Coumarins and Coumarin-Related Compounds in Pharmacotherapy of Cancer

Coumarin-modified ruthenium complexes: Synthesis, characterization, and antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells

Among ruthenium complexes studied as anticancer metallodrugs, NKP-1339, NAMI-A, RM175, and RAPTA-C have already entered clinical trials due to their potent antitumor activity demonstrated in preclinical studies and reduced toxicity in comparison with platinum drugs. Considering the advantages of ruthenium-based anticancer drugs and the cytostatic activity of organometallic complexes with triazole- and coumarin-derived ligands, we set out to synthesize Ru(II) complexes of coumarin-1,2,3,-triazole hybrids (L) with the general formula [Ru(L)(p-cymene)(Cl)]ClO4. The molecular structure of the complex [Ru(2a)(p-cymene)(Cl)]ClO4 (2aRu) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which confirmed the coordination of the ligand to the central ruthenium(II) cation by bidentate mode of coordination. Coordination with Ru(II) resulted in the enhancement of cytostatic activity in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Coumarin derivative 2a positively regulated the expression and activity of c-Myc and NPM1 in RKO colon carcinoma cells, while the Ru(II) half-sandwich complex 2cRu induced downregulation of AKT and ERK signaling in PANC-1 cells concomitant with reduced intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. Altogether, our findings indicated that coumarin-modified half-sandwich Ru(II) complexes held potential as anticancer agents against gastrointestinal malignancies.

Construction of HaloTag-based macromolecular probe for multiple logic gates and photoactivatable bioimaging

Protein bioconjugation has emerged as one of the most valuable tools for the development of protein-based biochemical assays. Herein, we report a fluorescent macromolecular probe RF12_POI, in which the coumarin derivative RF12 is specifically conjugated onto the HaloTag fused protein of interest (POI) to achieve a dual stimuli-mediated fluorescence response. RF12 is first obtained by installing a photo-cleavable 1-ethyl-2-nitrobenzyl group onto the C7 hydroxy moiety of coumarin fluorophore with a HaloTag ligand attaching to the acid-labile 1,3-dioxane moiety. Upon stimulation, RF12_Halo exhibits a sequential fluorescence response to photon/H+ on both liquid and solid interfaces. Through the conjugation of RF12 onto the GFP_Halo protein, RF12_GFP_Halo presents a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from photo-cleaved RF12 to GFP in the protein complex. Furthermore, by utilizing the stimuli-responsive fluorescence characteristics of coumarin derivatives RF12 (photon/H+) and RF16 (H2O2/H+), we construct RF12/RF16_POI based protein films and achieve multiple applications of logic circuits, including AND, OR, XOR, INHIBIT, Half-adder or Half-subtractor. In these circuits, the output value of I/I0 is dependent on the input sequence of photon, H2O2, and H+. Additionally, we evaluate the fluorescence labeling ability of RF12 to intracellular IRE1_Halo protein and demonstrate that RF12 containing the HaloTag ligand could be precisely retained in cells to track IRE1_Halo protein. Hence, we provide a unique structural design strategy to construct fluorescence dual-responsive macromolecules for information encryption and cellular protein visualization.

A review of the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of the Ferulago genus based on Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) of coumarins

BACKGROUND

The Ferluago W.D.J. Koch genus includes 48 accepted perennial herbs that are distributed in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Europe, Central and Middle East of Asia. These plants are widely used in folk and conventional medicine due to their biological benefits such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Conducting a comprehensive review based on the structure activity relationships (SARs) of the coumarins, which has not been previously documented, can lead to a better insight into the genus Ferulago and its beneficial therapeutic activities.

METHODS

This review covers literature from 1969 to 2023, were collected from various scientific electronic databases to review phytochemical, pharmacological, and ethnopharmacological data of Ferulago species, as well as latest information on the SAR of reported coumarins from this genus.

RESULTS

Phytochemical studies showed that the biological actions of this genus are mediated by the reported specialized metabolites, such as coumarins and flavonoids. Simple coumarins, prenylated coumarins, furanocoumarins, and pyranocoumarins are the largest subclasses of coumarins found in diverse Ferulago species, which have discussed the biological effects of them with a focus on the Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR). For example, prenylated coumarins have shown potential leishmanicidal and anti-neuropsychiatric effects when substituted with a prenyl group at the 7-hydroxy, as well as the C6 and C8 positions in their scaffold. Similarly, furanocoumarins exhibit varied biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-convulsant effects. Modifying substitutions at the C5 and C6 positions in furanocoumarins can enhance these activities.

CONCLUSION

This study conducted a comprehensive review of all available information on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Ferulago species. Given the high occurrence of coumarins in this genus, which exhibit potential anti-Alzheimer and anti-microbial properties, it presents promising new therapeutic avenues for addressing these common issues. Further investigation is needed to understand the molecular-level mechanisms of action and to explore their clinical applications.

Organoruthenium metallocycle induced mutation in gld-1 tumor suppression gene in JK1466 strain and appreciable lifespan expansion

Four Ru(II) complexes (A2-A5) were synthesized from the reaction of coumarin Schiff base ligands (7da2-tsc, 7da3-mtsc, 7da4-etsc and 7da5-ptsc) with [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3]. The compounds were characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H, 13C and 31P NMR, mass spectrometry and crystallographic analysis. Calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA) binding studies revealed the intercalative mode of binding of the complexes with DNA. The results of Bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding studies established the interaction between BSA followed static quenching mechanism. The cytotoxic effects of the complexes and the ligands were evaluated against breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and lung carcinoma cell lines (A549 and NCI-H460) using MTT assay. Complex A4 demonstrated potent cytotoxic effects on both breast and lung cancer cells. Furthermore, morphological observations and FACS analysis showed the decrease in cell density by complex A4 by induced morphological changes and apoptotic body formation and cell death in both breast and lung cancer cells. Moreover, the invertebrate model Caenorhabditis elegans was employed to assess the in vivo anticancer activity of compound A4. The findings indicated that the treatment with A4 reduced tumor development and significantly extended organismal lifespan by 64 % in the tumoral strain JK1466 without adversely affecting essential physiological functions of the worm. Additionally, A4 demonstrated an upregulation of two crucial antioxidant defense genes. Overall, these results suggested that the compound A4 can be a potential candidate with novel chemotherapeutic applications.

Study on the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of Coumarins in Peucedanum decursivum Based on Spatial Metabolomics Combined with Network Pharmacology

Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim (P. decursivum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, the root of which is widely used as medicine. Determining the spatial distribution and pharmacological mechanisms of metabolites is necessary when studying the effective substances of medicinal plants. As a means of obtaining spatial distribution information of metabolites, mass spectrometry imaging has high sensitivity and allows for molecule visualization. In this study, matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MSI) and network pharmacology were used for the first time to visually study the spatial distribution and anti-inflammatory mechanism of coumarins, which are metabolites of P. decursivum, to determine their tissue localization and mechanism of action. A total of 27 coumarins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MSI, which mainly concentrated in the cortex, periderm, and phloem of the root of P. decursivum. Network pharmacology studies have identified key targets for the anti-inflammatory effect of P. decursivum, such as TNF, PTGS2, and PRAKA. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that coumarins in P. decursivum mainly participated in biological processes such as inflammatory response, positive regulation of protein kinase B signaling, chemical carcinogenesis receptor activation, pathways in cancer, and other biological pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that there was good binding between components and targets. This study provides a basis for understanding the spatial distribution and anti-inflammatory mechanism of coumarins in P. decursivum.

