Bioactivity-guided isolation of cytotoxic constituents of Brucea javanica collected in Vietnam

A review of Brucea javanica: metabolites, pharmacology and clinical application

This review examines advances in the metabolites, pharmacological research, and therapeutic applications of the medicinal fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Brucea javanica (BJ) is derived from the fruit of the Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. There are nearly 200 metabolites present in BJ, and due to the diversity of its metabolites, BJ has a wide range of pharmacological effects. The traditional pharmacological effects of BJ include anti-dysentery, anti-malaria, etc. The research investigating the contemporary pharmacological impacts of BJ mainly focuses on its anti-tumor properties. In the article, the strong monomeric metabolites among these pharmacological effects were preliminarily screened. Regarding the pharmacological mechanism of action, current research has initially explored BJ's pharmacological agent and molecular signaling pathways. However, a comprehensive system has yet to be established. BJ preparations have been utilized in clinical settings and have demonstrated effectiveness. Nevertheless, clinical research is primarily limited to observational studies, and there is a need for higher-quality research evidence to support its clinical application. There are still many difficulties and obstacles in studying BJ. However, it is indisputable that BJ is a botanical drugs with significant potential for application, and it is expected to have broader global usage.

Brujavanoids A-U, structurally diverse apotirucallane-type triterpenoids from Brucea javanica and their anti-inflammatory effects

Extensive phytochemical investigation on the methanol extract of the inflorescences, twigs, and leaves of Brucea javanica led to the isolation and identification of 27 triterpenoids, including 21 previously undescribed ones, named brujavanoids A-U (1-21). Their structures were determined based on comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Of these compounds, brujavanoid A (1) represents the first apotirucallane-type triterpenoid with a novel 19(10 → 9)abeo motif, and brujavanoids B and C (2-3) are the first apotirucallane-type triterpenoids with a rarely occurring 14-hydorxy-15,16-epoxy fragment. All the isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effect in an LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells model. Furthermore, the most active one, brujavanoid E (5), can suppress the transcriptional expression of typical pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the LPS- activated RAW264.7 cells.

Chemical Constituents of the Flowers of Pueraria lobata and Their Cytotoxic Properties

The flower of Pueraria lobata (Puerariae Flos) is a reddish-purple to violet-purple flower that blooms between July and September. In our preliminary study, Puerariae Flos extract exhibited significant activity against a human ovarian cancer cell line. This research aims to identify the active compounds in Pueraria Flos. By repeated chromatography, one new tryptophan derivative (1), two new flavanones (4 and 5), and 19 known compounds, including tryptophan derivatives (2 and 3), flavonoids (6–9), isoflavonoids (10–20), a flavonolignan (21), and a phenolic compound (22), were isolated from a methanol extract of Puerariae Flos. The structures of new compounds were elucidated as 13-N-benzoyl-l-tryptophan-1-N-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), 2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-naringenin (4), and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-naringenin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (5). Among the isolates, afromosin (17), tectorigenin (11), apigenin (8), glycitein (16), (-)-hydnocarpin (21), irilin D (12), irisolidone 7-O-glucoside (14), and genistein (10) showed cytotoxicity against human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. Apigenin (8) and (-)-hydnocarpin (21) were the most active (IC₅₀ values of 9.99 and 7.36 μM, respectively).

Natural flavonolignans as potential therapeutic agents against common diseases

OBJECTIVES

Plant-derived flavonolignans had been demonstrated to have various biological functions. They are an important class of natural products combined by a flavonoid unit and a phenylpropanoid unit.

KEY FINDINGS

From the literature survey, 88 constituents from natural resources were identified. Different derivatives of flavonolignans were listed, fused phenylpropanoid unit with dioxane ring, or cyclic ether, or simple ether side chain, or lactone, and so on. Besides, the pharmacological effects of flavonolignans were summarized as well. It has a wide range of anti-tumour, antioxidant, anti-microorganic and anti-inflammatory effects.

