Anti-proliferation and anti-invasion effects of diosgenin on gastric cancer BGC-823 cells with HIF-1α shRNAs

An Overview of the Spices Used for the Prevention and Potential Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Its risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, Epstein-Barr virus infection, the consumption of broiled and charbroiled animal meats, salt-preserved and smoke-enhanced foods, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to ionizing radiation, and positive family history. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies and the widespread risk factors of GC encourage the search for new methods of treatment and prevention. In the quest for cheap and commonly available medications, numerous studies focus on herbal medicine, traditional brews, and spices. In this review, we outline the potential use of spices, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, black cumin, chili pepper, saffron, black pepper, rosemary, galangal, coriander, wasabi, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, fenugreek, caraway, clove, dill, thyme, Piper sarmentosum, basil, as well as the compounds they contain, in the prevention and treatment of GC. We present the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the effectivity of a given seasoning substance and their impact on GC cells. We discuss their potential effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. For most of the spices discussed, we also outline the unavailability and side effects of their use.

Mechanistic inhibition of gastric cancer-associated bacteria Helicobacter pylori by selected phytocompounds: A new cutting-edge computational approach

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a persistent bacterial inhabitant in the stomachs of approximately half the global populace. This bacterium is directly linked to chronic gastritis, leading to a heightened risk of duodenal and gastric ulcer diseases, and is the predominant risk factor for gastric cancer - the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance necessitates the exploration of innovative treatment alternatives to mitigate the H. pylori menace.

Methods

Initiating our study, we curated a list of thirty phytochemicals based on previous literature and subjected them to molecular docking studies. Subsequently, eight phytocompounds-Glabridin, Isoliquiritin, Sanguinarine, Liquiritin, Glycyrrhetic acid, Beta-carotin, Diosgenin, and Sarsasapogenin-were meticulously chosen based on superior binding scores. These were further subjected to an extensive computational analysis encompassing ADMET profiling, drug-likeness evaluation, principal component analysis (PCA), and molecular dynamic simulations (MDs) in comparison with the conventional drug, Mitomycin.

Results

The natural compounds investigated demonstrated superior docking affinities to H. pylori targets compared to the standard Mitomycin. Notably, the phytocompounds Diosgenin and Sarsasapogenin stood out due to their exceptional binding affinities and pharmacokinetic properties, including favorable ADMET profiles.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive and technologically-advanced approach showcases the potential of identified phytocompounds as pioneering therapeutic agents against H. pylori-induced gastric malignancies. In light of our promising in silico results, we recommend these natural compounds as potential candidates for advancing H. pylori-targeted drug development. Given their potential, we strongly advocate for subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies to validate their therapeutic efficacy against this formidable gastrointestinal bacterium.

Anticancer Activity of Diosgenin and Its Molecular Mechanism

Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, obtained from Trigonella foenum-graecum, Dioscorea, and Rhizoma polgonati, has shown high potential and interest in the treatment of various cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, glioma, and leukemia. This article aims to provide an overview of the in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies reporting the diosgenin's anticancer effects. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects of diosgenin on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and growth, promoting apoptosis, inducing differentiation and autophagy, inhibiting tumor cell metastasis and invasion, blocking cell cycle, regulating immunity and improving gut microbiome. Clinical investigations have revealed clinical dosage and safety property of diosgenin. Furthermore, in order to improve the biological activity and bioavailability of diosgenin, this review focuses on the development of diosgenin nano drug carriers, combined drugs and the diosgenin derivatives. However, further designed trials are needed to unravel the diosgenin's deficiencies in clinical application.