Novel Coumarin-Nucleobase Hybrids with Potential Anticancer Activity: Synthesis, In Vitro Cell-Based Evaluation, and Molecular Docking

A new series of compounds planned by molecular hybridization of the nucleobases uracil and thymine, or the xanthine theobromine, with coumarins, and linked through 1,2,3-triazole heterocycles were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against the human tumor cell lines: colon carcinoma (HCT116), laryngeal tumor cells (Hep-2), and lung carcinoma cells (A549). The hybrid compound 9a exhibited better activity in the series, showing an IC50 of 24.19 ± 1.39 μM against the HCT116 cells, with a selectivity index (SI) of 6, when compared to the cytotoxicity against the non-tumor cell line HaCat. The in silico search for pharmacological targets was achieved through molecular docking studies on all active compounds, which suggested that the synthesized compounds possess a high affinity to the Topoisomerase 1-DNA complex, supporting their antitumor activity. The in silico toxicity prediction studies suggest that the compounds present a low risk of causing theoretical mutagenic and tumorigenic effects. These findings indicate that molecular hybridization from natural derivative molecules is an interesting approach to seek new antitumor candidates.

Nanomaterial-Based Sensors for Coumarin Detection

Sensors are widely used owing to their advantages including excellent sensing performance, user-friendliness, portability, rapid response, high sensitivity, and specificity. Sensor technologies have been expanded rapidly in recent years to offer many applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, the environment, food safety, and national security. Various nanomaterial-based sensors have been developed for their exciting features, such as a powerful absorption band in the visible region, excellent electrical conductivity, and good mechanical properties. Natural and synthetic coumarin derivatives are attracting attention in the development of functional polymers and polymeric networks for their unique biological, optical, and photochemical properties. They are the most abundant organic molecules in medicine because of their biological and pharmacological impacts. Furthermore, coumarin derivatives can modulate signaling pathways that affect various cellular processes. This review covers the discovery of coumarins and their derivatives, the integration of nanomaterial-based sensors, and recent advances in nanomaterial-based sensing for coumarins. This review also explains how sensors work, their types, their pros and cons, and sensor studies for coumarin detection in recent years.

Gut-Brain Axis in Focus: Polyphenols, Microbiota, and Their Influence on α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease

With the recognition of the importance of the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease (PD) etiology, there is increased interest in developing therapeutic strategies that target α-synuclein, the hallmark abhorrent protein of PD pathogenesis, which may originate in the gut. Research has demonstrated that inhibiting the aggregation, oligomerization, and fibrillation of α-synuclein are key strategies for disease modification. Polyphenols, which are rich in fruits and vegetables, are drawing attention for their potential role in this context. In this paper, we reviewed how polyphenols influence the composition and functional capabilities of the gut microbiota and how the resulting microbial metabolites of polyphenols may potentially enhance the modulation of α-synuclein aggregation. Understanding the interaction between polyphenols and gut microbiota and identifying which specific microbes may enhance the efficacy of polyphenols is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies and precision nutrition based on the microbiome.

Preparation of Luvangetin Nanoemulsions: Antimicrobial Mechanism and Role in Infected Wound Healing

Purpose

Incorporation of luvangetin in nanoemulsions for antimicrobial and therapeutic use in infected wound healing.

Patients and Methods

Luvangetin nanoemulsions were prepared by high-speed shear method and characterized based on their appearance structure, average droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), electric potential, storage stability. Optimized formulation of luvangetin nanoemulsion by Box-Behnken design (BBD). The antimicrobial activity and antimicrobial mechanism of luvangetin nanoemulsions against common hospital pathogens, ie, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), were investigated using luvangetin nanoemulsions. The biosafety of luvangetin nanoemulsion was evaluated through cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay experiments using human normal epidermal cells and endothelial cells. Finally, the effect of luvangetin nanoemulsion on healing of infected wounds was investigated in B6 mice.

Results

Luvangetin nanoemulsion formulation consists of 2.5% sunflower seed oil, 10% emulsifier Span-20 and 7 minutes of shear time, and with good stability. Luvangetin nanoemulsion produces antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli by disrupting the structure of bacterial cell membranes. Luvangetin nanoemulsion are biologically safe for HaCat and HUVEC. Luvangetin nanoemulsion showed good therapeutic effect on MRSA infected wounds in mice.

Conclusion

For the first time, developed a new formulation called luvangetin nanoemulsion, which exhibited superior antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Luvangetin nanoemulsion has a favorable effect in promoting infected wound healing. We have combined luvangetin, which has multiple activities, with nanoemulsions to provide a new topical fungicidal formulation, and have comprehensively evaluated its effectiveness and safety, opening up new possibilities for further applications of luvangetin.

Coumarin-poly(2-oxazoline)s as synergetic and protein-undetected nanovectors for photodynamic therapy

Because of the difficult challenges of nanopharmaceutics, the development of a variety of nanovectors is still highly desired. Photodynamic therapy, which uses a photosensitizer to locally produce reactive oxygen species to kill the undesired cells, is a typical example for which encapsulation has been shown to be beneficial. The present work describes the use of coumarin-functionalized polymeric nanovectors based on the self-assembly of amphiphilic poly(2-oxazoline)s. Encapsulation of pheophorbide a, a known PDT photosensitizer, is shown to lead to an increased efficiency compared to the un-encapsulated version. Interestingly, the presence of coumarin both enhances the desired photocytotoxicity and enables the crosslinking of the vectors. Various nanovectors are examined, differing by their size, shape and hydrophilicity. Their behaviour in PDT protocols on HCT-116 cells monolayers is described, the influence of their crosslinking commented. Furthermore, the formation of a protein corona is assessed.

Artemisia argyi extracts overcome lapatinib resistance via enhancing TMPRSS2 activation in HER2-positive breast cancer

Breast cancer stands as the predominant malignancy and primary cause of cancer-related mortality among females globally. Approximately 25% of breast cancers exhibit HER2 overexpression, imparting a more aggressive tumor phenotype and correlating with poor prognoses. Patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (HER2 TKIs), such as Lapatinib, develop acquired resistance within a year, posing a critical challenge in managing this disease. Here, we explore the potential of Artemisia argyi, a Chinese herbal medicine known for its anti-cancer properties, in mitigating HER2 TKI resistance in breast cancer. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed diminished expression of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), a subfamily of membrane proteolytic enzymes, in breast cancer patients, correlating with unfavorable outcomes. Intriguingly, lapatinib-responsive patients exhibited higher TMPRSS2 expression. Our study unveiled that the compounds from Artemisia argyi, eriodictyol, and umbelliferone could inhibit the growth of lapatinib-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, they suppressed HER2 kinase activation by enhancing TMPRSS2 activity. Our findings propose TMPRSS2 as a critical determinant in lapatinib sensitivity, and Artemisia argyi emerges as a potential agent to overcome lapatinib via activating TMPRSS2 in HER2-positive breast cancer. This study not only unravels the molecular mechanisms driving cell death in HER2-positive breast cancer cells induced by Artemisia argyi but also lays the groundwork for developing novel inhibitors to enhance therapy outcomes.

Osthole Suppresses Cell Growth of Prostate Cancer by Disrupting Redox Homeostasis, Mitochondrial Function, and Regulation of tiRNAHisGTG

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, posing a substantial threat to men's well-being. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, the progression of prostate cancer still presents challenges, warranting further exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, inhibited cell viability in cancer cells but not in the normal prostate cell line. Moreover, osthole disrupted cell cycle progression. Furthermore, osthole reduces mitochondrial respiration with mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) depolarization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. In particular, osthole-induced ROS generation was reduced by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) in prostate cancer. In addition, using calcium inhibitors (2-APB and ruthenium red) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor (4-PBA), we confirmed that ER stress-induced calcium overload by osthole causes mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, we verified that the osthole-induced upregulation of tiRNAHisGTG expression is related to mechanisms that induce permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane and calcium accumulation. Regarding intracellular signaling, osthole inactivated the PI3K and ERK pathways while activating the expression of the P38, JNK, ER stress, and autophagy-related proteins. In conclusion, the results suggest that osthole can be used as a therapeutic or adjuvant treatment for the management of prostate cancer.

