Ferula L. Plant Extracts and Dose-Dependent Activity of Natural Sesquiterpene Ferutinin: From Antioxidant Potential to Cytotoxic Effects

Dauferulins A-L, daucane-type sesquiterpenes from the roots of Ferula communis: Their structures and biological activities

Phytochemical study on the roots of a medicinal plant Ferula communis L. (Apiaceae) resulted in the isolation of 20 sesquiterpenes including 12 previously undescribed compounds, dauferulins A-L (1-12). The detailed spectroscopic analysis revealed 1-12 to be daucane-type sesquiterpenes with a p-methoxybenzoyloxy group at C-6. The absolute configurations of 1-12 were deduced by analysis of the ECD spectra. Dauferulins A-L (1-12), known sesquiterpenes (13-20), and analogues (14a-14l) derived from 6-O-p-methoxybenzoyl-10α-angeloyloxy-jeaschkeanadiol (14) were evaluated for their effects on AMPK phosphorylation in human hepatoma HepG2 cells as well as inhibitory activities against erastin-induced ferroptosis on human hepatoma Hep3B cells and IL-1β production from LPS-treated murine microglial cells.

In Vitro Evaluation of Ferutinin Rich-Ferula communis L., ssp. glauca, Root Extract on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Antioxidant Properties and Cell Cycle Modulation

The clinical use of anthracycline Doxorubicin as an antineoplastic drug in cancer therapy is limited by cardiotoxic effects that can lead to congestive heart failure. Recent studies have shown several promising activities of different species of the genus Ferula belonging to the Apiaceae Family. Ferula communis is the main source of Ferutinin-a bioactive compound isolated from many species of Ferula-studied both in vitro and in vivo because of their different effects, such as estrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and also antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, performed in a dose-dependent and cell-dependent way. However, the potential protective role of Ferutinin in myocardium impairment, caused by chemotherapeutic drugs, still represents an unexplored field. The aim of this study was to test the effects of Ferutinin rich-Ferula communis L. root extract (FcFE) at different concentrations on H9C2 cells. Moreover, we evaluated its antioxidant properties in cardiomyocytes in order to explore new potential therapeutic activities never examined before in other experimental works. FcFE, at a concentration of 0.25 µM, in the H9C2 line, significantly reduced the ROS production induced by H2O2 (50 µM and 250 µM) and traced the cell mortality of the H9C2 co-treated with Ferutinin 0.25 µM and Doxorubicin (0.5 µM and 1 µM) to control levels. These results showed that FcFE could protect against Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Further molecular characterization of this natural compound may open the way for testing FcFE at low concentrations in vivo and in clinical studies as an adjuvant in cancer therapy in association with anthracyclines to prevent side effects on heart cells.

Assessment of the acute and subacute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Moroccan Ferula communis fruit in a mouse model

Ferula communis L. is thought to possess a wide range of therapeutic qualities. This plant's safety is critical regarding its potential uses as a medicine. Using the techniques outlined in the OECD recommendations, the present study aimed to assess the acute and subacute toxicity profiles of Ferula communis aqueous extract (FC-Ext) in mice. In the acute study, the FC-Ext was administered to adult male and female Swiss albino mice through oral and intraperitoneal routes at doses of 0-4 g/kg. The general behavioral effects, mortality rates, and latency of mortality were evaluated for a period of 14 days. For the sub-acute dose study, the FC-Ext was administered orally to adult mice at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg on a daily basis for 28 days. Body weight and selected biochemical and hematological parameters were measured, and histological examinations of the liver, kidney, and spleen were conducted to assess any signs of organ damage at the end of the treatment period. The results of the acute toxicity study demonstrated that the LD50 values for the oral and intraperitoneal administration of FC-Ext were 3.6 g/kg and 2.3 g/kg, respectively. In the subacute toxicity study of FC-Ext, no significant changes in body weight were observed. However, a substantial increase in the weights of the liver, kidney, and spleen was observed in male mice. The administration of FC-Ext to mice at doses higher than 250 mg/kg resulted in a decrease in white blood cells and platelets in both sexes and a reduction in red blood cells and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in males and hemoglobin in females. No changes in biochemical parameters were observed. Microscopic examination of vital organs such as the liver, kidney, and spleen revealed no significant injuries. Based on the current results, the aqueous extract of Ferula communis has low toxicity. These findings provide important information about the toxicity profile of the traditional medicine plant Ferula communis.