Exploring the anticancer activities of novel bioactive compounds derived from endophytic fungi: mechanisms of action, current challenges and future perspectives

Cancer is the second leading cause of death all around the world. The natural compounds derived from the endophytic flora of fungi are possible solutions to cancer treatment because they are safe for health, cost-effective, biocompatible and have fewer toxicity issues. The active ingredients in endophytic fungi that are responsible for anti-cancer activities are alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, saponin, peptides, steroids, phenols, quinones, and flavonoids. This review highlights the anti-cancer activities of entophytic fungus against human papillary thyroid carcinoma (IHH4), human pancreatic (PANC-1), ovarian (OVCAR-3), hepatic (HepG2), lung (A-549), human lymphoma (U937), human skin carcinoma (A431), breast (MCF-7), and Kaposi's sarcoma. The emerging evidence suggested that bioactive compounds isolated from endophytic fungi showed their anti-cancer activities by revealing the disturbance of the microtubule network caused by increased levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins that triggers cell cycle arrest at the G2-M phase, by inhibiting the DNA replication via binding with topoisomerase II, by regulating the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and NF-kB, by evaluating the levels of p21, p27, and cyclins B/D1/E that led to cell death by apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. This review will assist readers in better comprehending bioactive chemicals and the beneficial interaction between the fungal endophytes and medicinal plants.

Diosgenin derivatives developed from Pd(II) catalysed dehydrogenative coupling exert an effect on breast cancer cells by abrogating their growth and facilitating apoptosis via regulating the AKT1 pathway

Palladium metallates containing 4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbaldehyde derived ONS donor Schiff bases were synthesized and their efficacy was tested in the direct amination of diosgenin - a phyto steroid. Based on the pharmacological importance of diosgenin, the obtained derivatives were exposed to study their effect on breast cancer cells where they significantly reduced the growth of cancer cells and left non-malignant breast epithelial cells unaffected. Among the derivatives, D3, D4 and D6 showed a better anti-proliferative effect and further analysis revealed that the D3, D4 and D6 derivatives markedly promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by attenuation of the AKT1 signalling pathway.

3D scaffold fabricated with composite material for cell culture and its derived platform for safety evaluation of drugs

In order to overcome the weakness of conventional approaches for cell culture, and provide cells with more in vivo-like microenvironment for studying hepatotoxicity of drugs, "multiple-in-one" strategy was adopted to fabricate a 3D scaffold of silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite/poly lacticco-glycolic acid (SF/HA/PLGA), where HepG2 cells were cultivated and the toxicity of drugs to the cells was investigated. The prepared 3D scaffold proves to bear proper porosity, excellent mechanical property, steady pH environment and good biocompatibility for cell culture. Furthermore, the validity of the developed 3D-SF/HA/PLGA-scaffold based platform was verified by probing the toxicity of a known drug-induced liver injury (DILI) concern acetaminophen (APAP) to HepG2 cells. Eventually, an application of the platform to dioscin (a medicinal plant extract) reveals the hepatotoxicity of dioscin, which involves the inhibition of the expression of CYP3A4 mRNA in the cells. The developed 3D-SF/HA/PLGA-scaffold platform may become a universal avenue for safety evaluation of drugs.

Comprehensive review on signaling pathways of dietary saponins in cancer cells suppression

Nutrigenomics utilizes high-throughput genomic technologies to reveal changes in gene and protein levels. Excitingly, ever-growing body of scientific findings has provided sufficient evidence about the interplay between diet and genes. Cutting-edge research and advancements in genomics, epigenetics and metabolomics have deepened our understanding on the role of dietary factors in the inhibition of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Dietary saponins, a type of triterpene glycosides, are generally found in Platycodon grandifloras, Dioscorea oppositifolia, asparagus, legumes, and sea cucumber. Wealth of information has started to shed light on pleiotropic mechanistic roles of dietary saponins in cancer prevention and inhibition. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the in vitro research of dietary saponins in the last two decades by searching common databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The results showed that dietary saponins exerted anti-cancer activities via regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, arrest cell cycle, anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis, and anti-angiogenesis, by regulation of several critical signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, and VEGF/VEGFR. However, there is no data about the dosage of dietary saponins for practical anti-cancer effects in human bodies. Extensive clinical studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of dietary saponins for further commercial and medical applications.

