Anticancer Potential of Furanocoumarins: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Aspects

Unlocking daidzein's healing power: Present applications and future possibilities in phytomedicine

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and a great threat to people around the world. Cancer treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, radiochemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. The best approach is to use a combination of several types. Among the treatment methods mentioned above, chemotherapy is frequently used, but its activity is hampered by the development of drug resistance and many side effects. In this regard, the use of medicinal plants has been discussed, and in recent decades, the use of isolated phytochemicals came into the focus of interest. By critically evaluating the available evidence and emphasizing the unique perspective offered by this review, we provide insights into the potential of daidzein as a promising therapeutic agent, as well as outline future research directions to optimize its efficacy in clinical settings.

PURPOSE

To summarized the therapeutic potential of daidzein, an isoflavone phytoestrogen in the management of several human diseases with the focuses on the current status and future prospects as a therapeutic agent.

METHODS

Several search engines, including PubMed, GoogleScholar, and ScienceDirect, were used, with the search terms "daidzein", "daidzein therapeutic potential", or individual effects. The study included all peer-reviewed articles. However, the most recent publications were given priority.

RESULTS

Daidzein showed protective effects against malignant diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer but also non-malignant diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Daidzein activates multiple signaling pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as well as antioxidant and anti-metastatic effects in malignant cells. Moreover, the anticancer effects against different cancer cells were more prominent and discussed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

In short, daidzein represents a promising compound for drug development. The comprehensive potential anticancer activities of daidzein through various molecular mechanisms and its therapeutic/clinical status required further detail studies.

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.

Phytochemistry and Biological Profile of the Chinese Endemic Herb Genus Notopterygium

Notopterygium, a plant genus belonging to the Apiaceae family, is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties. Specifically, the roots and rhizomes of these plants are employed in phytotherapy to alleviate inflammatory conditions and headaches. This review provides a concise overview of the existing information regarding the botanical description, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and molecular mechanisms of the two Notopterygium species: Notopterygium incisum and N. franchetii. More than 500 distinct compounds have been derived from these plants, with the root being the primary source. These components include volatile oils, coumarins, enynes, sesquiterpenes, organic acids and esters, flavonoids, and various other compounds. Research suggests that Notopterygium incisum and N. franchetii exhibit a diverse array of pharmacological effects, encompassing antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, anticoagulant, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties on various organs such as the brain, heart, digestive system, and respiratory system. Building activity screening models based on the pharmacological effects of Notopterygium species, as well as discovering and studying the pharmacological mechanisms of novel active ingredients, will constitute the primary development focus of Notopterygium medicinal research in the future.

Quantitative Analysis of Isopimpinellin from Ammi majus L. Fruits and Evaluation of Its Biological Effect on Selected Human Tumor Cells

Ammi majus L. (Apiaceae) is a medicinal plant with a well-documented history in phytotherapy. The aim of the present work was to isolate isopimpinellin (5,8-methoxypsoralen; IsoP) from the fruit of this plant and evaluate its biological activity against selected tumor cell lines. The methanol extract obtained with the use of an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) method was the most suitable for the quantitative analysis of coumarins in the A. majus fruit matrix. The coumarin content was estimated by RP-HPLC/DAD, and the amount of IsoP was found to be 404.14 mg/100 g dry wt., constituting 24.56% of the total coumarin fraction (1.65 g/100 g). This, along with the presence of xanthotoxin (368.04 mg/100 g, 22.36%) and bergapten (253.05 mg/100 g, 15.38%), confirmed A. majus fruits as an excellent source of these compounds. IsoP was isolated (99.8% purity) by combined liquid chromatography/centrifugal partition chromatography (LC/CPC) and tested for the first time on its antiproliferative activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29, SW620), osteosarcoma (Saos-2, HOS), and multiple myeloma (RPMI8226, U266) cell lines. MTT assay results (96 h incubation) demonstrated a dose- and cell line-dependent decrease in cell proliferation/viability, with the strongest effect of IsoP against the Saos-2 cell line (IC50; 42.59 µM), medium effect against U266, HT-29, and RPMI8226 (IC50 = 84.14, 95.53, and 105.0 µM, respectively), and very weak activity against invasive HOS (IC50; 321.6 µM) and SW620 (IC50; 711.30 µM) cells, as well as normal human skin fibroblasts (HSFs), with IC50; 410.7 µM. The mechanistic study on the Saos-2 cell line showed that IsoP was able to reduce DNA synthesis and trigger apoptosis via caspase-3 activation. In general, IsoP was found to have more potency towards cancerous cells (except for HOS and SW620) than against healthy cells. The Selective Index (SI) was determined, underlining the higher selectivity of IsoP towards cancer cells compared to healthy cells (SI = 9.62 against Saos-2). All these results suggest that IsoP might be a promising molecule in the chemo-prevention and treatment of primary osteosarcoma.

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.

A Role for iNOS in Erastin Mediated Reduction of P-Glycoprotein Transport Activity

The blood-brain barrier is composed of both a physical barrier and an enzymatic barrier. Tight junction (TJ) proteins expressed between endothelial cells of brain capillaries provide the physical barrier to paracellular movement of ions and molecules to the brain, while luminal-facing efflux transporters enzymatically restrict the entry of blood-borne molecules from entering the brain. The expression and activity of ATP Binding Cassette transporters or "ABC" transporters in endothelial cells of the BBB and in human tumor cells are dynamically regulated by numerous signaling pathways. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), (ABCB1), is arguably the most studied transporter of the BBB, and in human cell lines. P-glycoprotein transport activity is rapidly inhibited by signaling pathways that call for the rapid production of nitric oxide (NO) from the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme, iNOS. This study investigated how nano-molar levels of the selective chemotherapeutic erastin affect the activity or expression of P-glycoprotein transporter in brain capillaries and in human tumor cell lines. We chose erastin because it signals to iNOS for NO production at low concentrations. Furthermore, erastin inhibits the cellular uptake of cystine through the XC- cystine/glutamate antiporter. Since previous reports indicate that NO production from iNOS can rapidly inhibit P-gp activity in tumor cells, we wondered if induction of iNOS by erastin could also rapidly reduce P-glycoprotein transport activity in brain endothelial cells and in human tumor cell lines. We show here that low concentrations of erastin (1 nM) can induce iNOS, inhibit the activity of P-glycoprotein, and reduce the intracellular uptake of cystine via the Xc- cystine/glutamate antiporter. Consistent with reduced P-glycoprotein activity in rat brain capillary endothelial cells, we show that human tumor cell lines exposed to erastin become more sensitive to cytotoxic substrates of P-glycoprotein.

System Pharmacological Approach to Investigate and Validate Multitargeted and Therapeutic Effect of Furocoumarins of Apium graveolens L. for Treatment of Kidney Disease

Background

System pharmacological approaches play important roles in drug discovery and development and in biomolecular exploration to investigate the multitarget therapeutic effects of phytochemicals for the treatment of acute and chronic ailments.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to apply a system pharmacological approach to investigate the multitarget therapeutic effects of furocoumarins of Apium graveolens L. for the treatment of kidney disease.

Methods

Several furocoumarins of Apium graveolens were screened from online databases. Network biology and poly-pharmacology analyses were performed to investigate the multitarget therapeutic effect of furocoumarins. The potential metabolites that showed significant interactions with various genes were selected for in silico docking analysis with CASP-3 and SOD proteins. In silico ADME analysis was also performed to investigate the pharmacokinetic behavior of targeted furocoumarins.

