Cooperative antiproliferative and differentiation-enhancing activity of medicinal plant extracts in acute myeloid leukemia cells

Therapeutic Potential of Adina rubella Hance Stem and Picroside III as a Differentiation Inducer in AML Cells via Mitochondrial ROS Accumulation

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the accumulation of immature myeloid cells and a differentiation block, highlighting the urgent need for novel differentiation-inducing therapies. This study evaluated Adina rubella Hance (ARH) stem as a potent differentiation inducer by systematically screening 200 plant extracts. ARH stem promoted phenotypic differentiation in AML cells. In addition to its differentiation-inducing effects, ARH stem exhibited strong antileukemic activities, such as inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell death, and enhancing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) levels, the latter of which is critical for its differentiation-promoting activity. Comparative analysis with the extracts from other parts of the plant confirmed the superior efficacy of the stem extract because of its unique chemical composition. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis identified Picroside III as a major active compound within the stem extract, capable of recapitulating ARH stem-induced differentiation and demonstrating significant antileukemic properties. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of ARH stem and its active component, Picroside III, as promising agents for differentiation-based treatment strategies in AML.

Ethanolic Extract of Salvia officinalis Leaves Affects Viability, Survival, Migration, and the Formation and Growth of 3D Cultures of the Tumourigenic Murine HPV-16+-Related Cancer Cell Line

Salvia officinalis (SO) is one of the most widely used plants in traditional medicine worldwide. In the present study, the effect of an ethanolic extract of S. officinalis leaves on hallmarks of cancer of HPV-16-positive cancer tumorigenic cells, TC-1, was analyzed in vitro. Phytochemical and spectroscopic analysis were performed. Additionally, the extract's flavonoid content, reducing iron, and antioxidant capacity were determined. In regard to the in vitro tests, the cytotoxic activity and its effect on the replicative capacity and on the cell migration of TC-1 cells were analyzed by viability and clonogenic, survival, and wound healing assays. The effect of a pre-treatment or treatment on 3D culture formation, growth, and reversion capacity was also examined. The results of the phytochemical analysis allowed the detection of tannins, saponins, steroids, and flavonoids. The flavonoids content was found to be 153.40 ± 10.68 µg/mg of extract. Additionally, the extract exhibited an antioxidant capacity and a ferric-reducing capacity of around 40% compared to the ascorbic acid. Thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis and spectroscopic tests showed the presence of compounds similar to quercetin and catechin flavonoids in the extract. In the in vitro assays, the SO extract induced in a concentration-dependent way changes in cell morphology, the decrease of cell viability, survival, and migration. At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the extract inhibited spheroid formation, reduced their growth, and affected their reversion to 2D. Ethanolic extract of S. officinalis leaves had inhibitory effects on hallmarks of the cancer line HPV-16+. This suggests that the phytochemicals present in it may be a source of chemotherapeutics against cervical cancer.

Plant-derived inducers in tumor differentiation therapy:A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Differentiation therapy, a highly regarded treatment method in tumor research, aims to induce tumor cells to differentiate back to normal cells, deviating from the malignant pathway and returning to a benign state. Its development relies on the continuous discovery of efficient and low-toxic differentiation inducers, including plant-derived active components that offer significant biological utilization and therapeutic potential. For this reason, the exploration of plant-derived inducers, particularly in their application in differentiation therapy, holds great promise in advancing cancer treatment strategies toward more effective and safer alternatives.

PURPOSE

This paper aims to provide a valuable reference for researchers seeking to identify natural, efficient, and low-toxic differentiation inducers from plants and highlights a promising research direction for the application of differentiation therapy in malignant tumor treatment.

METHODS

For the collection of pertinent information, an extensive search was conducted across diverse literature and electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar. This comprehensive approach aimed to retrieve and include all relevant literature from 1985 to 2023. Primary keywords such as "Natural medicinal plant," "Differentiation therapy," and "Differentiation inducer" were utilized, supplemented by secondary search terms including "Cancer," "Tumor," "Herbal medicine," "Induced differentiation," and "Cancer treatment."