Synthesis of 6H-Chromeno[4,3-b]quinolin-7-ylphosphonates through Three Component Phosphonylation of Coumarin Carbaldehyde and Their Antimicrobial and Photophysical Properties

Organophosphorylated coumarin derivatives were synthesized by a three-component reaction of 4-chloro-3-formylcoumarin, aromatic amines, and dialkyl phosphite in the presence of ZnCl2. This process includes the formation of C(sp3)-P and C(sp2)-N bonds in one pot. The modular scope of the reaction allowed rapid access to a variety of 6H-chromeno[4,3-b]quinolin-7-ylphosphonate derivatives in good yields. Furthermore, photophysical studies of the products revealed their stimulating fluorescence properties.

Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Difluoromethylated/C-4- and C-5-Functionalized Polycyclic Coumarin Derivatives

A facile and novel synthetic method for the synthesis of functionalized polycyclic coumarins at the C-4 and C-5 positions is proposed for the first time, which employs copper-catalyzed addition reactions of undiscovered alkenes with difluoromethyl radicals to construct polycyclic coumarins. This strategy is characterized by high regioselectivity, easy availability of raw materials, and simple operation. Additionally, such undiscovered coumarin alkenes can be reacted with a variety of difluoromethyl precursors to obtain a wide range of valuable C-4 and C-5 position functionalized/difluoromethylated polycyclic coumarins. More importantly, some of the products showed significant inhibition of proliferation in vitro against melanoma B16-F10 and lung cancer A549 cell lines with optimal IC50 values of 8.57 and 16.04 μM, respectively.

Coumarin as an Elite Scaffold in Anti-Breast Cancer Drug Development: Design Strategies, Mechanistic Insights, and Structure-Activity Relationships

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Currently, it poses a significant threat to the healthcare system due to the emerging resistance and toxicity of available drug candidates in clinical practice, thus generating an urgent need for the development of new potent and safer anti-breast cancer drug candidates. Coumarin (chromone-2-one) is an elite ring system widely distributed among natural products and possesses a broad range of pharmacological properties. The unique distribution and pharmacological efficacy of coumarins attract natural product hunters, resulting in the identification of numerous natural coumarins from different natural sources in the last three decades, especially those with anti-breast cancer properties. Inspired by this, numerous synthetic derivatives based on coumarins have been developed by medicinal chemists all around the globe, showing promising anti-breast cancer efficacy. This review is primarily focused on the development of coumarin-inspired anti-breast cancer agents in the last three decades, especially highlighting design strategies, mechanistic insights, and their structure-activity relationship. Natural coumarins having anti-breast cancer efficacy are also briefly highlighted. This review will act as a guideline for researchers and medicinal chemists in designing optimum coumarin-based potent and safer anti-breast cancer agents.

Preclinical Pharmacokinetic Study and Lung Penetration of a Coumarin Extracted from Zanthoxylum tingoassuiba

The compound 6-methoxyseselin, derived from Zanthoxylum tingoassuiba, demonstrates various therapeutic properties, including vasorelaxation, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, along with recently discovered antiasthmatic properties. This study aimed to evaluate its preclinical pharmacokinetics and pulmonary delivery in Balb/c mice. The method involved administering the compound via inhalation and intravenous routes, followed by blood sample collection for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The results indicated good linearity, precision, accuracy, and stability of the compound in the biological samples. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as the rate of elimination, half-life, clearance, volume of distribution, area under the curve, and mean residence time were determined for both administration routes, showing similar profiles. The lung concentrations were notably higher than the plasma concentrations, indicating significant lung penetration. These findings suggest 6-methoxyseselin as a promising candidate for new anti-asthmatic drugs, supported by its favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and high lung penetration factors. This study represents the first exploration of the pharmacokinetics and pulmonary delivery of 6-methoxyseselin in mice, highlighting its potential for further drug development.

Coumarin-Synthetic Methodologies, Pharmacology, and Application as Natural Fluorophore

Coumarins are secondary metabolites made up of benzene and α-pyrone rings fused together that can potentially treat various ailments, including cancer, metabolic, and degenerative disorders. Coumarins are a diverse category of both naturally occurring as well as synthesized compounds with numerous biological and therapeutic properties. Coumarins as fluorophores play a key role in fluorescent labeling of biomolecules, metal ion detection, microenvironment polarity detection, and pH detection. This review provides a detailed insight into the characteristics of coumarins as well as their biosynthesis in plants and metabolic pathways. Various synthetic strategies for coumarin core involving both conventional and green methods have been discussed comparing advantages and disadvantages of each method. Conventional methods discussed are Pechmann, Knoevenagel, Perkin, Wittig, Kostanecki, Buchwald-Hartwig, and metal-induced coupling reactions such as Heck and Suzuki, as well as green approaches involving microwave or ultrasound energy. Various pharmacological applications of coumarin derivatives are discussed in detail. The structural features and conditions responsible for influencing the fluorescence of coumarin core are also elaborated.

Synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of novel 3,5,8-trisubstituted coumarins against breast cancer

Aim: This study focused on designing and synthesizing novel derivatives of 3,5,8-trisubstituted coumarin. Results: The synthesized compounds, particularly compound 5, exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells, surpassing staurosporine, and reduced toxicity toward MCF-10A cells, highlighting potential pharmacological advantages. Further, compound 5 altered the cell cycle and significantly increased apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, involving both early (41.7-fold) and late stages (33-fold), while moderately affecting necrotic signaling. The antitumor activity was linked to a notable reduction (4.78-fold) in topoisomerase IIβ expression. Molecular modeling indicated compound 5's strong affinity for EGFR, human EGF2 and topoisomerase II proteins. Conclusion: These findings highlight compound 5 as a multifaceted antitumor agent for breast cancer.

The role of natural products versus miRNA in renal cell carcinoma: implications for disease mechanisms and diagnostic markers

Natural products are chemical compounds produced by living organisms. They are isolated and purified to determine their function and can potentially be used as therapeutic agents. The ability of some bioactive natural products to modify the course of cancer is fascinating and promising. In the past 50 years, there have been advancements in cancer therapy that have increased survival rates for localized tumors. However, there has been little progress in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. Oncogenes and tumor suppressors are two roles played by microRNAs (miRNAs). They are involved in important pathogenetic mechanisms like hypoxia and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); they control apoptosis, cell growth, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and proliferation through target proteins involved in various signaling pathways. Depending on their expression pattern, miRNAs may identify certain subtypes of RCC or distinguish tumor tissue from healthy renal tissue. As diagnostic biomarkers of RCC, circulating miRNAs show promise. There is a correlation between the expression patterns of several miRNAs and the prognosis and diagnosis of patients with RCC. Potentially high-risk primary tumors may be identified by comparing original tumor tissue with metastases. Variations in miRNA expression between treatment-sensitive and therapy-resistant patients' tissues and serum allow for the estimation of responsiveness to target therapy. Our knowledge of miRNAs' function in RCC etiology has a tremendous uptick. Finding and validating their gene targets could have an immediate effect on creating anticancer treatments based on miRNAs. Several miRNAs have the potential to be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the current knowledge regarding natural compounds and their modes of action in combating cancer. Also, this study aims to give information about the diagnostic and prognostic value of miRNAs as cancer biomarkers and their involvement in the pathogenesis of RCC.