Ferula communis Root Extract: In Vitro Evaluation of the Potential Additive Effect with Chemotherapy Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells Part II

Ferula L., belonging to the Apiaceae family, is represented by about 170 species predominantly present in areas with a mild-warm-arid climate, including the Mediterranean region, North Africa and Central Asia. Numerous beneficial activities have been reported for this plant in traditional medicine, including antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, anti-dysentery, stomachache with diarrhea and cramps remedies. FER-E was obtained from the plant F. communis, and precisely from the root, collected in Sardinia, Italy. A total of 25 g of root was mixed with 125 g of acetone (ratio 1:5, room temperature). The solution was filtered, and the liquid fraction was subjected to high pressure liquid chromatographic separation (HPLC). In particular, 10 mg of dry root extract powder, from F. communis, was dissolved in 10.0 mL of methanol, filtered with a 0.2 µm PTFE filter and subjected to HPLC analysis. The net dry powder yield obtained was 2.2 g. In addition, to reduce the toxicity of FER-E, the component ferulenol was removed. High concentrations of FER-E have demonstrated a toxic effect against breast cancer, with a mechanism independent of the oxidative potential, which is absent in this extract. In fact, some in vitro tests were used and showed little or no oxidizing activity by the extract. In addition, we appreciated less damage on the respective healthy cell lines (breast), assuming that this extract could be used for its potential role against uncontrolled cancer growth. The results of this research have also shown that F. communis extract could be used together with tamoxifen, increasing its effectiveness, and reducing side effects. However, further confirmatory experiments should be carried out.

Ferula communis L. (Apiaceae) Root Acetone-Water Extract: Phytochemical Analysis, Cytotoxicity and In Vitro Evaluation of Estrogenic Properties

Ferula communis L. (F. communis) belongs to the Apiaceae family and is a herbaceous plant with various pharmaceutical properties, due to the different contents of bioactive compounds extracted mainly from its roots, as well as its leaves and rhizome. To date, this plant extract has demonstrated estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and anti-neoplastic properties. Its estrogenic activity is justified by the presence of ferutinin, an ester of a sesquiterpenic alcohol that acts as an agonist for estrogen receptors, with a chemical formula equal to C22H3O4. The component present in F. communis responsible for the toxicity of the plant is ferulenol, a prenylated coumarin with the chemical formula C24H30O3. This compound is capable of inducing mortality via its strong anti-coagulant properties, leading to a lethal hemorrhagic syndrome, ferulosis, in animals that feed on a chemotype of F. communis containing a high amount of ferulenol. The removal of the component ferulenol makes extracts of Ferula non-toxic. In fact, the remaining prenylated coumarins are not present in concentrations sufficient to induce toxicity. The intake of high concentrations of the extract of this plant leads a double dose-dependent effect that is typical of sesquiterpenes such as ferutinin. Here, we assessed the cytotoxicity and the estrogenic properties of the F. communis phytocomplex obtained through extraction using a mixture of acetone and water. Among the active constituents of F. communis, the identification of ferutinin and ferulenol was performed using HPLC. The effects of the extract were evaluated, following the removal of ferulenol, on three cell lines: human breast cancer MCF-7, human cervical cancer HeLa and human osteoblastic sarcoma Saos-2. The choice of these cell lines was justified by the need to mimic certain processes which may occur in vivo and which are estrogen-dependent. The obtained results demonstrated that F. communis extract, in addition to possessing an estrogenic-like property, showed a dose-dependent effect. Low concentrations (0.1–0.8 μM) demonstrated a hyperproliferative effect, whereas higher concentrations (1.6–50 μM) were toxic. Therefore, this extract could be an excellent candidate to make up for a reduction or lack of estrogen.

