology. Application of this technology in manufacturing analytical tools is developing fast. High precision in manufacturing designed objects, fast production and low cost also green production approach by using biodegradable materials like polylactic acid is promising bright future in scientific researches. The development of new approaches in improving the functional groups of the surface of 3D printed objects in order to make 3D printed parts more functional with conventional 3D printed materials, causes the entry of many advanced materials in this field. In this study, a novel solid phase microextraction fiber was prepared based on Co-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets in-situ growth on 3D-printed aluminum-polylactic acid (PLA) composite and its application for determination of phenolic acids (PAs) including vanillic acid (VA), ferulic acid (FA), p-coumaric acid (p-CA), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), protocatechuic acid (PCA) and caffeic acid (CA) in fruit juice samples was investigated. The proposed fiber was prepared via a robust one-step hydrothermal synthesis of Co-Al LDH on an anodized 3D-printed Al-PLA fiber. Factors crucial for the extraction, including pH, extraction and desorption time and ionic strength were explored in detail. Under the optimal experimental conditions, for all PAs except PCA, LOD, LOQ and LDR were obtained as 0.03, 0.1 and 0.1-100.0 µgL-1, respectively. For PCA, LOD, LOQ and LDR were obtained as 0.15, 0.50 and 0.5-100.0 µgL-1, respectively.

Metabolite Profiling of Colvillea racemosa via UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Analysis in Correlation to the In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential against A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line

In this study, flower and leaf extracts of Colvillea racemosa were considered a source of bioactive compounds. In this context, the objective of the study focused on investigating the anticancer potential as well as the phytochemical composition of both extracts. The extracts were analyzed by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, and the bioactivity was tested using in vitro antioxidant assays (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS) in addition to cytotoxic assays on non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549). Our results clearly indicated the potent radical scavenging capacity of both extracts. Importantly, the flower extract exhibited a greater antioxidant capacity than the leaf extract. In terms of cytotoxic activity, leaf and flower extracts significantly inhibited cell viability with IC50 values of 17.0 and 17.2 µg/mL, respectively. The phytochemical characterization enabled the putative annotation of 42 metabolites, such as saccharides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, and fatty acids. Among them, the flavonoid C-glycosides stand out due to their high relative abundance and previous reports on their anticancer bioactivity. For a better understanding of the bioactive mechanisms, four flavonoids (vitexin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, luteolin, and isoorientin) were selected for molecular docking on hallmark protein targets in lung cancer as represented by γ-PI3K, EGFR, and CDK2 through in-silico studies. In these models, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and vitexin had the highest binding scores on γ-PI3K and CDK2, followed by isoorientin, so they could be highly responsible for the bioactive properties of C. racemosa extracts.

Waterlogging in soil restricts the growth of Gleditsia sinensis seedlings and inhibits the accumulation of lignans and phenolic acids in thorns

Gleditsia sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Zaojiao, has important economic value and medicinal compounds in its fruits and thorns, making it widely cultivated artificially in China. However, the available literature on the impact of waterlogging on the growth of G. sinensis seedlings and the accumulation of metabolite compounds in its thorns is limited. To address this knowledge gap, G. sinensis seedlings were planted in soil supplemented with pindstrup substrate, which enhances the water-holding capacity of the soil. The analyses of morphological traits and nutrient elements in one-year-old G. sinensis seedlings grown naturally under ambient conditions and metabolite accumulation in its thorns were conducted. The results showed that the waterlogged soil significantly diminished the height, fresh weight, and dry weight of seedling roots and stems (P < 0.05). Furthermore, waterlogging hindered the uptake of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), as well as the transport of potassium (K). The identified metabolites within the thorns were categorized into 16 distinct groups. Relative to the control soil, fatty acids and derivatives were the most down-regulated metabolites in the waterlogged soil, accounting for 40.58% of the total metabolites, followed by lignans (38.71%), phenolic acids (34.48%), saccharides and alcohols (34.15%), steroids (16.67%), alkaloids (12.24%), flavonoids (9.28%), and glycerophospholipids (7.41%). Conversely, nucleotides and derivatives experienced the greatest up-regulation in the waterlogged soil, accounting for 50.00% of the total metabolites. In conclusion, waterlogging negatively impacted the growth of G. sinensis seedlings and inhibited the accumulation of metabolites. Hence, when considering the accumulation of secondary metabolites such as lignans and phenolic acids, appropriate management of soil moisture levels should be taken into account.

Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities for different extracts of Casuarina equisetifolia

BACKGROUND

Casuarina equisetifolia belongs to the Casuarina species with the most extensive natural distribution, which contain various phytochemicals with potential health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and biological activities of different extracts of Casuarina equisetifolia.

METHODS

The n-hexane extract was analyzed for its unsaponifiable and fatty acid methyl esters fractions, while chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol extracts were studied for their phenolic components. Six different extracts of C. equisetifolia needles were evaluated for their total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities.

RESULTS

The n-hexane extract contained mainly hydrocarbons and fatty acid methyl esters, while ten phenolic compounds were isolated and identified in the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol extracts. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, highest antioxidant activity, and most potent cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. The ethyl acetate extract showed the most significant inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

CONCLUSION

Casuarina equisetifolia extracts showed promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. Overall, Casuarina equisetifolia is a versatile tree with a variety of uses, and its plant material can be used for many different purposes.

In vitro activities and mechanisms of action of anti-cancer molecules from African medicinal plants: a systematic review

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, African countries have been faced with a rapid increase in morbidity and mortality due to this pathology. Management is often complicated by the high treatment costs, side effects and the increasing occurrence of resistance to treatments. The identification of new active ingredients extracted from endemic medicinal plants is definitively an interesting approach for the implementation of new therapeutic strategies: their extraction is often lower cost; their identification is based on an ethnobotanical history and a tradipratic approach; their use by low-income populations is simpler; this can help in the development of new synthetic molecules that are more active, more effective and with fewer side effects. The objective of this review is to document the molecules derived from African medicinal plants whose in vitro anti-cancer activities and the mechanisms of molecular actions have been identified. From the scientific databases Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar, we searched for publications on compounds isolated from African medicinal plants and having activity on cancer cells in culture. The data were analyzed in particular with regard to the cytotoxicity of the compounds and their mode of action. A total of 90 compounds of these African medicinal plants were selected. They come from nine chemical groups: alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, quinones, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, xanthones and organic sulfides. These compounds have been associated with several cellular effects: i) Cytotoxicity, including caspase activation, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, and/or induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS); ii) Anti-angiogenesis; iii) Anti-metastatic properties. This review points out that the cited African plants are rich in active ingredients with anticancer properties. It also stresses that screening of these anti-tumor active ingredients should be continued at the continental scale. Altogether, this work provides a rational basis for the selection of phytochemical compounds for use in clinical trials.