Results

Out of thirteen furocoumarins selected for analysis, six showed partial or significant interaction with SOD and CASP-3 proteins. These metabolites may alleviate kidney dysfunction by reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress, regulating apoptosis, slowing down the progression of diabetic nephropathy, and reducing hypertension and glomerular vascular rigidity. In silico docking analysis revealed bergapten as a potential therapeutic agent for kidney disease treatment. In silico docking analysis showed anglicine, imperatorin, and sphondin exhibited strong interaction with CASP-3 and SOD with binding energy -6.5, -7.2, -6.5 and -6.8, -6.2 -5.7 kcal/mol, respectively. These components exhibited greater conventional hydrogen bonding with CASP-3 and SOD than other furocoumarins. Furthermore, in silico ADME analysis of metabolites showed that all furocoumarins have a highly lipophilic nature, good skin permeability, and GI absorption, as well as good blood-brain permeability (BBB).

Conclusion

Furocoumarins reduce kidney dysfunction and associated pathophysiological complications via the reduction of glomerular vascular rigidity, diabetic nephropathy, and oxidative and inflammatory stress. However, further biomolecular and clinical examinations are necessary to validate and enhance the credibility of present findings.

Liver cancer wars: plant-derived polyphenols strike back

Liver cancer currently represents the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The majority of liver cancer arises in the context of chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy have been the guideline-recommended treatment options for decades. Despite enormous advances in the field of liver cancer therapy, an effective cure is yet to be found. Plant-derived polyphenols constitute a large family of phytochemicals, with pleiotropic effects and little toxicity. They can drive cellular events and modify multiple signaling pathways which involves initiation, progression and metastasis of liver cancer and play an important role in contributing to anti-liver cancer drug development. The potential of plant-derived polyphenols for treating liver cancer has gained attention from research clinicians and pharmaceutical scientists worldwide in the last decades. This review overviews hepatic carcinogenesis and briefly discusses anti-liver cancer mechanisms associated with plant-derived polyphenols, specifically involving cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and metastasis. We focus on plant-derived polyphenols with experiment-based chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties against liver cancer and generalize their basic molecular mechanisms of action. We also discuss potential opportunities and challenges in translating plant-derived polyphenols from preclinical success into clinical applications.

Factors Influencing Mortality in Children with Central Nervous System Tumors: A Cohort Study on Clinical Characteristics and Genetic Markers

Multidrug resistance (MDR) commonly leads to cancer treatment failure because cancer cells often expel chemotherapeutic drugs using ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which reduce drug levels within the cells. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and single nucleotide variant (SNV) in ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC4, and ABCG2, and their association with mortality in pediatric patients with central nervous system tumors (CNST). Using TaqMan probes, a real-time polymerase chain reaction genotyped 15 SNPs in 111 samples. Patients were followed up until death or the last follow-up day using the Cox proportional hazards model. An association was found between the rs1045642 (ABCB1) in the recessive model (HR = 2.433, 95% CI 1.098-5.392, p = 0.029), and the ICE scheme in the codominant model (HR = 9.810, 95% CI 2.74-35.06, p ≤ 0.001), dominant model (HR = 6.807, 95% CI 2.87-16.103, p ≤ 0.001), and recessive model (HR = 6.903, 95% CI 2.915-16.544, p = 0.038) significantly increased mortality in this cohort of patients. An association was also observed between the variant rs3114020 (ABCG2) and mortality in the codominant model (HR = 5.35, 95% CI 1.83-15.39, p = 0.002) and the dominant model (HR = 4.421, 95% CI 1.747-11.185, p = 0.002). A significant association between the ICE treatment schedule and increased mortality risk in the codominant model (HR = 6.351, 95% CI 1.831-22.02, p = 0.004, HR = 9.571, 95% CI 2.856-32.07, p ≤ 0.001), dominant model (HR = 6.592, 95% CI 2.669-16.280, p ≤ 0.001), and recessive model (HR = 5.798, 95% CI 2.411-13.940, p ≤ 0.001). The genetic variants rs3114020 in the ABCG2 gene and rs1045642 in the ABCB1 gene and the ICE chemotherapy schedule were associated with an increased mortality risk in this cohort of pediatric patients with CNST.

Preventing Cancer by Inhibiting Ornithine Decarboxylase: A Comparative Perspective on Synthetic vs. Natural Drugs

This perspective delves into the investigation of synthetic and naturally occurring inhibitors, their patterns of inhibition, and the effectiveness of newly utilized natural compounds as inhibitors targeting the Ornithine decarboxylase enzyme. This enzyme is known to target the MYC oncogene, thereby establishing a connection between polyamine metabolism and oncogenesis in both normal and cancerous cells. ODC activation and heightened polyamine activity are associated with tumor development in numerous cancers and fluctuations in ODC protein levels exert a profound influence on cellular activity for inhibition or suppressing tumor cells. This perspective outlines efforts to develop novel drugs, evaluate natural compounds, and identify promising inhibitors to address gaps in cancer prevention, highlighting the potential of newly designed synthetic moieties and natural flavonoids as alternatives. It also discusses natural compounds with potential as enhanced inhibitors.

Methoxyfuranocoumarins of Natural Origin-Updating Biological Activity Research and Searching for New Directions-A Review

Plant secondary metabolites, including furanocoumarins, have attracted attention for decades as active molecules with therapeutic potential, especially those occurring in a limited number of species as evolutionarily specific and chemotaxonomically important. The most famous methoxyfuranocoumarins (MFCs), bergapten, xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin, phellopterin, byakangelicol, byakangelicin, isobergapten, pimpinellin, sphondin, as well as rare ones such as peucedanin and 8-methoxypeucedanin, apaensin, cnidilin, moellendorffiline and dahuribiethrins, have recently been investigated for their various biological activities. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant potential of moellendorffiline, the antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties of non-UV-activated bergapten and xanthotoxin, the effect of MFC on the activity of tyrosinase, acetyl- and butylcholinesterase, and the role of these compounds as adjuvants in anticancer and antibacterial tests have been confirmed. The anticonvulsant effects of halfordin, the antidepressant effects of xanthotoxin, and the antiadipogenic, neuroprotective, anti-amyloid-β, and anti-inflammatory (via increasing SIRT 1 protein expression) properties of phellopterin, as well as the activity of sphondin against hepatitis B virus, have also attracted interest. It is worth paying attention to the agonistic effect of xanthotoxin on bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) on cardiomyocytes, which may be important in the future treatment of tachycardia, as well as the significant anti-inflammatory activity of dahuribiethrins. It should be emphasized that MFCs, although in many cases isolated for the first time many years ago, are still of great interest as bioactive molecules. The aim of this review is to highlight key recent developments in the study of the diverse biological activities of MFCs and attempt to highlight promising directions for their further research. Where possible, descriptions of the mechanisms of action of MFC are provided, which is related to the constantly discovered therapeutic potential of these molecules. The review covers the results of experiments from the last ten years (2014-2023) conducted on isolated natural cMFCs and includes the activity of molecules that have not been activated by UV rays.