SUMMARY

This review had provided a full-scale profile of flavonolignans on its plant sources, phytochemistry and pharmacology, and also proposed some issues and perspectives which may be of concern in the future. It was greatly anticipated that the commercialization of the flavonolignans would lead to uplift the financial abilities of communities attending the growing of the flavonolignans and the relevant and potential production becoming an international herbal and pharmaceutical commodity.

Anticancer activities of phytoconstituents and their liposomal targeting strategies against tumor cells and the microenvironment

Various bioactive ingredients have been extracted from Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) that affect tumor progression and metastasis. To further understand the mechanisms of CHMs in cancer therapy, this article summarizes the effects of five categories of CHMs and their active ingredients on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Despite their treatment potential, the undesirable physicochemical properties (poor permeability, instability, high hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, toxicity) and unwanted pharmacokinetic profiles (short half-life in blood and low bioavailability) restrict clinical studies of CHMs. Therefore, development of liposomes through relevant surface modifying techniques to achieve targeted CHM delivery for cancer cells, i.e., extracellular and intracellular targets and targets in tumor microenvironment or vasculature, have been reviewed. Current challenges of liposomal targeting of these phytoconstituents and future perspective of CHM applications are discussed to provide an informative reference for interested readers.

Cytotoxic Stilbenes and Canthinone Alkaloids from Brucea antidysenterica (Simaroubaceae)

A phytochemical study of the root and bark of Brucea antidysenterica J. F. Mill. (Simaroubaceae) afforded three new compounds, including a stilbene glycoside bruceanoside A (1), and two canthinone alkaloids bruceacanthinones A (3) and B (4), along with ten known secondary metabolites, rhaponticin (2), 1,11-dimethoxycanthin-6-one (5), canthin-6-one (6), 1-methoxycanthin-6-one (7), 2-methoxycanthin-6-one (8), 2-hydroxy-1,11-dimethoxycanthin-6-one (9), β-carboline-1-propionic acid (10), cleomiscosin C (11), cleomiscosin A (12), and hydnocarpin (13). The structures of all the compounds were determined using spectrometric and spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR, and HRSEIMS. The identities of the known compounds were further confirmed by comparison of their data with those reported in the literature. The root and bark methanolic extracts, the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions, and the isolated compounds (3–13), were assessed for their cytotoxicity against the cancer cell lines A-549, MCF-7, and PC-3. The results suggested that compounds in the extracts might possess a synergic action in their cytotoxicity.

Brocaeloid D, a novel compound isolated from a wheat pathogenic fungus, Microdochium majus 99049

Microbes serve as the most important resource for drug discovery. During our screening for bioactive compounds from our natural products library, a pathogenic fungus, Microdochium majus strain 99049, from wheat was selected for further investigation. A new alkaloid named brocaeloid D (1), together with six previously characterized compounds (2–7) were identified. Compound 1 belongs to 4-oxoquinoline with C-2 reversed prenylation and a succinimide substructure. All the structures of these newly isolated compounds were determined by different means in spectroscopic experiments. The absolute configurations of 1 was further deduced from comparison of its CD spectrum with that of known compound 2. The bioactivities of these identified compounds were evaluated against several pathogenic microorganisms and cancer cell lines. Compounds 1–5 showed activity against HUH-7 human hepatoma cells with IC₅₀ values of 80 μg/mL. Compound 6 showed mild activity against HeLa cells (IC₅₀ = 51.9 μg/mL), weak anti-MTB activity (MIC = 80  μg/mL), and moderate anti-MRSA activity (MIC = 25 μg/mL), and compound 7 showed weak anti-MRSA activity (MIC = 100 μg/mL).

