Plant-Derived Polyphenols to Prevent and Treat Oral Mucositis Induced by Chemo- and Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers Management

Therapeutic Potential of Phytochemicals as Adjuvants in Head and Neck Cancer

Owing to the developments in various therapeutic modalities, cancer treatment has come a long way, including the discovery of various anticancer drugs, innovations in delivery technology, and increased personalization of treatments. Despite this, head and neck cancer (HNC) is a cancer that has eluded the current conventional treatments. To improve quality of life and preserve vital organ function in patients with HNC, there is a need for research into therapeutic regimes that would reduce the toxicity of the current therapeutic modalities. The use of a single approach has not been enough to completely eradicate this malignancy. Therefore, the use of adjuvants and combinatorial approaches, using molecules from natural compounds that have no or minimal side effects, is a growing area of research. One objective of this review was to clarify the potentiality of novel therapeutic strategies for HNC, such as the use of phytochemicals as adjuvants with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and use of nano-formulation for therapeutic delivery. Another objective of this review was to delineate the associated challenges in the clinical application of these therapies in HNC. Possible strategies for overcoming critical issues associated with the clinical application of phytochemicals for HNC are also discussed.

From cell lines to animal models: "plant- derived chemotherapeutics unlocking new frontiers against oral squamous cell carcinoma"-a comprehensive systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Despite progress in traditional treatment methods, the overall survival rate for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains limited. Consequently, it is essential to investigate alternative therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes. This review highlights the potential role of plant extracts as chemo preventive agents in oral cancer treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, involving an extensive literature search from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane and CINAHL which included studies from 2010 to 2024 that explored the anticancer potential of medicinal plants for OSCC treatment. Data extraction focused on plant species, parts used, extract type, active components, dosage, and cancer cell lines or animal models used. Risk of bias was assessed using the OHAT tool for animal studies and the ROBINS-I tool for in vitro studies.

RESULTS

A total of 12 in vitro and animal studies were included, examining plants such as Allium sativum (garlic), Crocus sativus (saffron), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Scutellariabaicalensis (Baikal skullcap), etc., These studies demonstrated that bioactive components like allicin, curcumin, and baicalin significantly inhibited OSCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. However, there was substantial variability in the dose concentrations required, ranging from 1 µg/mL for garlic extract to 50 mg/mL for saffron nanoparticles. The risk of bias assessment indicated that four studies had a moderate risk, while one had a low risk of bias, indicating methodological rigor.

CONCLUSION

Plant extracts such as Curcuma longa and Vitis vinifera present a promising, less toxic alternative for OSCC treatment, with the potential to be integrated into conventional chemotherapeutic regimens. While in-vitro and animal studies are encouraging, further clinical trials among humans are necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

Potentiality of Curcumin Against Radio-Chemotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis: A Review

In recent era, cancer is a major global health hazard and is mostly treated with either radio or chemotherapy. The above treatment procedure induces a secondary concern named as oral mucositis (OM). The disorder OM is specifically associated with oral mucosa and leads to bleeding, pain, difficulty in swallowing of solids, as well as fluids and speech difficulty. Curcumin is explored for prevention as well as treatment of OM. The article was organized via collection of enormous literatures by using the keywords like oral mucositis, chemotherapy, anti-inflammatory, curcumin, and clinical trials from search engines of different domains like Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Google Scholar with an increasing order of their year of publications. A numerous antineoplastic therapies resulted OM, as a devastating side effect. Moreover, the expanded pathogenesis of the disease permits a sound predictability over the patient's risk, thereby directing its adaptability and management protocols towards the achievement of novel therapeutics. An augmented interest towards curcumin as a potential therapeutic emerged because of its easy accessibility, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antimicrobial, and wound-healing abilities along with reduced side effects. Curcumin can potentially alter OM and OM-induced weight loss but showed a great heterogeneity.