Novel Aminocoumarin Derivatives against Phytopathogenic Fungi: Design, Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships

Phytopathogenic fungi is the most devastating reason for the decrease of the agricultural production and food safety. To develop new fungicidal agents for resistance concerning, a novel series of aminocoumarin derivatives were synthesized and their fungicidal activity were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), RNA-Seq, 3D-QSAR and molecular docking were applied to reveal the underlying anti-fungal mechanisms. Most of the compounds exhibited significant fungicidal activity. Notably, compound 10c had a more extensive fungicidal effect than positive control. TEM indicated that compound 10c could cause abnormal morphology of cell walls, vacuoles and release of cellular contents. Transcriptional analysis data indicated that 895 and 653 out of 1548 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were up-regulated and down-regulated respectively. The Go and KEGG enrichment indicated that the coumarin derivatives could induce significant changes of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase (ACCA) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) genes, which contributed to the disorders of glucolipid metabolism and the dysfunction of mitochondrial. The results demonstrated that aminocoumarins with schiff-base as core moieties could be the promising lead compounds for the discovery of novel fungicides.

Design, synthesis and mechanism study of coumarin-sulfonamide derivatives as carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors with anticancer activity

In this study, twenty-nine coumarin-3-sulfonamide derivatives, twenty-seven of which are original were designed and synthesized. Cytotoxicity assay indicated that most of these derivatives exhibited moderated to good potency against A549 cells. Among them, compound 8q showed potent inhibition against the four tested cancer cell lines, especially A549 cells with IC50 value of 6.01 ± 0.81 μM, and much lower cytotoxicity on the normal cells was observed compared to the reference compounds. Bioinformatics analysis revealed human carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and associated with poor prognosis. The inhibitory activity of compound 8q against CAIX was assessed by using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed prominent interactions of both compound 8q and CAIX at the active site and their high affinity. The results of ELISA assays verified that compound 8q possessed strong inhibitory activity against CAIX and high subtype selectivity, and could also down-regulate the expression of CAIX in A549 cells. Furthermore, the significant inhibitory effects of compound 8q on the migration and invasion of A549 cells were also found. After treatment with compound 8q, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decreased. Mechanistic investigation using western blotting revealed compound 8q exerted the anti-migrative and anti-invasive effects probably through mitochondria-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway by targeting CAIX. In summary, coumarin-3-sulfonamide derivatives were developed as potential and effective CAIX inhibitors, which were worthy of further investigation.

Discovery and Development of Luvangetin from Zanthoxylum avicennae as a New Fungicide Candidate for Fusarium verticillioides

Pathogenic fungi pose a significant threat to crop yields and human healthy, and the subsequent fungicide resistance has greatly aggravated these agricultural and medical challenges. Hence, the development of new fungicides with higher efficiency and greater environmental friendliness is urgently required. In this study, luvangetin, isolated and identified from the root of Zanthoxylum avicennae, exhibited wide-spectrum antifungal activity in vivo and in vitro. Integrated omics and in vitro and in vivo transcriptional analyses revealed that luvangetin inhibited GAL4-like Zn(II)2Cys6 transcriptional factor-mediated transcription, particularly the FvFUM21-mediated FUM cluster gene expression, and decreased the biosynthesis of fumonisins inFusarium verticillioides. Moreover, luvangetin binds to the double-stranded DNA helix in vitro in the groove mode. We isolated and identified luvangetin, a natural metabolite from a traditional Chinese edible medicinal plant and uncovered its multipathogen resistance mechanism. This study is the first to reveal the mechanism underlying the antifungal activity of luvangetin and provides a promising direction for the future use of plant-derived natural products to prevent and control plant and animal pathogenic fungi.

4-Hydroxy-2-pyridone derivatives with antitumor activity produced by mangrove endophytic fungus Talaromyces sp. CY-3

OSMAC strategy is a useful tool for discovering series of metabolites from microorganism. Five new sambutoxin derivatives (1-2, 4, 8-9), together with seven known compounds (3, 5-7, 10-12), were isolated from Talaromyces sp. CY-3 under OSMAC strategy and guidance of molecular networking. Their planar structures and absolute configurations were determined by NMR, HRESIMS, ECD spectra and common biosynthetic pathway. In bioassay, compounds 1-12 showed cytotoxicity to tumor cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 1.76-49.13 μM. The antitumor molecular mechanism of 10 was also explored. In vitro compound 10 significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of two lung cancer cell lines (A549 and H1703). Furthermore, colony formation, EdU analysis, flow cytometry and Western blot analysis showed that 10 could induce cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase by promoting the expression of p53 and p21. The molecular mechanism of its antitumor effects in vitro is that 10 arrests the cell cycle by activating the p21/CyclinD1/Rb signaling pathway and the p53 pathway. Our results identified a lead small molecule compound with efficient antitumor growth and proliferation activity.

A new 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin and an antiinflammatory coumarin from the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk resulted in the isolation of twelve coumarin derivatives including one new 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin (1) and eleven known 3,4-unsubstituted coumarins (2-12). Structural elucidation of compounds 1-12 was established by 1D and 2D NMR spectra referring to the literature, together with high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis. LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammatory cell model was used to determine the potential antiinflammation activity of all the isolated compounds in vitro. The results showed that compound 3 significantly inhibited the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO in macrophages (IC50 = 4.54 ± 1.71 μM), more active than the positive control (L-NMMA).

The ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the genus Bersama: current review and future perspectives

Bersama (Melianthaceae) has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments, including blood purifier, immune booster, psychotropic medication, and treatment for malaria, hepatitis, infertility, diabetes, impotency, meningitis, and stroke. This review gathers fragmented information from the literature on ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of the Bersama genus. It also explores the therapeutic potential of the Bersama genus in ethnophytopharmacology, allowing for further investigation. All the available information published in the English language on Bersama genus was compiled from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Ethnobotany, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search using the following keywords: "Bersama genus," "traditional use," "phytochemistry," "pharmacological effects," and "toxicology". The ethnomedical applications of the Bersama genus have been recorded, and it has been used traditionally for more than 30 different types of ailments. Thus far, more than 50 compounds have been isolated from the genus. Cardiac glycosides and terpenoids are the main compounds isolated from the Bersama genus. Different plant parts of Bersama genus extracts demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimalarial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activity. Exemplary drug leads from the genus include mangiferin and quercetin-3-O-arabinopyranoside, both of which have antioxidant activities. Bersama genus has long been used to cure a wide range of ailments. Bersama genus extracts and phytochemicals have been found to have promising pharmacological activities. Further study on promising crude extracts and compounds is required to develop innovative therapeutic candidates.

Exploiting Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery: Advancing the Anti-Cancer Effects of Autophagy-Modulating Compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background

Cancer continues to be a prominent issue in the field of medicine, as demonstrated by recent studies emphasizing the significant role of autophagy in the development of cancer. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a variety of anti-tumor agents capable of regulating autophagy. However, the clinical application of autophagy-modulating compounds derived from TCM is impeded by their restricted water solubility and bioavailability. To overcome this challenge, the utilization of nanotechnology has been suggested as a potential solution. Nonetheless, the current body of literature on nanoparticles delivering TCM-derived autophagy-modulating anti-tumor compounds for cancer treatment is limited, lacking comprehensive summaries and detailed descriptions.

Methods

Up to November 2023, a comprehensive research study was conducted to gather relevant data using a variety of databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Web of Science, and CNKI. The keywords utilized in this investigation included "autophagy", "nanoparticles", "traditional Chinese medicine" and "anticancer".

Results

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of nanotechnology in overcoming delivery challenges and enhancing the anti-cancer properties of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM. The evaluation is based on a synthesis of different classes of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM, their mechanisms of action in cancer treatment, and their potential benefits as reported in various scholarly sources. The findings indicate that nanotechnology shows potential in enhancing the availability of autophagy-modulating agents in TCM, thereby opening up a plethora of potential therapeutic avenues.

Conclusion

Nanotechnology has the potential to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of autophagy-modulating compounds in traditional TCM, through regulation of autophagy.