Bruceadysentoside A, a new pregnane glycoside and others secondary metabolites with cytotoxic activity from brucea antidysenterica J. F. Mill. (simaroubaceae)

The chemical investigation of the root barks leaves and stem barks of Brucea antidysenterica J. F. Mill. (Simaroubaceae) led to the isolation of a new pregnane glycoside, named Bruceadysentoside A or 3-O-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-pregn-5-en-20-one (1) together with seventeen known compounds. Their structures were established from spectral data, mainly HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR and by comparison with literature data. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13 were tested in vitro for their effects on the viability of two different human cancer cell lines, namely prostate PC-3 adenocarcinoma cells and colorectal HT-29 adenocarcinoma cells. No substantial activities were recorded for 2, 10, 12 and 13 (up to 10 μM concentration). 1, 5 and 8 did not show strong anti-proliferative effects up to 100 μM, however, 6 exhibited a stronger anti-proliferative effect with IC50 values of ∼ 100 μM against PC-3 and ∼ 200 μM against HT-29.

Quassinoids in Brucea javanica are potent stimulators of lipolysis in adipocytes

Obesity is associated with a number of metabolic disorders. Lipolysis is the initial step in the metabolism of lipids stored in adipocytes and is therefore considered a therapeutic target for obesity. Quassinoids are unique terpenes found in plants of the Simaroubaceae family, which were recently reported to have lipolytic activity and to suppress weight gain. Brucea javanica is a plant employed in traditional medicines in Asia, which is known to contain various quassinoids. Here, we investigated the lipolytic activity of B. javanica extracts, and identified six quassinoids: brucein A, brucein B, brucein C, 3'-hydroxybrucein A, brusatol, and bruceantinol, which represent the bioactive principals. The quassinoids contained in B. javanica demonstrated lipolytic activity at nanomolar concentrations, which were an order of magnitude lower than those of the previously reported quassinoids, suggesting that they may be useful for the treatment of obesity.

Therapeutic effect of Brucea javanica oil emulsion on experimental Crohn's disease in rats: Involvement of TLR4/ NF-κB signaling pathway

Brucea javanica is an important Chinese folk medicine traditionally used for the treatment of dysentery (also known as inflammatory bowel diseases). Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE), the most common preparation of Brucea javanica, has a variety of pharmacological activities. In this follow-up investigation, we endeavored to illuminate the potential benefit of BJOE on 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced Crohn's disease (CD) in rats and decipher the mechanism of action. The result illustrated that BJOE treatment significantly reduced the body weight loss, disease activity index and macroscopic scores, ameliorated shortening of colon length, arrested colonic histopathological deteriorations, lowered the histological scores in parallel to the model group. Furthermore, BJOE also decreased the levels of MPO and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23 and IFN-γ), and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β) as compared with the model group. In addition, the elevated mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and RAGE induced by TNBS was remarkably inhibited by BJOE, SASP or AZA treatments, while the mRNA expression of PPAR-γ was significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was significantly inhibited by AZA and BJOE treatment when compared with that of TNBS-treated rats. Our study suggested that BJOE exerted superior therapeutic effect to SASP and AZA in treating TNBS-induced colitis in rats. The protective effect of BJOE may involve the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. These results indicated that BJOE held promising potential to be further developed into a novel candidate for the treatment of CD.

Canthin-6-one Isolated fromBrucea javanicaRoot Blocks Cancer Cells in the G2/M phase and Synergizes with Cisplatin