Qi Ling decoction reduces gastric cancer cell metastasis by inhibiting MMP-9 through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Traditional Chinese medicine has been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer, especially in application of compound Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Qi Ling decoction (QLD) on the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer and its related signaling pathways at the cellular and molecular level in vitro, and explore the mechanism of QLD.

METHODS

Scratch assay, transwell assay, and adhesion experiments were used to study the effects of QLD and its compounds on gastric cancer. Western blot was employed to detect expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway after administration of QLD.

RESULTS

QLD can significantly inhibit the invasion, migration, and adhesion of gastric cancer cells in vitro. The main chemical components of QLD (diosgenin, catechins, and calycosin) can also inhibit the invasion, migration and adhesion of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, QLD inhibits MMP-9 and affects gastric cancer cell metastasis through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

CONCLUSION

QLD and its three main chemical components can inhibit the invasion, migration, and adhesion of gastric cancer cells, and the mechanism may be related to the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Diosgenin inhibits TGF-β1/Smad signaling and regulates epithelial mesenchymal transition in experimental pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a grave disease characterized by abnormal wound healing associated with chronic, progressive, irreversible fatal lung disease, leading to persistent injuries to the alveolar epithelium. A consequent disturbance of fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis results in subsequent release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators coupled with accumulation of extracellular matrix within the interstitium. Inexorable distortion of lung alveolar architecture leads to respiratory failure with a median survival rate of 3-5 years. Currently available drugs can only slowdown the progression of fibrosis and novel drugs are warranted to treat this disease. In this study, we demonstrate the fibro-protective effect of diosgenin in experimental lung fibrosis through regulation of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). A single dose of 3 U/kg body weight (b.wt) Bleomycin (BLM) was administered intratracheally in Wistar male albino rats and fibrotic animals were treated with diosgenin (100 mg/kg b.wt) orally for 28 days. BLM administered rat show histological alteration with increased mast cell and collagen accumulation. BLM induced abnormalities were significantly reduced upon treatment with diosgenin. Western blot analysis revealed an increased level of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic molecules such as IL-1β and TGF-β in BLM induced rats. Rats supplemented with diosgenin showed a decreased expression of inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators. Markers of EMT molecules were evaluated by immunoblot. The results of immunoblot demonstrate that diosgenin regulated the expression of TGF-β mediated EMT. Hence, from the overall study, administration of diosgenin prevents pulmonary fibrosis by restraint inflammation and EMT.

Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, and its analogs: Effective therapies against different chronic diseases

BACKGROUND

Chronic diseases are a major cause of mortality worldwide, and despite the recent development in treatment modalities, synthetic drugs have continued to show toxic side effects and development of chemoresistance, thereby limiting their application. The use of phytochemicals has gained attention as they show minimal side effects. Diosgenin is one such phytochemical which has gained importance for its efficacy against the life-threatening diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and many more.

AIM

To evaluate the literature available on the potential of diosgenin and its analogs in modulating different molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

METHOD

A detailed literature search has been carried out on PubMed for gathering information related to the sources, biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and toxicity of diosgenin and its analogs.

KEY FINDINGS

The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials that reported the efficacy of diosgenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK, etc., which play a crucial role in the development of most of the diseases. Reports have also revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for enhancing its bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties.

SIGNIFICANCE

Thus, the review summarizes the efficacy of diosgenin and its analogs for developing as a potent drug against several chronic diseases.

Diosgenin and GSK126 Produce Synergistic Effects on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer Cells by Mediating EZH2 via the Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway

Background

Diosgenin, a natural steroidal saponin isolated from Trigonella foenum-graecum, has been reported to exert anti-cancer effects. Inhibitors of enhancer of zeste homology 2 (EZH2) have been widely used in treatment of cancers. However, the effects of combined treatment with diosgenin and an EZH2 inhibitor on gastric cancer (GC) cells, and the mechanism for those effects are not fully understood.