In-silico identification and exploration of small molecule coumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as potential EGFR inhibitors for targeting lung cancer

Globally, lung cancer is a significant public health concern due to its role as the leading cause of cancer-related mortalities. The promising target of EGFR for lung cancer treatment has been identified, providing a potential avenue for more effective therapies. The purpose of the study was to design a library of 1843 coumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids and screen them based on a designed pharmacophore to identify potential inhibitors targeting EGFR in lung cancer with minimum or no side effects. Pharmacophore-based screening was carried out and 60 hits were obtained. To gain a better understanding of the binding interactions between the compounds and the targeted receptor, molecular docking was conducted on the 60 screened compounds. In-silico ADME and toxicity studies were also conducted to assess the drug-likeness and safety of the identified compounds. The results indicated that coumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids COUM-0849, COUM-0935, COUM-0414, COUM-1335, COUM-0276, and COUM-0484 exhibit dock score of - 10.2, - 10.2, - 10.1, - 10.1, - 10, - 10 while reference molecule - 7.9 kcal/mol for EGFR (PDB ID: 4HJO) respectively. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the identified compounds formed stable interactions with the active site of EGFR, indicating their potential as inhibitors. The in-silico ADME and toxicity studies showed that the compounds had favorable drug-likeness properties and low toxicity, further supporting their potential as therapeutic agents. Finally, we performed DFT studies on the best-selected ligands to gain further insights into their electronic properties. The findings of this study provide important insights into the potential of coumarin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as promising EGFR inhibitors for the management of lung cancer.

Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluation of the Morus alba L. leaf extract from Brunei Darussalam: Acute toxicity study in ICR mice

Background

Studies have reported that the phytochemical content of Mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) is influenced by the area where it grows. On the other hand, the study of the bioactivity and toxicity of mulberry leaves from Brunei Darussalam still needs to be completed. In particular, the investigation regarding the safe dose for Mulberry's application from Brunei Darussalam has yet to be studied. Hence, toxicity information must be considered even though the community has used it for generations.

Aim

This study investigated Morus alba ethanolic leaf extract (MAE) to observe the acute toxicity in mice.

Methods

In particular, this study utilized 12 female Institute of Cancer Research mice, 8 weeks old, divided into 2 groups: the control group and the MAE group (2,000 mg/kg single dose). Physiology, hematology, biochemistry, and histology were analyzed during the study.

Results

The examination result indicated no mortality and behavioral changes throughout the testing period. However, the mice developed mild anemia and leukopenia, followed by decreased numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. In addition, the mice developed a mild hepatocellular injury, indicated by significant (p < 0.05) elevations of both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). The histopathological findings of the liver were also consistent with the increment of ALT and AST, indicating mild hepatocellular necrosis through the eosinophilic cytoplasm and pyknosis (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

It was evident that a single oral administration of MAE was not lethal for mice (LD50, which was higher than 2,000 mg/kg). However, the administration of high doses of MAE must be carefully considered.

The Different Composition of Coumarins and Antibacterial Activity of Phlojodicarpus sibiricus and Phlojodicarpus villosus Root Extracts

Phlojodicarpus sibiricus, a valuable endangered medicinal plant, is a source of angular pyranocoumarins used in pharmacology. Due to limited resource availability, other pyranocoumarin sources are needed. In the present research, the chemical composition of a closely related species, Phlojodicarpus villosus, was studied, along with P. sibiricus. High-performance liquid chromatography and mass-spectrometric analyses, followed by antibacterial activity studies of root extracts from both species, were performed. P. sibiricus and P. villosus differed significantly in coumarin composition. Pyranocoumarins predominated in P. sibiricus, while furanocoumarins predominated in P. villosus. Osthenol, the precursor of angular pyrano- and furanocoumarins, was detected in both P. sibiricus and P. villosus. Angular forms of coumarins were detected in both species according to the mass-spectrometric behavior of the reference. Thus, P. villosus cannot be an additional source of pyranocoumarins because their content in the plant is critically low. At the same time, the plant contained large amounts of hydroxycoumarins and furanocoumarins. The extracts exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against five standard strains. The P. villosus extract additionally suppressed the growth of the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli. Thus, both Phlojodicarpus species are promising for further investigation in the field of pharmaceuticals as producers of different coumarins.

Investigation of novel radical scavenging mechanisms in the alkaline environment: Green, sustainable and environmentally friendly antioxidative agent(s)

Pharmaceutical and industrial utilization of synthetic chemicals has an immerse impact on the environment. In that sense, novel chemicals with potential for industrial application should be investigated for their behaviour in reactions with hydroxyl radical, simulating AOPs (Advanced Oxidation Processes). AOPs are known for being highly effective in wastewater management and natural water remediation. In this paper, exhaustive research on the radical scavenging activity of a newly synthesized coumarin derivative (4HCBH), as a representative of the series of coumarin-benzohydrazides with high antioxidative potential was conducted. This study took into consideration the pH value range significant for practically all living organisms (pH = 7.0-8.5). According to the experimentally obtained results, the 4HCBH showed an increase in radical scavenging activity, following the slight increase in pH values, which suggested that the formation of anionic form of 4HCBH is responsible for its antiradical activity. Further investigations led to the postulation of a novel mechanistic approach called Sequential Proton Loss Electron Transfer - Radical-Radical Coupling (SPLET-RRC), in which, by a series of steps, a new, stable compound was formed. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the product generated through SPLET-RRC showed lower toxicity than the parent molecule.

A comprehensive review of the anticancer effects of decursin

Cancer is a globally complex disease with a plethora of genetic, physiological, metabolic, and environmental variations. With the increasing resistance to current anticancer drugs, efforts have been made to develop effective cancer treatments. Currently, natural products are considered promising cancer therapeutic agents due to their potent anticancer activity and low intrinsic toxicity. Decursin, a coumarin analog mainly derived from the roots of the medicinal plant Angelica sinensis, has a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and especially anticancer activities. Existing studies indicate that decursin affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, and metastasis. It also indirectly affects the immune microenvironment and can act as a potential anticancer agent. Decursin can exert synergistic antitumor effects when used in combination with a number of common clinical anticancer drugs, enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity and reversing drug resistance in cancer cells, suggesting that decursin is a good drug combination. Second, decursin is also a promising lead compound, and compounds modifying its structure and formulation form also have good anticancer effects. In addition, decursin is not only a key ingredient in several natural herbs and dietary supplements but is also available through a biosynthetic pathway, with anticancer properties and a high degree of safety in cells, animals, and humans. Thus, it is evident that decursin is a promising natural compound, and its great potential for cancer prevention and treatment needs to be studied and explored in greater depth to support its move from the laboratory to the clinic.

Coumarin-Conjugated Macromolecular Probe for Sequential Stimuli-Mediated Activation

Protein bioconjugation has emerged as one of the most valuable tools for the development of protein-based biochemical assays. Here, we report a fluorescent macromolecular material, RF16_Halo, in which the coumarin derivative RF16 is specifically conjugated onto HaloTag protein to achieve a dual-stimuli-mediated fluorescence response. RF16 is first obtained by installing a H2O2-sensitive boron cage onto the C7 hydroxy moiety of the coumarin fluorophore with a HaloTag ligand attaching to the pH-labile 1,3-dioxane moiety. Upon stimulation, RF16_Halo exhibits a sequential fluorescence response to H2O2/pH at both liquid and solid interfaces. The fluorescence of the RF16_Halo-based protein film increases linearly toward H2O2 with a higher sensitivity when compared with that of RF16. Subsequently, the H2O2-cleaved RF16_Halo presents a pH-dependent fluorescence decrease under acidic conditions. Such a stimulus-responsive fluorescence "off-on-off" multimode enables RF16_Halo to be applied as a sequential logic circuit. In addition, we evaluate the fluorescence labeling ability of RF16 to intracellular IRE1_Halo protein and demonstrate that RF16 containing the HaloTag ligand could be precisely retained in cells to track IRE1_Halo protein. Hence, we provide a unique structural design strategy to construct a fluorescence dual-responsive macromolecular probe for information encryption and protein tracking in cells.

