Antiproliferative activity of plant extracts used against cancer in traditional medicine

Can Isoflavone-Rich Legume Plants Be Useful in the Chemoprevention of Hormone-Dependent Cancers?-A Systematic Review

Plants from the Fabaceae family are widely distributed around the world, especially in Europe, Asia and North America. They are a rich source of isoflavones, compounds with estrogen-like activity, which are suspected of having a chemopreventive effect against hormone-dependent cancers. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review aimed at assessing the impact of Fabaceae plant extracts on hormone-dependent cancer cells and the content of active compounds in plant raw materials. We analyzed the results of 63 articles from in vitro and in vivo studies describing the effect of plant extracts containing isoflavones on cancer cells, along with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. In the process, we determined the research limitations and future research directions. The collected results indicate the plant species with potentially high contents of phytoestrogens and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. They point to the potential use of plants in the diet as a source of compounds offering cancer prevention.

A comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacological activities of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter

Dittrichia viscosa is a perennial herb that has been used for generations in traditional medicine to address a variety of diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, microbial disorders, inflammatory conditions, and wound healing. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of existing knowledge on D. viscosa with regards to its botanical description, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological properties. Databases such as Scopus, Wiley-Online, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were used to select relevant articles based on their title and abstract. The reviewed studies found a strong correlation between D. viscosa's traditional uses and its observed biological effects. Pharmacological research has shown that the essential oils and extracts from D. viscosa possess a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. The chemical compounds found in D. viscosa include sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids; some of these compounds, such as tometosin and inuviscolide, have been isolated and displayed promising cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity. The present review suggests that the pharmacological properties of D. viscosa align well with its ethnomedicinal uses. These findings support the traditional use of D. viscosa in treating various illnesses. Additionally, toxicological examinations of D. viscosa extracts and essential oil have demonstrated the plant's safety, which supports the need for comprehensive pharmacological studies, in vivo studies, and clinical trials to evaluate the best doses for optimal medicinal effects. This work underscores the medicinal value of D. viscosa and its potential in developing new pharmacological agents to address major health challenges like antibiotic resistance and cancers.

Molecular authentication, metabolite profiling and in silico-in vitro cytotoxicity screening of endophytic Penicillium ramusculum from Withania somnifera for breast cancer therapeutics

In the present study, we isolated a potent endophytic fungus from the roots of Withania somnifera. The endophytic fungal strain was authenticated as Penicillium ramusculum SVWS3 based on morphological and molecular sequencing using four gene data and phylogenetic analyses. In vitro cytotoxicity studies unveiled the remarkable cytotoxic potential of the crude extract derived from P. ramusculum, exhibiting dose-dependent effects on MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cells. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, the crude extract resulted in cell viability of 29.78% for MDA-MB-468 cells and 14.61% for MCF-7 cells. The IC50 values were calculated as 62.83 ± 0.93 µg/mL and 17.23 ± 1.43 µg/mL, respectively for MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cells. Caspase activation assay established the underlying mechanism of the crude extract depicting the activation of caspases 3 and 7, indicating the induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Chemotaxonomic profiling elucidated the ability of P. ramusculum to synthesize a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including Fasoracetam, Tryprostatin B, Odorinol, Thyronine, Brevianamide F, Proglumide, Perlolyrine, Tyrphostin B48, Baptifoline, etc. Molecular docking studies inferred that Baptifoline, Brevianamide F, Odorinol, Perlolyrine, Thyronine, Tryphostin B48, and Tryprostatin B were the lead compounds that could effectively interact with the five selected target receptors of breast cancer, further surpassing the positive controls analyzed. Pharmacokinetic profiling revealed that Baptifoline, Odorinol, and Thyronine depicted an excellent therapeutic profile of druggability. These findings collectively substantiate the anticancer activity of bioactive metabolites synthesized by P. ramusculum SVWS3. Hence, the endophytic P. ramusculum SVWS3 can be an authentic source for developing novel chemotherapeutic drug formulations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03906-3.

Efficacy of Rotundic Acid and Its Derivatives as Promising Natural Anticancer Triterpenoids: A Literature-Based Study

Rotundic acid (RA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene with a multitude of pharmacological activities. The primary emphasis of this study is on summarizing the anticancer properties with the underlying mechanisms of RA and its derivatives, as well as the pharmacokinetic features. Data was collected (up to date as of November 10, 2023) from various reliable and authentic literatures by searching in different academic search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The findings imply that RA and its synthetic derivatives possess promising anti-cancer properties against breast, colorectal, liver, and cervical cancers in various preclinical pharmacological test systems. The results also indicate that RA and its derivatives demonstrated anticancer effects via a number of cellular mechanisms, including apoptotic cell death, inhibition of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effect, cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, anti-proliferative effect, anti-angiogenic effect, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion. It has been proposed that RA and its derived compounds have the capability to serve as a hopeful chemotherapeutic agent, so further extensive clinical research is necessary.

Elucidating the chemical profile and biological studies of Verbascum diversifolium Hochst. extracts

The present study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic properties of different extracts from aerial parts of V. diversifolium (family Scrophulariaceae), a plant that is native to Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Six extracts, namely, hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), ethanol (EtOH), 70% EtOH, and water (aqueous) were prepared by maceration. The EtOH extract was predominated by the presence of rutin (4280.20 μg g-1) and p-coumaric acid (3044.01 μg g-1) while the highest accumulation of kaempferol-3-glucoside (1537.38 μg g-1), caffeic acid (130.13 μg g-1) and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (465.93 μg g-1) was recorded in the 70% EtOH, aqueous, and EtOAc extracts, respectively. The EtOH (46.86 mg TE/g) and 70% EtOH (46.33 mg TE/g) extracts displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging result. Both these extracts, along with the aqueous one, exerted the highest ABTS radical scavenging result (73.03-73.56 mg TE/g). The EtOH and 70% EtOH extracts revealed the most potent anti-AChE (2.66 and 2.64 mg GALAE/g) and anti-glucosidase (1.07 and 1.09 mmol ACAE/g) activities. The aqueous extract was the most efficacious in inhibiting the proliferation of prostate cancer (DU-145) cells with an IC50 of 8.71 μg/mL and a Selectivity Index of 3.7. In conclusion, this study appraised the use of V. diversifolium aerial parts as a potential therapeutic source for future development of phytopharmaceuticals that target specific oxidative stress-linked diseases including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease among others.

In vitro anti-HIV, cytotoxicity and nutritional analysis of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae)

The development of antiretroviral therapy has brought a tremendous relief to the world as it minimizes mortality, reduces HIV transmission, and suppresses progression in infected patients. However, the orthodox antiretroviral therapy is faced with limitations which have necessitated a continuous search for more novel plant-based antiviral compounds, which can bypass the existing barriers created by drug resistance and target more viral proteins. Despite the edibility and enormous pharmacological benefits of T. portulacastrum, little is known about its nutrient profiles and potential use as a natural source of antiviral drug. This study focuses on the full feed analysis and anti-HIV potential of two biotypes of T. portulacastrum. Ethanolic extracts of both biotypes of T. portulacastrum (T01 and T02) had significant inhibitory effects on the level of replication of the HIV-1. Both extracts induced the inhibition of at least 50% of the HIV-1 viral load at considerably low IC50 values of 1.757 mg/mL (T01) and 1.205 mg/mL (T02) which is comparable to the AZT standard. The protein composition ranged between 8.63-22.69%; fat (1.84-4.33%); moisture (7.89-9.04%); fibre (23.84-49.98%); and carbohydrate content (38.54-70.14%). Mineral contents of tested T. portulacastrum varied considerably in different parts of the plant. Nitrogen N mineral ranged between 13.8-36.3 mg/g; sodium Na (2.0-14.0 mg/g); potassium K (14.0-82.0 mg/g); magnesium Mg (2.8-7.1 mg/g); calcium Ca (9.1-24.7 mg/g); phosphorus P (1.3-3.6 mg/g); iron Fe (193.5-984.0 ppm); zinc Zn (42.5-96.0 ppm); manganese Mn (28.5-167.5 ppm); and copper Cu (2.0-8.5 ppm). These mineral values are comparable or higher than values quoted for common vegetables, suggesting that T. portulacastrum is a nutrient-dense vegetable that could provide alternative sources of antiviral nutrients to HIV-infected individuals. Further studies are recommended to unravel key metabolites responsible for high nutrient profiles and antiretroviral effects in T. portulacastrum.

