Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells via the hedgehog signaling pathway

Herbals and Plants in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review of Experimental and Clinical Studies

Background: Pancreatic cancer represents the most lethal malignancy among all digestive cancers. Despite the therapeutic advances achieved during recent years, the prognosis of this neoplasm remains disappointing. An enormous amount of experimental (mainly) and clinical research has recently emerged referring to the effectiveness of various plants administered either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Apart from Asian countries, the use of these plants and herbals in the treatment of digestive cancer is also increasing in a number of Western countries as well. The aim of this study is to review the available literature regarding the efficacy of plants and herbals in pancreatic cancer. Methods: The authors have reviewed all the experimental and clinical studies published in Medline and Embase, up to June 2021. Results: More than 100 plants and herbals were thoroughly investigated. Favorable effects concerning the inhibition of cancer cell lines in the experimental studies and a favorable clinical outcome after combining various plants with established chemotherapeutic agents were observed. These herbals and plants exerted their activity against pancreatic cancer via a number of mechanisms. The number and severity of side-effects are generally of a mild degree. Conclusion: A quite high number of clinical and experimental studies confirmed the beneficial effect of many plants and herbals in pancreatic cancer. More large, double-blind clinical studies assessing these natural products, either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents should be conducted.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Sedum dendroideum on Pterygium Fibroblasts

Background

Sedum dendroideum has antioxidant effects that are beneficial for different diseases. We aimed to analyze the antiproliferative activity of S. dendroideum in human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs).

Methods

HPFs were treated for 24 h with 0–1000 μg/mL of S. dendroideum lyophilized to analyze its effect on cell viability using the CellTiter assay. RNA from HPF treated with 250 μg/mL of S. dendroideum lyophilized was isolated, and the expression of VEGF and CTGF genes was evaluated by qPCR. A dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa) was used as a healthy control. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and chemical profile of S. dendroideum lyophilized were determined.

Results

Viability of HPF decreased after 24 h treatment of S. dendroideum in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of VEGF and CTGF significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in HPF treated with 250 μg/mL of S. dendroideum when compared with untreated HPF. The total phenolic concentration in the S. dendroideum lyophilized was 33.67 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. Antioxidant activity was 384.49 mM Trolox equivalents/mL. The main phenolic compounds identified by HPLC analysis were the kaempferol-3-O-glycoside, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol-3-O-glycoside-7-O-rhamnoside.

Conclusions

S. dendroideum decreases the proliferation of HPF and the expression of VEGF and CTGF. The phenolic compound concentration, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profile may play a role in these effects.

Natural Products for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Drug Discovery

Pancreatic cancer, the seventh most lethal cancer around the world, is considered complicated cancer due to poor prognosis and difficulty in treatment. Despite all the conventional treatments, including surgical therapy and chemotherapy, the mortality rate is still high. Therefore, the possibility of using natural products for pancreatic cancer is increasing. In this study, 68 natural products that have anti-pancreatic cancer effects reported within five years were reviewed. The mechanisms of anti-cancer effects were divided into four types: apoptosis, anti-metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-resistance. Most of the studies were conducted for natural products that induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. Among them, plant extracts such as Eucalyptus microcorys account for the major portion. Some natural products, including Moringa, Coix seed, etc., showed multi-functional properties. Natural products could be beneficial candidates for treating pancreatic cancer.

Review On Documented Medicinal Plants Used For The Treatment Of Cancer

Background:

Cancer is a frightful disease and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Naturally derived compounds are gaining interest of research workers as they have less toxic side effects as compared to currently used treatments such as chemotherapy. Plants are the pool of chemical compounds which provides a promising future for research on cancer.

Objective:

This review paper provides updated information gathered on medicinal plants and isolated phytoconstituents used as anticancer agents and summarises the plant extracts and their isolated chemical constituents exhibiting anticancer potential on clinical trials.

Methods:

An extensive bibliographic investigation was carried out by analysing worldwide established scientific databases like SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Web of Science, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar etc. In next few decades, herbal medicine may become a new epoch of medical system.

Results:

Many researches are going on medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer but it is a time to increase further experimental studies on plant extracts and their chemical constituents to find out their mechanism of action at molecular level.

Conclusion:

The article may help many researchers to start off further experimentation that might lead to the drugs for the cancer treatment.