Poor prognosis of most cancer patients is in part, due to limited therapeutic options. Furthermore, as chemotherapy remains the standard-of-care for several cancers, partial or lack of response remains a concern and compounding this are the adverse side effects of the treatment that severely impacts the quality of life and survival. In pursuit of improving treatment options, we have opted to investigate the unique chemical skeleton of natural compounds as anticancer therapies. In this study, from an initial screen of 31 crude methanol extracts from ~15 plant species using HL60 cells, the root extract of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr indicated the presence of bioactive compounds. Subsequent bioassay-guided purification on the root extract yielded two alkaloids canthin-6-one (1) and bruceolline J (2), which were further investigated for their bioactivity in representative human cancer lines and normal phenotypic counterparts. MTT assay demonstrated ED50values from 34.7–72.9 μM for 1 and 16.0–54.0 μM for 2 for the cancer cell lines panel. NP69 cells also demonstrated sensitivity to both compounds (9.3 μM and 4.5 μM). As amount of 2 isolated were limiting, we focused on 1 to further identify novel anticancer properties in PC3 and HeLa cancer lines. We observed at 30 μM, 1 induced a G2/M phase arrest coinciding with decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, 1 was able to synergize the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin when used in combination, suggesting the potential of combination therapy for those less responsive lesions to standard chemotherapy.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Brucea javanica oil emulsion by suppressing NF-κB activation on dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Brucea javanica is an important traditional medicinal herb used for the treatment of dysentery, malaria, inflammation and cancer in southeast Asia for many years. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Brucea javanica in the treatment of dysentery (also known as ulcerative colitis, UC) has not been fully illuminated. Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) is the major active and most common application form of Brucea javanica oil (BJO), which has a variety of pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of BJOE and possible mechanism of action on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The components of BJOE were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Balb/C mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 30mg/mL) induced colitis were treated with BJOE (0.5, 1 and 2g/kg) and two positive drugs (sulfasalazine, SASP, 200mg/kg; and azathioprine, AZA, 13mg/kg) once daily by gavage for 7 days. Mice in normal control group and DSS group were orally given the same volume of distilled water and soybean lecithin suspension (0.15g/kg) respectively. The effects of BJOE on DSS-induced UC were assessed by determination of body weight loss, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histological analysis, as well as levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mRNA expression of MPO, iNOS and COX-2 in colon tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. In addition, NF-κB p65, p-p65 and IκB-α, p-IκBα protein expression levels in colon tissues were investigated using Western blotting.

RESULTS

The major components of BJOE were found to be oleic acid (62.68%) and linoleic acid (19.53%) as detected by GC-MS. Our results indicated that BJOE, SASP and AZA showed beneficial effect on DSS-induced colitis in mice, and significantly reduced the body weight loss and DAI, restored the colon length, repaired colonic pathological variations, decreased histological scores, and decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 and IFN-γ) as compared with the DSS group. In addition, the mRNA expression of MPO, iNOS and COX-2 induced by DSS treatment was remarkably inhibited by BJOE, SASP or AZA treatments. Furthermore, when compared with DSS-treated mice, the activation of NF-κB was significantly inhibited by AZA and BJOE treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that BJOE possessed appreciable anti-inflammatory effect against murine experimental UC induced by DSS. The protective mechanism of BJOE may involve inhibition of NF-κB signal transduction pathways and subsequent down-regulation of inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that BJOE might be an efficacious and promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of UC. Our investigation might also provide experimental evidence for the traditional application of Brucea javanica in the treatment of dysentery and might add new dimension to the clinical indications for BJOE.

Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of antitumor effect of Brucea javanica oil cationic nanoemulsions

The purpose of this study was to prepare Brucea javanica oil cationic nanoemulsions (BJO-CN) with BJO as drug as well as oil phase and chitosan as cationic inducer, to explore the practical suitability of using cationic nanoemulsions for oral delivery of mixed oil, and to test its bioavailability and antitumor effect. BJO-CN was prepared by chitosan solution stirring method and then characterized physicochemically. The obtained BJO-CN had a spherical morphology with a positive zeta potential of 18.9 mV and an average particle size of 42.36 nm, showing high colloidal stability. The drug loading of BJO-CN was 91.83 mg·mL⁻¹, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with precolumn derivatization. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that, compared with BJO emulsion (BJO-E) (the dosage of BJO-CN and BJO-E was equal to 505 mg·kg⁻¹, calculated by oleic acid), BJO-CN exhibited a significant increase in the area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve over the period of 24 hours and relative bioavailability was 1.6-fold. Furthermore, the antitumor effect of BJO-CN in the orthotopic mouse model of lung cancer was evaluated by recording the median survival time and the weight of lung tissue with tumor, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical technique. Results of anticancer experiments illustrated that, even though the administrated dosage in the BJO-CN group was half of that in the BJO-E group, BJO-CN exhibited similar antitumor effect to BJO-E. Moreover, BJO-CN had good synergistic effect in combination therapy with vinorelbine. These results suggested that cationic nanoemulsions are an effective and promising delivery system to enhance the oral bioavailability and anticancer effect of BJO.