Antibacterial effect of Asphodelus fistulosus aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts on gram positive and gram negative bacteria

Abstract Asphodelus fistulosus (A. fistulosus) is a wild plant grows in Jordan. Traditionally, it is used to treat different medical conditions and diseases such as respiratory ailments, against burns and dermatomucosal infections.This study aims to find out the effects of A. fistulosus aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts on Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) as gram positive bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as gram negative bacteria and to investigate which one will be affected either by aqueous and/or ethanolic crude extracts of A. fistulosus shooting parts that were collected from Jerash in the north of Jordan. Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the crude extracts. In addition, MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) as well as MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) were determined against both types of bacteria. The results showed that flower aqueous extract of A. fistulosus was very effective against E. coli (20.0 ± 0.50) mm and caused a (14.0 ± 0.50) mm inhibition to S. aureus. The ethanolic extract of stem was very effective cauesed a (19.0 ± 0.50) mm inhibition in both bacterial species. Respectively, both S. aureus and E. coli were inhibited by ethanolic and aqueous extracts (mixture1 and mixture2) (15.0 ± 0.00 mm and 10.5 ± 0.50 mm). The highest antimbacterial activity was observed for the leaves aqueous extract against E.coli (0.06120 mg/mL). The obtained MIC values from A. fistulosus parts extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity ranged between 7.606 and 0.06120 mg/mL. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded in the leaves aqueous extract against E. coli.The MBC value of stem aqueous extract was 5.00 mg/mL against both S. aureus and E. coli. On the other hand, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves gave MBC values 5.00 mg/mL, and 0.156 mg/mL, respectively, against E. coli.Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is good inhibitory effect of aqueous and ethanolic of A. fistulosus shooting parts extracts on growth of E. coli and S. aureus. Adding to that, stem ethanolic extract has the most effective against S. aureus while aqueous extract of flower has the most effective against E. coli.So, it is recommended to have further future studies on the A. fistulosus shooting parts crude extract bioactive components and the mechanism of how these constituents affect these types of bacteria.

First report on the chemical composition and the free radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Ononis aurasiaca, an endemic plant of Algeria

This study represents the first investigation of the chemical composition and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ononis aurasiaca Förther & Podlech, a plant species endemic to the Aures Mountains of Algeria. The essential oil of the plant aerial parts was analysed using GC-MS. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using three methods. A total of 44 compounds were identified. The major constituents were dodecanal, hexahydrofarnesylacetone, 2-tridecanone, phytol, 1-heneicosene, and n-heneicosane. The oil displayed significant activity in the β-carotene bleaching assay, moderate scavenging activity against DPPH radicals and a low ability to reduce iron ions. Antibacterial tests conducted on four strains revealed effectiveness primarily against Gram-positive strains, specifically Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and ATCC 43300, while showing limited impact on Gram-negative strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Antifungal activity tests involving two moulds revealed a stronger inhibition against Scedosporium apiospermum compared to Aspergillus niger.

Mechanism of Action of Natural Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors (Berberine and Mangiferin) in Experimentally Induced Diabetes with Metabolic Syndrome

Background

Berberine (BER) and mangiferin are known natural dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV) inhibitors. Hence, the study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of action of natural DPP-IV inhibitors (BER and MNG) in experimentally induced diabetes with metabolic syndrome.

Aim

The aim of this study was to observe mechanism through which natural DPP-IV inhibitor works in diabetes with metabolic syndrome rat model.

Materials and Methods

Wistar rats were fed high-fat diet for 10 weeks and challenged with streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg) at the 3rd week (high-fat diabetic control [HF-DC] group). After the confirmation of metabolic syndrome in the setting of diabetes, monotherapy (metformin [MET], vildagliptin [VIL], BER, and MNG) and combination (MET + VIL, MET + BER, and MET + MNG) therapy was orally fed to these rats from the 4th to 10th weeks.

Results

Insulin resistance (IR) was seen in the HF-DC group as indicated by raised homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) in HF-DC group as compared with normal control (NC) groups. The treatment groups reduced IR as shown by a decrease in HOMA-IR as compared with HF-DC group rats. The marked reduction (P < 0.001) of beta-cell function was observed in the HF-DC group as a reduced level of HOMA for beta-cell function (HOMA-β) was found as compared with the NC group. Increases in HOMA-β as compared to the HFDC group were observed in the therapy groups. The treatment group significantly reduced cholesterol and atherogenic index. The treatment group showed significant preservation of beta-cell mass as per immunohistochemistry and significant anti-apoptotic activity as per Terminal Deoxyribonucleotidyl Transferase-Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling assay report. The treated rats significantly (P < 0.05) reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) marker (P < 0.001) was significantly reduced in the treatment group.

Conclusion

The natural DPP-IV inhibitors BER and MNG treatment showed beneficial effects on various components of metabolic syndrome.

Medicinal plants of Jordan: Scoping review

Jordan is rich in the flora of ethnobotanical importance. This scoping review aims to highlight the ethnopharmacological value of Jordanian medicinal plants using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of one hundred twenty-four articles published between 2000 and 2022 obtained from PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases were included in this review. These plants own several classes of secondary bioactive metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenes. Jordanian plants exhibited potential therapeutic activity against various tumors, bacterial infections, elevated blood glucose levels, hyperlipidemia, platelets aggregation disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Phytochemicals' biological activities depend on their structures, parts used, methods of extraction, and evaluation model. In conclusion, this review highlights the need of researching Jordan's abundant naturally occurring medicinal plants and their phytochemicals as novel lead molecules in drug discovery and development. Studying active phytochemicals for disease treatment will help develop drugs for safe treatment and cure in the future.

Antitumoral activity of Caralluma europaea on colorectal and prostate cancer cell lines

Caralluma europaea is a medicinal plant used in Moroccan popular medicine, which has been employed as a remedy attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antinociceptive, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and antiparasitic properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor activity of both the methanolic and aqueous extract of C. europaea. The effects of increasing concentrations of aqueous and methanolic extracts on human colorectal cancer HT-29 and HCT116 cell lines and human prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cell lines were examined on cell proliferation using MTT assay and cell cycle analysis. The induction of apoptosis was also assessed by determining protein expression of caspase-3 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage by western blot. The methanolic extract of C. europaea exerted significant antiproliferative effects on HT-29 (IC₅₀ values 73 µg/ml), HCT116 (IC₅₀ values 67 µg/ml), PC3 (IC₅₀ values 63 µg/ml) and DU145 cells (IC₅₀ values 65 µg/ml) after 48 hr treatment. Further, incubation with methanolic extract of C. europaea induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and an apoptotic process for all treated cell lines. In conclusion, the present results suggest that C. europaea, exhibited that these natural compounds are significant apoptosis inducers which may have considerable potential for development of effective natural product anticancer agents.