Methods

AGS and SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells were treated with diosgenin (0 to 8 μM), followed by treatment with either diosgenin or an EZH2 inhibitor, GSK126 alone. Afterwards, an EZH2 overexpression plasmid and Rho inhibitor, GSK429286A was involved in cells. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion were examined by CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. Western blotting was performed to detect the relative levels of protein expression.

Results

Treatment with diosgenin alone caused a dose-dependent decrease in the cell viability, and combined treatment with an EZH2 inhibitor plus GSK126 caused a further significant decrease. A further analysis revealed that treatment with either diosgenin or GSK126 alone induced significant increases in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and combined treatment with both agents induced further increases in those parameters. In addition, combined treatment with diosgenin and GSK126 synergistically induced even stronger effects on impaired cell proliferation, G0/G1 phase arrest, and cell apoptosis when compared to treatment with either diosgenin or GSK126 treatment alone. At the molecular level, we demonstrated that inhibition of Rho/ROCK signaling by combined treatment with diosgenin and GSK126 could downregulate the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules. We also found that EZH2 overexpression reversed the anti-tumor effect of diosgenin by inducing cell survival, blocking G1-phase arrest, and promoted EMT. While, these biological properties were further reversed by GSK429286A.

Conclusion

Collectively, combined treatment with diosgenin and GSK126 produced even more significant effects on GC cell inhibition by targeting EZH2 via Rho/ROCK signaling-mediated EMT, which might be a therapeutic strategy for improving the poor therapeutic outcomes obtained with GSK126 monotherapy.

Diosgenin Suppresses Cholangiocarcinoma Cells Via Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest And Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis

Purpose

Diosgenin (DSG) is the precursor of steroid hormones and plays a crucial part in the proliferation of various carcinomas including human colorectal cancer and gastric carcinoma. Nevertheless, its specific features and mechanisms in human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remain unknown.

Methods

MTS assay, colony-forming assay, and EdU assay were performed to determine the role of DSG on the progression of human CCA cells. The distributions of cell cycle, the ratio of apoptosis, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were studied by flow cytometry (FCM). AO/EB and Hoechst 33258 staining were performed to observe the morphological features of cell apoptosis. TEM was performed to observe the ultrastructures of QBC939 and HuCCT1 cells. The mRNA and protein expression of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and GSK3β/β-catenin pathway were further confirmed by qPCR and Western blotting. The xenograft tumor model of HuCCT1 cells was built. Immunohistochemistry of tumor tissues was performed.

Results

Our results indicated that DSG inhibited the progression of six CCA cell lines. In vivo tumor studies also indicated that DSG significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenografts in nude mice. The expression of mitosis-promoting factor cyclinB1 was decreased along with the elevating level of cell cycle inhibitor p21, resulting in arresting CCA cell cycles at G2/M phase. Furthermore, DSG induced apoptosis with the increased expressions of cytosol cytochrome C, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-PARP1 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Mechanistically, our study showed that GSK3β/β-catenin pathway was involved in the apoptosis of CCA cells. Thus, DSG might provide a new clue for the drug therapy of CCA.

Conclusion

In our data, DSG was found to have efficient antitumor potential of human CCA cells in vitro and in vivo.

Diosgenin inhibits the expression of NEDD4 in prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy among men and causes a myriad of health problem for males that are diagnosed with the cancer. Although the 5-year relative survival rate of prostate cancer patients has been significantly increased due to prostate-specific antigen testing and treatment advances, patients that develop metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer continue to have poor survival rates. Thus, it is critical to discover new therapeutics to treat prostate cancer. Diosgenin is a steroidal saponin from Trigonella foenum graecum, which has been previously identified to exert anti-tumor properties. Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4) is an E3 ligase that degrades multiple different proteins, and plays an oncogenic role in human cancer. In this study, we explore the molecular mechanism by which diosgenin mediates anti-tumor effects in prostate cancer cells. We found that diosgenin treatment led to cell growth inhibition, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Notably, we found that diosgenin inhibited the expression of NEDD4 in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of NEDD4 overcame the diosgenin-mediated anti-tumor activity, while downregulation of NEDD4 promoted the diosgenin-induced anti-cancer function in prostate cancer cells. Our findings indicate that diosgenin is a potential new inhibitor of NEDD4 in prostate cancer cells.