Research of Brucea javanica against cancer

Brucea javanica, a Chinese herbal medicine, combined with conventional anticancer modalities, has been widely used for treatment of various cancers. Based on researches over the last decades, authors briefly summarized its active constituents, molecular mechanisms and clinical application for cancer treatment.

Chemical Constituents and LC-profile of Fresh Formosan Lonicera Japonica Flower Buds

One new secoiridoid glucoside, ethylsecologanin dimethyl acetal (1), along with 15 known compounds, comprising six iridoid glucosides (2–7), six flavonoids (8–13), two sterol glucosides (14 and 15), and chlorogenic acid (16) were isolated from the flower buds of Formosan Lonicera japonica. The structures of these isolates were determined on the basis of mass and spectroscopic analyzes. In addition, the chemical profiles of fresh Formosan honeysuckle buds and the dried Chinese one were compared by HPLC with a PDA detector. The calibration curve of the active component, chlorogenic acid, was also provided. As a result of the constituent similarity, Formosan L. japonica can be an alternative to the Chinese honeysuckles.

Guanidinium rich dendron-appended hydnocarpin exhibits superior anti-neoplastic effects through caspase mediated apoptosis

Medicinal plants have truly demonstrated their potential as a repository of active biomolecules with promising therapeutic potential and represent an important source for the identification of novel drug leads.

Hydnocarpin-Type Flavonolignans: Semisynthesis and Inhibitory Effects on Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation

A new, efficient, and general semisynthesis of hydnocarpin-type flavonolignans was developed and optimized, enabling gram-scale production of hydnocarpin D (2). Moreover, the syntheses of optically pure hydnocarpin isomers [(10R,11R)-hydnocarpin (1a), (10R,11R)-hydnocarpin D (2a), and (10S,11S)-hydnocarpin D (2b)], as well as the synthesis of isohydnocarpin (8), were achieved for the first time utilizing this new method. The synthesis is based on the two-step transformation of the readily available flavonolignans from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), accessible by isolation from the commercial extract silymarin. The first step relies on the regioselective formylation of the C-3 hydroxy group of the dihydroflavonol-type precursor using the Vilsmeier-Haack reagent, followed by formic acid elimination by triethylamine in the second step. The synthesized compounds were effective inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation, with (10S,11S)-hydnocarpin D (2b) being the most potent inhibitor. Furthermore, the effect of glucose on biofilm formation was tested, and glucose decreased the biofilm inhibitory activity of 2b. Moreover, 2b increased the susceptibility of Staph. aureus to enrofloxacin.

Suppression of human hepatocellular cancer cell proliferation by Brucea javanica oil-loaded liposomes via induction of apoptosis

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of malignancy with high incidence and poor prognosis. Brucea javanica is extracted from Simaroubaceae plants. It is found to have low toxicity but high anti-cancer efficiency. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Brucea javanica oil-loaded liposomes (BJOL) on human hepatocellular cancer cell line HepG2. The related molecular mechanisms were determined.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Morphologic changes of HepG2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscope after treatment with BJOL in vitro. Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay after cell treatment with different doses of BJOL. Flow cytometry was performed. Nude mice were divided into 4 groups randomly and treated with different doses of BJOL. The apoptosis hepatocellular carcinoma was detected by TUNEL.