Ferutinin induces osteoblast differentiation of DPSCs via induction of KLF2 and autophagy/mitophagy

Osteoblast differentiation is critically reduced in various bone-related pathogenesis, including arthritis and osteoporosis. For future development of effective regenerative therapeutics, herein, we reveal the involved molecular mechanisms of a phytoestrogen, ferutinin-induced initiation of osteoblast differentiation from dental pulp-derived stem cell (DPSC). We demonstrate the significantly increased expression level of a transcription factor, Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) along with autophagy-related molecules in DPSCs after induction with ferutinin. The loss-of-function and the gain-of-function approaches of KLF2 confirmed that the ferutinin-induced KLF2 modulated autophagic and OB differentiation-related molecules. Further, knockdown of the autophagic molecule (ATG7 or BECN1) from DPSC resulted not only in a decreased level of KLF2 but also in the reduced levels of OB differentiation-related molecules. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential-related molecules were increased and induction of mitophagy was observed in DPSCs after the addition of ferutinin. The reduction of mitochondrial as well as total ROS generations; and induction of intracellular Ca²⁺ production were also observed in ferutinin-treated DPSCs. To test the mitochondrial respiration in DPSCs, we found that the cells treated with ferutinin showed a reduced extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) than that of their vehicle-treated counterparts. Furthermore, mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis revealed that the addition of ferutinin in DPSCs not only induced the level of KLF2, but also induced the transcriptionally active epigenetic marks (H3K27Ac and H3K4me3) on the promoter region of the autophagic molecule ATG7. These results provide strong evidence that ferutinin stimulates OB differentiation via induction of KLF2-mediated autophagy/mitophagy.

Assessment of Ferula hermonis Boiss fertility effects in immature female rats supported by quantification of ferutinin via HPLC and molecular docking

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ferula hermonis is a small shrub renowned for its aphrodisiac abilities. Middle East herbalists have utilized Ferula hermonis seed and root as an aphrodisiac folk medicine to treat women's frigidity and male erectile and sexual dysfunction.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Assessment of follicle-stimulating hormone-like (FSH), luteinizing hormone-like (LH), and estrogenic activities of the methanolic extract (ME) of the roots of Ferula hermonis on female reproductive function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The methanolic extract was prepared from the root of F. hermonis and studied at dose level 6 mg/kg in immature female rats for FSH-like, LH-like, and estrogenic activities. These activities were determined by analyzing gross anatomical features, relative organ weight, and serum level of FSH, LH, progesterone and estrogen hormones, and histopathological characteristics. Quantification of the main phytoestrogenic component ferutinin carried out by HPLC. In addition, molecular docking for the binding affinity of ferutinin inside active sites of both estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and FSH receptor (FSHR) was performed to predict the potential role of ferutinin in regulating the female reproductive process.

RESULTS

Ferula hermonis (ME) showed potent FSH-like, LH-like activities and moderate estrogenic effect at the dose of 6 mg/kg. The content of ferutinin in F. hermonis was estimated to be 92 ± 1.33 mg/g of the methanolic extract. Molecular docking of ferutinin with ERα and FSHR displayed strong interaction with target proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on results, it can be concluded that Ferula hermonis can be considered as a suitable female fertility improving agent.

The Employment of Genera Vaccinium, Citrus, Olea, and Cynara Polyphenols for the Reduction of Selected Anti-Cancer Drug Side Effects

Cancer is one of the most widespread diseases globally and one of the leading causes of death. Known cancer treatments are chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, targeted hormonal therapy, or a combination of these methods. Antitumor drugs, with different mechanisms, interfere with cancer growth by destroying cancer cells. However, anticancer drugs are dangerous, as they significantly affect both cancer cells and healthy cells. In addition, there may be the onset of systemic side effects perceived and mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and further carcinogenicity. Many polyphenolic extracts, taken on top of common anti-tumor drugs, can participate in the anti-proliferative effect of drugs and significantly reduce the side effects developed. This review aims to discuss the current scientific knowledge of the protective effects of polyphenols of the genera Vaccinium, Citrus, Olea, and Cynara on the side effects induced by four known chemotherapy, Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, Tamoxifen, and Paclitaxel. In particular, the summarized data will help to understand whether polyphenols can be used as adjuvants in cancer therapy, although further clinical trials will provide crucial information.