Inula viscosa ameliorates acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress contribute to the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis (UC). Inula viscosa is a plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the effect of an ethanolic extract of I. viscosa on an experimental UC model created using acetic acid. Rats were divided into four groups of eight: group 1, control; group 2, 3% acetic acid group; group 3, 100 mg/kg sulfasalazine + 3% acetic acid group; group 4, 400 mg/kg I. viscosa + 3% acetic acid. I. viscosa and sulfasalazine were administered by oral gavage and 3% acetic acid was administered per rectum. We found that I. viscosa treatment decreased colon malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 beta and nuclear factor kappa B levels; it increased reduced glutathione, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1 and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 levels and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity. Group 1 colon exhibited normal histological structure. Slight inflammatory cell infiltration and edema and insignificant slight erosion in crypts were detected in colon tissues of group 4. We found that I. viscosa reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, which was protective against UC by inducing the Nrf-2/Keap-1/HO-1 pathway in the colon.

Fighting Carcinogenesis with Plant Metabolites by Weakening Proliferative Signaling and Disabling Replicative Immortality Networks of Rapidly Dividing and Invading Cancerous Cells

BACKGROUND

Cancer, an uncontrolled multistage disease causing swift division of cells, is a leading disease with the highest mortality rate. Cellular heterogeneity, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, and replicative immortality drive the tumor progression by resisting the therapeutic action of existing anticancer drugs through a series of intrinsic and extrinsic cellular interactions. The innate cellular mechanisms also regulate the replication process as a fence against proliferative signaling, enabling replicative immortality through telomere dysfunction.

AREA COVERED

The conventional genotoxic drugs have several off-target and collateral side effects associated with them. Thus, the need for the therapies targeting cyclin-dependent kinases or P13K signaling pathway to expose cancer cells to immune destruction, deactivation of invasion and metastasis, and maintaining cellular energetics is imperative. Compounds with anticancer attributes isolated from plants and rich in alkaloids, terpenes, and polyphenols have proven to be less toxic and highly targetspecific, making them biologically significant. This has opened a gateway for the exploration of more novel plant molecules by signifying their role as anticancer agents in synergy and alone, making them more effective than the existing cytotoxic regimens.

EXPERT OPINION

In this context, the current review presented recent data on cancer cases around the globe, along with discussing the fundamentals of proliferative signaling and replicative immortality of cancer cells. Recent findings were also highlighted, including antiproliferative and antireplicative action of plant-derived compounds, besides explaining the need for improving drug delivery systems.

Secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi, Alternaria alternata, as potential inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus

Antiretroviral treatment has significantly reduced human immunodeficiency virus infection and mortality. However, the current treatment regimen is limited by adverse side effects, the emergence of drug resistance, and the inability to eliminate viral reservoirs. Here, fifteen endophytic fungi were isolated from Sclerocarya birrea and Hypoxis plants. Crude extracts of Alternaria alternata (strain ID PO4PR1, PO4PR2, and PO2PL1) of the fifteen isolate's crude extracts showed anti-HIV-1 activity in TZM-bl cell line at inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values ranging from 0.017 to 1.170 μg/ml. The three crude extracts also maintained the virus replication inhibition profile on PBMCs and CD4⁺ T cells at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 50.2 ng/ml. Partial purification using the solid phase extraction and analysis with Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrophotometry showed a diverse profile. The bioactive compounds were identified based on peak area, retention time, similarity index. The major compounds from GC-MS analysis of A. Alternata revealed the existence of cyclotrisiloxane octamethyl (22.92%); Propaninitrile (16,67%); Pyrrolol[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methyl propyl) (10.42%); Silane, diethylethoxy(2-ethoxyethyloxy) (4.17%); Coumarin, 3,4-dihydro-4,5,7-trimethyl- 4,5,7-Trimethyl-2-chromanone (13.7%) and 1,2-Cyclobutanedicarbonitrile (2.08%) with previously reported biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, these bioactive compounds from A. alternata fungal endophytes could be repurposed as potential anti-HIV agents. This study showed the potential of endophytic fungi, Alternaria alternata from S. birrea, and Hypoxis species as producers of anti-HIV compounds.

Biochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Various Population of Brassica tournefortii Growing Wild in Tunisia

Brassica tournefortii Gouan, commonly known (Aslooz) in Tunisia, is an annual plant, native to the North Africa and Middle East. Brassica species are used as food, their young leaves can be cooked, providing nutrients and health-giving phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds, polyphenols and carotenoids. Phytochemical composition and bioactivity of Brassica tournefortii leaf extracts, collected from four different bioclimatic zones in Tunisia, are investigated in the present study. Results showed that location and climatic variations can alter the phytochemical composition of B. tournefortii. Interestingly, HPLC analysis enabled identifying lutein and beta-carotene at high concentrations, especially in extracts of B. tournefortii collected from Gabes (B2) (344 µg/g of lutein) and B. tournefortii collected from Zarzis (B3) (1364 µg/g of beta-carotene). In particular, the antioxidant activity measured by DPPH assay showed that the extract of the plants collected from the growing region of Zarzis exhibits the highest antioxidant activities (0.99 mg/mL). All the Brassica tournefortii extracts showed a relevant antiproliferative activity, especially toward the Caco-2 cell line. These preliminary data resulted in being useful to correlate growth environmental conditions with different accumulation of metabolites in Brassica species still being poorly studied.

Xanthium spinosum L. Extracts Inhibit Breast Cancer in Mice by Apoptosis Induction and Immune System Modulation

Plants have been considered for many years as an important source of medicine to treat different diseases. Xanthium spinosum L. (Asteraceae, Compositae) is known for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects. It is also used in the treatment of several ailments, such as cancer. In order to evaluate the anticancer and immunomodulatory activities, crude ethanol extract was prepared from the aerial part of X. spinosum and then fractionated using solvents with different polarities. As well, the chemical composition of X. spinosum extract and fractions were identified using LC-MS analysis. The antitumor effect of X. spinosum was assessed in both in vitro and in vivo models. Apoptosis induction was measured in vitro using a caspase-3 activity kit. Lymphocyte proliferation and phagocytosis and pinocytosis induction were used to quantify the effect of the plant extract and fractions on acquired and innate immunity, respectively. The effect of X. spinosum extract, and fractions on the levels of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10) in murine lymphocytes was determined using a mouse-uncoated TH1/TH2 ELISA kit. Results showed that ethanol extract had the highest antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀ = 2.5 mg mL^-1) against EMT6/P cell lines, while the aqueous and chloroform fractions had the highest apoptotic activity with 2.2 and 1.7 folds, respectively. On the other hand, the n-hexane fraction was the most effective in stimulating lymphocyte proliferation, whereas ethanol extract, aq. Methanol and aqueous fractions exhibited the highest phagocytic activity. As well, X. spinosum extract and fractions were able to modulate the expression of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ. A remarkable decrease in tumor size was accomplished following the treatment of tumor-bearing mice with X. spinosum extract and fractions. Both aq. Methanol and chloroform fractions showed the highest percentage change in tumor size with -58 and -55%, respectively. As well, tumor-bearing mice treated with chloroform fraction demonstrated a high curable percentage with a value of 57.1%. Anyway, X. spinosum extract and fractions exhibited no toxic impact on the liver or kidney functions of the mice-treated groups. These findings may confirm that X. spinosum has favorable anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. However, additional studies are required to fully understand the mechanisms of action of this plant and the signaling pathways involved in its effects. Moreover, more testing is needed to have better insight into the apoptotic pathway and to know the exact concentration of active compounds.