Study of the DNA damage and cell death in human peripheral blood mononuclear and HepG2/C3A cells exposed to the synthetic 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin

Hydroxycoumarins are an important source of biologically active compounds. Previous studies have shown that the number and position of the hydroxyl substituents in the scaffold play an important role for the observed biological activity. In the present study, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin was synthesized, and potential cytogenotoxic effects determined in human HepG2/C3A cells displaying phase 1 and phase 2 enzymes (metabolizing cell ability) and compared to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) without xenobiotics metabolizing capacity. Cell viability was determined with concentrations between 0.01 and 10 µg/ml of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and trypan blue tests. Genotoxicity was determined utilizing the comet assay, and the clastogenic/aneugenic potential employing the micronucleus (MN) test. The results of the in vitro cytotoxicity assays showed a significant decrease in cell viability of PBMC following exposure to 10 µg/ml concentration of the studied compound after 48 and 72 hr. Comet assay observations noted significant DNA damage in PBMC after 4 hr treatment. No marked cytogenotoxic effects were found in HepG2/C3A cells. No chromosomal mutations were observed in both cell lines. It is important to note that 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin may exert beneficial pharmacological actions at the low micromolar range and with half-life less than 24 hr. Therefore, the results obtained encourage the continuation of studies on this new molecule for medicinal purposes, but its potential toxicity at higher concentrations and longer exposure times needs to be investigated in further studies.

Anthriscus sylvestris: An overview on Bioactive Compounds and Anticancer Mechanisms from a Traditional Medicinal Plant to Modern Investigation

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. Gen. is a biennial or perennial herb commonly found in China. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, gastric disorders, spleen deficiency, and limb weakness. Recently, its potential as an anticancer agent has gained considerable attention and has been the subject of extensive research focusing on extract efficacy, identification of active compounds, and proposed molecular mechanisms. Nevertheless, further high-quality research is still required to fully evaluate its potential as an anticancer drug. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the anticancer properties exhibited by the active components found in Anthriscus sylvestris. We conducted a comprehensive search, collation, and analysis of published articles on anticancer activity and active compounds of A. sylvestris using various databases that include, but are not limited to, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The primary chemical composition of A. sylvestris consists of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, steroids, fatty acids, and organic acids, showcasing an array of pharmacological activities like anticancer, antioxidant, anti-aging, and immunoregulatory properties. Thus, this review highlights the active compounds isolated from A. sylvestris extracts, which provide potential leads for the development of novel anticancer drugs and a better understanding of the plant's pharmacological effects, particularly its anticancer mechanism of action.

In silico design of novel bioactive molecules to treat breast cancer with chlorogenic acid derivatives: a computational and SAR approach

Introduction: Cancer is a vast group of diseases comprising abnormal cells that multiply and grow uncontrollably, and it is one of the top causes of death globally. Several types of cancers are diagnosed, but the incidence of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women, is increasing daily. Chemotherapeutic agents used to treat cancer are generally associated with severe side effects on host cells, which has led to a search for safe and potential alternatives. Therefore, the present research has been conducted to find novel bioactive molecules to treat breast cancer with chlorogenic acid and its derivatives. Chlorogenic acid was selected because of its known activity in the field. Methods: Several chlorogenic acid derivatives were subjected to computational studies such as molecular docking, determination of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), druglikeness, toxicity, and prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) to develop a potential inhibitor of breast cancer. The Protein Data Bank (PDB) IDs used for docking purposes were 7KCD, 3ERT, 6CHZ, 3HB5, and 1U72. Result: Exhaustive analysis of results has been conducted by considering various parameters, like docking score, binding energy, types of interaction with important amino acid residues in the binding pocket, ADME, and toxicity data of compounds. Among all the selected derivatives, CgE18, CgE11, CgAm13, CgE16, and CgE9 have astonishing interactions, excellent binding energy, and better stability in the active site of targeted proteins. The docking scores of compound CgE18 were -11.63 kcal/mol, -14.15 kcal/mol, and -12.90 kcal/mol against breast cancer PDB IDs 7KCD, 3HB5, and 1U72, respectively. The docking scores of compound CgE11 were -10.77 kcal/mol and -9.11 kcal/mol against breast cancer PDB IDs 3ERT and 6CHZ, respectively, whereas the docking scores of epirubicin hydrochloride were -3.85 kcal/mol, -6.4 kcal/mol, -8.76 kcal/mol, and -10.5 kcal/mol against PDB IDs 7KCD, 3ERT, 6CHZ, and 3HB5. The docking scores of 5-fluorouracil were found to be -5.25 kcal/mol, -3.43 kcal/mol, -3.73 kcal/mol, and -5.29 kcal/mol against PDB IDs 7KCD, 3ERT, 6CHZ, and 3HB5, which indicates the designed compounds have a better docking score than some standard drugs. Conclusion: Taking into account the results of molecular docking, drug likeness analysis, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) evaluation, and PASS, it can be concluded that chlorogenic acid derivatives hold promise as potent inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer.

Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal antioxidant mechanisms and potential pharmacological ingredients of citrus herbs

The benefits of citrus herbs are strongly associated with their secondary metabolites. In the study, we conducted widely-targeted metabolomics and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) to compare the variability of ingredients in four citrus herbs. In total, we discovered 1126 secondary metabolites, primarily comprising flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and coumarins, and alkaloids. Differential metabolites of citrus herbs were searched by multivariate statistical analysis. Notably, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium contained higher levels of flavonoids, while Zhique and Huajuhong demonstrated a greater abundance of coumarins. Among the flavonoids determined by UPLC, Guangchenpi demonstrated significantly elevated levels of polymethoxyflavones (tangeretin and nobiletin) compared to other citrus herbs. Additionally, we determined their antioxidant capacity (Chenpi > Guangchenpi > Huajuhong > Zhique) using in vitro assays. Finally, we utilized network pharmacology to explore the antioxidant mechanisms and potential pharmacological ingredients, providing a basis for future preventive and therapeutic applications of these metabolites.

2H-chromene and 7H-furo-chromene derivatives selectively inhibit tumour associated human carbonic anhydrase IX and XII isoforms

Tumour associated carbonic anhydrases (CAs) IX and XII have been recognised as potential targets for the treatment of hypoxic tumours. Therefore, considering the high pharmacological potential of the chromene scaffold as selective ligand of the IX and XII isoforms, two libraries of compounds, namely 2H-chromene and 7H-furo-chromene derivatives, with diverse substitution patterns were designed and synthesised. The structure of the newly synthesised compounds was characterised and their inhibitory potency and selectivity towards human CA off target isoforms I, II and cancer-associated CA isoforms IX and XII were evaluated. Most of the compounds inhibit CA isoforms IX and XII with no activity against the I and II isozymes. Thus, while the potency was influenced by the substitution pattern along the chromene scaffold, the selectivity was conserved along the series, confirming the high potential of both 2H-chromene and 7H-furo-chromene scaffolds for the design of isozyme selective inhibitors.

