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Liu Q, Yang C, Qi J, Shen Q, Ye M, Li H, Zhang L. Bioactivities and Structure-Activity Relationships of Harmine and Its Derivatives: A Review. Chem Biodivers 2025:e202402953. [PMID: 40024888 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202402953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2025] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 03/04/2025]
Abstract
Natural products and their derivatives play a crucial role in treating various diseases. Harmine, a tricyclic β-carboline alkaloid isolated from the seeds of Peganum harmala L., has emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate owing to its multifaceted biological activities. Recent studies have further highlighted the enhanced therapeutic potential of harmine derivatives. To assess the current research landscape on harmine and its derivatives, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of studies published between 2019 and 2024 in scientific databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. In this review, the possible applications of harmine and its derivatives were systematically illustrated, including biological activities, structure-activity relationships, and nanotechnology applications. Notably, the biological activities of harmine and its derivatives mainly contained antitumor, neuroprotective, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. In addition, structural modifications and the application of nanocarriers make harmine and its derivatives more druggable. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent advancements in harmine and its derivatives research, analyze emerging trends, and explore their clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jiamin Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qiying Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Mingxing Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hangying Li
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China
- Ningxia Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Ningxia Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China
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Joshi H, Bhushan S, Dimri T, Sharma D, Sak K, Chauhan A, Chauhan R, Haque S, Ahmad F, Kumar M, Tuli HS, Kaur D. Anti-tumor potential of Harmine and its derivatives: recent trends and advancements. Discov Oncol 2025; 16:189. [PMID: 39954215 PMCID: PMC11829886 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-025-01893-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025] Open
Abstract
Harmine is a β-carboline alkaloid derived from Peganum harmala, showing a solid antitumor potential in different types of human cancer cells. Unfortunately, the clinical application of this natural alkaloid has been impeded till now by severe toxic side effects, especially neurotoxicity, besides its poor water solubility. Therefore, over the recent years, several semisynthetic derivatives of harmine have been prepared and studied concerning their abilities to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion in diverse preclinical models. This review article summarizes the anticancer effects of harmine and its synthetic derivatives, demonstrating their high potential to be developed as novel anticancer drugs to supplement our current therapeutic arsenal in the fight against the globally increasing rate of malignant disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Joshi
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Sakshi Bhushan
- Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Tanisha Dimri
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Deepak Sharma
- Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | | | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Ritu Chauhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to Be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248002, India
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- School of Medicine, Universidad Espiritu Santo, Samborondon, Ecuador
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India.
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar University Sadopur, Ambala, 134007, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Ambala, Mullana, 133207, India
| | - Damandeep Kaur
- University Center for Research and Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
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Tang Y, Li Q, Zhou Z, Bai H, Xiao N, Xie J, Li C. Nitric oxide-based multi-synergistic nanomedicine: an emerging therapeutic for anticancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:674. [PMID: 39497134 PMCID: PMC11536969 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/11/2024] [Indexed: 11/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Gas therapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating cancer, with gases like NO, H2S, and CO showing positive effects. Among these, NO is considered a key gas molecule with significant potential in stopping cancer progression. However, due to its high reactivity and short half-life, delivering NO directly to tumors is crucial for enhancing cancer treatment. NO-driven nanomedicines (NONs) have been developed to effectively deliver NO donors to tumors, showing great progress in recent years. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in NO-based cancer nanotherapeutics. It discusses the types of NO donors used in current research, the mechanisms of action behind NO therapy for cancer, and the different delivery systems for NO donors in nanotherapeutics. It also explores the potential of combining NO donors with other treatments for enhanced cancer therapy. Finally, it examines the future prospects and challenges of using NONs in clinical settings for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qiyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, People's Republic of China
| | - Huayang Bai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, People's Republic of China
| | - Nianting Xiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xie
