Analysis of anticancer potential of Kingiodendron pinnatum (DC.) Harms

Background

The plant Kingiodendron pinnatum (DC.) Harms, belonging to the family Fabaceae is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and is commonly used for various ailments, especially by the tribes. K. pinnatum is occasionally used as a substitute for Saraca asoca in Asokarishta, a well-known uterine tonic in Ayurveda. Recent studies revealed a pharmacological similarity between the plants. S. asoca is reported to have anti-cancer properties, but there are no reports on K. pinnatum except for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, the study is aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of the plant.

Methods

Cytotoxicity of methanolic bark extract of the plant was analysed on different cancer cell lines by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) cell-induced solid and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-induced ascites tumour models in mice were used to study the antitumor potential. Phytochemical screening of the extract was also performed.

Results

The extract was found cytotoxic to DLA, EAC, HCT15, MDA-MB-231, T47D and PC3 with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 50.09, 74.74, 67.02, 119.22, 149.04 and 194.5 μg/mL, respectively. In the solid tumour model, a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in tumour weight of 0.7 ± 0.15 g was observed in 500 mg/kg b.wt. extract treated group compared to the control group (3.6 ± 0.24 g) by oral administration for 30 days. In the ascites tumour model, a high survival rate of 28.2 ± 8.72 days (P < 0.01) was found by the extract treatment compared to the control animals. Phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenoids were detected in the extract.

Conclusion

Results obtained by the cytotoxic and anti-tumour studies revealed the anticancer potential of K. pinnatum. The plant exhibits more cytotoxicity towards cancer cell lines of the reproductive system such as the breast and prostate.

Antioxidant activity of erlotinib and gefitinib: theoretical and experimental insights

Erlotinib and gefitinib are quinazoline derivatives with antineoplastic properties. Usually, intake of antineoplastic agents results in much a greater degree of oxidative stress, i.e. the production of free radicals, than induced by cancer itself. Hence, anticancerous drugs must also exhibit antioxidant activity but this has not been studied thus far. In this study, the antioxidant activity of erlotinib and gefitinib was examined by experimental and computational studies. It was found that erlotinib and gefitinib exhibit good 2,2-dipheny l-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging (HRS) activities. In DPPH assay, the IC₅₀ for erlotinib and gefitinib were 0.584 and 0.696 mM, respectively, while IC₅₀ for HRS assay were 0.843 and 1.03 mM for erlotinib and gefitinib, respectively. Structural characteristics such as frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), molecular electrostatic potential maps (MESPs), and global descriptive parameters were calculated at DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G (d,p) on the optimized geometries of erlotinib and gefitinib. UV-visible spectroscopy revealed the possible electronic transitions between the FMOs and their associated excitation energies of both drugs and found that erlotinib has π to π* transitions while gefitinib has π to π* and σ to π* transitions. To elucidate the antioxidant activity of erlotinib and gefitinib, three mechanisms namely hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer proton transfer (SETPT), and sequential proton-loss electron-transfer (SPLET) were employed and articulated the results in arithmetic parameters like bond dissociation energy (BDE), proton affinity (PA), ionization potential (IP), electron transfer enthalpy (ETE), and proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE). Further, molecular docking studies have been carried out to have a better understanding of binding sites and modes of interaction with a well-known antioxidant target protein monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) employing docking scores and types of interactions. All the calculated parameters point out that though gefitinib and erlotinib were interchangeable, erlotinib requires a lesser amount of energy for proton transfer and electron transfer, moreover it scavenges radicals easily.

Theoretical Insights into the Radical Scavenging Activity of Glipizide: DFT and Molecular Docking Studies

Glipizide is a N-sulfonylurea compound used in the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the present study, DFT-based computational methods and molecular docking studies have been performed to systematically evaluate the radical scavenger behavior of the title molecule. Structural characteristics such as molecular descriptors, frontier molecular orbitals, molecular potential mapping, and Mulliken charge population have been investigated. Thermodynamic parameters like proton affinity (PA), ionization potential (IP), bond dissociation energy (BDE), electron transfer enthalpy (ETE), and proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE) related to three antiradical mechanisms namely hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), sequential electron transfer proton transfer (SETPT) and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) have been studied. Also, molecular docking studies have been carried out to have a theoretical understanding of the molecular mechanism and for the elucidation of binding mode/modes of a compound targeted through non-covalent interactions. The obtained results are of great significance in better understanding the reaction mechanism of the title molecule and open new perspectives for the design of new potent antioxidant agents.