Dietary Intake of (Poly)phenols and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in the Mexican Teachers' Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have reported that total (poly)phenol intake is associated with a reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, but mainly from high-income countries, where (poly)phenol intake may differ from that of low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to evaluate the association between the intake of total, all classes, and subclasses of (poly)phenols and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a Mexican cohort.

METHODS

We used data from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort, which included 95,313 adult females. After a median follow-up of 11.2 y, 1725 deaths were reported, including 674 from cancer and 282 from cardiovascular diseases. (Poly)phenol intake was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire and the Phenol-Explorer database. Multivariable Cox models were applied to estimate the association between (poly)phenol intake and all-cause mortality and competitive risk models for cause-specific mortality.

RESULTS

Comparing extreme quartiles, total (poly)phenol intake was associated with lower risk of all-cause [hazard ratio (HR)Q4vs.Q1: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.99; P-trend = 0.01] and cancer mortality (HRQ4vs.Q1: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.99; P-trend = 0.02). Among (poly)phenol classes, phenolic acids, particularly hydroxycinnamic acids from coffee, showed an inverse association with all-cause (HRQ4vs.Q1: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.91; P-trend = 0.002) and cancer mortality (HRQ4vs.Q1: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.94; P-trend = 0.03). No associations were observed with flavonoids or with cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that high (poly)phenol intake, primarily consisting of phenolic acids such as hydroxycinnamic acids, may have a protective effect on overall and cancer mortality. Null associations for flavonoid intake might be due to the potential underestimation of their intake in this population.

Total phenolic contents, cytotoxic, free radicals, porcine pancreatic α-amylase, and lipase suppressant activities of Artemisia dracunculus plant from Palestine

Artemisia dracunculus: L. (A. dracunculus) is a popular vegetable and spice cultivated across many Middle Eastern countries. The herb's aqueous extract has significant folkloric medicinal importance for treating various disorders. Hence, the present investigation aimed to investigate A. dracunculus hydrophilic extract phytochemical constituents and pleiotropic biological potentials, as no previous studies have investigated the antilipase and anti-α-amylase effects of the A. dracunculus plant. Total phenol content and phytochemical screening assays were performed utilizing standard analytical methods. While the α-amylase inhibition, free radical-scavenging, antilipase, and cytotoxic activities were determined using dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA), DPPH, p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB), and MTS assays, respectively. The standard phytochemical analysis of A. dracunculus aqueous extract shows that this extract contains only a phenolic group. The total phenol content was 0.146 ± 0.012 mg GAE/g of the plant dry extract. The A. dracunculus aqueous extract exhibited potent DPPH free radical inhibitory (IC50 dose of 10.71 ± 0.01 μg/mL) and anti-lipase activities (IC50 dose of 60.25 ± 0.33 μg/mL) compared with Trolox (IC50 = 5.7 ± 0.92 μg/mL) and Orlistat (IC50 = 12.3 ± 0.35 μg/mL), respectively. However, it showed a weak anti-α-amylase effect (IC50 value > 1,000 μg/mL) compared with Acarbose (IC50 = 28.18 ± 1.27 μg/mL). A. dracunculus has a cytotoxic effect against the HeLa cancer cell line compared with the chemotherapeutic agent Doxorubicin. The extract has the same percent of inhibition as Doxorubicin (99.9%) at 10 mg/mL. Overall, these results pointed out for the first time the importance of considering A. dracunculus effects as a favorite candidate for preventing and treating metabolic disorders. Also, our results confirm the findings of previous reports on the role of A. dracunculus in the management of cancer and disorders resulting from the accumulation of harmful free radicals. On the contrary, the current study concluded that the antidiabetic role of A. dracunculus could be minimal. Further in-depth investigations are urgently warranted to explore the importance of A. dracunculus in pharmaceutical production.

Gadolinium-Based Magnetic Resonance Theranostic Agent with Gallic Acid as an Anti-Neuroinflammatory and Antioxidant Agent

Studies in the field have actively pursued the incorporation of diverse biological functionalities into gadolinium-based contrast agents, aiming at the amalgamation of MRI imaging and therapeutic capabilities. In this research, we present the development of Gd-Ga, an anti-neuroinflammatory MR contrast agent strategically designed to target inflammatory mediators for comprehensive imaging diagnosis and targeted lesion treatment. Gd-Ga is a gadolinium complex composed of 1,4,7-tris(carboxymethylaza)cyclododecane-10-azaacetylamide (DO3A) conjugated with gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid). Upon intravenous administration in LPS-induced mouse models, Gd-Ga demonstrated a remarkable three-fold increase in signal-to-noise (SNR) variation compared to Gd-DOTA, particularly evident in both the cortex and hippocampus 30 min post-MR monitoring. In-depth investigations, both in vitro and in vivo, into the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of Gd-Ga revealed significantly reduced protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators compared to the LPS group. The alignment between in silico predictions and phantom studies indicates that Gd-Ga acts as an anti-neuroinflammatory agent by directly binding to MD2. Additionally, the robust antioxidant activity of Gd-Ga was confirmed by its effective scavenging of NO and ROS. Our collective findings emphasize the immense potential of this theranostic complex, where a polyphenol serves as an anti-inflammatory drug, presenting an exceptionally efficient platform for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroinflammation.