Antineoplastic Properties by Proapoptotic Mechanisms Induction of Inula viscosa and Its Sesquiterpene Lactones Tomentosin and Inuviscolide

Cancer is a complex disease including approximately 200 different entities that can potentially affect all body tissues. Among the conventional treatments, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are most often applied to different types of cancers. Despite substantial advances in the development of innovative antineoplastic drugs, cancer remains one of the most significant causes of death, worldwide. The principal pitfall of successful cancer treatment is the intrinsic or acquired resistance to therapeutic agents. The development of more effective or synergistic therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes and minimize toxicity has become an urgent issue. Inula viscosa is widely distributed throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. Used as a medicinal plant in different countries, I. viscosa has been characterized for its complex chemical composition in order to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for its biological activities, including anticancer effects. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are natural, biologically active products that have attracted considerable attention due to their biological activities. SLs are alkylating agents that form covalent adducts with free cysteine residues within enzymes and key proteins favoring cancer cell cytotoxicity. They are effective inducers of apoptosis in several cancer cell types through different molecular mechanisms. This review focuses on recent advances in the cytotoxic effects of I. viscosa and SLs in the treatment of neoplastic diseases, with a special emphasis on their proapoptotic molecular mechanisms.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Spectral Analysis-Based Phytochemical Profiling of Methanol Extract of Barleria hochstetteri, and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Its Apoptosis-Inducing Effect on Breast and Lung Cancer Cell Lines

The objectives of this research were to carry out GC–MS and LC–MS-based phytochemical profiling of Barleria hochstetteri, as well as flow cytometry-based mechanistic investigations of the cytotoxic effect of its extracts against breast and lung cancer cell lines. This preclinical in vitro study was carried out in Saudi Arabia and India, from 11 August to 15 January 2022. Barleria hochstetteri was sequentially extracted using the Soxhlet extraction technique. Utilizing LC–MS and GC–MS methods, the phytochemical profiling was performed. Additionally, the total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were quantified in the plant extract using spectrophotometric techniques. In this study, we first examined the cytotoxicity of the plant extract on non-malignant L929 cells and on the carcinogenic MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. Then, we studied the underlying molecular pathways by means of Anti-Bcl-2, caspase-3, and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) assays, using flow cytometry. The results revealed phenolic compounds and flavonoids to be the two major components in the methanolic extract of B. hochstetteri, with concentrations of 3210 µg GAE/g dwt and 1863 µg QE/g dwt, respectively. Results from GC–MS and LC–MS analyses revealed the presence of bioactive phytochemicals with known cytotoxicity. From the MTT assay on cell viability, the IC50 of the methanol extract for the MCF-7 and A549 cell lines were 219.67 and 144.30 µg/mL, respectively. With IC50 values of 324.24 and 266.66 µg/mL, respectively, the aqueous and methanol extracts were less toxic when tested against the non-cancerous L929 cell line. The extract caused early and late apoptosis in the tested breast and lung cancer cells by activating caspase-3 and inhibiting Bcl-2 protein, and it also caused cell death via DNA damage, based on flow cytometric and molecular marker analyses. These findings indicate that the methanol extract of B. hochstetteri was cytotoxic on breast cancer and lung cancer cell lines. To uncover cancer-fighting chemicals, there is a need for further research on B. hochstetteri, as it is a promising source of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drugs.

Current Research of Phytochemical, Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Uses of Uncaria gambir Roxb.: A Review

Uncaria gambir Roxb. is a plant from Southeast Asia and is widely used as an alternative medicine with various applications. This plant has been widely used in traditional medicine. This paper aims to provide information on U. gambir, a summary of data on phytochemicals and on medical and nonmedical activities. Phytochemical studies reveal biologically active constituents such as flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids. Various studies have shown that extracts and compounds obtained from U. gambir have medical uses for their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-helminthic, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperuricemic, anti-lipid peroxidation, antihyperlipidemic and other properties. In addition, this extract has other uses, such as adsorbent for dyes and metal ions, as well as corrosion inhibition. Thus, U. gambir, which is commonly used in traditional medicine, is a potential plant for many therapeutic applications and prospects for drug development as well as other applications such as adsorbent and corrosion inhibition.

The ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and biological properties of genus Phagnalon (Asteraceae): a review

The genus Phagnalon Cass., included within the Asteraceae family, has a wide distribution, expanding from Macaronesia in the West to the Himalayas in the East, from S. France and N. Italy to Ethiopia and Arabian Peninsula. Various species of Phagnalon have been used in the popular medicine of several countries as medicinal herbs and food. This literature review, the first one of the Phagnalon genus, includes publications with the word 'Phagnalon', and considers the extracts and the single metabolites identified, characterized, and tested to evaluate their biological potential. The extracts and the secondary metabolites, have a varied application spectrum at a biological level, with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, etc. properties having been reported. Unfortunately, in vitro tests have not always been accompanied by in vivo tests, and this is the major critical aspect that emerges from the study of the scientific aspects related to this genus.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Selected Medicinal Plant Leaf Extracts Against Pathogens Implicated in Poultry Diseases

Antimicrobial resistant poultry pathogens are responsible for treatment failure and economic losses, and can also be a source of resistant zoonotic infections representing a risk to human health. In 2006 the European Union banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in farm animals and other regions are likely to follow suit. Alternative products and strategies are sought to help maintain animal gut health to reduce the prevalence of pathogens in the food chain. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of organic and aqueous leaf extracts of Alchornea laxiflora, Ficus exasperata, Morinda lucida, Jatropha gossypiifolia, Ocimum gratissimum, and Acalypha wilkesiana were tested against bacterial poultry pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and fungal species (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans) using a 2-fold serial microdilution method. Activity of extracts against biofilms of the pathogens was done using a modified crystal violet staining in vitro assay. The safety of extracts was determined against Vero and Caco-2 cells using a tetrazolium-based in vitro assay. Acetone and cold water extracts of M. lucida had the best activity against three bacteria (MIC = 0.05-0.07 mg/ml) and two fungal (MIC = 0.03-0.15 mg/ml) organisms, respectively. The E. coli isolate and A. flavus were the most susceptible bacteria and fungi, respectively. Caco-2 cells generally displayed higher selectivity index (SI) values compared to Vero cells and average SI values against Vero and Caco-2 cells for both bacteria and fungi ranged from 0.01 to 4.48 and 0.005 to 16.41, respectively. All plant extracts had good anti-biofilm activity (>50%) against at least one organism. The disruption of established biofilm growth by the plant samples proved to be more difficult to achieve than efficacy against planktonic forms of bacteria. This study shows that some of the plant species are potential candidates as alternative feed additives in poultry production. In the future, a poultry feed trial to evaluate their in vivo efficacy as herbal feed additives will be conducted.

Evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial effects and mineral levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham

The present study aimed to determine the antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic activities and element levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham. The free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant capacity levels were analyzed as the antioxidant parameters. Seven bacteria and one yeast strains were used to determine the antimicrobial activity. The cytotoxic effects of plant extracts were determined using A549, MCF-7, HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cell lines. The findings demonstrated that the antioxidant activity increased with an increase in the phenolic content of extracts. This species is rich in bio-elements such as Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Mg. Different concentrations of extracts could have antibacterial activity. This plant had an apparent cytotoxic effect only in the A549 cell line and increased the proliferation in other cell lines. The findings demonstrated that plant could be used alone or as a supplement to the current treatment protocols in diseases due to their antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. However, it is recommended that Verbascum L. species intended for use in therapy should be procured from areas where there is no soil pollution or organic farming is preferred.

New derivatives of sulfonylhydrazone as potential antitumor agents: Design, synthesis and cheminformatics evaluation

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase α (PI3Kα) is a propitious target for designing anticancer drugs. A series of new N'-(diphenylmethylene)benzenesulfonohydrazide was synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C), HRMS, and elemental analysis. Target compounds exhibited an antiproliferative effect against the human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cell line. Our cheminformatics analysis indicated that the para-tailored derivatives [p-NO₂ (3) and p-CF₃ (7)] have better ionization potentials based on calculated Moran autocorrelations and ionization potentials. Subsequent in vitro cell proliferation assays validated our cheminformatics results by providing experimental evidence that both derivatives 3 and 7 exhibited improved antiproliferative activities against HCT-116. Hence, our results emphasized the importance of electron-withdrawing groups and hydrogen bond-acceptors in the rational design of small-molecule chemical ligands targeting PI3Kα. These results agreed with the induced-fit docking against PI3Kα, highlighting the role of p-substituted aromatic rings in guiding the ligand-PI3Kα complex formation, by targeting a hydrophobic pocket in the ligand-binding site and forming π-stacking interactions with a nearby tryptophan residue.

Nonclinical Safety Pharmacology Study of the Herbal Product HAD-B1

HAD-B1 is a Korean herbal formula designed to treat solid tumors, and through cell experiments, it has proven to have an anticancer effect. The current study aims to test the safety of HAD-B1. This experiment is under the regulation of ICH. In order to find if HAD-B1 has any effect on the CNS, 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day of HAD-B1 were orally administered to male and female rats once. To discover any effect on the respiratory system, 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day of HAD-B1 were orally given to male rats followed by measuring the respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute respiratory volume. To assess the possibility of a delayed QT period as a result of the drug administration, hERG analysis was conducted at 0, 0.1, 0.3, and 1 μg/ml. To assess any effect on the cardiovascular system, 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day of HAD-B1 were orally given to male beagle dogs once followed by temperature, blood pressure, ECG, and heart rate analyses. There were no clinically significant changes in both male and female rats on assessing any effects on the CNS. There were no clinically significant changes in male rats' respiratory assessment. There were no clinically significant changes in hERG analysis results. There were no clinically significant changes in the cardiovascular system of male beagle dogs. Our results demonstrate that HAD-B1 is a safe herbal formula that does not have a clinically significant effect on the CNS, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.

Genotoxicity Assessment and Protective Effect of Anogeissus leiocarpus Roots against Cyclophosphamide-Induced DNA Damage In Vivo

Background

Belonging to the family of Combretaceae, the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus are traditionally used to treat diabetes, wounds, infections, pain, and gastrointestinal diseases. To our knowledge, no genotoxicity assessment of the plant was reported. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the potential genotoxic and protective effects of extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus roots using the micronucleus test on mice bone marrow cells in vivo.

Methods

Three different concentrations (250, 500, and 1000 mg·kg⁻¹) of hydroalcoholic extract of roots of A. leiocarpus were administered daily for 7 days per os to mice, and the genotoxicity was induced by the administration ip of cyclophosphamide. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated by counting, respectively, the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes in the bone marrow of mice.

Results

The administration of A. leiocarpus did neither increase the ratio of the polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) nor the frequency of micronucleated PCE (MNPCE) significantly in the bone marrow cells of the mice, compared to the vehicle control animals. However, a significant increase in the incidence of MNPCE in the bone marrow cell of the cyclophosphamide-treated mice was found. Moreover, in the groups treated with the total extract of A. leiocarpus at different doses plus cyclophosphamide, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in MNPCEs compared to the positive controls, in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

This first finding reports that the extract of A. leiocarpus was neither genotoxic nor cytotoxic. However, it shows a protective effect against the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.

Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Tomentosin: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms

Tomentosin is a natural compound known for its presence in some medicinal plants of the Asteraceae family such as Inula viscosa. Recent studies have highlighted its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Its anticancer mechanisms are unique and act at different levels ranging from cellular organization to molecular transcriptional factors and epigenetic modifications. Tomentosin’s possession of the modulatory effect on telomerase expression on tumor cell lines has captured the interest of researchers and spurred a more robust study on its anticancer effect. Since inflammation has a close link with cancer disease, this natural compound appears to be a potential cancer-fighting drug. Indeed, its recently demonstrated anti-inflammatory action can be considered as a starting point for its evaluation as an anticancer chemo-preventive agent

Anticancer activity of Mandragora autumnalis: an in vitro and in vivo study

Ethanol crude extract and four solvent fractions were extracted from M. autumnalis leave to evaluate their anticancer effect in both models: in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro assessments were conducted using the MTT method in five cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. Ethanol extract and n-hexane fraction showed antitumor activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells with IC₅₀ values of 0.1 and 0.4 mg/ml, respectively, and low cytotoxicity against normal VERO cell line (IC₅₀ value &gt; 4 mg/ml). Furthermore, expression levels of VEGF were tested in MCF-7 cells treated with M. autumnalis using Human VEGF Simple Step ELISA Kit. The results indicated downregulation of VEGF expression in the treated cells compared to the control group. Additionally, the LD₅₀ of M. autumnalis ethanol extract was calculated by applying an acute toxicity assay. Balb/C mice were inoculated with EMT6/p breast cancer cells and then treated with (137 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal injection) of ethanol extract for ten days. Interestingly, a significant (p &lt; 0.001) reduction occurred in the tumor size of the treated group comparing to the control. Treatment in vivo toxicity was evaluated by measuring liver and kidney parameters. The tumor-bearing mice treated with the M. autumnalis extract showed normal serum level of AST, ALT, and creatinine. The results indicate that M. autumnalis has antitumor properties in both models in vitro and in vivo. However, further molecular investigation is required to understand the molecular bearings of M. autumnalis’ activity.

Not Only a Weed Plant-Biological Activities of Essential Oil and Hydrosol of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter

With the increasing interest in obtaining biologically active compounds from natural sources, Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter (Asteraceae) came into our focus as a readily available and aromatic wild shrub widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. This work provides a phytochemical profile of D. viscosa in terms of parallel chemical composition in the lipophilic fraction (essential oil) and the water fraction (hydrosol). GC-MS analysis identified 1,8-cineole, caryophyllene oxide, α-terpenyl acetate, and α-muurolol as the major components of the essential oil, while in the hydrosol p-menth-1-en-9-ol, 1,8-cineole, linalool, cis-sabinene hydrate, and α-muurolol were the major volatile components. 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid was found to be the predominant compound in the hydrosol composition by HPLC analysis. The antimicrobial potential of both extracts was evaluated against thirteen opportunistic pathogens associated with common skin and wound infections and emerging food spoilage microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil suggests that the volatiles of D. viscosa could be used as novel antimicrobial agents. The antiproliferative results of D. viscosa volatiles are also new findings, which showed promising activity against three cancer cell lines: HeLa (cervical cancer cell line), HCT116 (human colon cancer cell line), and U2OS (human osteosarcoma cell line). The decrease in GSH level observed in hydrosol-treated HeLa cells suggests oxidative stress as a possible mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of hydrosol on tumor cells. The presented results are also the first report of significant antiphytoviral activity of hydrosol against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. Based on the results, D. viscosa might have the potential to be used in crop protection, as a natural disinfectant and natural anticancer agent.