Amelioration of sodium fluoride induced oxidative stress by Cynometra travancorica Bedd in mice

OBJECTIVES

Cynometra travancorica, endemic to Western Ghats of India is pharmacologically similar to Saraca asoca and occasionally used as substitute in a well-known Ayurvedic uterine tonic Asokarishta. S. asoca possess various biological properties, but there are no reports on C. travancorica. The present study evaluated the pharmacological properties of C. travancorica and its efficacy in attenuating the sodium fluoride (NaF) induced oxidative stress in mice.

METHODS

Antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of C. travancorica (CTE) stem bark was evaluated using DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging and total antioxidant assays. The effect of CTE on mitigating NaF deteriorated redox status in the liver tissue of mice was evaluated. Functional groups in CTE were analyzed by FTIR analysis.

RESULTS

CTE effectively scavenged the free radicals in in vitro condition. CTE could augment catalase (46.6%), superoxide dismutase (53.8%) activities and GSH level (48.1%) against NaF induced decline in the liver tissue of mice. The peroxidation of lipids was found to be decreased by 44.9% and tissue damage abated as inferred by histopathology. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of biologically active functional groups in CTE.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed the ameliorative effect of C. travancorica against NaF induced deleterious effect in experimental animals by its potent antioxidant potential.

Neera, a non-fermented traditional drink from coconut spadix restores the redox status in sodium fluoride intoxicated mice

OBJECTIVES

Neera, non-fermented coconut inflorescence sap (NFCIS) and its fermented form, toddy (FCIS) are the two well-known traditional drinks in South India. Both the saps show high rejuvenation effect and NFCIS is used for the curing of bronchial suffocation, anemia, tuberculosis and piles in traditional medicine. But, a few scientific studies have been reported on their health benefits so far. Presently, the antioxidant effect of both non-fermented (NFCIS) and fermented form (FCIS) of coconut inflorescence were analyzed in experimental animals.

METHODS

The free radical scavenging property of FCIS and NFCIS was analyzed in vitro. The effect of these saps on mitigating sodium fluoride (NaF) deteriorated redox status was evaluated in mice.

RESULTS

NFCIS exhibited high antioxidant activity than its fermented form. NFCIS reduces metal ions and scavenge hydroxyl and DPPH radicals with IC₅₀ values 6.5 ± 1.9 and 44 ± 3.14 µL/mL, respectively. Supplementation of NFCIS for 14 days increased SOD, CAT and GPx activities and GSH level in liver by 51.67, 52, 27.88 and 35.77%, respectively against NaF induced decline with a concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation to 40.76%. Saps rich in minerals indicate pharmaceutical and nutritional value.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed the antioxidant efficacy of non-alcoholic natural drink, Neera and recommends an alternative for synthetic carbonated soft drinks. The regular consumption of Neera may protect the body from various chronic diseases especially where the oxidative stress played as a key role.

Ameliorative effect of Neera, nonfermented coconut inflorescence sap, on cisplatin-induced renal toxicity by abating oxidative stress

Objectives Neera, nonfermented coconut inflorescence sap (NFCIS) from unopened spadix of Cocos nucifera L., is a well-known traditional beverage. But, scientific reports on its health benefits are limited. NFCIS is reported to exhibits free radical scavenging activity, and its chemical composition is found promising. In the present study, the effect of NFCIS on alleviating cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was analyzed in mice. Methods The renal toxicity was induced by cisplatin (16 mg/kg b.wt. ip) in Swiss albino mice. The antioxidant activity of NFCIS was evaluated by nitric oxide radical scavenging assay and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced superoxide radical generation in mice peritoneal macrophages. Total polyphenolic content of sap was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The phytochemicals present in NFCIS was identified using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Results NFCIS was found to scavenge nitric oxide (NO) radicals (IC50 = 32 ± 2.47 μL/mL) and shown to inhibit superoxide (SO) generation (53.5 ± 2.1%) in macrophages. High polyphenolic content (193 µg gallic acid/mL) was determined in the sap. The FT-IR spectrum of NFCIS revealed the presence of several phytochemicals indicate its pharmaceutical and nutritional value. Cisplatin-induced hike in urea, creatinine and lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased to 65.16, 87.74 and 53.41% by NFCIS, respectively. Hb (42.37%) and total count (72.81%) were also found to be increased. Additionally, the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione was enhanced to 53.06, 40, 52.22 and 38.49%, respectively. Conclusions Results indicate that NFCIS effectively alleviates cisplatin-mediated renal toxicity by its antioxidant activity.

