Phytochemical constituents and anticancer activities of Tarchonanthus camphoratus essential oils grown in Saudi Arabia

Safety profile of sikamat virus and its oncolytic potential in leukemic cells and cancer stem cells

Leukaemia remains a global health concern. The oncotherapy resistance of leukaemia might be due to the existence of cancer stem cell populations. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Sikamat virus (PRV7S), a Pteropine orthoreovirus, as an oncolytic virus against acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Using AML and CML cell lines (THP-1 and K562), as well as an AML-M5-derived cancer stem cell (CSC) model, PRV7S was shown to infect these leukaemic cells, replicate within them, and reduce their viability. PRV7S-induced cell death was associated with caspase-mediated apoptosis without significant cell cycle arrest. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that PRV7S infection altered several cell death pathways, including apoptosis and necroptosis, highlighting its complex cell death mechanisms. PRV7S replicated efficiently in infected cells, though it did not cause persistent infection. An in vivo safety evaluation in immunocompetent mice demonstrated that PRV7S was well-tolerated, showing no adverse effects on survival, body weight, or histopathology, and no evidence of viral persistence. These findings suggest PRV7S as a promising oncolytic candidate for myeloid leukaemia, with potential efficacy against CSCs and a favourable safety profile. In conclusion, the study provides new insights into the cellular pathways involved in PRV7S-mediated oncolysis and supports further exploration of PRV7S's potential against resistant leukaemic and solid tumours.

Natural anticancer agents: prospection of medicinal and aromatic plants in modern chemoprevention and chemotherapy

Natural products obtained from medicinal and aromatic plants are increasingly recognized as promising anticancer agents due to their structural richness, including terpene and flavonoid molecules, which induce apoptosis and modulate gene expression. These compounds offer an alternative to conventional treatments, often costly, which face challenges such as multidrug resistance. This review aims to provide a promising alternative approach to effectively control cancer by consolidating significant findings in identifying natural products and anticancer agent development from medicinal and aromatic plants. It synthesizes the findings of a comprehensive search of academic databases, such as PubMed and Springer, prioritizing articles published in recognized peer-reviewed journals that address the bioprospecting of medicinal and aromatic plants as anticancer agents. The review addresses the anticancer activities of plant extracts and essential oils, which were selected for their relevance to chemoprevention and chemotherapy. Compounds successfully used in cancer therapy include Docetaxel (an antimitotic agent), Etoposide VP-16 (an antimitotic agent and topoisomerase II inhibitor), Topotecan (a topoisomerase I inhibitor), Thymoquinone (a Reactive Oxygen Species-ROS inducer), and Phenethyl isothiocyanate (with multiple mechanisms). The review highlights natural products such as Hinokitiol, Mahanine, Hesperetin, Borneol, Carvacrol, Eugenol, Epigallocatechin gallate, and Capsaicin for their demonstrated efficacy against multiple cancer types, including breast, cervical, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, lung, prostate, and skin cancer. Finally, it highlights the need for continued bioprospecting studies to identify novel natural products that can be successfully used in modern chemoprevention and chemotherapy.

An Examination of the Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, and Biological Properties of Zygophyllum coccineum, Emphasizing Its Potential as a Valuable Forage Shrub

The growing issue of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge for microbiological research, driving the need for alternative antibiotics with minimal side effects. Zygophyllum coccineum, commonly referred to as "Tebtab" in Arabic and "Red Spinepod" in English, has traditionally been utilized as forage for camels and ruminants. While its antimicrobial activity against human pathogens has been documented, its efficacy against animal pathogens remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and antimicrobial potential of water and organic-solvent extracts of Zygophyllum coccineum against a range of reference microbial strains and animal pathogens. The findings revealed that all extracts exhibited notable antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities attributed to their bioactive constituents. Among them, the ethyl acetate extract displayed the strongest antimicrobial effects against bacterial and fungal strains. Additionally, this extract demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity and showed promising cytotoxic activity against lung (A549) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. These results underscore the potential of Zygophyllum coccineum as a valuable natural resource for developing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic therapies for applications in both human and veterinary medicine.

Chemical profile, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of essential oils of Pulicaria arabica against A549 lung cancer cell line

Pulicaria arabica has been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for various purposes such as ulcer treatments as well as antidiarrheal agent. Herein, the chemical profiles of Pulicaria arabica essential oils (PAEOs) and the in vitro antiproliferative effect of PAEOs were investigated. Hydrodistillation was employed to prepare PAEOs which were then characterized by GC/MS, while the antiproliferative effects were investigated by MTT assay as well as flow cytometric and RT-PCR analysis. Sixty-four (99.99 %) constituents were recognized from PAEOs. Carvotanacetone (36.97 %), (-)-carvomenthone (27.20 %) and benzene, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,4-dimethoxy- (6.92 %) were the main components. PAEOs displayed IC50 values ranging from 30 to 50 μg/mL. DNA content analysis revealed that A549 cells exposed to PAEOs exhibited an increase in G1 cells population. The flow cytometry analysis results also showed that the PAEOs antiproliferative effect was mediated via apoptosis induction. Furthermore, a modulation in the pro-apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) was also observed. In conclusion, PAEOs exhibited a moderate anti-proliferative effect on A549 cells through modulating the cell cycle progression and apoptosis initiation. These findings could offer a potential therapeutic use of PAEOs in lung cancer treatment.

An Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Biological Studies of Pulicaria crispa as a Graze Promising Shrub

Due to the global issue of antimicrobial resistance, one of the most significant challenges in microbiological research is to develop a replacement antibiotic with minimal adverse effects. The wild shrub Pulicaria crispa (gethgath) has been traditionally used for camel and ruminant grazing. While prior research has demonstrated its antimicrobial properties against human diseases, no investigations have been conducted on its efficacy against animal pathogens. The objective of this study is to explore the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activity of Pulicaria crispa aqueous and solvent extracts against a range of standard and animal pathogens. All of the extracts demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, containing bioactive compounds. Notably, the ethyl acetate extract of P. crispa exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The chloroform fraction displayed the highest antioxidant activity. Additionally, the ethyl acetate fraction showed promising anticancer activity against breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cells. These findings confirm that Pulicaria crispa is a valuable shrub with potential applications as a natural alternative for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer treatments in both human and veterinary medicine.

Decoding the Multifaceted Potential of Artemisia monosperma: Comprehensive Insights into Allelopathy, Antimicrobial Activity, and Phytochemical Profile for Sustainable Agriculture

Weeds present a significant hazard to crop production, necessitating the development of effective and sustainable strategies for weed management. Although synthetic herbicides are effective, concerns about their environmental and health impact have been raised. This study investigates the allelopathic potential, antimicrobial activity, and phytochemical profile of Artemisia monosperma. Extracts from A. monosperma proficiently impede the growth of Chenopodium murale and Amaranthus viridis, while exhibiting varying effects on crops Solanum lycopersicum and Cucumis sativus. Leaf and seed extracts demonstrate the most significant inhibition of weed growth. Interestingly, the leaf extract at a concentration of 50% inhibited weed growth in pot experiments without affecting crop growth. Moreover, extracts from A. monosperma exhibit noteworthy antifungal and antibacterial activity, with the root extract demonstrating the strongest inhibition. The root extract inhibited the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum musae by 63% as compared to control. The leaf extract exhibited the highest levels of phenolic acids, in particular gallic acid, amounting to 116.30 ppm. This study emphasizes the multifaceted potential of A. monosperma as a sustainable solution for weed management and proposes its use in crop protection. Further investigation of its practical applications and optimization of extraction methods can aid in its integration into contemporary agricultural systems, promoting both crop yield and environmental sustainability.

Effects of Catha edulis (Khat) on the Pharmacokinetics of Metformin in Diabetic Rats Using UPLC/MS/MS Analysis and Its Impact on Hepatic CYP450 Enzymes

Catha edulis Forsk., commonly known as Khat, is a stimulant plant that is chewed in the Horn of Africa and the southern regions of the Arabian Peninsula. It is often used alongside conventional drugs, but there is a lack of research on its interactions with other drugs. In this study, our aim was to investigate the possibility of an herb–drug interaction between KT extract and metformin (MT) by exploring the effect of KT on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of MT in diabetic Wistar albino rats and monitoring blood glucose levels through time intervals, comparing when MT was given alone and co-administered with KT. Rats were given 500 mg/kg of KT extract and 300 mg/kg of MT daily for 7 days. The pharmacokinetic parameters of MT were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. The quantification was conducted using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive ion mode. The transitions used were (m/z) 130.006→59.939 for MT and 260.125→116.018 for propranolol as an internal standard (IS). An Acquity UPLC BEH HSS T3 C18 column was used with isocratic elution, and the mobile phase was formic acid (0.1%): acetonitrile (70:30 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. In addition, the study delved into the in vitro impact of KT on the CYP3A4 enzyme, seeking to identify any potential disruptions in MT’s metabolism that could alter its pharmacokinetics. The effect of KT extract on CYP3A4 enzyme activity was investigated using fluorescence-based enzyme assays and a CYP3A4 Inhibitor Screening Kit. The results indicated that the combined treatment showed increased systemic exposure to MT, with Cmax and AUC levels increasing by 33.42% and 45.23%, respectively. Additionally, the combination treatment led to significantly lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels compared to the groups treated with MT alone. It was found that at a concentration of 500 µg/mL, the CYP3A4 enzyme activity was maximally suppressed by approximately 57%, while at 250 µg/mL, it was inhibited by almost 50%. In comparison, the standard Ketoconazole only inhibited CYP3A4 activity by approximately 58%. Therefore, the in vitro results suggest that KT extract has the potential to affect CYP3A4 activity at high doses. In conclusion, the combination treatment resulted in a significant increase in MT’s blood sugar-lowering effects. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this potential interaction and to monitor blood sugar levels closely when using KT alongside MT.