Evaluation of cytotoxic and antioxidant potential of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter used in traditional medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter ("Sarı ot, Yapışkan andız otu" in Turkish) is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in the Mediterranean area. This plant is used by the local population for the treatment of cancer. Investigation of their biological activities is therefore very important to be supported by scientific basis for traditional use.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

In this study, it is aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antiproliferative activities of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from the aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowers) of D. viscosa, collected from two sites in Turkey (Istanbul and Marmaris) against breast and prostate tumor cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Validated methods were used to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC), cytotoxicity (Cell Viability Assay), antiproliferative (Apoptosis assay), and phytochemical compositions. The nepetin (N), 3-O-methylquercetin (Q), and hispidulin (H) in the extracts of D. viscosa were quantified by HPLC and LC-HRMS. Furthermore, in order to control the standards of benefiting from the plant in a healthy way, the contents of some heavy metals were also assessed by ICP-OES in the plant and soil samples as well as the species soil's physical and chemical characteristics.

RESULTS

We have found that heavy metal accumulation in the soil does not exceed the allowable limit value except for the nickel. The results showed that ethanol extraction is an efficient strategy to get NQH molecules with a higher content compared with other extraction techniques. However, using the same extraction method revealed that the amount of NQH molecules in the samples of two different regions were variable. The results suggested that all extracts had a high amount of total phenolic content (12.354-22.184 μg GAE/mg) and total flavonoid content (4.442-17.263 μg QE/g). In the antioxidant assay according to the DPPH method, the aqueous ethanol extracts (IC₅₀; 21.00 μg/mL) showed stronger antioxidant activity than BHT. A significant reduction in cell viability was particularly observed in MDA-MB-231 cells, which were sensitive to ethanolic extracts in Istanbul (12-22%) and in Marmaris (14-15%), while PC3 cell lines were also more sensitive to extracts of the aqueous in Istanbul (16%) and the decoction in Marmaris (12%) after 72 h. Especially, it was observed that Marmaris and Istanbul samples induced the toxicity against PC3 cells.

CONCLUSION

The study supports the medicinal use of D. viscosa as a potential anticancer against breast and prostate cancer cells in vitro and underlines the immense therapeutic potential of the plant.

A Review of the Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Biological Activities of the Essential Oils of Genus Teucrium

The genus Teucrium is a large and polymorphic genus of the Lamiaceae family distributed in mild climate zones, particularly in the Mediterranean basin and Central Asia. Studies of nonvolatile constituents of Teucrium species showed that they are a rich source of neo-clerodane diterpenoids, considered as chemotaxonomic markers of the genus. In addition to the nonvolatile metabolites, there has been a large interest in the essential oils of this genus. In this review, a complete survey of the chemical composition and biological properties of the essential oils isolated from Teucrium taxa is provided. In traditional medicine, since ancient times, species of this genus have been widely implemented for their biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, insecticidal, anti-malaria, etc. Therefore, a complete review of all of the traditional uses of Teucrium taxa are also reported.

Extracts of Jasminum sambac flowers fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus inhibit H2 O2 - and UVB-induced aging in human dermal fibroblasts

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a crucial factor that leads to skin photoaging and results in increased DNA damage, oxidative stress, and collagen degradation. Jasmine flowers have been utilized as a traditional medicine in Asia to treat various diseases, including dermatitis, diarrhea, and fever. Furthermore, the fermented broth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been reported to exert protective effects on the skin. In the present study, jasmine flower extract was fermented with L. rhamnosus. We investigated the antioxidant and collagen-promoting effects on UVB/H₂ O₂ -induced HS68 dermal fibroblast cell damage. The results indicated that treatment with the fermented flower extracts of Jasminum sambac (F-FEJS) could enhance the viability of HS68 cells. Furthermore, the UVB/H₂ O₂ -induced excessive production of reactive oxygen species, degradation of collagen, activation of MAPKs, including P38, ERK, and JNK, and premature senescence were remarkably attenuated by F-FEJS in dermal fibroblast cells. The nuclear accumulation of p-c-jun, which is downstream of MAPK, and the inactivation of p-smad2/3, which is one of the crucial transcription factors that enhance collagen synthesis, were reversed in response to F-FEJS treatment in UVB/H₂ O₂ -exposed cells. Notably, the expression of antioxidant genes, such as HO-1, and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 were further enhanced by F-FEJS in UVB/H₂ O₂ -treated cells. Interestingly, the F-FEJS-induced increase in ARE luciferase activity indicated the activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that F-FEJS can effectively ameliorate UVB/H₂ O₂ -induced dermal cell aging and may be considered a promising ingredient in skin aging therapy.

Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Activities of Hyacinthus orientalis L.: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Hyacinthus orientalis L. (family Hyacinthaceae) is traditionally used to treat different diseases including cancer. In this study, the anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of this plant were evaluated. Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared, and different solvent fractions were obtained using solvent-solvent extraction. In the anticancer part, MTT assay and caspase-3 ELISA kits were used to measure the antiproliferative and apoptosis induction ability for each extract, respectively. In the immunomodulatory part, lymphocyte proliferation assay and cytokines detection kit were used to measure the effect of extracts of acquired immunity. Phagocytosis and pinocytosis induction were used to evaluate the effect of extracts on the innate immunity. GC-MS, LC-MS, and Foline-Ciocalteu assays were used to identify the chemical composition of the plant. Balb/C mice were inoculated with breast cancer and treated with hydroalcoholic extract of H. orientalis L. Results showed that hydroalcoholic extract and n-hexane fraction were highly effective in apoptosis induction. Both extract and fraction were also effective in stimulating lymphocytes proliferation and phagocytosis. Significant reduction in tumor size was achieved after treating tumor-bearing mice with hydroalcoholic extract. Additionally, high cure percentages (50%) were obtained in treated mice. Results of this study showed that H. orientalis L. has promising anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. However, further studies are needed to explore more details of apoptosis induction ability and other mechanisms of action and to measure different signaling pathways responsible for the anticancer and immunomodulatory response.

The Anticancer Effect of Inula viscosa Methanol Extract by miRNAs' Re-regulation: An in vitro Study on Human Malignant Melanoma Cells

Alternative and natural therapies are needed for malignant melanoma (MM), the most deadly skin cancer type due to chemotherapy's limited effect. In the present study, we evaluated the anticancer potentials of Inula viscosa methanol and water extracts (IVM and IVW) on MM cells, A2058 and MeWo, and normal fibroblasts. After the chromatographic and antioxidant activity analysis, their antiproliferative effects were determined with the increasing doses for 24-72 h. IVM induced more cell death in a dose and time-dependent manner in MM cells compared to IVW. This effect was probably due to the higher amount of phenolics in it. IVM significantly induced more apoptotic death in MM cells than fibroblasts (p < 0.01), which was also supported morphologically. IVM also caused cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and G2/M phases in A2058 and MeWo, respectively, and suppressed the migration ability of MM cells (p < 0.01). Additionally, IVM was found to have significant potential in regulating MM-related miRNAs, upregulating miR-579 and miR-524, and downregulating miR-191 and miR-193, in MM cells (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). As a result, the anticancer effect of IVM via regulating miRNAs' expression has been demonstrated for the first time. Thus, IVM, with these potentials, may be a promising candidate for MM treatment.