EGFR gene regulation in colorectal cancer cells by garlic phytocompounds with special emphasis on S-Allyl-L-Cysteine Sulfoxide

Colorectal cancer is one among the most common cancers in the world and a major cause of cancer related deaths. Similar to other cancers, colorectal carcinogenesis is often associated with over expression of genes related to cell growth and proliferation, especially Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). There is an increasing attention towards the plant derived compounds in prevention of colorectal carcinogenesis by downregulating EGFR. Among plants, garlic (Allium sativum L.) is emerging with anticancer properties by virtue of its organosulfur compounds. The present study was aimed to analyze the interaction ability of garlic compounds in the active region of EGFR gene by in silico molecular docking studies and in vitro validation. This was conducted using the Discovery studio software version 4.0. Among the tested compounds, s-allyl-l-cysteine-sulfoxide (SACS)/alliin showed higher affinity towards EGFR. Furthermore, wet lab analysis using cell viability test and EGFR expression analysis in colorectal cancer cells confirmed its efficacy as a potent anticancer agent.

Deep fried edible oils disturb hepatic redox equilibrium and heightens lipotoxicity and hepatosteatosis in male Wistar rats

Hepatosteatosis is a complex disorder, in which insulin resistance and associated dyslipidemic and inflammatory conditions are fundamental. Dietary habit, especially regular consumption of fat and sugar-rich diet, is an important risk factor. Coconut and mustard oils (CO and MO) are medium-chain saturated and monounsaturated fats that are common dietary ingredients among the Indian populations. Present study analyzed the effect of prolonged consumption of the fresh and thermally oxidized forms of these oils on glucose tolerance and hepatosteatosis in male Wistar rats. Thermally oxidized CO (TCO) and MO (TMO) possessed higher amount of lipid peroxidation products and elevated p-anisidine values than their fresh forms. Dietary administration of TCO and TMO along with fructose altered glucose tolerance and increased hyperglycemia in rats. Dyslipidemia was evident by elevated levels of triglycerides and reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) levels in fructose and edible oil-fed group ( p < 0.05). Additionally, hepatic antioxidant status was diminished and oxidative stress markers were elevated in TCO- and TMO-fed rats. Substantiating these, hike in liver function marker enzyme activities were also observed in these animals. Supporting this, histological analysis revealed higher incidence of microvesicles and hepatocellular ballooning. Results thus suggest that consumption of thermally oxidized fats may cause hepatic damage.

Attenuation of DMBA/croton oil induced mouse skin papilloma by Apodytes dimidiata mediated by its antioxidant and antimutagenic potential

Context Considering the role of cellular oxidative stress in mutations and subsequent transformation, phytochemicals with antioxidant potential has become a primary choice as chemopreventives. Apodytes dimidiata E. Mey. Ex. Arn (Icacinaceae), a widely used plant in Zulu traditional medicine, is reported to possess antioxidant activity. Objective To investigate the chemopreventive efficacy of methanol extract of A. dimidiata leaf (AMF). Materials and methods Antimutagenic potential of AMF (25, 50 and 75 μg/plate) was evaluated by the Ames test. The ability of AMF (100 and 250 mg/kg orally) on restoration of depleted antioxidant status by sodium fluoride (NaF) was analysed on BALB/c mice. 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene/croton oil induced mouse skin papilloma model was studied up to 20 weeks to analyse the anticarcinogenic effect of AMF (1%, 3% and 5% topically, twice weekly for 6 weeks). Phytochemicals of AMF were characterized by GC-MS. Results AMF (75 μg/plate) reverted 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPDA) induced mutations in Salmonella typhimurium strains, TA 98, 100 and 102 by 74.8%, 72.5% and 69.3%, respectively. Against sodium azide, the percentage reversion was 80.4, 71.3 and 71.3. In mice, AMF (250 mg/kg for 4 days) increased the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities by 48.71% and 30.3% against the NaF-induced drop. GSH level was improved by 48.59% with a concomitant decrease in TBARS (57.67%). The skin papilloma reduction was 79.32% for 5% AMF. Squalene, dodecanoic, tetradecanoic and hexadecanoic acids are the known antioxidant and chemopreventive molecules identified by GC-MS. Discussion and conclusion Antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of AMF might have contributed to its anticarcinogenic potential.