Diosgenin-loaded niosome as an effective phytochemical nanocarrier: physicochemical characterization, loading efficiency, and cytotoxicity assay

BACKGROUND

The use of phytochemicals to prevent or suppress tumours is known as chemoprevention. Numerous plant-derived agents have been reported to have anticancer potentials. As one such anticancer phytochemical, diosgenin has several applications which are nevertheless limited due to its low solubility in water.

METHODS

We loaded diosgenin into niosome to increase its solubility and hence efficiency. Diosgenin-niosome (diosgenin loaded into niosome) was prepared by thin-film hydration method and characterised by optical microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-visible spectrophotometry. Also, loading efficiency, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity assay were performed on HepG2 cell line.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Diosgenin-niosome has a nanometric size with a normal size distribution and spherical morphology. The loading efficiency of diosgenin was about 89% with a sustainable and controllable release rate. Finally, the viability of free diosgenin was 61.25%, and after loading into niosomes, it was improved to 28.32%.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated that niosomes increase the solubility of naturally derived hydrophobic chemicals and thus enhance their anticancer effect. Graphical abstract.

Diosgenin exerts its tumor suppressive function via inhibition of Cdc20 in osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the aggressive malignancies for young adults. Cdc20 (cell division cycle 20 homologue) has been reported to exhibit an oncogenic role in OS, suggesting that inhibition of Cdc20 could be a novel strategy for the treatment of OS. Since Cdc20 inhibitors have side effects, it is important to discover the new CDC20 inhibitors with non-toxic nature. In the present study, we determine whether natural agent diosgenin is an inhibitor of Cdc20 in OS cells. We performed MTT, FACS, Wound healing assay, Transwell, Western blotting, transfection assays in our study. We found diosgenin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis. Moreover, diosgenin exposure led to inhibition of cell migration and invasion. Notably, diosgenin inhibited the expression of Cdc20 in OS cells. Overexpression of Cdc20 abrogated the inhibition of cell growth and invasion induced by diosgenin. Our data reveal that inhibition of Cdc20 by diosgenin could be helpful for the treatment of patients with OS.

Metabolic reprogramming results in abnormal glycolysis in gastric cancer: a review

The Warburg effect in tumor cells involves the uptake of high levels of glucose, enhanced glycolysis, and the metabolism of pyruvate to lactic acid rather than oxidative phos-phorylation to generate energy under aerobic conditions. This effect is closely related to the occurrence, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and poor prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). Current research has further demonstrated that the Warburg effect in GC cells is not only mediated by the glycolysis pathway, but also includes roles for mitochondria, noncoding RNAs, and other proteins that do not directly regulate metabolism. As a result, changes in the glycolysis pathway not only lead to abnormal glucose metabolism, but they also affect mitochondrial functions, cellular processes such as apoptosis and cell cycle regulation, and the metabolism of lipids and amino acids. In this review, we discuss metabolic reprogramming in GC based on glycolysis, a possible link between glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, and we clarify the role of mitochondria. We also examine recent studies of metabolic inhibitors in GC.

Advances in the antitumor activities and mechanisms of action of steroidal saponins

The steroidal saponins are one of the saponin types that exist in an unbound state and have various pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and nerves-calming properties. Cancer is a growing health problem worldwide. Significant progress has been made to understand the antitumor effects of steroidal saponins in recent years. According to reported findings, steroidal saponins exert various antitumor activities, such as inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and regulating the tumor microenvironment, through multiple related signaling pathways. This article focuses on the advances in domestic and foreign studies on the antitumor activity and mechanism of actions of steroidal saponins in the last five years to provide a scientific basis and research ideas for further development and clinical application of steroidal saponins.