The black Vitis vinifera seed oil saponifiable fraction ameliorates hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo via modulating apoptosis and ROS/NF-κB signaling

To date, no total curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is available. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of black Vitis vinifera (VV) seed oil saponifiable (Sap) fraction (BSap) using five different cancer cell lines. The apoptotic and anti-inflammatory impacts of BSap on the cell line with the highest cytotoxic effect were studied. Furthermore, its therapeutic effect on p-dimethylaminoazobenzene (p-DAB)-induced HCC in mice was investigated. The phenolic and vitamin content, as well as the antiradical activities of BSap, were assessed. BSap demonstrated a greater cytotoxic effect on HepG-2 cells (lowest IC50 and highest SI values) than did the other tested cell lines. BSap showed superior anticancer efficacy to 5-FU on all examined cancer cells, particularly HepG-2 cells, by inducing apoptosis and downregulating NF-κB. In HCC-bearing mice, BSap reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation and boosted GSH levels due to its potent antiradical activities and high reducing power. In addition, it had an apoptotic effect by upregulating p53 and BAX and downregulating Bcl-2 fold expression. Moreover, BSap lowered the fold expression of various crucial HCC-related genes: CD133, ALAD1α1, COX-2, ABCG1, AKT1, Gli, Notch1, and HIF1α. Liver function markers and histopathology showed significant improvements in HCC-bearing mice after BSap administration compared to 5-FU. In silico analysis revealed that the most abundant phenolic and fatty acid ingredients of BSap exhibited competitive inhibitory effects on valuable HCC-associated enzymes (NADPH oxidase, histone deacetylase 1, and sepiapterin reductase). Thus, BSap fraction may be a promising treatment of HCC.

Elucidating the chemical profile and biological studies of Verbascum diversifolium Hochst. extracts

The present study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic properties of different extracts from aerial parts of V. diversifolium (family Scrophulariaceae), a plant that is native to Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Six extracts, namely, hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), ethanol (EtOH), 70% EtOH, and water (aqueous) were prepared by maceration. The EtOH extract was predominated by the presence of rutin (4280.20 μg g-1) and p-coumaric acid (3044.01 μg g-1) while the highest accumulation of kaempferol-3-glucoside (1537.38 μg g-1), caffeic acid (130.13 μg g-1) and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (465.93 μg g-1) was recorded in the 70% EtOH, aqueous, and EtOAc extracts, respectively. The EtOH (46.86 mg TE/g) and 70% EtOH (46.33 mg TE/g) extracts displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging result. Both these extracts, along with the aqueous one, exerted the highest ABTS radical scavenging result (73.03-73.56 mg TE/g). The EtOH and 70% EtOH extracts revealed the most potent anti-AChE (2.66 and 2.64 mg GALAE/g) and anti-glucosidase (1.07 and 1.09 mmol ACAE/g) activities. The aqueous extract was the most efficacious in inhibiting the proliferation of prostate cancer (DU-145) cells with an IC50 of 8.71 μg/mL and a Selectivity Index of 3.7. In conclusion, this study appraised the use of V. diversifolium aerial parts as a potential therapeutic source for future development of phytopharmaceuticals that target specific oxidative stress-linked diseases including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease among others.

Integrative effects of phytohormones in the phenolic acids production in Salvia verticillata L. under multi-walled carbon nanotubes and methyl jasmonate elicitation

Salvia verticillata L. is a well-known herb rich in rosmarinic acid (RA) and with therapeutic values. To better understand the possible roles of phytohormones in the production of phenolic acids in S. verticillata, in this work, we investigated some physiological and biochemical responses of the species to methyl jasmonate (MJ) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as two effective elicitors. The leaves were sprayed with aqueous solutions containing 100 mg L-1 MWCNTs and 100 µM MJ and then harvested during interval times of exposure up to 96 h. The level of abscisic acid, as the first effective phytohormone, was altered in the leaves in response to MJ and MWCNTs elicitation (2.26- and 3.06-fold more than the control, respectively), followed by significant increases (P ˂ 0.05) detected in jasmonic acid and salicylic acid contents up to 8 h after exposure. Obtained data revealed that simultaneously with changes in phytohormone profiles, significant (P ˂ 0.05) rises were observed in the content of H2O2 (8.85- and 9.74-folds of control), and the amount of lipid peroxidation (10.18- and 17.01-folds of control) during the initial times after exposure to MJ and MWCNTs, respectively. Later, the content of phenolic acids increased in the elicited leaves due to changes in the transcription levels of key enzymes involved in their biosynthesis pathways, so 2.71- and 11.52-fold enhances observed in the RA content of the leaves after exposure to MJ and MWCNTs, respectively. It is reasonable to conclude that putative linkages between changes in some phytohormone pools lead to the accumulation of phenolic acids in the leaves of S. verticillata under elicitation. Overall, the current findings help us improve our understanding of the signal transduction pathways of the applied stimuli that led to enhanced secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants.

Natural bioactive compounds and STAT3 against hepatocellular carcinoma: An update

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging and very fatal liver cancer. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is a crucial regulator of tumor development and are ubiquitously active in HCC. Therefore, targeting STAT3 has emerged as a promising approach for preventing and treating HCC. Various natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have been proven to target STAT3 and have the potential to prevent and treat HCC as STAT3 inhibitors. Numerous kinds of STAT3 inhibitors have been identified, including small molecule inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, and oligonucleotide inhibitors. Due to the undesirable side effects of the conventional therapeutic drugs against HCC, the focus is shifted to NBCs derived from plants and other natural sources. NBCs can be broadly classified into the categories of terpenes, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenols. Most of the compounds belong to the family of terpenes, which prevent tumorigenesis by inhibiting STAT3 nuclear translocation. Further, through STAT3 inhibition, terpenes downregulate matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), modulating metastasis. Terpenes also suppress the anti-apoptotic proteins and cell cycle markers. This review provides comprehensive information related to STAT3 abrogation by NBCs in HCC with in vitro and in vivo evidences.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of Achillea millefolium L. extracts on Clostridioides difficile ribotype 001 in human intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common health care-acquired infections. The dramatic increase in antimicrobial resistance of C. difficile isolates has led to growing demand to seek new alternative medicines against CDI. Achillea millefolium L. extracts exhibit strong biological activity to be considered as potential therapeutic agents. In this work, the inhibitory effects of A. millefolium, its decoction (DEC) and ethanol (ETOH) extracts, were investigated on the growth of C. difficile RT001 and its toxigenic cell-free supernatant (Tox-S) induced inflammation and apoptosis.