Inhibitory potential of furanocoumarins against cyclin dependent kinase 4 using integrated docking, molecular dynamics and ONIOM methods

Cyclin Dependent Kinase 4 (CDK4) is vital in the process of cell-cycle and serves as a G1 phase checkpoint in cell division. Selective antagonists of CDK4 which are in use as clinical chemotherapeutics cause various side-effects in patients. Furanocoumarins induce anti-cancerous effects in a range of human tumours. Therefore, targeting these compounds against CDK4 is anticipated to enhance therapeutic effectiveness. This work intended to explore the CDK4 inhibitory potential of 50 furanocoumarin molecules, using a comprehensive approach that integrates the processes of docking, drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic analysis, molecular dynamics simulations and ONIOM (Our own N-layered Integrated molecular Orbital and Molecular mechanics) methods. The top five best docked compounds obtained from docking studies were screened for subsequent analysis. The molecules displayed good pharmacokinetic properties and no toxicity. Epoxybergamottin, dihydroxybergamottin and notopterol were found to inhabit the ATP-binding zone of CDK4 with substantial stability and negative binding free energy forming hydrogen bonds with key catalytic residues of the protein. Notopterol exhibiting the highest binding energy was subjected to ONIOM calculations wherein the hydrogen bonding interactions were retained with significant negative interaction energy. Hence, through these series of computerised methods, notopterol was screened as a potent CDK4 inhibitor and can act as a starting point in successive processes of drug design.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Furanocoumarins as Enhancers of Antitumor Potential of Sorafenib and LY294002 toward Human Glioma Cells In Vitro

Furanocoumarins are naturally occurring compounds in the plant world, characterized by low molecular weight, simple chemical structure, and high solubility in most organic solvents. Additionally, they have a broad spectrum of activity, and their properties depend on the location and type of attached substituents. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the anticancer activity of furanocoumarins (imperatorin, isoimperatorin, bergapten, and xanthotoxin) in relation to human glioblastoma multiforme (T98G) and anaplastic astrocytoma (MOGGCCM) cell lines. The tested compounds were used for the first time in combination with LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) and sorafenib (Raf inhibitor). Apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis were identified microscopically after straining with Hoechst 33342, acridine orange, and propidium iodide, respectively. The levels of caspase 3 and Beclin 1 were estimated by immunoblotting and for the blocking of Raf and PI3K kinases, the transfection with specific siRNA was used. The scratch test was used to assess the migration potential of glioma cells. Our studies showed that the anticancer activity of furanocoumarins strictly depended on the presence, type, and location of substituents. The obtained results suggest that achieving higher pro-apoptotic activity is determined by the presence of an isoprenyl moiety at the C8 position of the coumarin skeleton. In both anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma, imperatorin was the most effective in induction apoptosis. Furthermore, the usage of imperatorin, alone and in combination with sorafenib or LY294002, decreased the migratory potential of MOGGCCM and T98G cells.

Evaluation of the Biological Effect of Non-UV-Activated Bergapten on Selected Human Tumor Cells and the Insight into the Molecular Mechanism of Its Action

There is some evidence that non-photoactivated psoralens may be active against breast and colon tumor cells. Therefore, we evaluated the antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and anti-migrative effect of 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) isolated from Peucedanum tauricum MB fruits in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29 and SW620), osteosarcoma (Saos-2 and HOS), and multiple myeloma (RPMI8226 and U266). Dose- and cell-line-dependent effects of 5-MOP on viability and proliferation were observed, with the strongest inhibitory effect against Saos-2 and a moderate effect against the HOS, HT-29, and SW620 cells. Multiple myeloma showed low sensitivity. The high viability of human normal cell cultures (HSF and hFOB) in a wide range of 5-MOP concentrations tested (6.25-100 µM) was confirmed. Moreover, the migration of treated Saos-2, SW620, and HT-29 cell lines was impaired, as indicated via a wound healing assay. Flow cytometry analysis conducted on Saos-2 cells revealed the ability of 5-MOP to block the cell cycle in the G2 phase and trigger apoptosis, which was accompanied by a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspases (-9 and -3) activation, the altered expression of the Bax and Bcl-2 proteins, and decreased AKT phosphorylation. This is the first report evaluating the antiproliferative and antimigratory impact of non-UV-activated bergapten on the abovementioned (except for HT-29) tumor cells, which provides new data on the potential role of 5-MOP in inhibiting the growth of various types of therapeutic-resistant cancers.

Reconstitution and Optimization of the Marmesin Biosynthetic Pathway in Yeast

Marmesin is essential in plant defense systems and exhibits various biological activities. In this study, we reconstituted the marmesin biosynthetic pathway in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 chassis. We engineered the aromatic amino acid (AAA) biosynthetic pathways by introducing Escherichia coli-derived ppsA to improve the availability of the AAA precursor phosphoenolpyruvate, overexpressing the feedback inhibition resistance genes ARO4K229L and ARO7G141S to direct the metabolic flux toward the tyrosine branch, and deleting ARO10, PDC5, and PDC6 to reduce the byproducts from the Ehrlich pathway. The umbelliferone 6-dimethylallyltransferase (U6DT) and marmesin synthase (MS) involved in marmesin synthesis were optimized to increase marmesin production. Marmesin production was improved by truncating the transmembrane domains of PcU6DT, FcMS, and AtCPR1 and increasing the copy numbers of the genes encoding the truncated enzymes. Finally, a marmesin titer of 27.7 mg/L was obtained in shake flasks using the engineered yeast strain MU5. The constructed marmesin-producing strain provides the foundation for the green and large-scale production of pharmaceutically important furanocoumarins.

Unveiling the antitumor potential of novel N-(substituted-phenyl)-8-methoxycoumarin-3-carboxamides as dual inhibitors of VEGFR2 kinase and cytochrome P450 for targeted treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Being the sixth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, liver cancer is considered as a serious disease with a high prevalence and poor prognosis. Current anticancer drugs for liver cancer have drawbacks, such as limited efficacy in later stages of the disease, toxicity to healthy cells, and the potential for drug resistance. There is ample evidence that coumarin-based compounds are potent anticancer agents, with numerous analogues currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. The current study aimed to explore the antitumor potency of a new class of 8-methoxycoumarin-3-carboxamides against liver cancer. Toward this aim, we have designed, synthesized, and characterized a new set of N-(substituted-phenyl)-8-methoxycoumarin-3-carboxamide analogues. The assessment of antitumor activity revealed that the synthesized class of compounds possesses substantial cytotoxicity toward Hep-G2 cells when compared to staurosporine, without significant impact on normal cells. Out of the synthesized compounds, compound 7 demonstrated the most potent cytotoxic effect against Hep-G2 cells with an IC50 of 0.75 µM, which was more potent than the drug staurosporine (IC50 = 8.37 µM). The investigation into the mechanism behind the antiproliferative activity of compound 7 revealed that it interferes with DNA replication and induces DNA damage, leading to cell cycle arrest as demonstrated by a significant decrease in the percentage of cells in the G1 and G2/M phases, along with an increase in the percentage of cells in the S phase. Flow cytometric analysis further revealed that compound 7 has the ability to trigger programmed cell death by inducing necrosis and apoptosis in HepG-2 cells. Further explorations into the mechanism of action demonstrated that compound 7 displays a potent dual-inhibitory activity toward cytochrome P450 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) proteins, as compared to sorafenib drug. Further, detailed computational studies revealed that compound 7 displays a considerable binding affinity toward the binding cavity of VEGFR2 and CYP450 proteins. Taken together, our findings indicate that the newly synthesized class of compounds, particularly compound 7, could serve as a promising scaffold for the development of highly effective anticancer agents against liver cancer.