Diosgenin increased DDX3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver cancer, one of the most common malignant tumors occurred worldwide, has emerged as a main health trouble and accounts for leading cancer-related death. Diosgenin is provided as an important material in the pharmaceutical industry, and is used to manage various medical troubles such as cancer because of its multiple bioactivities. DEAD box polypeptide 3 (DDX3) is involved in cancer biogenesis and modulates cancer progression. However, the role of DDX3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of diosgenin on HCC cells and whether DDX3 is involved in its antitumor activity. We observed that diosgenin dramatically inhibited cell proliferation, triggered apoptotic cell death, induced G2/M phase arrest, suppressed cell migration and invasion abilities. Moreover, the expression of DDX3 was measured and the results showed that DDX3 was significantly up-regulated upon diosgenin exposure. All together, our data indicated that diosgenin shows a cytotoxic effect on HCC cells and has potential therapeutic values for HCC patients.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L) Fruit Decreased Blood Glucose Level and Improved Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin Induced Hyperglycemia Rats

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia, L) is a fruit that traditionally believe has benefits on health. The objective of this study is to identify bitter melon bioactive and nutritional compounds, and their effect on blood glucose level and lipid profile of streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia rats. Rats were divided into three group, those were normal group; hyperglycemia group without bitter melon fruit feeding; and hyperglycemia group with bitter melon fruit administration. Hyperglycemia condition was achieved by STZ induction. The experiment was conducted for 4 weeks. The results showed that fresh bitter melon fruit contains β-sitosterol 348.16+1.66 ppm, stigmasterol 183.08+0.8 ppm, campesterol 130.79+0.4 ppm, diosgenin 16.42+0.06 ppm, soluble dietary fiber 2.99+0.07%, insoluble dietary fiber 0.55+0.01%, and pectin 1.41+0.05%. At week 4 of experiment, bitter melon fruit fed hyperglycemia group showed a decrease of 56% blood glucose level compared to blood glucose level at week 0. Body weight of this group also increased. The improvement of lipid profile of bitter melon fed group was indicated by decreasing blood total cholesterol of 49%, triglyceride of 35%, LDL cholesterol of 42%, and increasing HDL of 133% compared to initial level at week 0. Bitter melon also increased fecal cholesterol secretion and effectively inhibited cholesterol absorption in hyperglycemia rats. Bitter melon fruit is suggested for hyperglycemia management due to its ability to reduce glucose and improve lipid profile simultaneously.

Diosgenin inhibited the expression of TAZ in hepatocellular carcinoma

Emerging evidence has supported that TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif), one transcription co-activator in Hippo signaling pathway, plays an oncogenic role in liver carcinogenesis. Targeting TAZ could be a potential therapeutic approach for liver cancer patients. In the current study, we aim to determine whether diosgenin could be an inhibitor of TAZ in liver cancer cells. We found that diosgenin inhibited the expression of TAZ in liver cancer cells. Moreover, we found that diosgenin inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis, suppressed cell migration and invasion in part via inhibition of TAZ in liver cancer cells. Our study provides the evidence to support that diosgenin could be a potential agent for treating human liver cancer.

Pro-Apoptotic and Anti-Cancer Properties of Diosgenin: A Comprehensive and Critical Review

Novel and alternative options are being adopted to combat the initiation and progression of human cancers. One of the approaches is the use of molecules isolated from traditional medicinal herbs, edible dietary plants and seeds that play a pivotal role in the prevention/treatment of cancer, either alone or in combination with existing chemotherapeutic agents. Compounds that modulate these oncogenic processes are potential candidates for cancer therapy and may eventually make it to clinical applications. Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroidal sapogenin and is one of the major bioactive compounds found in dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds. In addition to being a lactation aid, diosgenin has been shown to be hypocholesterolemic, gastro- and hepato-protective, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer. Diosgenin has a unique structural similarity to estrogen. Several preclinical studies have reported on the pro-apoptotic and anti-cancer properties of diosgenin against a variety of cancers, both in in vitro and in vivo. Diosgenin has also been reported to reverse multi-drug resistance in cancer cells and sensitize cancer cells to standard chemotherapy. Remarkably, diosgenin has also been reported to be used by pharmaceutical companies to synthesize steroidal drugs. Several novel diosgenin analogs and nano-formulations have been synthesized with improved anti-cancer efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile. In this review we discuss in detail the multifaceted anti-cancer properties of diosgenin that have found application in pharmaceutical, functional food, and cosmetic industries; and the various intracellular molecular targets modulated by diosgenin that abrogate the oncogenic process.