METHODS

Phytochemical analysis of extracts was performed by HPLC and GC analysis. The antimicrobial properties of extracts were evaluated against C. difficile RT001. Cell viability and cytotoxicity of Caco-2 and Vero cells treated with various concentrations of extracts and Tox-S were examined by MTT assay and microscopy, respectively. Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of extracts were assessed in Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Analysis of the phytochemical profile of extracts revealed that the main component identified in both extracts was chlorogenic acid. Both extracts displayed significant antimicrobial activity against C. difficile RT001. Moreover, both extracts at concentration 50 µg/mL had no significant effect on cell viability compared to untreated cells. Pre-treatment of cells with extracts (50 µg/mL) significantly reduced the percentage of Vero cells rounding induced by Tox-S. Also, both pre-treatment and co-treatment of Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells with extracts significantly downregulated the gene expression level of IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β, iNOS, Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 and upregulated the expression level of Bcl-2.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study for the first time demonstrate the antimicrobial activity and protective effects of A. millefolium extracts on inflammatory response and apoptosis induced by Tox-S from C. difficile RT001 clinical strain in vitro. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential application of A. millefolium extracts as supplementary medicine for CDI prevention and treatment in clinical setting.

Advances and prospects of natural dietary polyphenols as G-quadruplex stabilizers in biomedical applications

G-quadruplexes (G4s) have arrested continuous interest in cancer research, and targeting G4s with small molecules has become an ideal approach for drug development. Plant-based dietary polyphenols have attracted much attention for their remarkable anti-cancer effects. Studies have suggested that polyphenols exhibit interesting scaffolds to bind G4s, which can effectively downregulate the proto-oncogenes by stabilizing those G4 structures. Therefore, this review not only summarizes studies on natural dietary polyphenols (including analogs) as G4 stabilizers, but also reveals their anti-cancer activities. Furthermore, the structural and antioxidant insights of polyphenols with G4s are discussed, and future development is proposed. These insights may pave the way for the development of the next generation of anti-cancer drugs targeting nucleic acids.

Lavender Plant: Farming and Health Benefits

Natural remedies from a range of sources, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and marine life, have made a significant contribution to the treatment of many ailments. Lavender is a Mediterranean shrub from the Lamiaceae family. Lavender flowers (Lavandula flores) include active ingredients (3%), anthocyanins, sugars, phytosterols, minerals, and tannins and are majorly used for herbal applications. Lavender essential oil's descriptive and analytical composition varies depending on genotype, growing region, climatic circumstances, propagation, and morphological characteristics. There are around 300 chemical components in essential oil. Linalool, terpinen-4-ol, linalyl acetate, ocimene, acetate lavandulol, and cineole are the most prominent constituents. Lavender oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The lavender extract helps to prevent dementia and may slow cancer cell growth, while lavender oil is used to treat skin problems. This review will cover the recent medical, economic and regional advancements in levander propagation and how the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research Indian Institute of Integrative (CSIR IIIM) aroma mission is actively acting as a bridge between farmers and their economic improvement by attracting them to the field of medicinal plant cultivation.

Natural Polyphenols in Cancer Management: Promising Role, Mechanisms, and Chemistry

BACKGROUND

Although cancers emerge rapidly and cancer cells divide aggressively, which affects our vital organ systems. Recently, cancer treatments are targeted immune systems mediating intrinsic cellular mechanisms. Natural efficacious polyphenols have been exhibited to help prevent most cancers and reverse the progression of cancers.

METHODS

Many resources have been used to know the promising role of polyphenols in preventing and treating cancers. The electronic databases include Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. The search was limited to the English language only.

RESULTS

Polyphenols have been reported as anti-metastatic agents that explore the promising role of these compounds in cancer prevention. Such agents act through many signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and TNF-induced signaling pathways. The chemical modifications of polyphenols and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) between polyphenols and anticancer activities have also been discussed.

CONCLUSION

Many research papers were reported to explain the anti-cancer potential of Polyphenols, The SARs between polyphenols and anti-cancer activities, which correlate structures of polyphenols with significant chemotherapeutic action. The mechanism of anti-cancer potential is to be added for searching for new anti-cancer natural products.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Catalytic Synthesis of Diphenolic Acid and Evaluation of Its Application Potential

Diphenolic acid, or 4,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pentanoic acid, represents one of the potentially most interesting bio-products obtainable from the levulinic acid supply-chain. It represents a valuable candidate for the replacement of bisphenol A, which is strongly questioned for its toxicological issues. Diphenolic acid synthesis involves the condensation reaction between phenol and levulinic acid and requires the presence of a Brønsted acid as a catalyst. In this review, the state of the art related to the catalytic issues of its synthesis have been critically discussed, with particular attention to the heterogeneous systems, the reference benchmark being represented by the homogeneous acids. The main opportunities in the field of heterogeneous catalysis are deeply discussed, as well as the bottlenecks to be overcome to facilitate diphenolic acid production on an industrial scale. The regioselectivity of the reaction is a critical point because only the p,p'-isomer is of industrial interest; thus, several strategies aiming at the improvement of the selectivity towards this isomer are considered. The future potential of adopting alkyl levulinates, instead of levulinic acid, as starting materials for the synthesis of new classes of biopolymers, such as new epoxy and phenolic resins and polycarbonates, is also briefly considered.

Anticancer, Immunomodulatory, and Phytochemical Screening of Carthamus oxyacantha M.Bieb Growing in the North of Iraq

Carthamus oxyacantha M.Bieb is a promising repository of active phytochemicals. These bioactive compounds work synergistically to promote the plant's antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory capabilities. The present study aimed to discover the potential immunomodulatory and cytotoxicity of different extracts of Carthamus oxycantha roots. Aqueous ethanol (70%), aqueous methanol (90%), ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts were tested against five cell lines (T47D, MDA-MB231, Caco-2, EMT6/P, and Vero). Among these extracts, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts showed significant activity in inhibiting the proliferation of cancerous cells because of the presence of several phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids. The n-hexane extract was the most potent extract against T47D and Caco-2 cell lines and had IC50 values of 0.067 mg/mL and 0.067 mg/mL, respectively. In comparison, ethyl acetate extract was active against T47D and MDAMB231, and IC50 values were 0.0179 mg/mL and 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. Both n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts reduced tumor size (by 49.981% and 51.028%, respectively). Remarkably, Carthamus oxyacantha extracts decreased the average weight of the tumor cells in the in vivo model. The plant induced significant apoptotic activity by the activation of caspase-3, immunomodulation of macrophages, and triggering of pinocytosis. The implications of these intriguing findings demand additional research to broaden the scope of the understanding of this field, opening the doors to the possibilities of using Carthamus oxyacantha M.Bieb as an effective cancer treatment adjuvant in the future.