Efficacy of Green Synthesized Nanoparticles in Photodynamic Therapy: A Therapeutic Approach

Cancer is a complex and diverse disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. It poses a significant global public health challenge and remains a leading cause of death. The rise in cancer cases and deaths is a significant worry, emphasizing the immediate need for increased awareness, prevention, and treatment measures. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a potential treatment for various types of cancer, including skin, lung, bladder, and oesophageal cancer. A key advantage of PDT is its ability to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. This is achieved by preferentially accumulating photosensitizing agents (PS) in cancer cells and precisely directing light activation to the tumour site. Consequently, PDT reduces the risk of harming surrounding healthy cells, which is a common drawback of conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes has a long history dating back thousands of years and continues to be an integral part of healthcare in many cultures worldwide. Plant extracts and phytochemicals have demonstrated the ability to enhance the effectiveness of PDT by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. This natural approach capitalizes on the eco-friendly nature of plant-based photoactive compounds, offering valuable insights for future research. Nanotechnology has also played a pivotal role in medical advancements, particularly in the development of targeted drug delivery systems. Therefore, this review explores the potential of utilizing photosensitizing phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants as a viable source for PDT in the treatment of cancer. The integration of green photodynamic therapy with plant-based compounds holds promise for novel treatment alternatives for various chronic illnesses. By harnessing the scientific potential of plant-based compounds for PDT, we can pave the way for innovative and sustainable treatment strategies.

A network pharmacology-based investigation of brugine reveals its multi-target molecular mechanism against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer represents the leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Since the complexity of breast cancer as a disease resides in its heterogeneity as it consists of several subtypes such as hormone receptor-positive subtypes: Luminal A, Luminal B, Her2- overexpressed, basal-like and hormone receptor-negative subtype: TNBC. Among all the subtypes, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal and complex subtype. Moreover, the available treatment options like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are not sufficient because of the associated side effects and drug resistance development. Therefore, discovery of new effective natural compounds with anti-tumor activity is required. In this pursuit, marine organisms provide a plentiful supply of such chemicals compounds. A marine compound Brugine found in the bark and stem of mangrove species Bruguiera sexangula is a potential anti-cancer compound. It has shown its cytotoxic activity against sarcoma 180 and lewis lung cancer. The molecular processes, however, are currently unknown. So, in order to research the molecular pathways this compound utilizes, we sought to apply a network pharmacology approach. The network pharmacology strategy we used in this investigation to identify and evaluate possible molecular pathways involved in the treatment of breast cancer with brugine was supported by simulation and molecular docking experiments. The study was conducted using various databases such as the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) for the genetic profile study of breast cancer, Swiss ADME for studying the pharmacodynamic study of brugine, Gene cards for collection of information of genes, STRING was used to study the interaction among proteins, AutoDock vina was to study the binding efficacy of brugine with the best fit protein. The results showed that the compound and breast cancer target network shared 90 common targets. According to the functional enrichment analysis brugine exhibited its effects in breast cancer via modulating certain pathways such as cAMP signaling pathway, JAK/STAT pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway PI3K-Akt pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and Necroptosis. Molecular docking investigations demonstrated that the investigated marine compound has a high affinity for the key target, protein kinase A (PKA). A stable protein-ligand combination was created by the best hit molecule, according to molecular dynamics modeling. The purpose of this research was to examine the importance of brugine as a potentially effective treatment for breast cancer and to obtain knowledge of the molecular mechanism used by this substance in breast cancer.

Cytotoxic, Anti-Hemolytic, and Antioxidant Activities of Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) Extract, Fractions, and Isolated Compounds

Ruta chalepensis is an herb used to treat various ailments, and its potential cytotoxic effects on different tumor cell lines have been extensively studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of R. chalepensis methanol extract (RCME), sub-partitions obtained from solvents of increasing polarity, and major compounds, as well as their hemolytic, anti-hemolytic, and antioxidant potential. The in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human hepatocarcinoma (HEP-G2) and the murine lymphoma cell line (L5178Y-R) was evaluated using the colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay, whereas selectivity indices (SIs) were determined by comparing cytotoxicity against normal African green monkey kidney cells (VERO) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Hemolytic and anti-hemolytic activities were evaluated on human erythrocytes. The most effective cytotoxic treatment was evaluated for nitric oxide release by J774A.1 macrophages. Antioxidant activity of R. chalepensis material was also determined. Results showed that RCME produced significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxicity in HEP-G2 (IC₅₀ = 1.79 µg/mL) and L5178Y-R (IC₅₀ = 1.60 µg/mL) cells and exhibited high SIs (291.50 and 114.80, respectively). In addition, the n-hexane fraction (RCHF) showed an IC₅₀ of 18.31 µg/mL in HEP-G2 cells and an SI of 9.48 in VERO cells, whereas the chloroform fraction (RCCF) evidenced an IC₅₀ of 1.60 µg/mL in L5178Y-R cells and an SI of 34.27 in PBMC cells. Chalepensin (CHL), rutamarin (RTM), and graveolin (GRV), which are major components of R. chalepensis, showed high activity against L5178Y-R cells, with IC₅₀ of 9.15, 15.13 and SI of 45.08 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, CHL, RTM, and GRV showed SIs of 24.76, 9.98, and 3.52, respectively, when compared with PBMC cells. RCME at concentrations of 125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL, significantly (p < 0.05) decreased nitrite production in J774A.1 cells, when exposed to lipopolysaccharide. This study demonstrated that RCME showed significant cytotoxic activity against HEP-G2 and L5178Y-R cells, without affecting normal VERO, PBMC, and J774A.1 cells.

Chrysin Is Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory against Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in a Pre-Clinical Rodent Model

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) has many pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory actions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of chrysin and to compare its effect with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, piroxicam, against complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in a pre-clinical model in rats. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by injecting CFA intra-dermally in the sub-plantar region of the left hind paw of rats. Chrysin (50 and 100 mg/kg) and piroxicam (10 mg/kg) were given to rats with established arthritis. The model of arthritis was characterized using an index of arthritis, with hematological, biological, molecular, and histopathological parameters. Treatment with chrysin significantly reduced the arthritis score, inflammatory cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and rheumatoid factor. Chrysin also reduced the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor, nuclear factor kappa-B, and toll-like recepter-2 and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-4 and -10, as well as the hemoglobin levels. Using histopathology and microscopy, chrysin reduced the severity of arthritis in joints, infiltration of inflammatory cells, subcutaneous inflammation, cartilage erosion, bone erosion, and pannus formation. Chrysin showed comparable effects to piroxicam, which is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that chrysin possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that make it a potential drug for the treatment of arthritis.

