Inhibitory Effects of Amorphigenin on the Mitochondrial Complex I of Culex pipiens pallens Coquillett (Diptera: Culicidae)

A review on invasive false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.): Nuisance plant with multiple benefits

Increased mobility of people around the globe has facilitated transferring species to new environments, where some have found suitable conditions and even become invasive. False indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.) is a plant native to North America but has intentionally or unintentionally spread over the Northern Hemisphere, where it often becomes invasive. The plant is especially easily dispersed within the watersheds of large rivers, where seasonal flooding is regular. Seeds and other propagules are buoyant, and when the water recedes, new plants emerge, forming dense thickets where only a few other species can co-exist. In order to sustain native biodiversity, spread control is needed. However, mechanical control and eradication measures currently in use are labor demanding and costly, while application of herbicides is limited. On the other hand, the plant possesses a number of beneficial properties, such as phytochemical applications (medical and insecticidal effects), biocoenotic uses (honey plant, ornamental features), and ecosystem services (soil stabilization, provision of food for animals, and fiber and biomass for industry, e.g., nanocellulose). For the reasons above mentioned, the plant is considered quite controversial, and the paper discusses both aspects: potential detrimental effects when introduced to new habitats and its beneficial uses for human society. In addition, the paper presents alternative measures of spreading control (e.g., grazing) and argues that exploiting it for beneficial purposes might help spread control, thus covering the expenses of controlling its distribution.

The invasive alien species Amorpha fruticosa in Bulgaria and its potential as economically prospective source of valuable essential oil

The high tolerance of various habitat conditions and potent propagation ability of Amorpha fruticosa L. (Fabaceae) promote its aggressive invasive behaviour. The aim of this study is to evaluate 1) several populations of this plant by the potential yield of the fruit, 2) the approximate yield of the essential oils, and 3) composition of the essential oil.

The potential yield of fruit is evaluated based on extrapolations of weight and number of fruits per infrutescence, number of infrutescences per plant and number of individuals per population. Steam extraction of the essential oil was performed and GS/MS analysis of the composition of the essential oil.

The populations on our key plots are big enough for harvesting with fruit/infrutescence 152 ±15 (n = 20) and infrutescences/shrub 436 ±157 (n = 20). The yield is 0.83 ml/100g. We identified 22 components with major constituents caryophyllene (17.64%) α-guaiene (14.70%), naphthalene (6.75%), γ-muurolene + (5.98%).

Hydroxylated Rotenoids Selectively Inhibit the Proliferation of Prostate Cancer Cells

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in men. The identification of new therapeutics to selectively target prostate cancer cells is therefore vital. Recently, the rotenoids rotenone (1) and deguelin (2) were reported to selectively kill prostate cancer cells, and the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I was established as essential to their mechanism of action. However, these hydrophobic rotenoids readily cross the blood-brain barrier and induce symptoms characteristic of Parkinson's disease in animals. Since hydroxylated derivatives of 1 and 2 are more hydrophilic and less likely to readily cross the blood-brain barrier, 29 natural and unnatural hydroxylated derivatives of 1 and 2 were synthesized for evaluation. The inhibitory potency (IC50) of each derivative against complex I was measured, and its hydrophobicity (Slog10P) predicted. Amorphigenin (3), dalpanol (4), dihydroamorphigenin (5), and amorphigenol (6) were selected and evaluated in cell-based assays using C4-2 and C4-2B prostate cancer cells alongside control PNT2 prostate cells. These rotenoids inhibit complex I in cells, decrease oxygen consumption, and selectively inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, leaving control cells unaffected. The greatest selectivity and antiproliferative effects were observed with 3 and 5. The data highlight these molecules as promising therapeutic candidates for further evaluation in prostate cancer models.

Amorpha fruticosa - A Noxious Invasive Alien Plant in Europe or a Medicinal Plant against Metabolic Disease?

Amorpha fruticosa L. (Fabaceae) is a shrub native to North America which has been cultivated mainly for its ornamental features, honey plant value and protective properties against soil erosion. It is registered amongst the most noxious invasive species in Europe. However, a growing body of scientific literature also points to the therapeutic potential of its chemical constituents. Due to the fact that A. fruticosa is an aggressive invasive species, it can provide an abundant and cheap resource of plant chemical constituents which can be utilized for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, exploitation of the biomass for medicinal use might contribute to relieving the destructive impact of this species on natural habitats. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary and systematize the state-of-the-art in the knowledge of the phytochemical composition and the potential of A. fruticosa in disease treatment and prevention, with especial emphasis on diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Also reviewed are aspects related to potential toxicity of A. fruticosa which has not yet been systematically evaluated in human subjects.

[Synergistic Antitumor Effect of Amorphigenin Combined with Cisplatin in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549/DDP Cells]

背景与目的

Amorphigenin是从紫穗槐属植物的种子中分离提取的鱼藤酮类化合物，研究发现amorphigenin对多种肿瘤细胞具有增殖抑制作用。本研究拟探讨amorphigenin对人肺腺癌耐顺铂细胞株A549/DDP的抗肿瘤作用及其可能的分子机制。

方法

采用CCK-8法测定A549/DDP细胞的增殖；克隆形成实验测定A549/DDP细胞的克隆形成；流式细胞术检测细胞的凋亡率；Western blot技术检测caspase-3、PARP和LRP蛋白的表达。

结果

Amorphigenin可抑制A549/DDP细胞的增殖48 h[半数抑制浓度(half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC₅₀)]为(2.19±0.92)μmol/L、抑制克隆形成及诱导细胞凋亡。此外，Amorphigenin与顺铂联合可协同地抑制A549/DDP细胞生长和促进凋亡；降低耐药蛋白LRP蛋白的表达。

结论

Amorphigenin可抑制A549/DDP细胞增殖和促进细胞凋亡；amorphigenin可能是通过抑制耐药蛋白LRP蛋白表达，进而与顺铂对A549/DDP细胞产生协同抑制作用。