Inhibition of human glutathione transferase by catechin and gossypol: comparative structural analysis by kinetic properties, molecular docking and their efficacy on the viability of human MCF-7 cells

Glutathione transferase Pi (GSTP1) expression is increased in many cancer types and is associated with multidrug resistance and apoptosis inhibition. Inhibitors of GSTP1-1 have the potential to overcome drug resistance and improve chemotherapy efficacy as adjuvant agents. This study investigated the effects of catechin and gossypol on human glutathione transferase Pi (GSTP1-1) activity and their cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) individually and in combination with tamoxifen (TAM). Gossypol effectively inhibited the enzyme with an IC50 value of 40 μM, compared to 200 μM for catechin. Gossypol showed stronger inhibition of GSTP1-1 activity (Ki = 63.3 ± 17.5 μM) compared to catechin (Ki = 220 ± 44 μM). Molecular docking analysis revealed their binding conformations to GSTP1-1, with gossypol binding at the subunit interface in an un-competitive manner and catechin showing mixed non-competitive inhibition. Gossypol had severe cytotoxic effects on both MCF-7 cells and normal BJ1 cells, while catechin had a weak cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells only. Combination therapy with TAM resulted in cytotoxicity of 27.3% and 35.2% when combined with catechin and gossypol, respectively. Gossypol showed higher toxicity to MCF-7 cells, but its strong effects on normal cells raised concerns about selectivity and potential side effects.

Adverse effect of Tamarindus indica and tamoxifen combination on redox balance and genotoxicity of breast cancer cell

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most significant threat to women worldwide. Most chemotherapeutic drugs cause cancer cell death and apoptosis by inducing oxidative stress and producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cancer cells have a higher rate of metabolic activity than normal cells and thus produce more ROS. Glutathione and its related enzymes are the most significant antioxidant defense mechanisms that protect cells from oxidative and chemotherapeutic impacts. The anticancer actions of phenolic compounds were greatly confirmed. Using phenolic compounds as drugs in combination with chemotherapy may improve health, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce dose and damage. The goal of the study was to treat breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) with Tamarindus indica extract individually and in combination with the anticancer drug tamoxifen (TAM) to improve therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS

After 48 h of incubation at IC25 concentrations of T. indica extract (47.3 g/mL), tamoxifen (0.8 g/mL), and their co-treatments, the biochemical and genotoxic effects on MCF-7 cell lines were investigated. In MCF7 cell lines, T. indica extract increased reduced glutathione levels as well as glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities. The same was true for oxidative state indicators, where higher levels of catalase and lactate dehydrogenase activity were associated with higher levels of malondialdehyde. T. indica has almost no effect on the DNA damage parameters. All of these variations can produce alterations in cancer cell genotoxicity and apoptotic pathways, explaining the restoration of DNA moment to normal levels and enhanced survival.

CONCLUSION

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of treatment with T. indica extract could be attributed to the dynamic interaction of glutathione cycle and antioxidant enzymes to combat oxidative stress, which can be considered as a positive therapeutic effect. On the other hand, the negative response of tamoxifen efficacy when co-treated with T. indica reversed tamoxifen's genotoxicity and enhanced survival.

Antioxidant and Antitumor Potential of Micropropagated Balkan Endemic Sideritis scardica Griseb

Sideritis scardica Griseb. is a critically endangered Balkan endemic species, known for its antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to detail an efficient protocol for the micropropagation of S. scardica. In vitro cultures were initiated from the shoot tips of 40 days-old in vivo seedlings and the effects of different plant growth regulator treatments were examined. A Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium (MS) containing 1 mg/L zeatin and 0.1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) proved to be the most efficient for shoot multiplication as it produced quality, vigorous shoots with a mean number of six shoots per explant. For the first time, the antioxidant and antitumor activities of extracts from in vitro-obtained plants were evaluated. In vitro cultivated plants grown in the field revealed a higher total polyphenol content (3929.1 ± 112.2 mg GAE/100 g vs. 3563.5 ± 52.8 mg GAE/100 g) and higher ORAC antioxidant activity (1211.6 ± 27.3 µmol TE/g vs. 939.9 ± 52.4 µmol TE/g) than in situ cultivated plants. A comparison of the antitumor activities of extracts from in vitro propagated shoots, field-grown in vitro-obtained plants and in situ plants on HeLa (cervical adenocarcinoma), HT-29 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) human cancer cell lines showed that in vitro propagated shoots had a significant concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on the cervical adenocarcinoma cell line HeLa, while the field-grown in vitro-obtained and in situ-collected samples induced the highest reduction in the viability of the mammary carcinoma cell line MCF-7. In both cases, the cells of the control non-tumor cell line, BALB/3T3, were significantly less affected. The results showed that the in vitro multiplication protocol ensured the obtainment of numerous plants with antioxidant and antitumor potential.

Recent updates on nano-phyto-formulations based therapeutic intervention for cancer treatment

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with limited treatment options and several limitations. Chemotherapeutic agents often result in toxicity which long-term conventional treatment. Phytochemicals are natural constituents that are more effective in treating various diseases with less toxicity than the chemotherapeutic agents providing alternative therapeutic approaches to minimize the resistance. These phytoconstituents act in several ways and deliver optimum effectiveness against cancer. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of phyto-formulations in the management of cancers may be constrained due to challenges related to inadequate solubility, bioavailability, and stability. Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue for transforming current cancer treatment methods through the incorporation of phytochemicals into nanosystems, which possess a range of advantageous characteristics such as biocompatibility, targeted and sustained release capabilities, and enhanced protective effects. This holds significant potential for future advancements in cancer management. Herein, this review aims to provide intensive literature on diverse nanocarriers, highlighting their applications as cargos for phytocompounds in cancer. Moreover, it offers an overview of the current advancements in the respective field, emphasizing the characteristics that contribute to favourable outcomes in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Lastly, clinical development and regulatory concerns are also discussed to check on the transformation of the concept as a promising strategy for combination therapy of phytochemicals and chemotherapeutics that could lead to cancer management in the future.

