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Zimbone S, Romanucci V, Zarrelli A, Giuffrida ML, Sciacca MFM, Lanza V, Campagna T, Maugeri L, Petralia S, Consoli GML, Di Fabio G, Milardi D. Exploring the therapeutic potential of Aloin: unraveling neuroprotective and anticancer mechanisms, and strategies for enhanced stability and delivery. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16731. [PMID: 39030250 PMCID: PMC11271566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67397-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigate the therapeutic potential of Aloin A and Aloin B, two natural compounds derived from Aloe vera leaves, focusing on their neuroprotective and anticancer properties. The structural differences between these two epimers suggest that they may exhibit distinct pharmacological properties. Our investigations revealed that both epimers are not stable in aqueous solution and tend to degrade rapidly, with their concentration decreasing by over 50% within approximately 12 h. These results underscore the importance of addressing issues such as the need for encapsulation into effective drug delivery systems to enhance stability. ThT fluorescence experiments showed that neither compound was able to inhibit Aβ amyloid aggregation, indicating that other mechanisms may be responsible for their neuroprotective effects. Next, an equimolar mixture of Aloin A and Aloin B demonstrated an ability to inhibit proteasome in tube tests, which is suggestive of potential anticancer properties, in accordance with antiproliferative effects observed in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and HeLa cell lines. Higher water stability and increased antiproliferative activity were observed by encapsulation in carbon dot nanoparticles, suggesting a promising potential for further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zimbone
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Sede Secondaria di Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Romanucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Giuffrida
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Sede Secondaria di Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele F M Sciacca
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Sede Secondaria di Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Lanza
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Sede Secondaria di Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126, Catania, Italy
| | - Tiziana Campagna
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Sede Secondaria di Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126, Catania, Italy
| | - Ludovica Maugeri
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petralia
- Department of Drug Science and Health, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Milardi
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR Sede Secondaria di Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126, Catania, Italy.
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Ushasree MV, Jia Q, Do SG, Lee EY. New opportunities and perspectives on biosynthesis and bioactivities of secondary metabolites from Aloe vera. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 72:108325. [PMID: 38395206 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Historically, the genus Aloe has been an indispensable part of both traditional and modern medicine. Decades of intensive research have unveiled the major bioactive secondary metabolites of this plant. Recent pandemic outbreaks have revitalized curiosity in aloe metabolites, as they have proven pharmacokinetic profiles and repurposable chemical space. However, the structural complexity of these metabolites has hindered scientific advances in the chemical synthesis of these compounds. Multi-omics research interventions have transformed aloe research by providing insights into the biosynthesis of many of these compounds, for example, aloesone, aloenin, noreugenin, aloin, saponins, and carotenoids. Here, we summarize the biological activities of major aloe secondary metabolites with a focus on their mechanism of action. We also highlight the recent advances in decoding the aloe metabolite biosynthetic pathways and enzymatic machinery linked with these pathways. Proof-of-concept studies on in vitro, whole-cell, and microbial synthesis of aloe compounds have also been briefed. Research initiatives on the structural modification of various aloe metabolites to expand their chemical space and activity are detailed. Further, the technological limitations, patent status, and prospects of aloe secondary metabolites in biomedicine have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrudulakumari Vasudevan Ushasree
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Qi Jia
- Unigen, Inc., 2121 South street suite 400 Tacoma, Washington 98405, USA
| | - Seon Gil Do
- Naturetech, Inc., 29-8, Yongjeong-gil, Chopyeong-myeon, Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 27858, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Yeol Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea.
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Carrillo-Martinez EJ, Flores-Hernández FY, Salazar-Montes AM, Nario-Chaidez HF, Hernández-Ortega LD. Quercetin, a Flavonoid with Great Pharmacological Capacity. Molecules 2024; 29:1000. [PMID: 38474512 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Quercetin is a flavonoid with a low molecular weight that belongs to the human diet's phenolic phytochemicals and nonenergy constituents. Quercetin has a potent antioxidant capacity, being able to capture reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive chlorine species (ROC), which act as reducing agents by chelating transition-metal ions. Its structure has five functional hydroxyl groups, which work as electron donors and are responsible for capturing free radicals. In addition to its antioxidant capacity, different pharmacological properties of quercetin have been described, such as carcinostatic properties; antiviral, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory properties; the ability to protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and the ability to inhibit angiogenesis; these are developed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eber Josue Carrillo-Martinez
- Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico
| | - Flor Yohana Flores-Hernández
- Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico
| | - Adriana María Salazar-Montes
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro de Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | | | - Luis Daniel Hernández-Ortega
- Centro de Investigación Multidisciplinaria en Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá 45425, Mexico
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de Carvalho Lima EN, Barros Martins GL, Diaz RS, Schechter M, Piqueira JRC, Justo JF. Effects of Carbon Nanomaterials and Aloe vera on Melanomas-Where Are We? Recent Updates. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2004. [PMID: 36297440 PMCID: PMC9607275 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that affects approximately 140,000 people worldwide each year, with a high fatality rate. Available treatment modalities show limited efficacy in more severe cases. Hence, the search for new treatment modalities, including immunotherapies, for curing, mitigating, and/or preventing cancer is important and urgently needed. Carbon nanoparticles associated with some plant materials, such as Aloe vera, have shown appealing antineoplastic activity, derived mainly from the compounds aloin, aloe-emodin, barbaloin acemannan, and octapeptide, thus representing new possibilities as antitumor agents. This systematic review aims to arouse interest and present the possibilities of using Aloe vera combined with carbon-based nanomaterials as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment and prevention of melanoma. Limitations and advances in melanoma treatment using functionalized carbon nanomaterials are discussed here. Moreover, this review provides the basis for further studies designed to fully explore the potential of carbon nanomaterials associated with Aloe vera in the treatment of various cancers, with a focus on melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elidamar Nunes de Carvalho Lima
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
- Electronic Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Leão Barros Martins
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Sobhie Diaz
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Mauro Schechter
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Castilho Piqueira
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - João Francisco Justo
- Electronic Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
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An Overview on Rumex dentatus L.: Its Functions as a Source of Nutrient and Health-Promoting Plant. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8649119. [PMID: 35911153 PMCID: PMC9337939 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8649119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Rumex dentatus L. (Polygonaceae), also known as toothed dock or Aegean dock, is a medicinal plant with a high culinary value in addition to being used as an ethnomedicinal plant. This review focuses on the botanical, nutritional, phytochemical, and pharmacological activities of R. dentatus, as well as the future prospects for systematic investigations into these areas. R. dentatus has been subjected to scientific evaluation, which has confirmed its traditional uses and demonstrated a wide range of biological and pharmacological potentials, including antioxidant, anticancer, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other biological properties. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of anthraquinones, chromones, flavonoids, and essential oils. As a result of this current review, the medicinal significance of R. dentatus has been confirmed, and future research on its unexplored aspects, such as the identification of pharmacologically active chemical constituents and related mechanisms and safety, may be stimulated, with the goal of developing it into a drug.
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Aloe vera-induced apoptotic cell death through ROS generation, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage in human breast cancer cells. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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