In vitro cytotoxic investigation of some synthesized 1,6-disubstituted-1-azacoumarin derivatives as anticancer agents

Aims: In this study, novel synthesized 1,6-disubstituted-1-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acid derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as potential anticancer agents. Materials & methods: The cytotoxicity of novel 1-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acid derivatives was tested using an MTT assay. High potency was shown by DNA flow cytometry on MCF-7 cells for compound 3b. In addition, topoisomerase IIβ, caspase 3/7, Bax and Bcl-2 enzymes were used to study apoptotic activity. In the same studies, molecular docking analysis assessed activity. Results & conclusion: Cytotoxicity screening identified multiple bioactive compounds, especially compound 3b. Analysis of DNA flow cytometry revealed that compound 3b exhibited cell cycle arrest. Compound 3b had an increase in the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3/7, and a decrease in topoisomerase IIβ enzyme inhibition.

Recent Research Progress in Fluorescent Probes for Detection of Amyloid-β In Vivo

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease. Due to its complex pathological mechanism, its etiology is not yet clear. As one of the main pathological markers of AD, amyloid-β (Aβ) plays an important role in the development of AD. The deposition of Aβ is not only related to the degeneration of neurons, but also can activate a series of pathological events, including the activation of astrocytes and microglia, the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and the change in microcirculation, which is the main cause of brain lesions and death in AD patients. Therefore, the development of efficient and reliable Aβ-specific probes is crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment of AD. This paper focuses on reviewing the application of small-molecule fluorescent probes in Aβ imaging in vivo in recent years. These probes efficiently map the presence of Aβ in vivo, providing a pathway for the early diagnosis of AD and providing enlightenment for the design of Aβ-specific probes in the future.

Biological evaluation of the novel 3,3'-((4-nitrophenyl)methylene)bis(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) derivative as potential anticancer agents via the selective induction of reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis

Selective initiation of programmed cell death in cancer cells than normal cells is reflected as an attractive chemotherapeutic strategy. In the current study, a series of synthetic bis-coumarin derivatives were synthesized possessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulating functional groups and examined in four cancerous and two normal cell lines for their cytotoxic ability using MTT assay. Among these compounds, 3 l emerged as the most promising derivative in persuading apoptosis in human renal carcinoma cells (SKRC-45) among diverse cancer cell lines. 3 l causes significantly less cytotoxicity to normal kidney cells compared to cisplatin. This compound was able to induce apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest by modulating the p53 mediated apoptotic pathways via the generation of ROS, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, and causing DNA fragmentation. Unlike cisplatin, the 3 l derivative was found to inhibit the nuclear localisation of NF-κB in SKRC-45 cells. It was also found to reduce the proliferation, survival and migration ability of SKRC-45 cells by downregulating COX-2/ PTGES2 cascade and MMP-2. In an in vivo tumor model, 3 l showed an anticancer effect by reducing the mean tumor mass, volume and inducing caspase-3 activation, without affecting kidney function. Further studies are needed to establish 3 l as a promising anti-cancer drug candidate.

A Review of Phytochemicals and Bioactive Properties in the Proteaceae Family: A Promising Source of Functional Food

In recent decades, natural plant-based foods have been increasingly used to improve human health due to unhealthy modern dietary patterns, such as the consumption of foods high in sugar and fat. Many indigenous species have been used by Aboriginal peoples for their food and therapeutic properties. Thus, it is important to understand the health-enhancing bioactive profile of Australian indigenous species. The Proteaceae family, such as the genera of Protea, Macadamia, and Grevillea, have been commercially used in the horticulture and food industries. Researchers have reported some findings about Persoonia species, one of the genera in the Proteaceae family. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the family Proteaceae and the genus Persoonia, including distribution, traditional and commercial uses, phytochemicals, bioactive properties, potential opportunities, and challenges. In this review, bioactive compounds and their properties related to the health benefits of the Proteaceae family, particularly the Persoonia genus, were reviewed for potential applications in the food industry.

Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of Ajuga iva (L.) leave extract

We studied the effect of Ajuga iva leaves extract (AIE) on the intestinal absorption, motricity and its antioxidant capacity against diarrhea. Wistar rats were divided and received either: castor oil (CO), CO and loperamide or CO and different doses of AIE. AIE prevented dose-dependently CO-induced diarrhea. AIE at 800 mg/kg showed inhibition efficiency on defecation and diarrhea. The pro-oxidant effect of the CO in the small intestine was inhibited significantly in presence of AIE: increasing glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and lowering oxygen free radicals (OH°, O2°-), carbonyl protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, co-administration of AIE in castor oil-exposed groups significantly increased the intestinal contents of calcium and magnesium. AIE exhibits significant anti-diarrheal activity, related in part to its antioxidant properties. Our investigation also provides experimental evidence for the traditional use of this medicinal plant in the treatment of diarrhea.

Construction of Coumarin-Based Bioorthogonal Macromolecular Probes for Photoactivation

Photoactivatable fluorescence imaging is one of the most valuable methods for visualizing protein localization, trafficking, and interactions. Here, we designed four bioorthogonal fluorescent probes K1-K4 by installing photoactive cages and HaloTag ligands onto the different positions of the coumarin fluorophore. Although K1-K4 all exhibited rapid photostimulated responses in aqueous solution, only K3 was found to have an obvious aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Next, macromolecular fluorescent probes Kn=1/2/3/4_POIs were obtained by covalently attaching K1-K4 to HaloTag-fused proteins of interest (POIs). Kn=3/4_POIs exhibited a higher fluorescence increase than that of Kn=1/2_POIs upon photoactivation in both liquid and solid phases. Moreover, K3_GFP_Halo and K4_GFP_Halo presented the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from photocleaved K3 and K4 to GFP in the protein complex. We further examined the fluorescence labeling ability of K1-K4 to intracellular IRE1_Halo protein and found that K3 and K4 containing the HaloTag ligand on the C4 position of coumarin could be retained in cells for long-term tracking of the IRE1_Halo protein. Hence, we established a platform of novel bioorthogonal fluorescent probes conjugating onto Halo-tagged POIs for rapid photoactivation in vitro and in cells.

Polyphenol-based targeted therapy for oral submucous fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, progressive, and precancerous condition mainly caused by chewing areca nut. Currently, OSF therapy includes intralesional injection of corticosteroids with limited therapeutic success in disease management. Therefore, a combined approach of in silico, in vitro and in vivo drug development can be helpful. Polyphenols are relatively safer than other synthetic counterparts. We used selected polyphenols to shortlist the most suitable compound by in silico tools. Based on the in silico results, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), quercetin (QUR), resveratrol, and curcumin had higher affinity and stability with the selected protein targets, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), and lysyl oxidase (LOX). The efficacy of selected polyphenols was studied in primary buccal mucosal fibroblasts followed by in vivo areca nut extract induced rat OSF model. In in vitro studies, the induced fibroblast cells were treated with EGCG and QUR. EGCG was safer at higher concentrations and more efficient in reducing TGF-β1, collagen type-1A2 and type-3A1 mRNA expression than QUR. In vivo studies confirmed that the EGCG hydrogel was efficient in improving the disease conditions compared to the standard treatment betamethasone injection with significant reduction in TGF-β1 and collagen concentrations with increase in mouth opening. EGCG can be considered as a potential, safer and efficient phytomolecule for OSF therapy and its mucoadhesive topical formulation help in the improvement of patient compliance without any side effects. Highlights Potential polyphenols were shortlisted to treat oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) using in silico tools Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) significantly reduced TGF-β1 and collagen both in vitro and in vivo EGCG hydrogel enhanced antioxidant defense, modulated inflammation by reducing TGF-β1 and improved mouth opening in OSF rat model.