RESULTS

This study systematically evaluated the application of plant-derived inducers in tumor-induced differentiation therapy. Through extensive literature review, specific plant components with confirmed differentiation-inducing properties were identified. Furthermore, potential molecular mechanisms underlying this process were outlined, shedding light on the future development of differentiation therapy in cancer treatment.

CONCLUSION

Plant-derived active components exhibit substantial biological utility and therapeutic potential. Delving deeper into the research on these components as differentiation inducers holds promise for the selection of novel cancer drugs and the unveiling of novel pathways for cancer treatment. These results emphasize the importance of continued exploration and in-depth research into natural, efficient, and low-toxic differentiation inducers from plants, which could significantly advance cancer treatment strategies. Moreover, the highlighted research direction underscores the relevance of differentiation therapy in the context of malignant tumor treatment, indicating its potential as a safer and more effective alternative in cancer therapy.

Sea buckthorn, its bioactive constituents, and mechanism of action: potential application in female reproduction

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a flowering shrub, and its berries have been utilized for decades as a raw ingredient in cuisines and herbal remedies. This evidence-based study focuses on its key bioactive constituents, and mechanism of protective effects with a focus on female reproductive processes. Parts of the plant contain phenols, carotenoids (lycopene, carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), flavonoids (isorhamnetin, quercetin, glycosides, and kaempferol), tocopherols, sterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, omega 3, 6, 9 and rare omega 7 fatty acids etc. Key polyphenolic flavonoids such as isorhamnetin and quercetin are believed to be mainly responsible behind its health benefits (against cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, obesity etc.) through properties including anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. These sea buckthorn constituents appear to mediate healthy ovarian cell proliferation, death, and hormone release, as well as decrease ovarian cancer possibly through apoptosis, and hormonal (estrogen) release. Thus, sea buckthorn and its bioactive ingredients may have potential in the management of gynecological problems such as uterine inflammation, endometriosis, and easing symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women (by targeting inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor - VEGF). Apigenin, myricetin, and luteolin have also been recommended as prospective ovarian cancer preventative and adjuvant therapy options as they can inhibit ovarian cancerogenesis by triggering apoptosis and halting the cell cycle in ovarian tumors. Furthermore, its oil (containing carotenoid, sterol, and hypericin) has been speculated as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women particularly to improve vaginal epithelial integrity. However, it is uncertain whether steroid hormone receptors, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory regulators are actually behind sea buckhorn's actions. Sea buckthorn, and its compounds' health promoting potential warrants further validation not just in vitro and in animal research, but also in clinical trials to identify and/or standardize optimal methods of delivery of biologically active molecules.

Origanum Sipyleum Methanol Extract in Combination with Ponatinib Shows Synergistic anti-Leukemic Activities on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Origanum sipyleum is used in folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Ponatinib, an effective tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), has severe side effects. Thus, we aimed to determine a novel herbal combination therapy that might not only increase the anti-leukemic efficacy but also reduce the dose of ponatinib in targeting CML cells. Origanum sipyleum was extracted with methanol (OSM), and secondary metabolites were determined by phytochemical screening tests. The cytotoxic effects of OSM on K562 cells were measured by WST-1 assay. Median-effect equation was used to analyze the combination of ponatinib and OSM (p-OSM). Apoptosis, proliferation, and cell-cycle were investigated by flow-cytometry. Cell-cycle-related gene expressions were evaluated by qRT-PCR. OSM that contains terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and anthracenes exhibited cytotoxic effects on K562 cells. The median-effect of p-OSM was found as synergistic; OSM reduced the ponatinib dose ∼5-fold. p-OSM elevated the apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity of ponatinib. Consistently, p-OSM blocked cell-cycle progression in G₀/G₁, S phases accompanied by regulations in TGFB2, ATR, PP2A, p18, CCND1, CCND2, and CCNA1 expressions. OSM enhanced the anti-leukemic activity of ponatinib synergistically via inducing apoptosis, suppressing proliferation, and cell-cycle. As a result, OSM might offer a potential strategy for treating patients with CML.