Anticancer potential of Trigonella foenum graecum: Cellular and molecular targets

A growing body of evidence supported by numerous studies on tumorigenesis confirms that it is possible to target various hallmarks of cancer. Recent studies have shown that plant-derived molecules may be used in targeting different signaling pathways for cancer drug discovery. The present paper gives an insight into the anticancer potential of fenugreek and lists the existing studies that have been carried out to demonstrate the advantages of the use of fenugreek in cancer treatment and prevention. It also aims at opening up new perspectives in the development of new drugs of natural origins in the future clinical trials. This review article will discuss; (1) the chemical constituents and bioactive compounds of fenugreek; (2) effects on oxidative stress and inflammation; (3) effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion; (4) toxicity of fenugreek; and 5) future directions in cancer drug development. All of the experimental studies discussed in this paper suggest that multiple signaling pathways (hallmarks) are involved in the anticancer activities of fenugreek, but their efficacy is still unclear, which requires further investigation.

Diosgenin: Recent Highlights on Pharmacology and Analytical Methodology

Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, occurs abundantly in plants such as Dioscorea alata, Smilax China, and Trigonella foenum graecum. This bioactive phytochemical not only is used as an important starting material for the preparation of several steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, but has revealed also high potential and interest in the treatment of various types of disorders such as cancer, hypercholesterolemia, inflammation, and several types of infections. Due to its pharmacological and industrial importance, several extraction and analytical procedures have been developed and applied over the years to isolate, detect, and quantify diosgenin, not only in its natural sources and pharmaceutical compositions, but also in animal matrices for pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological studies. Within these, HPLC technique coupled to different detectors is the most commonly analytical procedure described for this compound. However, other alternative methods were also published. Thus, the present review aims to provide collective information on the most recent pharmacological data on diosgenin and on the most relevant analytical techniques used to isolate, detect, and quantify this compound as well.

Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic, and Apoptotic Activity of Steroidal Oximes in Cervicouterine Cell Lines

Steroidal sapogenins have shown antiproliferative effects against several tumor cell lines; and their effects on human cancer cells are currently under study. Changes in the functionality on the steroidal structure make it possible to modify the biological activity of compounds. Herein, we report the synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity of two steroidal oxime compounds on cervical cancer cells. These derivatives were synthesized from the steroidal sapogenin diosgenin in good yields. The in vitro assays show that the steroidal oximes show significant antiproliferative activity compared to the one observed for diosgenin. Cell proliferation, cell death, and the cytotoxic effects were determined in both cervical cancer cells and human lymphocytes. The cancer cells showed apoptotic morphology and an increased presence of active caspase-3, providing the notion of a death pathway in the cell. Significantly, the steroidal oximes did not exert a cytotoxic effect on lymphocytes.

Possible Anticancer Mechanisms of Some Costus speciosus Active Ingredients Concerning Drug Discovery

Costus speciosus is native to South East Asia, especially found in India, Srilanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. C. speciosus have numerous therapeutic potentials against a wide variety of complains. The therapeutic properties of C. speciosus are attributed to the presence of various ingredients such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, sterols and sesquiterpenes. This review presented the past, present, and the future status of C. speciosus active ingredients to propose a future use as a potential anticancer agent. All possible up-regulation of cellular apoptotic molecules as p53, p21, p27, caspases, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and others attribute to the anticancer activity of C. speciosus along the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic agents such as Akt, Bcl2, NFKB, STAT3, JAK, MMPs, actin, surviving and vimentin. Eventually, we recommend further investigation of different C. speciosus extracts, using some active ingredients and evaluate the anticancer effect of these chemicals against different cancers.