Introduction to the potential of Ferula ovina in dental implant research due to estrogenic bioactive compounds and adhesive properties

Recent developments in dental implant have heightened the urgent need to natural tissue adhesives estrogenic materials with ability of promoting the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in human dental pulp-derived stem cells, to provide better integration of tissue for dentistry. Up to now, far little attention has been paid to adhesives extract of the root of Ferula sp. which contains biomaterial compounds with estrogenic activities. Prior to undertaking the investigation, analysis of the extract of the root of F. ovina revealed a novel terpenoid, and we identified it as Fenoferin. So far, this paper has focused on Fenoferin compared to Ferutinin and root extract to determine if Fenoferin caused changes in craniofacial cartilage, bone (ceratohyal) and tooth mineralization. Following the purpose of study, we used zebrafish as a well-developed model system for studying bone development, so the developing zebrafish larvae were exposed to various concentration of compounds at 2dpf, and the histological analyses were performed at 6dpf. The result of the current study highlights the importance of F. ovina in studies related to dental regenerative medicine.

In vitro evaluation of ferutinin on proliferation and osteogenesis differentiation in human unrestricted Somatic stem cells

Osteoporosis is a common disease in post-menopausal women. The increased risk of breast cancer and malignancy with hormone replacement, hampers its wide-usage. Phytoestrogens are known to have selective estrogen receptor modulator activity. The present study aims to determine how ferutinin affects unrestricted human Somatic Stem Cells (USSCs) osteogenic differentiation. The effect of ferutinin on USSCs proliferation was assessed by MTT assay while osteogenesis was evaluated using Alkaline Phosphatase Activity (ALP), calcium deposition and Alizarin Red Staining. Quantitative real-time PCR was applied to examine the expression of bone specific genes such as osteocalcin, Runx₂, and BMP-₂. Ferutinin (5-15 µg/mL) could positively impact on the proliferation of cells in a dose-dependent manner. Also, ALP enzyme activity and calcium deposition were enhanced in the presence of ferutinin. Based on real-time PCR results, ferutinin could increase the expression of bone marker genes. The pattern of ferutinin effect on gene expression is similar to standard synthetic estrogen, 17-β-estradiol. In the presence of the estrogen activity inhibitor (ICI), the effect of ferutinin on ALP and gene level was diminished. In conclusion, ferutinin may be considered as a potential candidate for the stem cell therapy in osteoporosis.

Screening of natural compounds identifies ferutinin as an antibacterial and anti-biofilm compound

Antibacterial screenings are most commonly targeted at planktonic bacteria but less effort is dedicated to the exploration of agents acting on biofilms. Here, a natural compounds library was screened against Staphylococcus aureus using a 384-well plate platform to identify compounds preventing biofilm formation. Five structurally diverse hits were selected for follow-up studies: honokiol, tschimganidin, ferutinin, oridonin and deoxyshikonin. The compounds were evaluated against different bacterial species for their capacity to prevent and disrupt biofilms. The development of resistance and cytotoxicity were also investigated. Ferutinin displayed the best antibacterial activity, with a minimum inhibitory, bactericidal and biofilm preventive concentration of 25 µM against S. aureus. It efficiently disrupted pre-formed biofilms (over 5-log reduction of viable cells) and reduced biofilm formation on a catheter in the presence of neutrophils. This work provides new information on the antibacterial activity of five natural compounds and identified ferutinin as a promising candidate against S. aureus biofilms.

The Effect of Ferula communis Extract in Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation in Cultured Neurons and Oligodendrocytes

In recent decades, interest in natural compounds has increased exponentially due to their numerous beneficial properties in the treatment of various acute and chronic diseases. A group of plant derivatives with great scientific interest is terpenic compounds. Among the plants richest in terpenes, the genus Ferula L. is one of the most representative, and ferutinin, the most common sesquiterpene, is extracted from the leaves, rhizome, and roots of this plant. As reported in the scientific literature, ferutinin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as valuable estrogenic properties. Neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases are devastating conditions for which a definite cure has not yet been established. The mechanisms involved in these diseases are still poorly understood, and oxidative stress is considered to be both a key modulator and a common denominator. In the proposed experimental system, co-cultured human neurons (SH-SY5Y) and human oligodendrocytes (MO3.13) were treated with the pro-inflammatory agent lipopolysaccharide at a concentration of 1 μg/mL for 24 h or pretreated with ferutinin (33 nM) for 24 h and subsequently exposed to lipopolysaccharide 1 μg/mL for 24 h. Further studies would, however, be needed to establish whether this natural compound can be used as a support strategy in pathologies characterized by progressive inflammation and oxidative stress phenomena.