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Kanani SH, Pandya DJ. Cucurbitacins: Nature’s Wonder Molecules. CURRENT TRADITIONAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/2215083808666220107104220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Over the past decades, several natural constituents belonging to different classes have been isolated from plants for medicinal purposes. Cucurbitacins is one such type of natural compound. Cucurbitacin is any of a class of biochemical compounds that some plants notably members of the pumpkin and gourd family, Cucurbitaceae produce and which function as a defense against herbivores. They and their derivatives have been found in many plant families (including Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Begoniaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Datiscaceae, Desfontainiaceae, Polemoniaceae, Primulaceae, Rubiaceae, Sterculiaceae, Rosaceae, and Thymelaeaceae), in some mushrooms (including Russula and Hebeloma) and even in some marine mollusks. They have been isolated from various plant species, chiefly belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family which comprises around 130 genera and 800 species. Cucurbitacins are a group of tetracyclic triterpenoid substances that are highly oxygenated and contain a cucurbitane skeleton characterized by 9β-methyl−19-norlanosta-5-ene. Cucurbitacins can be categorized into twelve main groups according to variations in their side-chains. Cucurbitacins A, B, C, D, E, F, I, J, K, L, O, P, Q, R, S, and their glycosides are mainly found in Cucurbitaceae family members. These plants have been used as folk medicines in some countries because of their broad spectrum of crucial pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. The present review explores the possibility of a correlation between the chemistry of various Cucurbitacins and the uses of the plants which contain them, thereby opening avenues for further phytochemical, ethnomedicinal, and modern pharmacological research on these important molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal H. Kanani
- RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat; Faculty of Pharmacy, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat
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Hussain H, Green IR, Saleem M, Khattak KF, Irshad M, Ali M. Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents: A Patent Review. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 14:133-143. [PMID: 30451116 DOI: 10.2174/1574892813666181119123035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cucurbitacins belong to a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids that display a wide range of biological effects. In the past, numerous cucurbitacins have been isolated from natural sources and many active compounds have been synthesized using the privileged scaffold in order to enhance its cytotoxic effects. OBJECTIVE This review covers patents on the therapeutic effects of natural cucurbitacins and their synthetic analogs published during the past decade. By far, the majority of patents published are related to cancer and Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) of these compounds are included to lend gravitas to this important class of natural products. METHODS The date about the published patents was downloaded via online open access patent databases. RESULTS Cucurbitacins display significant cytotoxic properties, in particular cucurbitacins B and D which possess very potent effects towards a number of cancer cells. Numerous cucurbitacins isolated from natural sources have been derivatized through chemical modification at the C(2)-OH and C(25)- OH groups. Most importantly, an acyl ester of the C(25)-OH and, iso-propyl, n-propyl and ethyl ether groups of the C(2)-OH demonstrated the most increased cytotoxic activity. CONCLUSION The significant cytotoxic effects of natural and semi-synthetic cucurbitacins make them attractive as new drug candidates. Moreover, cucurbitacins have the capability to form conjugates with other anticancer drugs which will synergistically enhance their anticancer effects. The authors believe that in order to get lead compounds, there should be a greater focus on the synthesis of homodimers, heterodimers, and halo derivatives of cucurbitacins. In the opinion of the authors the analysis of the published patents on the cucurbitacins indicates that these compounds can be developed into a regimen to treat a wide spectrum of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidayat Hussain
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Salle), Germany
| | - Ivan R Green
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Muhammad Saleem
- Department of Chemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100 Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Irshad
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kotli, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Maroof Ali
- College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