Methanol extract of Sedum oryzifolium and its constituent, trehalose, impede the invasiveness of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines via downregulation of Slug

BACKGROUND

Sedum species are reported to possess diverse pharmacological activities in various solid tumors. However, the anticancer functions of Sedum orizyfolium and its constituents have never been determined in human cancers.

PURPOSE

The present study focused on addressing the inhibition efficacy of the methanol extract of S. orizyfolium (MESO) and its constituents and the molecular mechanism underlying invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

After MESO treatment, a wound-healing assay, an invasion assay, and immunocytochemistry were performed in OSCC cell lines, coupled with in silico analysis and immunohistochemistry in OSCC patient samples, to investigate the role of the EMT transcription factor Slug. Trehalose, an active component of MESO, was identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Among the methanol extracts of 18 various wild plants from South Korea, MESO exhibited the highest anticancer functionality in OSCC cells by downregulating Slug expression. In silico analysis and immunohistochemistry indicated that elevated Slug levels are remarkably associated with tumor progression and invasion in patients with OSCC, suggesting that changes in Slug expression alter EMT progression and invasion in OSCC. Notably, treatment with trehalose, a sugar component of MESO, inhibited invasiveness and Slug expression in OSCC cells.

CONCLUSION

Cumulatively, this study highlighted the beneficial role of MESO and trehalose in the inhibition of invasiveness of OSCC cells via suppression of Slug expression and suggested a new design for potential chemotherapeutic drugs against OSCC.

Pinocembrin Inhibits the Proliferation and Metastasis of Breast Cancer via Suppression of the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

The survival rate of breast cancer (BC) patients remains poor, thus the identification of safe and effective new drugs is crucial to improve therapeutic outcomes and overall survival. Pinocembrin (PCB), a pharmacologically active ingredient of Pinus heartwood, Eucalyptus, Euphorbia, Populus, and Sparattosperma leucanthum, has been widely applied for the treatment of various diseases and possesses anticancer activities. In vitro assays were performed to investigate the antiproliferation and antimetastasis activities of PCB in BC cells. A tumorigenesis assay with the use of murine BC models was performed to assess the antiproliferation activities of PCB in vivo. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer activities of PCB in BC cells were explored. The results showed that the anti-inhibitory and antiproliferation activities of PCB in BC might involve cell cycle (G2/M phase) arrest and apoptosis. PCB downregulated the expression levels of proteins involved in cell cycle progression and apoptosis, including cyclinB1, Cdc2, PARP1, Bcl-2, and survivin, and upregulated protein levels of cleaved PARP1, cleaved caspase3, cleaved caspase9, and BAX. In a murine subcutaneous tumor model, PCB suppressed the growth of MCF-7 cells in vivo. Low concentrations of PCB also significantly inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of BC cells. Mechanistically, PCB administration was correlated to suppression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Inhibition of the proliferation of BC cells by PCB involved cell cycle (G2/M phase) arrest and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Low concentrations of PCB also significantly inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of BC cells. These findings suggest that PCB might be an effective agent for treatment of BC patients.

Phenolics-Enriched Fraction of Pterospermum Lanceifolium Roxb. efficiently Reverses the Hepatocellular Carcinoma in NDEA-Induced HCC Rats

Hepatocellular Carcinoma is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer and highly refractory for chemotherapeutics agents. Therefore, the study aims to explore the new therapeutic agents for HCC. Phenolics rich fraction of leaves of P. lanceifolium was studied against hepatic cancer cell lines (HepG2) and NDEA-induced HCC rat model system. The obtained results showed that PLE induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and chromatin condensation in nucleus and, alters the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HepG2 cell lines. The acridine orange/propidium iodide analysis and annexin-V FITC/PI analysis confirms that PLE induces apoptosis-mediated cell death in HepG2-cell lines. In In Vivo analysis, the administration of PLE in NDEA-induced rats declined the elevated biochemicals markers (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT), interleukins, TNF-α, α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and total bilirubin. PLE reinstated the level of antioxidant enzyme (GSH, GST, catalase, SOD, and GPX) and the expression of pro-apoptotic (p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) genes in a dose-dependent manner. The GC-MS analysis of Pterospermum lanceifolium fraction (PLE) represents the presence of palmitic acid, myristic acid, β-sitosterol, and catechin as major bioactive phytocompounds. The study discloses the new lead for HCC that can be further useful for development of new chemopreventive agent.