Metabolomic Analysis of Phytochemical Compounds from Ethanolic Extract of Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) Peel and Its Anti-Cancer Effects against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Lime peels are food waste from lime product manufacturing. We previously developed and optimized a green extraction method for hesperidin-limonin-rich lime peel extract. This study aimed to identify the metabolomics profile of phytochemicals and the anti-cancer effects of ethanolic extract of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) peel against liver cancer cells PLC/PRF/5. The extract’s metabolomics profile was analyzed by using LC-qTOF/MS and GC-HRMS. The anti-cancer effects were studied by using MTT assay, Annexin-PI assay, and Transwell-invasion assay. Results show that the average IC50(s) of hesperidin, limonin, and the extract on cancer cells’ viability were 165.615, 188.073, and 503.004 µg/mL, respectively. At the IC50 levels, the extract induced more apoptosis than those of pure compounds when incubating for 24 and 48 h (p < 0.0001). A combination of limonin and hesperidin showed a synergistic effect on apoptosis induction (p < 0.001), but the effect of the combination was still less than that of the extract at 48 h. Furthermore, the extract significantly inhibited cancer cell invasion better than limonin but equal to hesperidin. At the IC50 level, the extract contains many folds lower amounts of hesperidin and limonin than the IC50 doses of the pure compounds. Besides limonin and hesperidin, there were another 60 and 22 compounds detected from the LCMS and GCMS analyses, respectively. Taken altogether, the superior effect of the ethanolic extract against liver cancer cells compared to pure compound likely results from the combinatorial effects of limonin, hesperidin, and other phytochemical components in the extract.

Efficient Separation of the Methoxyfuranocoumarins Peucedanin, 8-Methoxypeucedanin, and Bergapten by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC)

Pure methoxyfuranocoumarins were isolated from a crude petroleum ether extract (CPE; Soxleth extraction efficiency 12.28%) from fruits of Peucedanum tauricum MB. (Apiaceae) by counter-current chromatography in a hydrostatic equilibrium system (centrifugal partition chromatography-CPC). The optimized biphasic solvent system composed of n-heptane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (5:2:5:2; v/v/v/v) in the ascending mode of elution was used (3 mL/min, 1600 rpm). In the single run, peucedanin (P), 8-methoxypeucedanin (8MP), and bergapten (5MOP) were obtained as pure as 95.6%, 98.1%, and c.a. 100%, respectively. The carefully optimized and developed CPC was effectively transferred from the analytical to the semi-preparative scale (where 20 mg and 150 mg of CPE were loaded, respectively). Identification and quantitative analysis of methoxyfuranocoumarins was carried out in the plant material, in the CPE, and in individual CPC fractions by use of validated high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). For the separation steps, the extraction/isolation recovery was calculated. In this case, CPC proved to be an effective tool for the simultaneous isolation and separation of P, 8MP, and 5MOP from a multicomponent plant matrix, without additional pre-purification steps. The high purity of the obtained plant metabolites makes it possible to consider their use in pharmacological or biological studies.

Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review

Centella asiatica is an ethnomedicinal herbaceous species that grows abundantly in tropical and sub-tropical regions of China, India, South-Eastern Asia and Africa. It is a popular nutraceutical that is employed in various forms of clinical and cosmetic treatments. C. asiatica extracts are reported widely in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine to boost memory, prevent cognitive deficits and improve brain functions. The major bioactive constituents of C. asiatica are the pentacyclic triterpenoid glycosides, asiaticoside and madecassoside, and their corresponding aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Asiaticoside and madecassoside have been identified as the marker compounds of C. asiatica in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and these triterpene compounds offer a wide range of pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, antifibrotic, antibacterial, anti-arthritic, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory activities. Asiaticoside and madecassoside are also used extensively in treating skin abnormalities, burn injuries, ischaemia, ulcers, asthma, lupus, psoriasis and scleroderma. Besides medicinal applications, these phytocompounds are considered cosmetically beneficial for their role in anti-ageing, skin hydration, collagen synthesis, UV protection and curing scars. Existing reports and experimental studies on these compounds between 2005 and 2022 have been selectively reviewed in this article to provide a comprehensive overview of the numerous therapeutic advantages of asiaticoside and madecassoside and their potential roles in the medical future.

Cachrys L. Genus: A Comprehensive Review on Botany, Phytochemistry and Biological Properties

The Cachrys L. genus belongs to the Apiaceae family and it is widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin, with plant species being endemic to southern Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Different studies, focused on the phytochemical composition of Cachrys spp. and the biological properties of their phytocomplexes, have been reported. These works mostly focused on the essential oils obtained from these plants, and pointed out that Cachrys species are a rich source of coumarins, mainly furanocoumarins. Other phytochemicals, such as terpenes, fatty acids, phytosterols, and flavonoids have been also identified. Moreover, a number of biological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and photocytotoxic effects have been assessed. Nevertheless, a review of the chemical and pharmacological properties of this genus is not available in the literature. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the reports concerning the identified phytochemicals and the biological effects reported for Cachrys spp., and to offer a comprehensive understanding of the potential of this genus as a source of bioactive compounds. The current taxonomy, the traditional uses, and the toxicological aspects of plants belonging to this genus are also reported, and the future research directions are discussed.

An Overview of Potential Natural Photosensitizers in Cancer Photodynamic Therapy

Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. There are several different types of cancer recognized thus far, which can be treated by different approaches including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination thereof. However, these approaches have certain drawbacks and limitations. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is regarded as an alternative noninvasive approach for cancer treatment based on the generation of toxic oxygen (known as reactive oxygen species (ROS)) at the treatment site. PDT requires photoactivation by a photosensitizer (PS) at a specific wavelength (λ) of light in the vicinity of molecular oxygen (singlet oxygen). The cell death mechanisms adopted in PDT upon PS photoactivation are necrosis, apoptosis and stimulation of the immune system. Over the past few decades, the use of natural compounds as a photoactive agent for the selective eradication of neoplastic lesions has attracted researchers' attention. Many reviews have focused on the PS cell death mode of action and photonanomedicine approaches for PDT, while limited attention has been paid to the photoactivation of phytocompounds. Photoactivation is ever-present in nature and also found in natural plant compounds. The availability of various laser light setups can play a vital role in the discovery of photoactive phytocompounds that can be used as a natural PS. Exploring phytocompounds for their photoactive properties could reveal novel natural compounds that can be used as a PS in future pharmaceutical research. In this review, we highlight the current research regarding several photoactive phytocompound classes (furanocoumarins, alkaloids, poly-acetylenes and thiophenes, curcumins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and natural extracts) and their photoactive potential to encourage researchers to focus on studies of natural agents and their use as a potent PS to enhance the efficiency of PDT.

Review on Bortezomib Resistance in Multiple Myeloma and Potential Role of Emerging Technologies

Multiple myeloma is a hematological cancer type. For its treatment, Bortezomib has been widely used. However, drug resistance to this effective chemotherapeutic has been developed for various reasons. 2D cell cultures and animal models have failed to understand the MM disease and Bortezomib resistance. It is therefore essential to utilize new technologies to reveal a complete molecular profile of the disease. In this review, we in-depth examined the possible molecular mechanisms that cause Bortezomib resistance and specifically addressed MM and Bortezomib resistance. Moreover, we also included the use of nanoparticles, 3D culture methods, microfluidics, and organ-on-chip devices in multiple myeloma. We also discussed whether the emerging technology offers the necessary tools to understand and prevent Bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma. Despite the ongoing research activities on MM, the related studies cannot provide a complete summary of MM. Nanoparticle and 3D culturing have been frequently used to understand MM disease and Bortezomib resistance. However, the number of microfluidic devices for this application is insufficient. By combining siRNA/miRNA technologies with microfluidic devices, a complete molecular genetic profile of MM disease could be revealed. Microfluidic chips should be used clinically in personal therapy and point-of-care applications. At least with Bortezomib microneedles, it could be ensured that MM patients can go through the treatment process more painlessly. This way, MM can be switched to the curable cancer type list, and Bortezomib can be targeted for its treatment with fewer side effects.