In situ pressurized biphase acid hydrolysis, a promising approach to produce bioactive diosgenin from the tubers of Dioscorea Zingiberensis

BACKGROUND

The tubers of Dioscorea zingiberensis, is the most favorable plant material for the production of diosgenin, an important bioactive steroidal sapogenin and requisite precursor of cortin, contraceptive and sex hormone, which is the only desired product after steroidal saponins from the tubers are hydrolyzed.

OBJECTIVE

A novel technology, in situ pressurized biphase acid hydrolysis was constructed for the first time to simplify extraction process, increase extraction yield and decrease the consumption of mineral acids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The method developed in this study has been optimized and verified through orthogonal design for experiments, in which the effect and their significance of four factors including molarity of acid, temperature, extraction duration and sample quantity have been investigated. Then, the comparison was conducted among the newly developed method and other reported methods. The diosgenin was also isolated by column chromatography, followed by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis for structural confirmation.

RESULTS

It was found that temperature is the factor of the most influence and the highest extraction yield at 2.21% has been achieved while the hydrolysis was performed at 140°C for 1.5 h in 0.20M H2SO4 solution with petroleum ether under an uncontrolled pressurized condition. And, compared to the others, the increment in the extraction yield of new method was 20.8 ~ 74.0%, and the consumption of H2SO4 was reduced by 17 times at most.

CONCLUSION

This method is a much cleaner and more efficient approach for extraction of diosgenin from the tubers, and is promising to be applied in pharmaceutical industry.

Diosgenin inhibits tumor necrosis factor-induced tissue factor activity and expression in THP-1 cells via down-regulation of the NF-κB, Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways

AIM

To investigate whether diosgenin could modulate tissue factor (TF) procoagulation activity, expression, and related signal transduction pathways.

METHODS

Human THP-1 monocytic cells were exposed to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 10 ng·mL(-1)) with or without diosgenin (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μmol · L(-1)) for 2 h or 5 h to induce TF procoagulant activity and expression, which were determined by the simplified chromogenic assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time quantitative PCR, and Western blotting assays. In addition, the activation of the NF-κB, Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways were also measured by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Diosgenin significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced TF procoagulant activity at concentrations of 0.01 to 1 μmol · L(-1) with IC50 of 0.25 μmol · L(-1). It also reduced protein expression and mRNA accumulation of TF dose-dependently in activated THP-1 cells. TNF-α stimulated significantly phosphorylation on Ser536 of NF-κB/p65, Ser473 of Akt at 5-15 min, and activations of IKK-β and ERK at 15-30 min. Diosgenin (1 μmol · L(-1)) could inhibit the phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65, IKK-β, Akt, ERK, and JNK, but had no remarkable effects on IκB and p38 phosphorylation in THP-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

Diosgenin inhibits TNF-α-induced TF activity and expression in monocytes, partly due to its down-regulation of the phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65, IKK-β, Akt, ERK, and JNK.

Key molecules in the differentiation and commitment program of T helper 17 (Th17) cells up-to-date

The mechanisms underlying autoimmunity and cancer remain elusive. However, perpendicular evidence has been evolved in the past decade that T helper (Th)17 cells and their related molecules are implicated in initiation and induction of various disease settings including both diseases. Meanwhile, extensive research on Th17 cells elucidated various molecules including cytokines and transcription factors as well as signaling pathways involved in the differentiation, maturation, survival and ultimate commitment of Th17 cells. In the current review, we revise the mechanistic underpinnings delivered by recent research on these molecules in the Th17 differentiation/commitment concert. We emphasize on those molecules proposed as targets for attaining potential therapies of various autoimmune disorders and cancer, aiming both at dampening the dark-side of Th17 repertoire and simultaneously potentiating its benefits in the roster of the antimicrobial response.