Cytotoxicity of Thioalkaloid-Enriched Nuphar lutea Extract and Purified 6,6′-Dihydroxythiobinupharidine in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells: The Role of Oxidative Stress and Intracellular Calcium

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid progenitors. Here, we report the in vitro antileukemic effects of the sesquiterpene thioalkaloid-enriched fraction of the Nuphar lutea leaf extract (NUP) and a purified thioalkaloid 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN). Treatment with 0.3–10 µg/mL NUP caused a dose- and time-dependent reduction in proliferation and viability of human AML cells (KG-1a, HL60 and U937). This was associated with apoptosis induction manifested by annexin-V/propidium iodide binding as well as cleavage of caspases 8, 9, and 3 as well as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Caspase-dependence of the apoptotic effect was confirmed using the pan-caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPH. NUP induced significant biphasic changes in the cytosolic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to untreated cells—a decrease at early time points (2–4 h) and an increase after a longer incubation (24 h). ROS accumulation was accompanied by lowering the cellular glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, NUP treatment resulted in elevation of the cytosolic Ca²⁺ (Ca²⁺_cyt) levels. The thiol antioxidant and glutathione precursor N-acetyl cysteine prevented NUP-induced ROS accumulation and markedly inhibited apoptosis. A similar antiapoptotic effect was obtained by Ca²⁺_cyt chelating using BAPTA. These data indicate that NUP-induced cell death is mediated, at least in part, by the induction of oxidative stress and Ca²⁺_cyt accumulation. However, a substantial apoptotic activity of pure DTBN (0.05–0.25 µg/mL), was found to be independent of cytosolic ROS or Ca²⁺, suggesting that alternative mechanisms are involved in DTBN-induced cytotoxicity. Notably, neither NUP nor DTBN treatment significantly induced cell death of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our results provide the basis for further investigation of the antileukemic potential of NUP and its active constituents.

Molecular Action of Polyphenols in Leukaemia and Their Therapeutic Potential

Leukaemia is a malignant disease of the blood. Current treatments for leukaemia are associated with serious side-effects. Plant-derived polyphenols have been identified as potent anti-cancer agents and have been shown to work synergistically with standard chemotherapy agents in leukaemia cell lines. Polyphenols have multiple mechanisms of action and have been reported to decrease cell proliferation, arrest cell cycle and induce apoptosis via the activation of caspase (3, 8 and 9); the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c. Polyphenols have been shown to suppress activation of transcription factors, including NF-kB and STAT3. Furthermore, polyphenols have pro-oxidant properties, with increasing evidence that polyphenols inhibit the antioxidant activity of glutathione, causing oxidative DNA damage. Polyphenols also induce autophagy-driven cancer cell death and regulate multidrug resistance proteins, and thus may be able to reverse resistance to chemotherapy agents. This review examines the molecular mechanism of action of polyphenols and discusses their potential therapeutic targets. Here, we discuss the pharmacological properties of polyphenols, including their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumour activities, and suggest that polyphenols are potent natural agents that can be useful therapeutically; and discuss why data on bioavailability, toxicity and metabolism are essential to evaluate their clinical use.

The effects of morin on bone regeneration to accelerate healing in bone defects in mice

Restoring bone defects are the major challenge facing clinical trial therapy, particularly skull related problems. Morin, a naturally occurring compound, has pro-osteogenesis. This research focuses on assessing the role of morin for its pro-osteogenesis activities. We utilized in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the molecular-level mechanisms of morin's osteoblastic biological activity. The effectiveness of morin on pro-osteogenesis (100 mg/kg/day) was assessed by monitoring modifications in the bone histomorphometry score, the development of immature osteoblasts from mesenchymal stems cells and improvements in the expression of pro-osteogenic cytokines in skull defected (SD) mice. Quantitative-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence were studied to investigate the signaling pathways. Morin has a substantial in vivo pro-osteogenesis effect which can facilitate the development of osteoblasts, the production of osteoblast related marker genes, and in vitro protein markers for osteoblasts. From a molecular biology standpoint, morin contributes to the development of osteoblasts and stimulation of the Wnt pathway with the activation and translocation of β-catenin nuclei. Our findings from the study revealed that morin may be a beneficial substitute for helping regenerate bone defects.