Bergamottin: location, aggregation and interaction with the plasma membrane

Bioactive furanocoumarins, a group of natural secondary metabolites common in higher plants, are recognized for their benefits to human health and have been shown to have numerous biological properties. However, the knowledge of its biomolecular mechanism is not known. One of the main furanocoumarins is bergamottin (BGM), which is characterized by a planar three-ringed structure and a hydrocarbon chain, which give BGM its high lipid/water partition coefficient. Because of that, and although the biological mechanism of BGM is not known, BGM bioactive properties could be ascribed to its potential to interact with the biological membrane, modulating its structure, changing its dynamics and at the same time that it might interact with lipids. For our goal, we have applied molecular dynamics to determine the position of BGM in a complex membrane and discern the possibility of certain interactions with membrane lipids. Our findings establish that BGM tends to locate in the middle of the hydrocarbon layer of the membrane, inserts in between the hydrocarbon chains of the phospholipids in an oblique position with respect to the membrane plane, increasing the fluidity of the membrane. Significantly, BGM tends to be surrounded by POPC molecules but exclude the molecule of CHOL. Outstandingly, BGM molecules associate spontaneously creating aggregates, which does not preclude them from interacting with and inserting into the membrane. The bioactive properties of BGM could be ascribed to its membranotropic effects and support the improvement of these molecules as therapeutic molecules, giving place to new opportunities for potential medical improvements.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Natural products targeting the ATR-CHK1 signaling pathway in cancer therapy

Cancer is one of the most severe medical conditions in the world, causing millions of deaths each year. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are critical for treatment approaches, but both have numerous adverse health effects. Furthermore, the resistance of cancerous cells to anticancer medication leads to treatment failure. The rising burden of cancer requires novel efficacious treatment modalities. Natural remedies offer feasible alternative options against malignancy in contrast to available synthetic medication. Selective killing of cancer cells is privileged mainstream in cancer treatment, and targeted therapy represents the new tool with the potential to pursue this aim. The discovery of innovative therapies targeting essential components of DNA damage signaling and repair pathways such as ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3 related Checkpoint kinase 1 (ATR-CHK1)has offered a possibility of significant therapeutic improvement in oncology. The activation and inhibition of this pathway account for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity, respectively. Targeting this pathway can also aid to overcome the resistance of conventional chemo- or radiotherapy. This review enlightens the anticancer role of natural products by ATR-CHK1 activation and inhibition. Additionally, these compounds have been shown to have chemotherapeutic synergistic potential when used in combination with other anticancer drugs. Ideally, this review will trigger interest in natural products targeting ATR-CHK1 and their potential efficacy and safety as cancer lessening agents.

Cachrys spp. from Southern Italy: Phytochemical Characterization and JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway Inhibition

Different phytochemical compounds have been demonstrated to modulate the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Here, three Cachrys species from Southern Italy were investigated for both the phytochemical profile and the potential anti-inflammatory properties. The aerial parts were extracted with methanol through Naviglio Extractor^®, an innovative solid-liquid extraction technique that allows to obtain high quality extracts by working with gradient pressure. Extracts were analyzed with GC-MS and standardized in furanocoumarin content, resulting rich in xanthotoxin, bergapten and isopimpinellin. Given the known ability of bergapten to inhibit the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and inflammatory mediators (NO) in RAW 264.7 cells activated by LPS, Cachrys extracts were investigated for their biological properties. The results obtained in this study showed that Cachrys pungens extract, presenting the highest content in furanocoumarins (7.48 ± 0.48 and 2.94 ± 0.16 mg/50 mg of extract for xanthotoxin and bergapten, respectively), significantly decreased STAT3 protein levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and increased IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine. Cachrys ferulacea significantly decreased JAK2 phosphorylation, being even more effective than bergapten. In conclusion, investigated extracts could be potential candidates for the search of novel anti-inflammatory agents acting via inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

Potential Biochemical Pesticide-Synthesis of Neofuranocoumarin and Inhibition the Proliferation of Spodoptera frugiperda Cells through Activating the Mitochondrial Pathway

Furanocoumarins, the secondary metabolites of plants, are considered to be natural insecticides and fungicides because they prevent the invasion of plant pathogenic microorganisms and the predation of herbivorous insects. In this study, novel 2-arylfuranocoumarin derivatives were designed to synthesize by condensation, esterification, bromination, and Wittig reaction. The results showed an excellent photosensitive activity of 2-thiophenylfuranocoumarin (I34). Cell Counting Kit-8 detected that I34 could inhibit the proliferation of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner under ultraviolet A (UV-A) light for 3 min. The inverted microscope revealed that cells treated with I34 swelled, the membrane was ruptured, and apoptotic bodies appeared. The flow cytometry detected that I34 could induce apoptosis of Sf9 cells, increase the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential, and block cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Transmission electron microscopy detected cell mitochondrial cristae damage, matrix degradation, and mitochondrial vacuolation. Further enzyme activity detection revealed that the enzyme activities of apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3 and caspase-9 increased significantly (p < 0.05). Finally, Western blotting analysis detected that the phosphorylation level of Akt and Bad and the expression of the apoptosis inhibitor protein Bcl-XL were inhibited, cleaved-PARP and P53 were increased, and cytochrome C was released from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. Moreover, under UV-A irradiation, I34 promoted the increase in ROS in Sf9 cells, activated the mitochondrial apoptotic signal transduction pathway, and finally, inhibited cell proliferation. Thus, novel furanocoumarins exhibit a potential application prospect as a biochemical pesticide.

The Role of Natural Products as Inhibitors of JAK/STAT Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma Treatment

The permeability of glioblastoma, as well as its escaping the immune system, makes them one of the most deadly human malignancies. By avoiding programmed cell death (apoptosis), unlimited cell growth and metastatic ability could dramatically affect the immune system. Genetic mutations, epigenetic changes, and overexpression of oncogenes can cause this process. On the other hand, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and intratumor heterogeneity are important factors causing resistance to therapy. Several signaling pathways have been identified in this field, including the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK) converter and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activator pathways, which are closely related. In addition, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway contributes to a wide array of tumorigenesis functions, including replication, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. Introducing this pathway as the main tumorigenesis and treatment resistance center can give a better understanding of how it operates. In light of this, it is an important goal in treating many disorders, particularly cancer. The inhibition of this signaling pathway is being considered an approach to the treatment of glioblastoma. The use of natural products alternatively to conventional therapies is another area of research interest among researchers. Some natural products that originate from plants or natural sources can interfere with JAK/STAT signaling in human malignant cells, also by stopping the progression and phosphorylation of JAK/STAT, inducing apoptosis, and stopping the cell cycle. Natural products are a viable alternative to conventional chemotherapy because of their cost-effectiveness, wide availability, and almost no side effects.

