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12 pages, 1006 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Castanea sativa Mill. Shells Aqueous Extract Exhibits Anticancer Properties Inducing Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects

by Nunzio Antonio Cacciola, Giuseppe Squillaci, Mariella D’Apolito, Orsolina Petillo, Francesco Veraldi, Francesco La Cara, Gianfranco Peluso, Sabrina Margarucci and Alessandra Morana

Molecules 2019, 24(18), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24183401 - 19 Sep 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4364

Abstract

In this study, chestnut shells (CS) were used in order to obtain bioactive compounds through different extraction procedures. The aqueous extracts were chemically characterized. The highest extraction yield and total phenolic content was obtained by conventional liquid extraction (CLE). Gallic and protocatechuic acids [...] Read more.

In this study, chestnut shells (CS) were used in order to obtain bioactive compounds through different extraction procedures. The aqueous extracts were chemically characterized. The highest extraction yield and total phenolic content was obtained by conventional liquid extraction (CLE). Gallic and protocatechuic acids were the main simple phenols in the extract, with 86.97 and 11.20 mg/g chestnut shells dry extract (CSDE), respectively. Six tumor cell lines (DU 145, PC-3, LNCaP, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and HepG2) and one normal prostate epithelial cell line (PNT2) were exposed to increasing concentration of CSDE (1–100 µg/mL) for 24 h, and cell viability was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT assay. A reduced rate in cell viability was observed in DU 145, PC-3, LNCaP, and MCF-7 cells, while viability of the other assessed cells was not affected, except for PNT2 cells at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Furthermore, CSDE—at concentrations of 55.5 and 100 µg/mL—lead to a significant increase of apoptotic cells in DU 145 cells of 28.2% and 61%, respectively. In conclusion, these outcomes suggested that CS might be used for the extraction of several polyphenols that may represent good candidates for alternative therapies or in combination with current chemotherapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbal Medicines–Unraveling Their Molecular Mechanism)

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14 pages, 3275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration in the Mechanism of Action of Licorice by Network Pharmacology

by Meimei Chen, Jingru Zhu, Jie Kang, Xinmei Lai, Yuxing Gao, Huijuan Gan and Fafu Yang

Molecules 2019, 24(16), 2959; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24162959 - 15 Aug 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7704

Abstract

Licorice is a popular sweetener and a thirst quencher in many food products particularly in Europe and the Middle East and also one of the oldest and most frequently used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. As a wide application of food additive, it [...] Read more.

Licorice is a popular sweetener and a thirst quencher in many food products particularly in Europe and the Middle East and also one of the oldest and most frequently used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. As a wide application of food additive, it is necessary to clarify bioactive chemical ingredients and the mechanism of action of licorice. In this study, a network pharmacology approach that integrated drug-likeness evaluation, structural similarity analysis, target identification, network analysis, and KEGG pathway analysis was established to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism of licorice. First, we collected and evaluated structural information of 282 compounds in licorice and found 181 compounds that met oral drug rules. Then, structural similarity analysis with known ligands of targets in the ChEMBL database (similarity threshold = 0.8) was applied to the initial target identification, which found 63 compounds in licorice had 86 multi-targets. Further, molecular docking was performed to study their binding modes and interactions, which screened out 49 targets. Finally, 17 enriched KEGG pathways (p < 0.01) of licorice were obtained, exhibiting a variety of biological activities. Overall, this study provided a feasible and accurate approach to explore the safe and effective application of licorice as a food additive and herb medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbal Medicines–Unraveling Their Molecular Mechanism)

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20 pages, 2541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott Fruits Increase Stress Resistance and Exert Antioxidant Properties in Caenorhabditis elegans and Mouse Models

by Sara Thabit, Heba Handoussa, Mariana Roxo, Bruna Cestari de Azevedo, Nesrine S.E. El Sayed and Michael Wink

Molecules 2019, 24(14), 2633; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24142633 - 19 Jul 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4906

Abstract

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott is a popular Asian tree widely used in traditional medicine. The current study explored the potential stress resistance and antioxidant activities of its fruits. Phytochemical profiling of the hydroalcoholic fruit extract was done via high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-electrospray [...] Read more.