An Assessment of the Effect of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Sage Leaves (Salvia officinalis L.) on Germinated Plants of Maize (Zea mays L.)

AgNPs have attracted considerable attention in many applications including industrial use, and their antibacterial properties have been widely investigated. Due to the green synthesis process employed, the nanoparticle surface can be coated with molecules with biologically important characteristics. It has been reported that increased use of nanoparticles elevates the risk of their release into the environment. However, little is known about the behaviour of AgNPs in the eco-environment. In this study, the effect of green synthesized AgNPs on germinated plants of maize was examined. The effects on germination, basic growth and physiological parameters of the plants were monitored. Moreover, the effect of AgNPs was compared with that of Ag(I) ions in the form of AgNO₃ solution. It was found that the growth inhibition of the above-ground parts of plants was about 40%, and AgNPs exhibited a significant effect on photosynthetic pigments. Significant differences in the following parameters were observed: weights of the caryopses and fresh weight (FW) of primary roots after 96 h of exposure to Ag(I) ions and AgNPs compared to the control and between Ag compounds. In addition, the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) between the control and the AgNPs varied and that between the Ag(I) ions and AgNPs was also different. Phytotoxicity was proved in the following sequence: control < AgNPs < Ag(I) ions.

The Anticancer Activity of Sea Buckthorn [Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson]

Various parts of sea buckthorn [Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson], particularly the berries, known also as seaberries, or Siberian pineapples, are characterized by a unique composition of bioactive compounds: phenolic compounds, vitamins (especially vitamin C), unsaturated fatty acids, and phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol. These berries, together with the juices, jams, and oils made from them, have a range of beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This short review discusses whether sea buckthorn may represent a “golden mean” for the treatment of cancers: It has anti-proliferation properties and can induce apoptosis and stimulate the immune system, and sea buckthorn oil counteracts many side effects of chemotherapy by restoring kidney and liver function, increasing appetite, and keeping patients in general good health. Although the anticancer activity of sea buckthorn has been confirmed by many in vitro and animal in vivo studies, the treatment and prophylactic doses for humans are unknown. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to the development of well-controlled and high-quality clinical experiments in this area.

A composition of medicinal plants with an enhanced ability to suppress microsomal lipid peroxidation and a protective activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

Treatment of liver injury induced by various toxicants represents a serious clinical challenge. Here, we utilized the ability of natural agents to inhibit microsomal lipid peroxidation (LPO) as the in-vitro screening paradigm for selecting efficacious tissue-protective combinations of cooperatively acting medicinal plants. Based on screening of 70 water-ethanol extracts obtained from different parts of 65 plants we prepared a highly active phytocomposition (PC-1) containing oregano (Origanum vulgare), wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) aerial parts, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) leaves and little-leaf linden (Tilia cordata) flowers. PC-1 extract exhibited the strongest anti-PLO and antihemolytic effects in vitro compared to those of the individual plants and other compositions tested. Using luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, we found that PC-1 extract activated the Nrf2/antioxidant response element signaling pathway more effectively than the extracts of other phytocompositions. Importantly, oral administration of PC-1 extract (100-200 mg/kg) markedly ameliorated liver injury in rats acutely or chronically intoxicated by carbon tetrachloride. This was evidenced by improved liver histology, blood chemistry parameters, and microsomal LPO status and superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, treatment with PC-1 extract salvaged the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes in carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats. Collectively, these data support the strategy of in-vitro plant selection for developing efficacious tissue-protective phytocompositions.

Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species

Rosa species, rose hips, are widespread wild plants that have been traditionally used as medicinal compounds for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. The therapeutic potential of these plants is based on its antioxidant effects caused by or associated with its phytochemical composition, which includes ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and healthy fatty acids among others. Over the last few years, medicinal interest in rose hips has increased as a consequence of recent research that has studied its potential application as a treatment for several diseases including skin disorders, hepatotoxicity, renal disturbances, diarrhoea, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and cancer. In this review, the role of different species of Rosa in the prevention of treatment of various disorders related to oxidative stress, is examined, focusing on new therapeutic approaches from a molecular point of view.