Therapeutic Effects of Perilla Phenols in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The herbal medicine perilla leaf extract (PLE) exhibits various pharmacological properties. We showed that PLE inhibits the viability of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. HPLC analysis revealed that caffeic acid (CA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) are the two main phenols in PLE, and reduced OSCC cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal CA/RA combination ratio was 1:2 at concentrations of 300-500 μM but had no synergistic inhibitory effect on the viability of OSCC cells. CA, RA, or their combination effectively suppressed interleukin (IL)-1β secretion by OSCC OC3 cells. Long-term treatment with CA and CA/RA mixtures, respectively, induced EGFR activation, which might cause OC3 cells to become EGFR-dependent and consequently increased the sensitivity of OC3 cells to a low dose (5 μM) of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Chronic treatment with CA, RA, or their combination exhibited an inhibitory effect more potent than that of low-dose (1 μM) cisplatin on the colony formation ability of OSCC cells; this may be attributed to the induction of apoptosis by these treatments. These findings suggest that perilla phenols, particularly CA and RA, can be used as adjuvant therapies to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and EGFR-targeted therapy in OSCC.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. - anticancer properties and phytochemicals: current trends and future perspectives

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often result in undesirable and adverse effects. Natural products have emerged as a promising alternative for cancer treatment, with comparatively fewer side effects reported. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., a member of the Cactaceae family, contains a diverse array of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, polyphenols, betalains, and tannins, which have been shown to exhibit potent anticancer properties. Various parts of the Opuntia plant, including the fruits, stems/cladodes, and roots, have demonstrated cytotoxic effects against malignant cell lines in numerous studies. This review comprehensively summarizes the anticancer attributes of the phytochemicals found in Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., highlighting their potential as natural cancer prevention and treatment agents. Bibliometric metric analysis of PubMed and Scopus-retrieved data using VOSviewer as well as QDA analysis provide further insights and niche to be explored. Most anticancer studies on Opuntia ficus-indica and its purified metabolites are related to colorectal/colon cancer, followed by melanoma and breast cancer. Very little attention has been paid to leukemia, thyroid, endometrial, liver, and prostate cancer, and it could be considered an opportunity for researchers to explore O. ficus-indica and its metabolites against these cancers. The most notable mechanisms expressed and validated in those studies are apoptosis, cell cycle arrest (G0/G1 and G2/M), Bcl-2 modulation, antiproliferative, oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms, and cytochrome c. We have also observed that cladodes and fruits of O. ficus-indica have been more studied than other plant parts, which again opens the opportunity for the researchers to explore. Further, cell line-based studies dominated, and very few studies were related to animal-based experiments. The Zebrafish model is another platform to explore. However, it seems like more in-depth studies are required to ascertain clinical utility of this biosustainable resource O. ficus-indica.

UV-C Light: A Promising Preservation Technology for Vegetable-Based Nonsolid Food Products

A variety of bioactive substances present in fruit- and vegetable-processed products have health-promoting properties. The consumption of nutrient-rich plant-based products is essential to address undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Preservation is paramount in manufacturing plant-based nonsolid foods such as juices, purees, and sauces. Thermal processing has been widely used to preserve fruit- and vegetable-based products by reducing enzymatic and microbial activities, thereby ensuring safety and prolonged shelf life. However, the nutritional value of products is compromised due to the deleterious effects of thermal treatments on essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. To prevent the loss of nutrients associated with thermal treatment, alternative technologies are being researched extensively. In studies conducted on nonsolid food, UV-C treatment has been proven to preserve quality and minimize nutrient degradation. This review compiles information on the use of UV-C technology in preserving the nutritional attributes of nonsolid foods derived from fruit and vegetables. The legislation, market potential, consumer acceptance, and limitations of UV-C are reviewed.

Phytochemical fingerprint and biological activity of raw and heat-treated Ornithogalum umbellatum

The plants that we use as food in our daily diet and as risk preventers against many diseases have many biological and pharmacological activities. The heat treatments applied during the cooking of the plants cause changes in the phytochemical content and bioactivity. In this study, the phytochemical fingerprint and biological activities of raw and heat-treated extracts of Ornithogalum umbellatum L., which is widely consumed in the Black Sea region, were investigated. The bulb and leaf parts of the plant consumed as food were dried in an oven at 35 °C and then ground into powder. For heat treatment, the plant was boiled at 100 °C for 20 min. Differences in phytochemical contents of raw and heat-treated extracts were determined by ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, and FTIR analysis. Biological activity was investigated with antiradical, antimicrobial, antimutagenic and antiproliferative activity tests. In this way, the effect of heat treatment on both the phytochemical content and biological activity of the O. umbellatum extract was determined. Gallic acid, procateuic acid and caffeic acid were found as the main compounds in the O. umbellatum extract, while the presence of procateuic aldehyde, vanillin and kaempferol in minor proportions was determined. There was a significant decrease in phenolic compound levels after heat treatment and gallic acid content decreased by 92.6%, procateuic acid content by 90% and caffeic acid content by 84.8%. Significant differences were detected in macro and micro element levels after heat treatment in ICP-MS results. While Cd, Ba and Zn levels of the raw extract increased; Na, Mg, K, Fe, U, Co levels decreased significantly. In FTIR spectrum, shifts and disappearances were observed in some of the vibrations and the emergence of new vibrations was also determined after heat treatment. Raw extract exhibited strong scavenging activity against H2O2 and DPPH and had a broad spectrum antimicrobial property. As a result of heat application, regressions were detected in antiradicalic, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities were determined by the Allium test and a significant decrease in both activities and loss of activity against some chromosomal abnormalities were determined after heat treatment. While the antiproliferative activity of the raw extract was 20%, the activity of the heat-treated extract decreased to 7.6%. The raw extract showed the strongest antimutagenic effect with 69.8% against the unequal distribution of chromatin. Similarly, the antimutagenic activity of the extract, which reduced the bridges by 56.1%, decreased to 0.74% after heat treatment and almost lost its antimutagenic activity. The biological activities of raw O. umbellatum are closely related to the major compounds it contains, and the decrease in the levels of these compounds with the effect of heat was reflected in the activity. Studies investigating the phytochemical contents of plants are very important and the studies investigating biological activities related to phytochemical content are more remarkable. In this study, the phytochemical fingerprint of O. umbellatum was determined, its biological activities were related to the compounds it contained, and the biological activity was found to be heat sensitive.