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott is a popular Asian tree widely used in traditional medicine. The current study explored the potential stress resistance and antioxidant activities of its fruits. Phytochemical profiling of the hydroalcoholic fruit extract was done via high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-electrospray ionization-mass/mass (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS). Twenty four phenolic constituents were tentatively identified in the extract. The Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) nematode model in addition to trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neurotoxicity mouse model were used for in vivo evaluation of its antioxidant properties. The ability of the extract to enhance stress resistance was manifested through increasing survival rate by 44.7% and decreasing basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 72.3% in C. elegans. In addition, the extract increased the levels of the stress response enzyme superoxide dismutase-3 (Sod-3) by 55.5% and decreased the expression of heat shock protein-16.2 (Hsp-16.2) in nematodes, which had been challenged by juglone, by 21%. Using a mouse model, the extract significantly decreased the expression of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, an elevation in the levels of the antioxidant marker glutathione (GSH), SOD and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzymes were observed. Our findings imply that Styphnolobium japonicum has the potential to be used in future studies focusing on diseases associated with oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbal Medicines–Unraveling Their Molecular Mechanism)

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12 pages, 1125 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Phytochemical and Biological Studies of Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. (Lamiaceae): Isolation of Nepetamoside

by Seyed Mostafa Goldansaz, Carmen Festa, Ester Pagano, Simona De Marino, Claudia Finamore, Olga Alessandra Parisi, Francesca Borrelli, Ali Sonboli and Maria Valeria D’Auria

Molecules 2019, 24(9), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24091684 - 30 Apr 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3591

Abstract

The n-butanolic extract, from an Iranian specimen of Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. (NABE), displayed anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774A.1 macrophages, which reduced nitrites and cytokines production. Bioassay guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of four iridoid glycosides, including [...] Read more.

The n-butanolic extract, from an Iranian specimen of Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. (NABE), displayed anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774A.1 macrophages, which reduced nitrites and cytokines production. Bioassay guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of four iridoid glycosides, including a new one known as nepetamoside (1), one hexenyl-diglycoside, and some polyphenol and flavonoid components. None of the isolated iridoid components displayed significant effects on nitrites formation in an in vitro LPS-induced model of inflammation, thus suggesting that the plant anti-inflammatory effect is probably due to a synergistic action among its constituents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbal Medicines–Unraveling Their Molecular Mechanism)

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16 pages, 1522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study on the Effects of Different Parts of Panax ginseng on the Immune Activity of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

by Li-xue Chen, Yu-li Qi, Zeng Qi, Kun Gao, Rui-ze Gong, Zi-jun Shao, Song-xin Liu, Shan-shan Li and Yin-shi Sun

Molecules 2019, 24(6), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24061096 - 20 Mar 2019

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 4843

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of the immunological activity of various parts (root/stem/leaf/flower/seed) of five-year-old ginseng on the immune system of immunosuppressive mice. Immunosuppression was induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the mouse model, whereas levamisole hydrochloride tablet [...] Read more.

The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of the immunological activity of various parts (root/stem/leaf/flower/seed) of five-year-old ginseng on the immune system of immunosuppressive mice. Immunosuppression was induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the mouse model, whereas levamisole hydrochloride tablet (LTH) was used for the positive control group. We found that ginseng root (GRT), ginseng leaf (GLF), and ginseng flower (GFR) could relieve immunosuppression by increased viability of NK cells, enhanced immune organ index, improved cell-mediated immune response, increased content of CD4⁺ and ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺, and recovery of macrophage function, including carbon clearance, phagocytic rate, and phagocytic index, in immunodeficient mice. However, ginseng stem (GSM) and ginseng seed (GSD) could only enhance the thymus indices, carbon clearance, splenocyte proliferation, NK cell activities, and the level of IL-4 in immunosuppressed mice. In CTX-injected mice, GRT and GFR remarkably increased the protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, SOD1, SOD2, and CAT in the spleen. As expected, oral administration of GRT and GFR markedly enhanced the production of cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, compared with the CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, and GRT and GFR did this relatively better than GSM, GLF, and GSD. This study provides a theoretical basis for further study on different parts of ginseng. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbal Medicines–Unraveling Their Molecular Mechanism)

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14 pages, 7766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

S5, a Withanolide Isolated from Physalis Pubescens L., Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest via the EGFR/P38 Pathway in Human Melanoma A375 Cells

by Yuqi Fan, Yiwei Mao, Shijie Cao, Guiyang Xia, Qiang Zhang, Hongyang Zhang, Feng Qiu and Ning Kang

Molecules 2018, 23(12), 3175; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123175 - 1 Dec 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3792

Abstract

S5 is a withanolide natural product isolated from Physalis pubescens L. Our previous experimental studies found that it has significant antitumor activity on renal cell carcinoma. In the present study, the anti-melanoma effect of S5 and the related molecular mechanism was first investigated. [...] Read more.