RESULTS

Proliferation of HepG2 was inhibited significantly by BJOL in a dose-dependent manner (2.5 mg/l or 5 mg/l). Compared with the animal models treated with the negative control, the animal models in the BJOL group had higher weight and lower metastasis rates (p < 0.01). The rate of apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue of the BJOL groups was increased when compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Brucea javanica oil-loaded liposomes inhibits proliferation of HepG2. The effect appears to be dose-dependent, possibly by inducing apoptosis of cancer cells.

Investigation of Vietnamese plants for potential anticancer agents

Higher plants continue to afford humankind with many new drugs, for a variety of disease types. In this review, recent phytochemical and biological progress is presented for part of a collaborative multi-institutional project directed towards the discovery of new antitumor agents. The specific focus is on bioactive natural products isolated and characterized structurally from tropical plants collected in Vietnam. The plant collection, identification, and processing steps are described, and the natural products isolated from these species are summarized with their biological activities.

New triterpenoids with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibition from Cedrela odorata

Two new apotirucallane-type triterpenoids, cedrodorols A-B (1 and 2), along with seven known compounds (3-9), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Cedrela odorata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with the IC50 values of 13.09 and 3.93 μg/ml, respectively.

High throughput screening of natural products for anti-mitotic effects in MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells

Some of the most effective anti-mitotic microtubule-binding agents, such as paclitaxel (Taxus brevifolia) were originally discovered through robust National Cancer Institute botanical screenings. In this study, a high-through put microarray format was utilized to screen 897 aqueous extracts of commonly used natural products (0.00015-0.5 mg/mL) relative to paclitaxel for anti-mitotic effects (independent of toxicity) on proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. The data obtained showed that less than 1.34 % of the extracts tested showed inhibitory growth (IG50 ) properties <0.0183 mg/mL. The most potent anti-mitotics (independent of toxicity) were Mandrake root (Podophyllum peltatum), Truja twigs (Thuja occidentalis), Colorado desert mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens), Tou Gu Cao [symbol: see text] Speranskia herb (Speranskia tuberculata), Bentonite clay, Bunge root (Pulsatilla chinensis), Brucea fruit (Brucea javanica), Madder root (Rubia tinctorum), Gallnut of Chinese Sumac (Melaphis chinensis), Elecampane root (Inula Helenium), Yuan Zhi [symbol: see text] root (Polygala tenuifolia), Pagoda Tree fruit (Melia Toosendan), Stone root (Collinsonia Canadensis), and others such as American Witchhazel, Arjun, and Bladderwrack. The strongest tumoricidal herbs identified from amongst the subset evaluated for anti-mitotic properties were wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), beth root (Trillium Pendulum), and alkanet root (Lithospermum canescens). Additional data was obtained on a lesser-recognized herb: (S. tuberculata), which showed growth inhibition on BT-474 (human ductal breast carcinoma) and Ishikawa (human endometrial adenocarcinoma) cells with ability to block replicative DNA synthesis, leading to G2 arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, these findings present relative potency of anti-mitotic natural plants that are effective against human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell division.

Anti-proliferative activity of hydnocarpin, a natural lignan, is associated with the suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in colon cancer cells

Based on the Wnt inhibitors as potential targets in the development of anticancer agents, natural compounds were evaluated for β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activity. A natural lignan hydnocarpin isolated from Lonicera japonica was considered a potential inhibitor for Wnt/β-catenin signalings. The anti-proliferative activity of hydnocarpin was also found to be associated with the suppression of Wnt/β-catenin-mediated signaling pathway in human colon cancer cells. These data suggest that hydnocarpin might be a novel Wnt inhibitor and has a potential of signaling regulator in β-catenin-mediated signaling pathways.