Pachira macrocarpa Schltdl. & Cham., HPLC Profile, and Neuroprotective Potential via Regulation of JNK, miRNA132, and miRNA-125b

In this study, we investigated the polyphenolic profile of Pachira macrocarpa Schltdl. & Cham. by HPLC analysis and we also isolated three compounds from the ethyl acetate leaf extract, which were identified by different spectral data as vitexin 1, luteolin 2, and ferulic acid 3. Moreover, we investigated the three isolated compounds and the plant extract for their therapeutic potential against AlCl3 exposure-induced neurotoxicity in rats. This investigation aims to determine whether vitexin, luteolin, and ferulic acid in Pachira macrocarpa Schltdl. & Cham. extract (P. macrocarpa) have the ability to treat AlCl3-induced brain toxicity in rats. Six groups of rats were created: group 1 (normal group), group 2 treated with AlCl3, and groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 treated with AlCl3 with vitexin, luteolin, ferulic acid, and P. macrocarpa extract, respectively, for 28 days. Neurotoxicity was assessed by measuring plasma IL-8 and IL-33 as well as brain superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BcL-2), B-cell lymphoma-2 associated-x (Bax), and neurogranin using the ELISA technique and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), miRNA-125b, and miRNA-132 levels using western blot and PCR. HPLC analysis identified major phenolics and flavonoids. Among the phenolics identified, chlorogenic acid was prevalent (2159.14 μg/g), and regarding flavonoids, rutin was prevalent (204.69 μg/g). A significant elevation of IL-8 and IL-33 as well as brain Bax, neurogranin, and JNK levels and of miRNA-125b gene expression levels was observed following AlCl3 exposure. However, significant depletion of SOD, GSR, BcL-2, total protein, and miRNA-132 gene expression was observed in AlCl3-treated rats. Administration of the P. macrocarpa extract and its isolated compounds significantly increased SOD, GSR, BcL-2, total protein, and miRNA132 gene expression and decreased IL-8 and IL-33 as well as brain Bax, neurogranin, and JNK levels and brain miRNA-125b gene expression compared to AlCl3-treated rats. P. macrocarpa extract and its isolated compounds ameliorated AlCl3-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in rats.

Phytochemical profiling and cytotoxic potential of Arnebia nobilis root extracts against hepatocellular carcinoma using in-vitro and in-silico approaches

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most prevalent cancer worldwide. The emergence of drug resistance and other adverse effects in available anticancer options are challenging to explore natural sources. The current study was designed to decipher the Arnebia nobilis (A. nobilis) extracts for detecting phytochemicals, in-vitro evaluation of antioxidative and cytotoxic potentials, and in-silico prediction of potent anticancer compounds. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, quinones, and cardiac glycosides, in the ethanol (ANE) and n-hexane (ANH) extracts of A. nobilis. ANH extract exhibited a better antioxidant potential to scavenge DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide anion radicals than ANE extract, which showed better potential only against H2O2 radicals. In 24 h treatment, ANH extract revealed higher cytotoxicity (IC50 value: 22.77 µg/mL) than ANH extract (IC50 value: 46.74 µg/mL) on cancer (HepG2) cells without intoxicating the normal (BHK) cells using MTT assay. A better apoptotic potential was observed in ANH extract (49.10%) compared to ANE extract (41.35%) on HepG2 cells using the annexin V/PI method. GCMS analysis of ANH extract identified 35 phytocompounds, from which only 14 bioactive compounds were selected for molecular docking based on druggability criteria and toxicity filters. Among the five top scorers, deoxyshikonin exhibited the best binding affinities of - 7.2, - 9.2, - 7.2 and - 9.2 kcal/mol against TNF-α, TGF-βR1, Bcl-2 and iNOS, respectively, followed by ethyl cholate and 2-Methyl-6-(4-methylphenyl)hept-2-en-4-one along with their desirable ADMET properties. The phytochemicals of ANH extract could be used as a promising drug candidate for liver cancer after further validations.

Tiliacora triandra Leaf Powder Ethanolic Extract in Combination with Cisplatin or Gemcitabine Synergistically Inhibits the Growth of Cholangiocarcinoma Cells In Vitro and in Nude Mouse Xenograft Models

Background and Objectives: The treatments of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) with Cisplatin (Cis) and Gemcitabine (Gem) often cause side effects and drug resistance. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of Tiliacora triandra leaf powder ethanolic extract (TLPE) and Cis or Gem on CCA cells in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. Materials and Methods: Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using MTT assay. Drug interaction was studied by Chou-Talalay method. Apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell cycle and apoptosis regulating proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis. Results:Treatments with Cis or Gem in combination with TLPE significantly inhibited the growth of KKU-M213B and KKU-100 cells compared with single drug treatments. Synergistic drug interactions were observed with the dose reduction of Cis and Gem treatments. The safety of TLPE was demonstrated in vitro by the hemolytic assay. Synergistic combination treatments down-regulated Bcl2 and reduced the ratio of Bcl2/Bax in both CCA cells. TLPE enhanced tumor suppression of both Cis and Gem in nude mouse xenograft models. Combination treatments with Cis and TLPE reduced Cis toxicity, as demonstrated by the enhanced body weight change of the treated mice compared with the treatment with Cis alone. Furthermore, TLPE reduced hepatotoxicity caused by Gem treatment and reduced kidney and spleen toxicities caused by Cis treatment. Conclusion: These findings suggest that TLPE enhances the anticancer activity of Cis and Gem and reduces their toxicity both in vitro and in nude mouse xenograft models.

The innate effects of plant secondary metabolites in preclusion of gynecologic cancers: Inflammatory response and therapeutic action

Gynecologic cancers can make up the bulk of cancers in both humans and animals. The stage of diagnosis and the type of tumor, its origin, and its spread are a few of the factors that influence how effectively a treatment modality works. Currently, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the major treatment options recommended for the eradication of malignancies. The use of several anti-carcinogenic drugs increases the chance of harmful side effects, and patients might not react to the treatments as expected. The significance of the relationship between inflammation and cancer has been underscored by recent research. As a result, it has been shown that a variety of phytochemicals with beneficial bioactive effects on inflammatory pathways have the potential to act as anti-carcinogenic medications for the treatment of gynecologic cancer. The current paper reviews the significance of inflammatory pathways in gynecologic malignancies and discusses the role of plants-derived secondary metabolites that are useful in the treatment of cancer.