The Effects of Combining Cancer Drugs with Compounds Isolated from Combretum zeyheri Sond. and Combretum platypetalum Welw. ex M.A. Lawson (Combretaceae) on the Viability of Jurkat T Cells and HL-60 Cells

Combretum zeyheri and Combretum platypetalum have been shown to have anticancer, antibacterial, antituberculosis, and antifungal effects in both in vivo and in vitro studies. This study sought to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of compounds isolated from C. zeyheri and C. platypetalum on Jurkat T and HL-60 cancer cell lines in combination with doxorubicin and/or chlorambucil. At their GI50 concentrations, the isolated compounds were combined with the corresponding GI50 of chlorambucil and doxorubicin. The cytotoxic effects of the combined compounds were determined on BALB/c mouse peritoneal cells. All the 4 isolated compounds had significant cytotoxic effects on Jurkat T cells. Compounds CP 404 (1), CP 409 (2), CZ 453 (3), and CZ 455 (4) had GI50s on Jurkat T cells of 3.98, 19.33, 6.82, and 20.28 μg/ml, respectively. CP 404 (1), CP 409 (2), CZ 453 (3), and CZ 455 (4) showed GI50s of 14.18, 28.69, 29.87, and 16.46 μg/ml on HL-60 cancer cell lines, respectively. The most potent combination against Jurkat T cells was found to be CP 404 (1) and chlorambucil. This combination showed no cytotoxic effects when tested on BALB/c mouse peritoneal cells. It was concluded that the compounds extracted from C. zeyheri and C. platypetalum inhibit the growth of Jurkat T cells in vitro. The combination of the compounds with anticancer drugs enhanced their anticancer effects. The combination of CP 404 (1) and chlorambucil was found not to be toxic to normal mammalian cells. Therefore, CP 404 (1), 3-O-β-L-rrhamnopyranosyl-5,7,3'4',5'-pentahydroxyflavone, has the potential to be a source of lead compounds that can be developed for anticancer therapy. Further structure-activity relationship studies on this compound are warranted.

Verbascum nigrum: Cytotoxicity Evaluation in A431 Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells and Untargeted LC-HR-MS/MS Metabolite Profiling

The crude methanolic extract obtained from Verbascum nigrum aerial parts (VNE) and its six fractions (VNF1-VNF6) were initially screened regarding their effects on the viability of immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes and A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells (MTT assay, 24 h). None of the tested samples affected the viability of HaCaT cells in a concentration range of 25-150 μg/mL. VNE and VNF4 exhibited significant cytotoxic effects in A431 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 81.92 and 12.27 μg/mL, respectively; the selectivity index was higher than 10 for VNF4. The untargeted LC/HR-MS/MS metabolite profiling led to the tentative annotation of a total number of 23 compounds. Of these, VNE comprised mainly iridoid glycosides (harpagoside, laterioside, acylated aucubin derivatives), whereas VNF4 showed a high abundance of triterpene saponin glycosides (ilwensisaponins A and C, songarosaponins A and B), constituents known for their selective cytotoxic potential.

Chemical composition variability and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors inhibitory activity of Inulaviscosa essential oils from Algeria

Angiogenes is therefore appears to be a complex phenomenon, finely regulated by various activators (pro-angiogenic factors) and inhibitors (anti-angiogenic factors). Among the pro-angiogenic factors, VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) seems to be one of the main players in tumor angiogenesis. It exerts its pro-angiogenic activity by attaching to the surface of receptors with tyrosine kinase activity (VEGFR). The aim of this research was the bioinformatical study of VEGFR inhibition by essential oils of the Inula viscosa.Analyses of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of the plant were performed using GC and GC/MS analysis. We used molecular modeling approaches as molecular mechanics to theoretical investigation VEGF receptors by natural inhibitors.Nineteen compounds were identified, constituting 90.1-98.8% of the total essential oils. The main components of the plants were (E)-nerolidol (15.5-20.2 %), caryophyllene oxide (10.6-18.1%), (E)-Z-farnesyl acetone (13.2-25.1%) and (E)-β-farnesene (1.5-5.6%). Essential oil samples were clustered into two groups according to their chemical compositions. The molecular dynamics study was conducted for the best inhibitors. A few key residues were identified at the binding site of VEGFR. The Pharmacokinetics was justified by means of lipophilicity and high coefficient of skin permeability. The in silico evaluation of ADME revealed that L19 has high absorption. The essential oil of I. viscosa presents a significant variability. This study revealed that (E)-Z-Farnesylacetone is a functional inhibitor of VEGF activities and subsequently can be the best inhibitors candidate to be scrutinized in vivo and in vitro.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Cytotoxicity Potential of Endophytic Fungi Extracts from Terminalia catappa against Human Cervical Cancer Cells

Endophytic fungi are potential sources of novel bioactive metabolites from a natural product drug discovery perspective. This study reports the bioactivity-directed fractionation of the secondary metabolites of the ethyl acetate extract of a fermentation culture of endophytic fungi from Terminalia catappa which were then evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells. Furthermore, apoptosis was determined using the Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) flow cytometry assay. Endophyte extracts N2, N7, N8, N97, N169, and N233 were obtained from Trichoderma sp, Phoma sp, Phomopsis phyllanticola, Fusarium oxyporum, Collectotrichum sp, and Cryptococcus flavescens, respectively. The N97 extract was most active with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 33.35 µg/ml. A 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) of 268.4 µg/ml was obtained with HFF cells and the selectivity index (SI) was 8.01. The percentages of cell populations were increased at late apoptosis (Annexin+/PI+), with the percentages of 27.4 ± 0.3 and 19.2 ± 0.01 obtained, respectively, for 50 µg/ml and 80 µg/ml of the N97 extract and 2.1 ± 0.1 obtained for the control in late apoptosis (Annexin V+/PI+) . Moreover, a higher reduction in the percentage of viable cells was observed in the HeLa control cells (93.6 ± 0.3), but the percentages of viable HeLa cells were 37 ± 0.05 and 45 ± 0.1, respectively, for the 50 µg/ml and 80 µg/ml treatments with the N97 extract. Also, the percentages of 34.7 ± 0.1 and 33.9 ± 0.4 were, respectively, obtained for 50 µg/ml and 80 µg/ml compared to the control with 4.6 ± 0.2, in early apoptosis (Annexin V+/PI-). These findings highlight the anticancer potential of the N97 extract of endophytic fungi from Terminalia catappa, which is mediated through apoptosis and presumably also attenuation of chemoresistance.