Development and evaluation of self-microemulsifying liquid and granule formulations of Brucea javanica oil

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) of Brucea javanica oil (BJO) and transform the liquid formulation into solid granules. Solubility studies of BJO and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were used to identify the most efficient self-emulsification region. A methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to identify cell apoptosis. Antitumor activity studies were also employed to evaluate the BJO SMEDDS. The optimized BJO SMEDDS in liquid and granule formulations rapidly formed fine oil-in-water microemulsions with particle sizes <50 nm. Additionally, the MTT assay demonstrated that BJO SMEDDS had a significant effect on cancer cells, and antitumor activity studies showed remarkable inhibition of S180 tumors. The BJO SMEDDS, optimized to have good characteristics, was successfully transformed into solid granules by adsorbing onto crospovidone. The studies of the release of the BJO SMEDDS of liquid and granules in vitro suggested that the release of BJO was enhanced by the SMEDDS. These studies revealed that the new self-microemulsifying systems of liquid and granule forms might be promising strategies for the oral delivery of the poorly water-soluble drug BJO.

Three new nor-dammarane triterpenoids from Dysoxylum hainanense with particular cytotoxicity against glioma cell line

Three new nor-dammarane triterpenoids, 12β-O-acetyl-15α-hydoxy-3-oxo-17-en-20,21,22-23,24,25,26,27-octanordammanran (1), 12β,28-O-diacetyl-15α-hydoxy-3-oxo-17-en-20,21,22-23,24,25,26,27-octanordammanran (2), 12β-hydoxy-3,15-dioxo-20,21,22-23,24,25,26,27-octanordammanran (3), together with one known compound, 12β-O-acetyl-15α,28-dihydoxy-3-oxo-17-en-20,21,22-23,24,25,26,27-octanordammanran (4), were isolated from the 95 % EtOH extract of Dysoxylum hainanense. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectral methods. All the triterpenoids were in vitro evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against four tumor cell lines (BGC-823, U251, HepG2 and SGC-7901). All the three nor-dammarane triterpenoids exhibited particular significant cytotoxic activities against glioma cell line.

Chemical constituents from Brucea javanica

Fourteen apotirucallane-type triterpenoids, named brujavanones A-N, were isolated from the twigs of Brucea javanica, along with four known quassinoids and seven known lignans from the seeds of B. javanica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analysis. The structure of a previously reported triterpenoid, bruceajavanin C, was revised as its C-21 epimer. The cytotoxic activities of triterpenoids and quassinoids against two human tumor cell lines, HL-60 and A-549, were evaluated, but all the compounds were inactive (IC₅₀>10 μM).

Potentiating effect of the flavonolignan (-)-hydnocarpin in combination with vincristine in a sensitive and P-gp-expressing acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line

The potentiating action of the flavonolignan, (-)-hydnocarpin, in combination with vincristine was evaluated in the 697 acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line and a P-gp-expressing variant, 697-R. Vincristine at 3 nM caused nearly complete growth inhibition in 697 cells versus a 17% growth inhibition in 697-R cells. When combined with (-)-hydnocarpin at concentrations of 10 and 5 μM, vincristine-mediated growth inhibition in the 697-R cells increased significantly over the sum of the individual agents to 72% (p ≤ 0.0001) and 41% (p = 0.0256), respectively. Vincristine at 1.5 nM (66% growth inhibition) and 0.75 nM (39% growth inhibition) combined with (-)-hydnocarpin at 10 μM (42% growth inhibition) in the 697 cells caused a significant increase in growth inhibition to 83% (p = 0.03) and to 61% (p < 0.0001), respectively, when compared to vincristine treatment as a single agent. To investigate the mechanism for the vincristine re-sensitization caused by (-)-hydnocarpin, the P-gp inhibitory effect of (-)-hydnocarpin was evaluated.

New apotirucallane-type triterpenoids from Chisocheton paniculatus

Two new apotirucallane triterpenoids, namely chisiamols G (1) and H (2), featuring a 21,23-lactone, together with five known triterpenoids, were isolated from the twigs of Chisocheton paniculatus. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods.