Elephantopus mollis Kunth extracts induce antiproliferation and apoptosis in human lung cancer and myeloid leukemia cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Elephantopus mollis Kunth (EM), which belongs to Asteraceae family, has been used as a folk medicine with diverse therapeutic properties. Previous studies reported that crude extracts of this plant could inhibit several cancer cell lines, including breast carcinoma MCF-7, liver carcinoma HepG2, colorectal carcinoma DLD-1, lung carcinoma NCI-H23, etc. AIM: In this study, the anticancer activity and associated molecular mechanism of EM which is distributed in Vietnam were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytotoxicity of various EM extracts was evaluated on different cell lines by MTT assay. In addition, the effects of EM extracts on cell growth, cell morphology, nuclear morphology, caspase-3 activation, and mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes were also examined.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that ethyl acetate extract (EM-EA) caused proliferative inhibition and apoptotic induction towards A549 lung cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 18.66 μg/ml, SI = 5.8) and HL60 leukemia cells (IC₅₀ = 7.45 μg/ml, SI = 14.5) while petroleum ether extract (EM-PE) showed high toxicity to HL60 cell line (IC₅₀ = 11.14 μg/ml, SI = 6.7). Notably, Raji lymphoma cells were also affected by these extracts (IC₅₀ < 20 μg/ml, SI > 4), which has not been reported yet. Furthermore, mechanisms of EM extracts were elucidated. The significant downregulation of PCNA mRNA level induced by EM-EA/PE extracts contributed to the cell-growth restraint. EM-EA extract might activate apoptosis in A549 cells through both extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways by causing a 1.55-fold increase in BID, 3.65-fold increase in BAK and 3.11-fold decrease in BCL-2 expression level. Meanwhile, with EM-EA-extract treatment, HL60 cells might encounter P53-dependent apoptotic deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of antiproliferation and apoptosis activation contributed to the high efficacy of EM extracts. These findings not only proved the anticancer potential of EM but also provided further insights into the mechanisms of EM extracts.

Chemical constituents and absolute configuration of megastigmanes' isolated from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge

Phytochemical investigation of a methanolic extract of Sedum sarmentosum collected from Vietnam resulted in the isolation of a new megastigmane glucoside, named sedumoside K (1), together with 17 previously reported compounds (2-18). Structural elucidation of the new compound was achieved by HRFABMS, NMR spectroscopic analysis, acid hydrolysis and quantum ECD calculations. The absolute configuration of compounds 2-6 has been revised. The major isolates were tested for cytotoxic activity against HeLa human cervical cancer cells, and all showed moderate activities.

Osthole induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common lethal tumors with a high recurrence rate and low survival rate. Therefore, an urgent need exists for novel and effective treatment strategies for HNSCC patients.

METHODS

Osthole, a natural ingredient extracted from Cnidium monnieri (L.) 'Cusson', has multiple pharmacological effects including antineoplastic activity. Regrettably, the antineoplastic effect of osthole in HNSCC cells remains undefined. We utilize in vitro assays to assess the anti-proliferative effects of osthole in HNSCC cells and tumorigenesis assays using FaDu cells in murine HNSCC models to assess in vivo function. Moreover, the possible molecular mechanisms of Osthole on HNSCC cells was also investigated.

RESULTS

Our findings show that the anti-proliferation effect of osthole might function through induction of cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase) and apoptosis in HNSCC. Osthole could also down-regulating the protein level of cell cycle and apoptosis related proteins, such as Bcl-2, PARP1, Survivin, CyclinB1 and Cdc2, while up-regulating expression of Cleaved Caspase3/9, Cleaved PARP1 and Bax. Similarly, osthole suppressed the in vivo growth of FaDu cells in a subcutaneous tumor model. In terms of mechanism, our data show that osthole can suppress the PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, our in vitro and in vivo assay showed the suppressive effect of Osthole on HNSCC cells through induce cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase) and apoptosis. Moreover, the action mechanisms of Osthole on proliferation related signaling pathways was disclosed. Our present study suggests that osthole might be used as an effective therapeutic agent for patients with HNSCC.