Plant Phenolics Ferulic Acid and P-Coumaric Acid Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation through EGFR Down-Regulation

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) or bowel cancer is one of the most important cancer diseases, needing serious attention. The cell surface receptor gene human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) may have an important role in provoking CRC. In this pharmaceutical era, it is always attempted to identify plant-based drugs for cancer, which will have less side effects for human body, unlike the chemically synthesized marketed drugs having serious side effects. So, in this study the authors tried to assess the activity of two important plant compounds, ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (pCA), on CRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

FA and pCA were tested for their cytotoxic effects on the human CRC cell line HCT 15 and also checked for the level of gene expression of EGFR by real time PCR analysis. Positive results were confirmed by in silico molecular docking studies using Discovery Studio (DS) 4.0. The drug parallel features of the same compounds were also assessed in silico.

RESULTS

Cytotoxicity experiments revealed that both the compounds were efficient in killing CRC cells on a controlled concentration basis. In addition, EGFR expression was down-regulated in the presence of the compounds. Docking studies unveiled that both the compounds were able to inhibit EGFR at its active site. Pharmacokinetic analysis of these compounds opened up their drug like behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study emphasize the importance of plant compounds for targeting diseases like CRC.

Cytotoxic and antioxidant properties of selected Scutellaria species from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India

CONTEXT

Scutellaria (Lamiaceae), commonly known as 'Skullcaps', has been extensively used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Recently, much emphasis has been given to this genus due to the rich source of bioflavonoids that contribute to its biological properties. Therefore, different species of Scutellaria are being explored worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

Cytotoxic, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties of Scutellaria colebrookiana Benth and S. violacea (Heyne ex Benth) Don collected (October 2009-February 2010) from Western Ghats of India have been analysed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro cytotoxicity and free radical scavenging effects of root extracts in various solvents were analysed. Spectrophotometric and HPLC methods were performed for phytochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Chloroform extract exhibited significant cytotoxicity in Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells with IC(50) values 150 and 140 µg/mL for S. colebrookiana and 250 and 280 µg/mL for S. violacea, respectively. Moreover, the extract was effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting membrane peroxidation in vitro with IC(50) values 158.3 and 167.5 (superoxide), 17.5 and 28.0 (hydroxyl), 76.25 and 69.75 (DPPH), 24.5 and 28.0 (ABTS), 69.75 and 64.6 (lipid peroxidation), 41 and 31.5 µg/mL (erythrocyte hemolysis), respectively. Antioxidant effect observed with acetone extract was also comparable to that of chloroform extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of baicalein.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Scutellaria species of Western Ghats showed cytotoxic and antioxidant potential and the presence of baicalein. This suggests that S. colebrookiana and S. violacea could be used as alternative sources for baicalein in view of the reported scarcity of S. baicalensis.

Comparative phytochemical and biological analysis to detect the genuineness of substitutes of the plant Moovila in drug preparations

Pseudarthria viscida is the preferred source of the raw drug Salaparni in Ayurvedic system of medicine, especially in the preparation of Dasamoolarishtam. Due to its scarcity, other trifoliate leguminous plants, particularly the species of Desmodium and Uraria are used as substitutes. The phytochemical and biological properties of these plants were analyzed to sort out the genuineness of the substitutes. Qualitative as well as quantitative chemical profiles obtained for P. viscida showed similarity to U. rufescens. In vitro antioxidant and in vivo gastroprotective assays carried out to determine the biological properties of the extracts revealed that the acetone extract of P. viscida inhibited the formation of hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide radicals, and lipid peroxidation. The oral administration of P. viscida extract significantly reduced ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in mice. Even though more or less the same chemical profile was obtained for P. viscida and U. rufescens, only P. viscida exhibited significant biological properties.