S5 is a withanolide natural product isolated from Physalis pubescens L. Our previous experimental studies found that it has significant antitumor activity on renal cell carcinoma. In the present study, the anti-melanoma effect of S5 and the related molecular mechanism was first investigated. It was found that S5 induced an obvious growth inhibitory effect on human melanoma A375 cells with low toxicity to human peripheral blood cells. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the cell death mode of S5 on A375 cells is not due to inducing apoptosis and autophagy. However, there was a significant time-dependent increase in G2/M phase after treatment of A375 with S5. Meanwhile, S5 could also decrease the protein expression of Cdc25c, Cdc2, and CyclinB1, and increased the expression of p-P53 and P21, suggesting that S5 inhibited A375 cell death through G2/M phase arrest. Moreover, the signal pathway factors P38, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were observed taking part in the S5-induced A375 cells growth inhibitory effect. In addition, suppressing P38 and EGFR reversed the cell proliferation inhibitory effect and G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by S5 and inhibition of EGFR enhanced the downregulation of the expression of P38 and p-P38, indicating that S5 induced A375 G2/M arrest through the EGFR/P38 pathway. Briefly, this study explained for the first time the mechanism of S5-induced A375 cell growth inhibition in order to provide the basis for its clinical application in melanoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbal Medicines–Unraveling Their Molecular Mechanism)

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Review

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29 pages, 3344 KiB

Open AccessReview

Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Formulas Against Acute Airway Viral Infections as Examples

by Yi Shin Eng, Chien Hsing Lee, Wei Chang Lee, Ching Chun Huang and Jung San Chang

Molecules 2019, 24(19), 3505; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24193505 - 27 Sep 2019

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6925

Abstract

Herbal medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely used worldwide. Herbs and TCM formulas contain numerous active molecules. Basically, they are a kind of cocktail therapy. Herb-drug, herb-food, herb-herb, herb-microbiome, and herb-disease interactions are complex. There is potential for both benefit and [...] Read more.

Herbal medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely used worldwide. Herbs and TCM formulas contain numerous active molecules. Basically, they are a kind of cocktail therapy. Herb-drug, herb-food, herb-herb, herb-microbiome, and herb-disease interactions are complex. There is potential for both benefit and harm, so only after understanding more of their mechanisms and clinical effects can herbal medicine and TCM be helpful to users. Many pharmacologic studies have been performed to unravel the molecular mechanisms; however, basic and clinical studies of good validity are still not enough to translate experimental results into clinical understanding and to provide tough evidence for better use of herbal medicines. There are still issues regarding the conflicting pharmacologic effects, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse and clinical effects of herbal medicine and TCM. Understanding study validation, pharmacologic effects, drug interactions, indications and clinical effects, adverse effects and limitations, can all help clinicians in providing adequate suggestions to patients. At present, it would be better to use herbs and TCM formulas according to their traditional indications matching the disease pathophysiology and their molecular mechanisms. To unravel the molecular mechanisms and understand the benefits and harms of herbal medicine and TCM, there is still much work to be done. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbal Medicines–Unraveling Their Molecular Mechanism)

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15 pages, 469 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural Negative Allosteric Modulators of 5-HT₃ Receptors

by Lina T. Al Kury, Mohamed Mahgoub, Frank Christopher Howarth and Murat Oz

Molecules 2018, 23(12), 3186; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123186 - 3 Dec 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5551

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain the most common and devastating side-effects associated with cancer chemotherapy. In recent decades, several lines of research emphasize the importance of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT_3; serotonin) receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of CINV. 5-HT₃ receptors are [...] Read more.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain the most common and devastating side-effects associated with cancer chemotherapy. In recent decades, several lines of research emphasize the importance of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT_3; serotonin) receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of CINV. 5-HT₃ receptors are members of ligand-gated ion channels that mediate the rapid and transient membrane-depolarizing effect of 5-HT in the central and peripheral nervous system. These receptors play important roles in nausea and vomiting, as well as regulation of peristalsis and pain transmission. The development of antagonists for 5-HT₃ receptor dramatically improved the treatment of CINV in cancer patients. In fact, the most common use of 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists to date is the treatment of nausea and vomiting. In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency to use natural plant products as important therapeutic entities in the treatment of various diseases. In this article, we examined the results of earlier studies on the actions of natural compounds on the functional properties of 5-HT₃ receptors. It is likely that these natural modulators of 5-HT₃ receptors can be employed as lead structures for the synthesis of therapeutic agents for treating CINV in future clinical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbal Medicines–Unraveling Their Molecular Mechanism)

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