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chong Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Tecchio KB, Alves FDM, Alves JD, Barbosa CDS, Salgado MAR, Santos VJDSVD, Varotti FDP, Campos-Junior PHDA, Viana GHR, Santos FVD. Evaluation of the in vivo acute toxicity and in vitro genotoxicity and mutagenicity of synthetic β-carboline alkaloids with selective cytotoxic activity against ovarian and breast cancer cell lines. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 899:503808. [PMID: 39326936 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic potential and to determine the in silico ADME parameters of two synthetic β-carboline alkaloids developed as prototypes of antitumor agents (NQBio-06 and NQBio-21). Additionally, acute toxicity of the compounds was evaluated in mice. The results from the MTT assay showed that NQBio-06 presented higher cytotoxicity in the ovarian cancer cell line TOV-21 G (IC50 = 2.5 µM, selectivity index = 23.7). NQBio-21 presented an IC50 of 6.9 µM and a selectivity index of 14.5 against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Comet assay results showed that NQBio-06 did not induce chromosomal breaks in vitro, but NQBio-21 was genotoxic with and without metabolic activation (S9 fraction). Micronucleus assay showed that both compounds were mutagenic. In addition, metabolic activation enhanced this effect in vitro. The in silico predictions showed that the compounds met the criteria set by Lipinski's rules, had strong prediction for intestinal absorption, and were possible substrates for P-glycoprotein. The in vivo results demonstrated that both the compounds exhibited low acute toxicity. These results suggest that the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of NQBio-06 and NQBio-21 are related to DNA damage induction and that the use of S9 enhanced these effects. In vivo analysis showed signs of toxicity after a single administration of the compounds in mice. These findings highlight the potential of β-carboline compounds as sources for the development of new anticancer chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Brito Tecchio
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Mutagênese (LaBCeM), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil; Núcleo de Pesquisa em Química Biológica (NQBio), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Fernanda de Moura Alves
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Química Biológica (NQBio), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Janaina Domingas Alves
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Reprodução, Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Dom Bosco, São João del-Rei, MG 36301-160, Brazil
| | - Camila de Souza Barbosa
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Química Biológica (NQBio), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Mariana Alves Rezende Salgado
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Mutagênese (LaBCeM), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Jaqueline da Silva Vieira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Mutagênese (LaBCeM), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil; Núcleo de Pesquisa em Química Biológica (NQBio), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Fernando de Pilla Varotti
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Química Biológica (NQBio), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Paulo Henrique de Almeida Campos-Junior
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Reprodução, Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Dom Bosco, São João del-Rei, MG 36301-160, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Henrique Ribeiro Viana
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Química Biológica (NQBio), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Fabio Vieira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Mutagênese (LaBCeM), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil; Núcleo de Pesquisa em Química Biológica (NQBio), Universidade Federal de São João del Rei (UFSJ), Campus Centro Oeste, Divinópolis, MG 35501-296, Brazil.
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Hu Y, Yu X, Yang L, Xue G, Wei Q, Han Z, Chen H. Research progress on the antitumor effects of harmine. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1382142. [PMID: 38590646 PMCID: PMC10999596 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1382142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Harmine is a naturally occurring β-carboline alkaloid originally isolated from Peganum harmala. As a major active component, harmine exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, particularly remarkable antitumor effects. Recent mechanistic studies have shown that harmine can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, harmine reduces drug resistance when used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. Despite its remarkable antitumor activity, the application of harmine is limited by its poor solubility and toxic side effects, particularly neurotoxicity. Novel harmine derivatives have demonstrated strong clinical application prospects, but further validation based on drug activity, acute toxicity, and other aspects is necessary. Here, we present a review of recent research on the action mechanism of harmine in cancer treatment and the development of its derivatives, providing new insights into its potential clinical applications and strategies for mitigating its toxicity while enhancing its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Hu
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Department of Tumor Center, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Yu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lei Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gaimei Xue
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qinglin Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Han
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Department of Tumor Center, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Department of Tumor Center, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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