Caspicaiene: a new kaurene diterpene with anti-tubercular activity from an Aspergillus endophytic isolate in Gleditsia caspia desf

A new kaurene derivative with a new 6/6/6/5/6 ring system structure, given the trivial name caspicaiene, was isolated from the fungal culture of the Aspergillus N830 isolate identified by ITS region DNA sequencing. The compound was characterized by 1, 2 D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS-MS and revealed a promising anti-tubercular effect using the Alamar Blue Assay (MABA), in a dose dependent manner, with MIC value of 124.5 µM. Furthermore, six known compounds were isolated and showed significant MIC values against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, ranging between 15.63 µg/mL (26.5 µM) to 125 µg/mL (500 µM), compared to the positive control isoniazid whose MIC value was 0.24 µg/mL (1.75 µM), which sets them forth as potentially natural anti-tubercular agents. To gain further insight of the underlying mechanism, in-silico molecular docking, using the C-Docker protocol, was conducted and demonstrated various interactions between the isolated compounds and three key mycobacterial enzymes. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity was reported and showed the safety of these molecules according to the calculated safety index in the human hepatic cancer cell line (HepG2) and Vero cell lines.

Ethnopharmacology, Therapeutic Properties and Nutritional Potentials of Carpobrotus edulis: A Comprehensive Review

Carpobrotus edulis, formerly known as Mesembryanthemum edule L, belongs to the Aizoaceae family of plants. It is a facultative halophytic invasive medicinal and edible succulent plant that is native to South Africa and is distributed worldwide. Hitherto, this plant appears to be mainly known for its ornamental use in decorations, soil stabilization, and erosion control, and not for its many potential medicinal and nutritional benefits, thus suggesting its underutilization. This review presents cogent and comprehensive information on the distribution, ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and nutritional value of Carpobrotus edulis and provides the rationale for further pharmacognostic research that will validate its many folkloric medicinal and nutraceutical claims, and promote its standardization into a commercially available product. The reported traditional use of this plant for the treatment of sinusitis, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, infantile eczema, fungal and bacterial infections, oral and vaginal thrush, high blood pressure, diabetes, wound infections, spider and tick bites, sore throat as well as mouth infections are well documented. Its therapeutic activities such as anti-proliferative, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, and nutritional value have also been reported to be attributable to the array of phytoconstituents present in the plant. These have promoted renewed research interests into this valuable medicinal plant with a view to repositioning and expanding its uses from the current predominantly ornamental and environmental management role to include phytotherapeutical applications through scientific validation studies that will improve its value for the drug discovery process as well as its contribution to food security.

Tomentosin inhibit cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced inflammatory response via TLR4/ NLRP3 signalling pathway - in vivo and in vitro studies

Stoke is a global threat, leading to 50 % of deaths worldwide and it causes permanent disability to about 5 million individuals globally each year. In this study, we assessed the potency of tomentosin to inhibit the neuroinflammation in in vivo and in vitro models. The Sprague Dawley rats were pretreated with 25 mg/kg bodyweight (b.wt) and 50 mg/kg b.wt of tomentosin for seven days followed by induction of cerebral ischemic reperfusion. The brain edema and cerebral infractions were analyzed. The levels of antioxidants and the interleukins were measured by standard methods. The NLRP3 signaling proteins expression was evaluated using qPCR analysis. In vitro studies were performed in SH-SY5Y-cells pretreated with tomentosin and subjected to OGD-R treatment. Our results depicts tomentosin scavenges the free radicals, enhances antioxidant system, inhibits the NLRP3 signaling. In vitro results substantiates with in vivo results. To conclude, our in vivo and in vitro results confirm tomentosin may be potent alternative for existing antistroke drugs.

Induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by tomentosin in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and Huh7 cells

Tomentosin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is known to possess various biological activities. However, its anticarcinogenic activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells has not been investigated in detail. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the cytotoxic mechanism of tomentosin in human HCC cell lines HepG2 and Huh7. WST-1, cell counting, and colony formation assay results showed that treatment with tomentosin decreased the viability and suppressed the proliferation rate of HepG2 and Huh7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed increased population of cells at the SubG1 and G2/M stage, and decreased population of cells at the G0/1 stage in HepG2 and Huh7 cells treated with tomentosin. Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining and TUNEL assay results showed increased apoptotic cell population and DNA fragmentation in HepG2 and Huh7 cells treated with tomentosin. Western blotting analysis results showed that tomentosin treatment significantly increased the expression level of Bax, Bim (short form), cleaved PARP1, FOXO3, p53, pSer15p53, pSer20p53, pSer46p53, p21, and p27, but decreased the expression of Bcl2, caspase3, caspase7, caspase9, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4, CDK6, cyclinB1, cyclinD1, cyclinD2, cyclinD3, and cyclinE in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, this study revealed that tomentosin, which acted through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, may be a useful therapeutic option against HCC.

A Review of Cytotoxic Plants of the Indian Subcontinent and a Broad-Spectrum Analysis of Their Bioactive Compounds

Cancer or uncontrolled cell proliferation is a major health issue worldwide and is the second leading cause of deaths globally. The high mortality rate and toxicity associated with cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy have encouraged the investigation of complementary and alternative treatment methods, such as plant-based drugs. Moreover, over 60% of the anti-cancer drugs are molecules derived from plants or their synthetic derivatives. Therefore, in the present review, an attempt has been made to summarize the cytotoxic plants available in the Indian subcontinent along with a description of their bio-active components. The review covers 99 plants of 57 families as well as over 110 isolated bioactive cytotoxic compounds, amongst which at least 20 are new compounds. Among the reported phytoconstituents, artemisinin, lupeol, curcumin, and quercetin are under clinical trials, while brazilin, catechin, ursolic acid, β-sitosterol, and myricetin are under pharmacokinetic development. However, for the remaining compounds, there is little or no information available. Therefore, further investigations are warranted on these subcontinent medicinal plants as an important source of novel cytotoxic agents.

Terfezia boudieri: A Desert Truffle With Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Activities

Desert truffles have high nutritional value and grow wild in the Mediterranean basin and Western Asia. Although, many studies were performed to evaluate truffles nutritious values and phytochemical composition, studies are limited to evaluate their anticancer and/ or immunomodulatory effects. Our study was conducted to evaluate the anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of Terfezia boudieri (desert truffle). Different solvent extracts were prepared from the truffle and MTT assay was used to measure their anticancer activity against cancer cell lines (T47D, MCF-7, MDA-MB231, HCT-116, and Hela). Total phenolic content in each extract was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. The degree of apoptosis induction (using caspase 3 assay) and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were detected using standard kits. Also, ELISA was used to measure levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 secreted by splenocytes after treatment with the extracts. The effect of the extracts on splenocytes proliferation was measured using MTT assay. Macrophage function was evaluated using nitro blue tetrazolium assay and pinocytosis function was evaluated using neutral red method. Terpenoids, phytosterols, and carbohydrates were present in all the solvent extracts, while tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids were detected only in aqueous/methanol and aqueous extracts. The highest total phenolic content was observed in aqueous and aqueous methanol extracts. The growth of cancer cell lines was inhibited by T. boudieri extracts in a dose dependent manner. N-hexane extract was the most potent against most cell lines. Aqueous/methanol extract showed high apoptosis induction and angiogenesis suppression effects. An increase in TH1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2) level and a decrease in TH2 cytokine (IL-4) level were evident after lymphocytes stimulation by aqueous/methanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of T. boudieri. Ethyl acetate extract of T. boudieri were the most potent extracts to stimulate lymphocytes proliferation while all other extracts showed moderate stimulation. Aqueous/methanol extract was the most active extract to stimulate phagocytosis. Ethyl acetate extract was the most active extract to stimulate pinocytosis. The use of T. boudieri provides variable health benefits. N-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous/methanol extracts exhibited anticancer activities and are potent stimulators of innate and acquired immunity. Further testing is needed to identify the biologically active compounds and detect them quantitatively using GC-MS analysis.