Graphical Abstract

Characterization and Safety Assessment of a Novel Antioxidant Excipient from Sustainable Recovery of Grape Processing Waste Bentonite Designed to Develop a Thermosensitive Buccal Spray for Oral Cavity Wellness

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Nowadays, sustainability efforts focus on extracting natural cosmeceutical ingredients, such as polyphenols, from agri-food waste, for example, black bentonite (BB). The aims of this work were to validate an antioxidant cosmetic ingredient obtained from the waste BB and embed it into an ad hoc designed oromucosal spray intended for oral cavity wellness.

METHODS

Focusing on sustainability, the study tested PEG200, propylene glycol, and their mixtures as unconventional and green extraction solvents, aligned with a waste-to-market approach. The extracts obtained by maceration were characterized through HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS analyses, DPPH, Bradford, and Folin-Ciocalteu assays. The best P extract was further subjected to OECD-compliant in vitro validation as novel cosmetic raw material and used to prepare a thermosensitive buccal spray for oral daily care.

RESULTS

PEG200 enabled the obtainment of a cost-effective polyphenol-rich extract, which was validated as a safe, high value-added cosmetic secondary raw material. The extract was incorporated into a liquid thermosensitive buccal formulation, able to gel once at body temperature and enhance polyphenol accumulation into the oral mucosae even with short contact times.

CONCLUSIONS

BB is confirmed as a valuable source of polyphenols, and PEG200 represents an effective extraction solvent leading to a novel functional liquid excipient characterized by an OECD-compliant variegate pool of phenols. The buccal spray then proposed represents a valuable, friendly solution for daily oral care, as it is simple to use, as well as the in vitro and ex vivo tests carried out suggested its effectiveness.

Protective effects of quercetin against tongue injury and oxidative stress triggered by irinotecan: a histopathological, biochemical and molecular study

Introduction

About 80% of patients receiving chemotherapeutics suffer from side effects related to the gastrointestinal tract. Irinotecan (CPT-11) is a chemotherapeutic agent usually used in treating solid tumors. Quercetin (QRT), a bioflavonoid, is an antioxidant and scavenger reactive oxygen species scavenger.

Objective

The current study explored the possible protective effects of QRT against mucosal tongue injury caused by CPT-11.

Methods

The study included four equal groups: group 1/control, group 2/QRT, group 3/CPT-11, and group 4/CPT-11 + QRT.

Results

CPT-11-induced tongue injury in the form of non-healed ulcers, absent lingual papillae, mononuclear cells infiltration, marked deposition of collagen fibers, and overexpression of CD86 and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α). The increased malondialdehyde levels, decreased superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity revealed that there was an oxidative stress. Also, there was a decreased countenance of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 and an increased countenance of NF-κB. The QRT-treated group showed complete ulcer healing, with histological features almost like the control group, along with minimal collagen fiber deposition, decreased reactivity to CD86 and TNF-α and improvement of oxidative stress status and the molecular study results as well.

Conclusion

QRT possess protective properties against CPT-11-triggered tongue injury.

The Effectiveness of Curcumin in Treating Oral Mucositis Related to Radiation and Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review

Chemotherapy (CT) and radiation therapy (RT), while effective against cancer, often cause severe side effects, such as oral mucositis and other oral diseases. Oral mucositis, characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa, is one of the most painful side effects that can reduce quality of life and limit cancer treatment. Curcumin, a polyphenol from Curcuma longa, has garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties, which protect the oral mucosa by reducing oxidative stress and modulating inflammation. This study reviews the therapeutic potential of curcumin in preventing and managing oral mucositis caused by CT and RT. Clinical trials show curcumin's effectiveness in reducing the incidence and severity of oral mucositis. Although curcumin supplementation appears to be a promising and cost-effective approach for mitigating oral complications in cancer patients, further clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and optimize dosing strategies.

Quercetin alleviates hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia by inhibiting ferroptosis through the MAPK/PTGS2 pathway: Insights from network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental evaluations

Quercetin, a bioactive natural compound renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties, has exhibited therapeutic potential in various diseases. Given that bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) development is closely linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, and quercetin, a robust antioxidant known to activate NRF2 and influence the ferroptosis pathway, offers promise for a wide range of age groups. Nonetheless, the specific role of quercetin in BPD remains largely unexplored. This study aims to uncover the target role of quercetin in BPD through a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, computer analyses, and experimental evaluations.