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Alves CDS, Frias HV, Kirsten TB, Cordeiro F, Bernardi MM, Suffredini IB. Luffa operculata fruit aqueous extract induces motor impairments, anxiety-like behavior, and testis damage in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 222:52-60. [PMID: 29727732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn., Cucurbitaceae (buchinha-do-norte), aqueous extract (EBN) is popularly used to relieve symptoms of sinusitis and as abortive. AIM OF THE STUDY As neurotoxicity and toxicity studies on the male reproductive system are scarce, the present study aimed at quantitatively addressing the question. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male adult rats were observed in the open field (OF) and in the light-dark box test (LDB) to evaluate locomotion and anxiety. Macroscopical and microscopical alterations on the rats' testes were also studied. The rats were divided into two groups, control (GC) and experimental (GE). GE received 1.0 mg/kg per day of EBN, orally, for five consecutive days, whereas GC received water. On the 6th day, each animal was evaluated in OF and in LDB for 3 min in each apparatus. After that, the left testicles were studied. RESULTS In the OF, GE showed decreased locomotion, increased immobility time and decreased grooming and remained for less time in the center of the apparatus. In LDB, GE showed significant difficulty in moving into the light side of the device and remained longer in the dark side, exhibiting less displacement on both sides and less transitions between sides. Testicle weights, relative weights, testicular volume, cranial-caudal and lateral-lateral axes presented an increase in relation to the GC. Microscopic changes were observed in parenchyma, lumen and diameter of seminiferous tubules. Leydig cell numbers were decreased in GE. CONCLUSIONS The administration of EBN induced anxiety-like behavior, impaired locomotion and altered the testes morphology of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Dos S Alves
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, R. Dr. Bacelar, 1212, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Humberto V Frias
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, R. Dr. Bacelar, 1212, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Thiago B Kirsten
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, R. Dr. Bacelar, 1212, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Flora Cordeiro
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, R. Dr. Bacelar, 1212, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Maria M Bernardi
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, R. Dr. Bacelar, 1212, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Ivana B Suffredini
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, R. Dr. Bacelar, 1212, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil; Graduation Program in Dentistry and Center for Research in Biodiversity, Paulista University, Av. Paulista, 900, 1 andar, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP 01310-100, Brazil.
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Kaushik U, Aeri V, Mir SR. Cucurbitacins - An insight into medicinal leads from nature. Pharmacogn Rev 2015; 9:12-8. [PMID: 26009687 PMCID: PMC4441156 DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.156314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins which are structurally diverse triterpenes found in the members of Cucurbitaceae and several other plant families possess immense pharmacological potential. This diverse group of compounds may prove to be important lead molecules for future research. Research focused on these unattended medicinal leads from the nature can prove to be of immense significance in generating scientifically validated data with regard to their efficacy and possible role in various diseases. This review is aimed to provide an insight into the chemical nature and medicinal potential of these compounds exploring their proposed mode of action, probable molecular targets and to have an outlook on future directions of their use as medicinal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjwal Kaushik
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Phytochemistry Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, New Delhi, India
| | - Vidhu Aeri
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Phytochemistry Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, New Delhi, India
| | - Showkat R Mir
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Phytochemistry Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, New Delhi, India
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Khatib SY, Mahmoud II, Hasan ZA. Effects of Crude Ecballium elaterium Juice on Isolated Rabbit Heart. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/13880209309082951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Said Y. Khatib
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science AND Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ibrahim I. Mahmoud
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science AND Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Zuhair A. Hasan
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science AND Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Elayan HH, Gharaibeh MN, Zmeili SM, Salhab AS. Effects ofEcballium elatriumJuice on Serum Bilirubin Concentration in Male Rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/13880208909116908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Khalil AM, Qaoud KM. Toxicity and Partial Characterization of Ecballium elaterium Fruit Juice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/13880209309082930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Khalil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - K. M. Qaoud
- Department of Biological Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
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Galindo A, Villegas N, Mansilla H. Cucurbitacins From Bryonia Verrucosa. Isomerization of 2-Hydroxy-3-Keto-Cucurbitacins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1080/10575639908048799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HH. Potential Value of Plants As Sources of New Antifertility Agents I *. J Pharm Sci 1975. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.2600640404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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