Exploration of Cytotoxic Potential of Longifolene/Junipene Isolated from Chrysopogon zizanioides

Since ancient times, Chrysopogon zizanioides has been utilized as a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of numerous ailments, but neither its plant extract form nor its phytoconstituents have been fully explored. With this in mind, the present research was designed to isolate and structurally characterize one of its chemical constituents and evaluate its cytotoxic potential. Therefore, an ethanolic extract of roots was prepared and subjected to column chromatography using solvents of varying polarities. The obtained pure compound was characterized using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), carbon and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and identified as longifolene. This compound was evaluated for its cytotoxic potential using an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on the prostate (DU-145), oral (SCC-29B) cancer cell line and normal kidney cell line (Vero cells), taking doxorubicin as a standard drug. The obtained outcomes revealed that longifolene possesses cytotoxic potential against both prostate (IC50 = 78.64 µg/mL) as well as oral (IC50 = 88.92 µg/mL) cancer cell lines with the least toxicity in healthy Vero cells (IC50 = 246.3 µg/mL) when compared to doxorubicin. Hence, this primary exploratory study of longifolene exhibited its cytotoxic potency along with wide safety margins in healthy cell lines, giving an idea that the compounds possess some ability to differentiate between cancerous cells and healthy cells.

Investigation of cytotoxic and antioxidative activity of 1,2,3-triazolyl-modified furocoumarins and 2,3-dihydrofurocoumarins

High biological activity of natural furocoumarins is often linked to a series of adverse side effects, e.g., genotoxicity. This makes it desirable to develop semi-synthetic derivatives with reduced negative activity while retaining or even enhancing the positive properties. Previously, we have studied the genotoxic activity of a library of twenty-one 1,2,3-triazolyl-modified furocoumarins and 2,3-dihydrofurocoumarins and identified modifications that minimize the negative properties. In the current article, we report on an investigation into the cytotoxic activity of the same library. We have aimed to rank the substances in order of the severity of their cytotoxicity and therefore to predict, with the use of statistical processing, the most promising substituents for the furocoumarin scaffold.

Grapefruit Flavonoid Naringenin Sex-Dependently Modulates Action Potential in an In Silico Human Ventricular Cardiomyocyte Model

Recent in vitro studies showed that grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) flavonoid naringenin alters the function of cardiac ion channels. Here, we explored the effect of naringenin on cardiomyocyte action potentials (APs) using a detailed in silico model of ventricular electrophysiology. Concentration-dependent effects of naringenin on seven major cardiac ion channels were incorporated into the Tomek–Rodriguez modification of O’Hara–Rudy (ToR-ORd) human ventricular endocardium model. To investigate the sex-dependent effect of naringenin, previously reported sex-specific ionic modifications were implemented into the model. Next, populations of 1000 models accommodating intercellular variability were generated. The results show, naringenin at various concentrations prolonged AP duration (APD) in male and female cardiomyocytes. Pacing cells at higher frequencies abbreviated APD differently in males versus females; for example, at 3 Hz, 50 μM naringenin induced AP and calcium alternans only in the female cardiomyocyte. Finally, a population modeling approach corroborated that naringenin significantly prolonged APD in a concentration-dependent manner, with a larger effect in females than in males. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the APD-prolonging effect of naringenin was larger in females, and that pacing at faster rates induces AP alternation earlier in females, suggesting a potentially higher proarrhythmic risk of naringenin in females than in males.

Trichopus zeylanicus ameliorates ibuprofen inebriated hepatotoxicity and enteropathy: an insight into its modulatory impact on pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic signaling pathways

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is commonly used for its analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects worldwide. However ibuprofen comes with serious unavoidable adverse effects on various organs when used for long duration or overdosed. Trichopus zeylanicus is a medicinal plant endemic to India owning various beneficial properties and is been used in treating various ailments. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of aqueous leaves’ extract of Trichopus zeylanicus against ibuprofen-induced hepatic toxicity and enteropathy in rats. Overall in this study 30 male albino rats were used, which were divided into five groups (six in each group). Group-I was normal control, Group-II was ibuprofen (400 mg/kg/day) inebriated group, Group-III  was silymarin (25 mg/kg/day) pretreated  + ibuprofen (400 mg/kg/day), Group-IV was  ALETZ (1000 mg/kg/day) pretreated + ibuprofen (400 mg/kg/day), and Group-V was ALETZ alone (1000 mg/kg/day) group. The duration of the administration was for five days, followed by scarifying rats on the sixth day. Later the rats were assessed for liver and intestine enzyme markers, antioxidant parameters along with histopathological changes. In addition the pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels were measured using ELISA. Lastly the expression pattern of apoptotic signaling markers such as caspase-3, caspase-8 and Bcl-2 was evaluated using western blot. The results obtained from this study showed changes in levels of aforesaid parameter which presented the toxic effect of ibuprofen on liver and small intestine. Pre-treatment of ALETZ in ibuprofen-inebriated group was able to normalize the adverse effect caused due to ibuprofen. The conclusion of the study deduces that pre-treatment with ALETZ alleviates by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in ibuprofen inebriated rats, indicating its protective mechanism.

Herbal Ingredients in the Prevention of Breast Cancer: Comprehensive Review of Potential Molecular Targets and Role of Natural Products

Among various cancers, breast cancer is the most prevalent type in women throughout the world. Breast cancer treatment is challenging due to complex nature of the etiology of disease. Cell division cycle alterations are often encountered in a variety of cancer types including breast cancer. Common treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy; however, adverse effects and multidrug resistance lead to complications and noncompliance. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for natural products from medicinal plants and foods. This review summarizes molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways in breast cancer and identifies mechanisms by which natural compounds may exert their efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer.

Photoactive Herbal Compounds: A Green Approach to Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive, alternative, and promising treatment for various diseases, including cancer, actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, macular degeneration, and atherosclerotic plaques. PDT involves three different components, photosensitizers (PS), molecular oxygen, and light. The photoactivation of administered PSs using a specific wavelength of light in the presence of molecular oxygen leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that leads to tumour cell death. Photosensitizing potentials of many commercially available compounds have been reported earlier. However, the possibilities of PDT using herbal medicines, which contain many photosensitizing phytochemicals, are not much explored. Medicinal plants with complex phytochemical compound mixtures have the benefit over single compounds or molecules in the treatment of many diseases with the benefit of low or reduced toxic side effects. This review emphasizes the role of various herbal medicines either alone or in combination to enhance the therapeutic outcome of photodynamic therapy.

Toxicological profile, phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory properties of leaves of Vitex doniana Sweet. (Verbenaceae)

Background

Natural herbal compounds are a source and alternative for new compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, in-depth studies should be carried out to assess their safety and efficacy in order to avoid or prevent toxicological risks of these natural plant-based substances. V. doniana is a species of food plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to estimate the anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo of the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves of V. doniana.

Methods

To do this, acute toxicity was first evaluated on the animal model. Biological activities (carrageenan test, formalin and xylene induced oedemas) were used to assess the anti-inflammatory power.

Results

Regarding the dietary toxicology of the extracts, visual and clinical signs showed that the extracts are not at the end of the 15-day (acute toxicity) and 45-day (subacute toxicity) tests. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, it was observed that the bioactive fraction (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg.b.w) had effective neurogenic anti-inflammatory properties. All of these effects observed were all dose-dependent.

Conclusion

The results of this present research have proven that V. donania extracts can be used as anti-inflammatories.