Comprehensive chemical profiling of two Dendrobium species and identification of anti-hepatoma active constituents from Dendrobium chrysotoxum by network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium chrysotoxum are important species of the genus Dendrobium and have great economic and medicinal value. However, the medicinal properties of these two plants remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the medical properties of D. nobile and D. chrysotoxum by conducting a comprehensive chemical profiling of the two plants. Additionally, active compounds and predictive targets for anti-hepatoma activity in D. chrysotoxum extracts were identified using Network Pharmacology.

RESULTS

Chemical profiling showed that altogether 65 phytochemicals were identified from D. nobile and D. chrysotoxum, with major classes as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, bibenzyls and phenanthrenes. About 18 compounds were identified as the important differential metabolites in D. nobile and D. chrysotoxum. Furtherly, CCK-8 results showed that the extracts of stems and leaves of D. nobile and D. chrysotoxum could inhibit the growth of Huh-7 cells, and the anti-hepatoma activity of extracts were dose-dependent. Among the extracts, the extract of D. chrysotoxum showed significant anti-hepatoma activity. In order to find the potential mechanism of anti-hepatoma activity of D. chrysotoxum, five key compounds and nine key targets were obtained through constructing and analyzing the compound-target-pathway network. The five key compounds were chrysotobibenzyl, chrysotoxin, moscatilin, gigantol and chrysotoxene. Nine key targets, including GAPDH, EGFR, ESR1, HRAS, SRC, CCND1, HIF1A, ERBB2 and MTOR, could be considered as the core targets of the anti-hepatoma activity of D. chrysotoxum.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the chemical composition difference and anti-hepatoma activity of stems and leaves of D. nobile and D. chrysotoxum were compared, and the potential anti-hepatoma mechanism of D. chrysotoxum was revealed in a multi-target and multi-pathway manner.

Hyaluronic Acid-Mediated Phenolic Compound Nanodelivery for Cancer Therapy

Phenolic compounds are bioactive phytochemicals showing a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. Moreover, they are associated with fewer side effects compared to most currently used antitumor drugs. Combinations of phenolic compounds with commonly used drugs have been largely studied as an approach aimed at enhancing the efficacy of anticancer drugs and reducing their deleterious systemic effects. In addition, some of these compounds are reported to reduce tumor cell drug resistance by modulating different signaling pathways. However, often, their application is limited due to their chemical instability, low water solubility, or scarce bioavailability. Nanoformulations, including polyphenols in combination or not with anticancer drugs, represent a suitable strategy to enhance their stability and bioavailability and, thus, improve their therapeutic activity. In recent years, the development of hyaluronic acid-based systems for specific drug delivery to cancer cells has represented a pursued therapeutic strategy. This is related to the fact that this natural polysaccharide binds to the CD44 receptor that is overexpressed in most solid cancers, thus allowing its efficient internalization in tumor cells. Moreover, it is characterized by high biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Here, we will focus on and critically analyze the results obtained in recent studies regarding the use of hyaluronic acid for the targeted delivery of bioactive phenolic compounds to cancer cells of different origins, alone or in combination with drugs.

Critical Review in Designing Plant-Based Anticancer Nanoparticles against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for 85% of liver cancer cases, continues to be the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although various forms of chemotherapy and immunotherapy have been investigated in clinics, patients continue to suffer from high toxicity and undesirable side effects. Medicinal plants contain novel critical bioactives that can target multimodal oncogenic pathways; however, their clinical translation is often challenged due to poor aqueous solubility, low cellular uptake, and poor bioavailability. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery presents great opportunities in HCC therapy by increasing selectivity and transferring sufficient doses of bioactives to tumor areas with minimal damage to adjacent healthy cells. In fact, many phytochemicals encapsulated in FDA-approved nanocarriers have demonstrated the ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment. In this review, information about the mechanisms of promising plant bioactives against HCC is discussed and compared. Their benefits and risks as future nanotherapeutics are underscored. Nanocarriers that have been employed to encapsulate both pure bioactives and crude extracts for application in various HCC models are examined and compared. Finally, the current limitations in nanocarrier design, challenges related to the HCC microenvironment, and future opportunities are also discussed for the clinical translation of plant-based nanomedicines from bench to bedside.

Mechanisms of Action of Fruit and Vegetable Phytochemicals in Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and its incidence is expected to increase by almost 80% by 2030. CRC apparition is related to poor diet, mainly due to low consumption of phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables. Hence, this paper reviews the most promising phytochemicals in the literature, presenting scientific evidence regarding potential CRC chemopreventive effects. Moreover, this paper reveals the structure and action of CRC mechanisms that these phytochemicals are involved in. The review reveals that vegetables rich in phytochemicals such as carrots and green leafy vegetables, as well as some fruits such as pineapple, citrus fruits, papaya, mango, and Cape gooseberry, that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties can promote a healthy colonic environment. Fruits and vegetables in the daily diet promote antitumor mechanisms by regulating cell signaling and/or proliferation pathways. Hence, daily consumption of these plant products is recommended to reduce the risk of CRC.

Comparison of Phytochemical Composition and Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis of an Extract from Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I. I. Johnst and Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. and Biological Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Activity In Vitro

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (CA) and Porophyllum ruderale (PR) are representative edible plants that are a traditional food source in Mexico. This research aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition and untargeted metabolomics analysis of CA and PR and evaluate their antiproliferative effect in vitro. The phytochemical composition (UPLC-DAD-QToF/MS-ESI) identified up to 38 polyphenols and selected organic acids that were clustered by the untargeted metabolomics in functional activities linked to indolizidines, pyridines, and organic acids. Compared with PR, CA displayed a higher reduction in the metabolic activity of human SW480 colon adenocarcinoma cells (LC50: 10.65 mg/mL), and both extracts increased the total apoptotic cells and arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. PR increased mRNA Apc gene expression, whereas both extracts reduced mRNA Kras expression. Rutin/epigallocatechin gallate displayed the highest affinity to APC and K-RAS proteins in silico. Further research is needed to experiment on other cell lines. Results suggested that CA and PR are polyphenol-rich plant sources exhibiting antiproliferative effects in vitro.