Simultaneous determination of eight flavonoids in Sedum sarmentosum Bunge from different areas by UHPLC with triple quadrupole MS/MS

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSB) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple components that has been extensively used clinically to treat chronic viral hepatitis and some inflammatory diseases. Total flavonoids are major pharmacologically active components of SSB. To gain a deeper understanding of SSB resources, we analyzed eight chemical constituents in 33 batches of SSB from 11 regions in China. An accurate, precise and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of eight flavonoids in SSB. Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, good separation for the eight target components was obtained on an Agilent Zobax SB C₁₈ (50 × 2.1 mm, 5 μm) column within 4 min. The established methods were validated with good linearity (r ≥ 0.9988), precision (RSD ≤ 2.68%), stability (1.43-3.28%) and repeatability (1.14-2.89%). Moreover, the average recoveries were 95.91-100.68%, and the RSDs were 1.50-3.80%. In addition, the analytical conditions of UPLC-ESI-MS/MS provided better sensitivity with a shorter analysis time when compared with the HPLC-DAD method. Hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis were performed to estimate and classify these samples based on the contents of the eight chemical constituents. This study provided the theoretical basis and scientific evidence for the development and utilization of SSB resources.

The antitumor activity screening of chemical constituents from Camellia nitidissima Chi

Chemotherapy is the preferred and most common treatment for cancer in clinical practice. An increasing number of researchers all over the world are focusing on natural medicines to find new antitumor drugs, and several reports have shown that Camellia nitidissima (C. nitidissima) Chi could reduce blood-lipid, decrease blood pressure, resist oxidation, prevent carcinogenesis and inhibit tumors. Therefore, the pharmacodynamics of the chemical constituents in C. nitidissima need to be investigated further. In the present study, 16 chemical constituents were isolated from the leaves of C. nitidissima, of which 6 compounds are reported to be found in this plant for the first time. Furthermore, all these phytochemicals were screened for antitumor activity on 4 common cancer cell lines, while compound 3, one oleanane-type triterpene, exhibited the most potential antitumor effects. Interestingly, to our knowledge, this was the first report that compound 3 inhibits cancer cells. Compound 3 inhibited EGFR-mutant lung cancer cell line, NCI-H1975 via apoptosis effect, with an IC50 of 13.37±2.05 µM at 48 h. Based on the data, compound 3 showed potential for antitumor drug development, suggesting the scientific basis for the antitumor activity of C. nitidissima.

A Phytochemical Approach to Promotion of Self-renewal in Murine Spermatogonial Stem Cell by Using Sedum Sarmentosum Extract

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis of spermatogenesis, which is dependent on the ability to self-renew and differentiation. Controlling self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs could apply to treatment of disease such as male infertility. Recently, in the field of stem cell research, it was demonstrated that effective increase in stem cell activity can be achieved by using growth factors derived from plant extracts. In this study, our aim is to investigate components from natural plant to improve the self-renewal of SSCs. To find the components, germ cells were cultured with comprehensive natural plant extracts, and then the more pure fraction, and finally single compound at different concentrations. As a result, we found 5H-purin-6-amine at 1 µg/mL, originated from Sedum sarmentosum, was a very effective compound induced SSCs proliferation. Our data showed that germ cells cultured with 5H-purin-6-amine could maintain their stable characteristics. Furthermore, transplantation results demonstrated that 5H-purin-6-amine at 1 µg/mL increased the activity of SSCs, indicating the compound could increase true SSC concentration within germ cells to 1.96-fold. These findings would be contributed to improve further reproductive research and treat male infertility by using natural plant extracts.

Anti-tumor effects of osthole on ovarian cancer cells in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine to treat gynecological disease in some countries. Osthole, an active O-methylated coumadin isolated from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, has been shown to induce various beneficial biochemical effects such as anti-seizure and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-tumor mechanism of osthole is not well known.

AIM OF STUDY

Here, we show that osthole inhibited the proliferation and migration of two widely used ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and OV2008 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. The study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer cells proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and migration triggered by osthole.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ovarian cancer cell lines A2780, OV2008 and normal ovarian cell line IOSE80 were used as experimental model. MTT assay was employed to evaluate cell viability. Flow cytometry assays were performed to confirm apoptosis and cell cycle. We employed wound healing and transwell assays to delineate invasive and migratory potential triggered by osthole.

RESULTS

MTT assays indicated that cell viability significantly decreased in ovarian cancer cells treated with osthole without effect on normal ovarian cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that osthole suppressed cells proliferation by promoting G2/M arrest and inducing apoptosis. The underlying mechanisms involved were regulation of the relative apoptotic protein Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase 3/9. In addition, wound healing and transwell assays revealed that the migratory potential and activity of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 and MMP-9 were markedly inhibited when cells were exposed to osthole.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that osthole has the potential to be used in novel anti-cancer therapeutic formulations for ovarian cancer treatment.