Solanine reverses multidrug resistance in human myelogenous leukemia K562/ADM cells by downregulating MRP1 expression

Medicinal plants as a potential resource for the discovery of novel structures towards cancer drug resistance treatment

Despite extensive research in chemotherapy, global cancer concerns persist, exacerbated by the challenge of drug resistance, which imposes economic and medical burdens. Natural compounds, particularly secondary metabolites from medicinal plants, present promising avenues for overcoming cancer drug resistance due to their diverse structures and essential pharmacological effects. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of cancer cell resistance mechanisms and target actions for reversing resistance and highlights the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of noteworthy alkaloids, flavonoids, and other compounds, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic agents. The molecular properties supporting ligand interactions are thoroughly examined, providing a robust theoretical foundation. The review concludes by discussing methods including quantitative structure-activity relationships and molecular docking, offering insights into screening potential candidates. Current trends in clinical treatment, contributing to a holistic understanding of the multifaceted approaches to address cancer drug resistance are also outlined.

Updated aspects of alpha-Solanine as a potential anticancer agent: Mechanistic insights and future directions

Cancer remains a critical global health challenge, with limited progress in reducing mortality despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. The growing resistance of tumors to existing chemotherapy exacerbates this burden. In response, the search for new anticancer compounds from plants has intensified, given their historical success in yielding effective treatments. This review focuses on α-solanine, a glycoalkaloid primarily derived from potato tubers and nightshade family plants, recognized for its diverse biological activities, including anti-allergic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antibiotic properties. Recently, α-solanine has gained attention as a potential anticancer agent. Utilizing resources like PubMed/MedLine, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, the American Chemical Society, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Wiley, and various commercial websites, this review consolidates two decades of research on α-solanine's anticancer effects and mechanisms against nine different cancers, highlighting its role in modulating various signaling pathways. It also discusses α-solanine's potential as a lead compound in cancer therapy. The abundant availability of potato peel, often discarded as waste or sold cheaply, is suggested as a sustainable source for large-scale α-solanine extraction. The study concludes that α-solanine holds promise as a standalone or adjunctive cancer treatment. However, further research is necessary to optimize this lead compound and mitigate its toxicity through various strategies.

Anticancer activity of glycoalkaloids from Solanum plants: A review

Cancer is still one of the main causes of death worldwide. For this reason, new compounds that have chemotherapeutic potential have been identified. One such group of substances is Solanaceae glycoalkaloids (GAs). They are natural compounds produced by plants widely used in traditional medicine for healing many disorders. Among others, GAs exhibit significant antitumor properties, for example, a strong inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth. This activity can result in the induction of tumor cell apoptosis, which can occur via different molecular pathways. The molecular mechanisms of the action of GAs are the subject of intensive research, as improved understanding could lead to the development of new cancer therapies. The genetic basis for the formation of neoplasms are mutations in protooncogenes, suppressors, and apoptosis-controlling and repair genes; therefore, substances with antineoplastic properties may affect the levels of their expression or the levels of their expression products. Therapeutic compounds can be applied separately or in combination with other drugs to increase the efficiency of cancer therapy; they can act on the cell through various mechanisms at different stages of carcinogenesis, inducing the process of apoptosis, blocking cell proliferation and migration, and inhibiting angiogenesis. This review summarizes the newest studies on the anticancer properties of solanine (SN), chaconine (CH), solasonine (SS), solamargine (SM), tomatine (TT) and their extracts from Solanum plants.

Epifriedelanol enhances adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity towards K562/ADM cells by down regulating of P-gp and MRP2

1. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a critical issue during chemotherapy of cancers. Epifriedelanol (Epi) is the effective compounds from the Root Bark of Ulmus davidiana. This study aims to investigate the effect of Epi on MDR and its potential mechanism in the adriamycin (Adr)-resistant K562/ADM cells.2. The effect of Epi on MDR, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) were investigated in the adriamycin (Adr)-resistant K562/ADM cells. In addition, the alterations of nuclear receptor pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) mRNA expression levels in K562/ADM cells after Epi treatment were also examined.3. Epi significantly enhanced Adr-induced cytotoxicity towards K562/ADM cells. Combination of Epi and Adr can significantly reduce the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of K562/ADM cells to Adr. The reversal fold was 1.83 and 3.64 after treated with Epi at 10 and 20 μM, respectively. The intracellular accumulation of Adr was significant increased after exposure to Epi at 5-20 μM compared with the control group. Furthermore, Epi treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of P-gp and MRP2 in K562/ADM cells.4. The present study demonstrated that Epi could enhance Adr-induced cytotoxicity towards K562/ADM cells accompanied by the down-regulation of P-gp and MRP2.

Glycoalkaloids of Plants in the Family Solanaceae (Nightshade) as Potential Drugs

Worldwide interest in medicinal plants and related drugs is growing because of the increased spectrum of new synthetic drugs. In this context, secondary plant metabolites are most significant. This review analyzes data on the structures and biosyntheses of metabolites such as glycoalkaloids; methods for their extraction from plants of the family Solanaceae, particularly potato S. tuberosum; their qualitative and quantitative analysis; biological activity; and toxicity. This information could be useful in the selection of methods for sample preparation and extraction of glycoalkaloids during the search for new plant sources with prospects of creating effective and safe pharmacological agents.