Exploring the potential of single-metals (Cu, Ni, Zn) decorated Al12N12 nanostructures as sensors for flutamide anticancer drug

In recent years, scientists have been actively exploring and expanding biosensor technologies and materials to meet the growing societal demands in healthcare and other fields. This study aims to revolutionize biosensors by using density functional theory (DFT) at the cutting-edge B3LYP-GD3BJ/def2tzsvp level to investigate the sensing capabilities of (Cu, Ni, and Zn) doped on Aluminum nitride (Al12N12) nanostructures. Specifically, we focus on their potential to detect, analyze, and sense the drug flutamide (FLU) efficiently. Through advanced computational techniques, we explore molecular interactions to pave the way for highly effective and versatile biosensors. The adsorption energy values of -38.76 kcal/mol, -39.39 kcal/mol, and -39.37 kcal/mol for FLU@Cu-Al12N12, FLU@Ni-Al12N12, and FLU@Zn-Al12N12, respectively, indicate that FLU chemically adsorbs on the studied nanostructures. The reactivity and conductivity of the system follow a decreasing pattern: FLU@Cu-Al12N12 > FLU@Ni-Al12N12 > FLU@Zn-Al12N12, with a band gap of 0.267 eV, 2.197 eV, and 2.932 eV, respectively. These results suggest that FLU preferably adsorbs on the Al12N12@Cu surface. Natural bond orbital analysis reveals significant transitions in the studied system. Quantum theory of atom in molecule (QTAIM) and Non-covalent interaction (NCI) analysis confirm the nature and strength of interactions. Overall, our findings indicate that the doped surfaces show promise as electronic and biosensor materials for detection of FLU in real-world applications. We encourage experimental researchers to explore the use of (Cu, Ni, and Zn) doped on Aluminum nitride (Al12N12), particularly Al12N12@Cu, for biosensor applications.

Novel coumarin-chalcone derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant, cyclic voltammetry, molecular modelling and biological evaluation studies as acetylcholinesterase, α-glycosidase, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

In this study, a total of 12 coumarin-chalcone derivatives, 6 of which are original were synthesized. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and elemental analysis methods (7g-7l). The antioxidant potencies measured by using CUPRAC method (Trolox equivalent total antioxidant capacity) were as follows: 7j > 7i > 7c > 7d > 7k > 7l > 7f > 7h > 7e > 7g > 7a > 7b. Furthermore, the compounds were evaluated against human carbonic anhydrases I, II, acetylcholinesterase and α-glycosidase enzymes. Compounds 7c, 7e, 7g, 7i, 7j and 7l showed promising human carbonic anhydrase I inhibition compared to the standard Acetazolamide (Ki: 16.64 ± 4.72-49.82 ± 5.82 nM vs Ki: 57.64 ± 5.41 nM). In addition, all compounds exhibited strong inhibition against acetylcholinesterase and α-glycosidase. Ki values were between 2.39 ± 0.97-9.35 ± 3.95 nM (Tacrine Ki: 13.78 ± 4.36 nM) for acetylcholinesterase, and 14.49 ± 8.51-75.67 ± 26.38 nM (Acarbose Ki: 12600 ± 78.00 nM) for α-glycosidase. Binding of 7g was predicted using molecular docking and stability of the complex was confirmed with molecular dynamics simulations which shed a light on the observed activity against acetylcholinesterase. Finally, cyclic voltammetry was also used for the electrochemical characterization of the synthesized compounds.

CBPDdb: a curated database of compounds derived from Coumarin-Benzothiazole-Pyrazole

The present article describes the building of a small-molecule web server, CBPDdb, employing R-shiny. For the generation of the web server, three compounds were chosen, namely coumarin, benzothiazole and pyrazole, and their derivatives were curated from the literature. The two-dimensional (2D) structures were drawn using ChemDraw, and the .sdf file was created employing Discovery Studio Visualizer v2017. These compounds were read on the R-shiny app using ChemmineR, and the dataframe consisting of a total of 1146 compounds was generated and manipulated employing the dplyr package. The web server is provided with JSME 2D sketcher. The descriptors of the compounds are obtained using propOB with a filter. The users can download the filtered data in the .csv and .sdf formats, and the entire dataset of a compound can be downloaded in .sdf format. This web server facilitates the researchers to screen plausible inhibitors for different diseases. Additionally, the method used in building the web server can be adapted for developing other small-molecule databases (web servers) in RStudio. Database URL: https://srampogu.shinyapps.io/CBPDdb_Revised/.

Natural product-inspired synthesis of coumarin-chalcone hybrids as potential anti-breast cancer agents

Twelve novel neo-tanshinlactone-chalcone hybrid molecules were constructed through a versatile methodology involving the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination of 4-formyl-2H-benzo [h]chromen-2-ones and phosphonic acid diethyl esters, as the key step, and evaluated for anticancer activity against a series of four breast cancers and their related cell lines, viz. MCF-7 (ER + ve), MDA-MB-231 (ER-ve), HeLa (cervical cancer), and Ishikawa (endometrial cancer). The title compounds showed excellent to moderate in vitro anti-cancer activity in a range of 6.8-19.2 µM (IC50). Compounds 30 (IC50 = 6.8 µM and MCF-7; IC50 = 8.5 µM and MDA-MB-231) and 31 (IC50 = 14.4 µM and MCF-7; IC50 = 15.7 µM and MDA-MB-231) exhibited the best activity with compound 30 showing more potent activity than the standard drug tamoxifen. Compound 30 demonstrated a strong binding affinity with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in molecular docking studies. This is significant because TNFα is linked to MCF-7 cancer cell lines, and it enhances luminal breast cancer cell proliferation by upregulating aromatase. Additionally, virtual ADMET studies confirmed that hybrid compounds 30 and 31 met Lipinski's rule; displayed high bioavailability, excellent oral absorption, favorable albumin interactions, and strong penetration capabilities; and improved blood-brain barrier crossing. Based on the aforementioned results, compound 30 has been identified as a potential anti-breast cancer lead molecule.

Novel Coumarin-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidinone hybrid derivatives as anticancer agents: Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking

A series of coumarin-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidinone hybrid derivatives were synthesized, characterized by HR-MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. All synthesized compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activities against hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) and cervical carcinoma (Hela) cell lines in vitro, and results shown that most of the compounds exhibited potent antitumor activity. Moreover, compound 3i, 8d and 8i were selected to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells, and it displayed a significant concentration-dependent. Further, transwell migration assay was used to detect the most potent compound 8i, and the results revealed that 8i can significantly inhibit HepG2 cells migration and invasion. In addition, kinase activity assay showed compound 8i may be a multi-target inhibitor, which 8i has an inhibition rate of 40-20% on RON, ABL, GSK3α and so on ten different kinases at the concentration 1 μmol/L. At the same time, molecular docking studies revealed the possible binding modes of compounds 3i, 8d and 8i with kinase recepteur d'origine nantais (RON). A comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model was established from 3D-QSAR study that guide us to a more bulkly and electro-positive Y group at the C-2 position of furo[2,3-d]pyrimidinone ring was preferable for the bioactivity improvement of our compounds. Our preliminary research indicated that the coumarin skeleton introducing to the furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine system had a significantly influence on the biological activities.

Xanthoxyletin blocks the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway to suppress the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells

Xanthoxyletin is a vital plant-derived bioactive coumarin. It has been shown to exhibit anticancer effects against different human cancers. Nonetheless, the anticancer effects of xanthoxyletin against human pancreatic cancer cells have not been evaluated. Against this backdrop, the present study was designed to evaluate the anticancer effects of xanthoxyletin in human pancreatic cancer cells and to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK), receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in human pancreatic tissues and cell lines at both transcriptional and translational levels. The administration of pancreatic cancer cells with xanthoxyletin diminished the viability of Capan-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and led to a significant decline in RANK, RANKL, and OPG expression. Silencing of RANK and xanthoxyletin treatment declined the viability of Capan-2 pancreatic cancer cells via induction of apoptosis. However, pancreatic cancer cells overexpressing RANK could rescue the growth inhibitory effects. Collectively, xanthoxyletin targets the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells to induce cell apoptosis and may prove to be an important lead molecule.