Loose shell syndrome of farmed Penaeus monodon in India is caused by a filterable agent

Loose shell syndrome (LSS) of farmed black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon has been reported from Indian shrimp farms since 1998 and is recognized as a major disease problem causing significant economic loss to the shrimp aquaculture sector. Unlike the rapid mortalities associated with viral pathogens such as white spot syndrome virus and yellow head virus, progression of LSS is gradual, leading to low-level progressive mortalities. The signs of LSS include a flaccid spongy abdomen due to muscular dystrophy, space between the exoskeleton and muscle, and a shrunken hepatopancreas. The feed conversion efficiency is reduced, and shrimp have poor meat quality, caused by impairment of the hepatopancreatic functions such as digestion and absorption as evidenced by the atrophy of the hepatopancreas. Histopathological investigations on LSS-affected shrimp showed shrinkage of extensor and flexor muscles with occasional hemocytic infiltration. The hepatopancreas showed inflammation of hepatopancreatic tubules with enlargement of intertubular spaces, hemocytic infiltration, and low levels of lipid reserves in the R cells. In advanced stages of LSS, many tubules were in highly necrotic condition with a sloughed epithelium, reflecting the dysfunction of the digestive gland. LSS could be induced in healthy tiger shrimp by challenge studies using membrane-filtered LSS-affected shrimp tissues, suggesting involvement of a filterable infectious agent.

Isolation and structural determination of new sphingolipids and pharmacological activity of africanene and other metabolites from Sinularia leptoclados

Two new sphingolipids, (2S,3S,4R)-1,3,4-trihydroxy-2-[((R)-2'-hydroxytetradecanoyl) amino] tricosane (4) and (2S,3S,4R)-1,3,4-triacetoxy-2-[((R)-2'-acetoxyoctadecanoyl) amino]octadecane (5) along with africanene (1, reasonably good yield), 23-demethylgargosterol (2) and batylalcohol (3) have been isolated from the soft coral Sinularia leptoclados. Preliminary studies for pharmacological activity (blind screening and toxicity studies) of africanene were conducted. Africanene exhibited in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity, dose dependent hypotensive activity as well as antiinflammatory activity. The pharmacological and toxicity studies on africanene are being reported for the first time and findings strongly encourage further investigation. Compounds 1, 4 and 5 were studied for the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity while compounds 4 and 5 were also studied for the short term in vitro cytotoxic activity.

Biologically active principles isolated from Salacia oblonga wall

From the petroleum ether extract of the root bark of Salacia Oblonga wall, two biologically active fractions have been isolated by column and thin layer chromatography. The methanol eluted fraction of the extract absorbed on a column of silica gel at a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml showed 100 percent cytotoxicity on Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. The chloroform eluted fraction of the pet. ether extract and a fluorescent compound separated from it by TLC demonstrated about 60% and 76% hypoglycemic potency of an equal dose of tolbutamide (250 mg/kg) in albino rats. The results indicate the therapeutic importance of S. Oblonga wall.

Cytotoxic and anti-tumour properties of certain taxa of Umbelliferae with special reference to Centella asiatica (L.) Urban

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Umbelliferae) is commonly used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat various diseases. The present study examines the anti-tumour effect of the crude extract (CE) of Centella asiatica as well as its partially purified fractions (AF) from chromatographic procedures by both in vitro short and long term chemosensitivity and in vivo tumour model test systems. AF dose dependently inhibited the proliferation of the transformed cell lines significantly more than did the CE and other solvent fractions. Fifty percent effective doses on hour 3 exposure to AF were 17 and 22 micrograms/ml for Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (EAC) and Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumour cells (DLA), respectively. However, practically no toxic effects were detected in normal human lymphocytes. AF also significiantly suppressed the multiplication of mouse lung fibroblast (L-929) cells at a concentration of 8 micrograms/ml in long term culture. Oral administration of the extracts (CE and AF) retarded the development of solid and ascites tumours and increased the life span of these tumour bearing mice. Tritiated thymidine, uridine and leucine incorporation assay suggest that the fraction acts directly on DNA synthesis.