Investigation of the Mechanism of Periploca forrestii against Rheumatoid Arthritis with Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis

Periploca forrestii Schltr (P. forrestii) is an edible medicinal herb with various health benefits such as treating antirheumatoid arthritis (RA), reducing inflammation, and preventing tumor growth. The active ingredients in P. forrestii responsible for its protective effect against RA, however, remain unknown. In this study, the active ingredient of P. forrestii and its potential mechanism of action against RA were investigated by network pharmacology and enrichment analysis. The methods included predicting target genes of P. forrestii, constructing a protein interaction network, and performing gene-ontology (GO) and Kyoto-encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. We discovered targets of RA through retrieval of OMIM and GeneCards public databases. Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are considered the primarily active ingredients of P. forrestii, and the target genes of GCs were discovered to be overlapped with relevant targets of RA using the Venn diagram. After that, prediction of relevant targets of P. forrestii was accomplished with a network pharmacology-based approach. Through the Venn diagram, we discovered 99 genes shared in the target genes of P. forrestii and RA. Gene enrichment analysis showed that the mechanisms of CGs against RA are associated with 55 signaling pathways, including endocrine resistance, Epstein-Barr virus infection, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) signaling pathways. Coexpression analysis indicated ADSL, ATIC, AR, CCND1, MDM2, and HSP90AA1 as the hub genes between putative targets of P. forrestii-derived CGs and known therapeutic targets of RA. In conclusion, we clarified the mechanism of action of P. forrestii against RA, which would provide a basis for further understanding the clinical application of P. forrestii.

The Experimental Exploration of TCM Theory "Treating the Same Disease with Different Approaches" on an Ulcerative Colitis Model

There is a relationship between lung injury and ulcerative colitis. Currently, traditional Chinese medicine (Huangqi Jiegeng (HQJGD) and Huangqi Huanglian decoctions (HQHLD)) is commonly used for UC-related lung injury; however, the mechanisms of these drugs remain unclear. In this study, UC models were established with the mucous membrane of colon allergize combined with TNBS-alcohol enteroclysis for 4 weeks. The pathological changes in the lung, intestine, liver, and kidney were observed; cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in lung tissue were detected in order to explore the immunological mechanism of UC-related lung injury and the intervention mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in treating the lung and intestine in the immune-TNBS-ethanol rat model. Histology examinations demonstrated evident pathological changes in the lungs and intestines of the model groups. Furthermore, all groups treated with TCMs demonstrated reduced expressions of toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa-B, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Additionally, radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry showed tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and 8 expression downregulation. The results showed that HQJGD and HQHLD could alleviate pulmonary inflammation in UC-related lung injury by obviously improving the pathology and fibrosis of the lung, inhibiting the positive feedback loop of MIF/NF-κB, and reducing lymphocyte homing to bronchial mucosa. This model revealed the immune mechanism of UC-related lung injury and the intervention mechanism of the Chinese medicine, which provided the rationale for treating ulcerative colitis clinically, so as to demonstrate the theory of “the lung and the large intestine being interior-exteriorly related” and “treating the same disease with different approaches.”

Role of a mixed probiotic product, VSL#3, in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial disease. The incidence of this type of cancer in younger patients has increased in recent years, and more strategies are needed to prevent and delay the progression of CRC. Probiotics play an adjunctive role in the prevention and treatment of CRC and can not only prevent the onset and delay the progression of disease but also reduce the side effects after the application of anti-cancer drugs. The anti-cancer effect of individual probiotics has been extensively studied, and the exact curative effect of various probiotics has been found, but the anti-cancer effect of mixed probiotics is still not well summarized. In this review, we discuss the positive effects of mixed probiotics on CRC and the related mechanisms of action, especially VSL#3 (VSL Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA), thus providing new ideas for the treatment of CRC. Moreover, we suggest the need to search for more therapeutic possibilities, especially via the research and application of synbiotics and postbiotics.

Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with about 90% of renal malignancies, and its incidence is increasing globally. Plant-derived compounds have gained significant attention in the scientific community for their preventative and therapeutic effects on cancer. To evaluate the anticancer potential of phytocompounds for RCC, we compiled a comprehensive and systematic review of the available literature. Our work was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The literature search was performed using scholarly databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect and keywords such as renal cell carcinoma, phytochemicals, cancer, tumor, proliferation, apoptosis, prevention, treatment, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Based on in vitro results, various phytochemicals, such as phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds, suppressed cell viability, proliferation and growth, showed cytotoxic activity, inhibited invasion and migration, and enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in RCC. In various animal tumor models, phytochemicals suppressed renal tumor growth, reduced tumor size, and hindered angiogenesis and metastasis. The relevant antineoplastic mechanisms involved upregulation of caspases, reduction in cyclin activity, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via modulation of a plethora of cell signaling pathways. Clinical studies demonstrated a reduced risk for the development of kidney cancer and enhancement of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Both preclinical and clinical studies displayed significant promise of utilizing phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of RCC. Further research, confirming the mechanisms and regulatory pathways, along with randomized controlled trials, are needed to establish the use of phytochemicals in clinical practice.

The Role of Ingenane Diterpenes in Cancer Therapy: From Bioactive Secondary Compounds to Small Molecules

Diterpenes are a class of critical taxonomic markers of the Euphorbiaceae family, representing small compounds (eg, molecules) with a wide range of biological activities and multi-target therapeutic potential. Diterpenes can exert different activities, including antitumor and multi-drug resistance-reversing activities, and antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects, mainly due to their great structural diversity. In particular, one polycyclic skeleton has been highlighted: ingenane. Besides this natural diterpene, promising polycyclic skeletons may be submitted to chemical modification—by in silico approaches, chemical reactions, or biotransformation—putatively providing more active analogs (eg, ingenol derivatives), which are currently under pre-clinical investigation. This review outlines the current mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic implications of ingenol diterpenes as small cancer molecules.

A flavone from the ethyl acetate extract of Leea rubra leaves with DNA damage protection and antineoplastic activity

Among the major constituents of Leea rubra (Family Vitaceae) leaves, phenolic and flavonoind compounds are most important for therapeutic purposes and the plant parts have been used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases for long. Thus, in order to scientifically confirm the traditional uses of the L. rubra leaves, the present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of the isolated flavones against AAPH induced oxidative damage to pUC19 DNA by gel electrophoresis and antineoplastic activity was evaluated on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice by evaluating percentage inhibition of cell growth, morphological changes of EAC cells and hematological parameters of the mice. The isolation was carried out by column chromatography and structure was revealed by ¹H-NMR and ¹³C NMR. The result shows that, the isolated compound was identified as myricetin 4'-methoxy-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside based on previously reported data. The isolated flavone effectively inhibited AAPH-induced oxidative damage to DNA; because it could inhibit the formation of circular and linear forms of the DNA. In anti-proliferative assay, 76% growth inhibition of EAC cells was observed as compare to the control mice (p<0.05) at a dose 100 mg/kg body weight. Thus the isolated flavone showed great importance as a possible therapeutic agent in preventing oxidative damage to DNA and the chronic diseases caused by such DNA damage, and can also become important in cancer chemotherapy.

•

Myricetin 4'-methoxy-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside was isolated from plant Leea rubra.

•

The compound significantly inhibited AAPH-induced oxidative damage to pUC19 DNA.

•

Inhibition of EAC tumor growth in Swiss albino mice model was significant.

•

Hematological parameters in the cancer bearing mice were restored to normal values.