Triterpenoids

This review covers the isolation and structure determination of triterpenoids, including squalene derivatives, protostanes, lanostanes, holostanes, cycloartanes, dammaranes, euphanes, tirucallanes, tetranortriterpenoids, quassinoids, lupanes, oleananes, friedelanes, ursanes, hopanes, serratanes and saponins; 278 references are cited.

Two new phenolic glycosides from Inula cappa

Two new phenolic glycosides, syringic acid-4-O-α-L-rhamnoside (1) and (-)-hydnocarpin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (2), were isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Inula cappa. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods such as 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS.

NF-kappaB inhibitors from Brucea javanica exhibiting intracellular effects on reactive oxygen species

AIM

Brucea javanica was studied to identify nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) inhibitors exhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) intracellular amplification.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight compounds were evaluated for selective cytotoxicity using HT-29, HeLa, and HL-60 cells, and in a NF-κB assay. Active compounds were then tested using ROS and mitochondria transmembrane potential (MTP) assays. NF-κB and nuclear factor activated T-cell (NFAT) translocation were also assessed using their respective whole cell assays.

RESULTS

Bruceajavanone B, bruceantin, bruceine A, (-)-hydnocarpin, and chrysoeriol exhibited cytotoxic potential and NF-κB p65 inhibition. Chrysoeriol exhibited selective cytotoxicity against leukemia cells with greater potency and also showed an ability to up-regulate NFAT transcriptional pathways through the amplification of intracellular ROS, in the presence of H2O2, to a greater degree than bruceantin and bruceine.

CONCLUSION

Chrysoeriol selectively kills leukemic cells and potentiates the amplification of ROS levels. Therefore, chrysoeriol could serve as a potential chemotherapeutic modifier for leukemia chemotherapy since leukemia cells have a higher susceptibility to elevated ROS levels.

Brucea javanica oil induces apoptosis in T24 bladder cancer cells via upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-9, and inhibition of NF-kappaB and COX-2 expressions

The potential molecular mechanism of Brucea javanica oil in the induction of apoptosis of T24 bladder cancer cells was investigated in vitro. T24 cells were divided into two groups: one, treated with B. javanica oil and the other, untreated. The cells were maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) and 4 mM glutamine. The morphological characteristics of T24 cells were examined microscopically at the 2nd and 5th day of the culture. The drug toxicity spectrum (IC(50)) was estimated by the MTT assay, and viability of T24 cells was assessed on the basis of the percentage of T24 apoptotic cells, as determined by Annexin/PI staining and flow cytometric analysis. The expression of caspase-3, capase-9, NF-kappaB p65, and COX-2 was analyzed by Western blotting. Morphological characteristics of the cells on the 2nd day showed apoptosis of the treated T24 cells; it was more apparent in the cells on the 5th day. B. javanica oil decreased the cell viability at the testing concentrations spectrum (5-0.156 mg/ml), and this viability was significantly higher as compared to the control group. In this concentration spectrum, B. javanica oil also induced apoptosis of T24 cells, which was analyzed by annexin/PI staining and flow cytometric analysis. These results were also statistically significant as compared to those of the control group. The expressions of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were low in the control T24 cells, while the expressions of NF-kappaB and COX-2 were high in normal T24 cells. Treatment with B. javanica oil significantly induced the expressions of caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins in T24 cells, whereas the expressions of NF-kappaB and COX-2 proteins were inhibited. B. javanica oil significantly reduced the viability of T24 cells and induced T24 cell apoptosis. The molecular mechanism underlying these effects may be the activation of caspase apoptotic pathway by upregulation of the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins and inhibition of the expression of NF-kappaB and COX-2 proteins.

Bruceine a

The title compound, C₂₆H₃₄O₁₁, known as bruceine A, is a natural quassinoid extracted from the dried fruits of Brucea javanica. Its structure consists of five fused rings including an oxygen-containing heterocyclic ring and a lactone ring. Two intra­molecular O—H⋯O links help to establish the mol­ecular conformation. In the crystal, O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect the mol­ecules.