Investigation of Potential In Vitro Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile Fruit Extract and Its Phytochemical Components

The therapeutic importance of Balanites aegyptiaca in folk medicine for the treatment of several common human diseases has led researchers to conduct phytochemical and pharmacological studies on extracts from various parts of the plant. In the current study, the phytochemical composition of the B. aegyptiaca methanolic fruit extract was characterized, and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated together with the cytotoxic activity against MCF-7, PC-3, and Caco-2, compared with normal Vero cells. Further, its effects on cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and expression of apoptosis-related genes were assessed. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of fatty acids and their esters in addition to phytosterols, steroid derivatives, and bioflavonoid glycosides with oleic and palmitic acids being the prevalent components (24.12 and 21.56%, respectively). The results showed considerable cytotoxic activity of the extract against the three cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC-3, and Caco-2) with a selectivity index ranging from 5.07 to 6.52. This effect was further confirmed with the accompanied increased total apoptosis of treated PC-3 cells (19.22% of the total number of cells) compared to the control cells (0.64% of the total number of cells) with cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and the increased transcription of pro-apoptotic genes including P53 (3.69) and BAX (3.33) expressed as fold change (2^ ΔΔCT). The calculated minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was similar (62.5 µg/mL) against the three tested bacterial strains (Acinetobacter johnsonii, Serratia marcescens and Agrobacterium tumefaciens), while it was higher than 1000 µg/mL for the fungal species (Rhizoctonia solani, Penicillium italicum, and Fusarium oxysporium). Our findings suggest a promising anticancer activity for B. aegyptiaca, which paves the way for more detailed future studies.

Phytochemical Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity and In Vitro Antiproliferative Potential of Alchemilla vulgaris Auct Root Extract against Prostate (PC-3), Breast (MCF-7) and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) Cancer Cell Lines

Despite the proven biological activity of the aerial part extract of Alchemilla vulgaris, scarce information is available about the activity of the root extract. This encouraged us to initiate the current investigation to study the cytotoxic activity of A. vulgaris methanolic root extract against various cancer cell lines in vitro, along with its antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening. MTT assay was applied to test the cytotoxic effect against the prostate (PC-3), breast (MCF-7) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), together with normal Vero cells. Flow cytometry was employed to assess cell cycle arrest and apoptosis vs. necrosis in PC-3 cells. The expression of apoptosis-related genes (BAX, BCL2 and P53) was quantified by qRT-PCR analysis. The obtained results showed strong antiproliferative activity on the three cancer cell lines and the normal Vero cells in a dose-dependent manner. A high selectivity index (SI) was recorded against the three cell lines with PC-3 cells showing the highest SI and the lowest IC50. This effect was associated with cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and induction of total apoptosis at 27.18% being mainly early apoptosis. Apoptosis induction was related to the upregulation of the proapoptotic genes P53 and BAX and the downregulation of the antiapoptotic gene BCL2. Additionally, the extract demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Serratia marcescens and Acinetobacter johnsoni. Additionally, it showed antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani, Penicillium italicum and Fusarium oxysporium. Seven phenolic acids and seven flavonoids were detected. The predominant phenolic acids were cinnamic and caffeic acids, while hisperdin and querestin were the principal flavonoids. These findings provide clear evidence about the promising proapoptotic effect of A. vulgaris root extract, which contributes to laying the basis for broader and in-depth future investigations.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss Fruit Mesocarp and Epicarp Extracts Induce Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Effects against Prostate (PC-3), Breast (MCF-7), and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) Cancer Cell Lines through Upregulation of Proapoptotic Genes

Effective alternative strategies and methodological approaches are critically necessary for cancer prevention and therapy. In this study, we investigated the antitumor potential of neem fruit mesocarp and epicarp extracts. The chemical composition of the derived extracts was characterized using GC–MS. Data were collected on the antimicrobial activity of the extracts in addition to the cytotoxicity effect evaluated against PC-3, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cancer cell lines, compared with the normal Vero cells. Cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, and expression of apoptosis-related genes were assessed on PC-3 cells. Both extracts had significant antiproliferative effects on all tested cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with the mesocarp extract being more potent. Both extracts also showed high antibacterial and antifungal activities. These results were related to the chemical constituents of the extracts identified by the GC–MS analysis. The extract of neem fruit mesocarp caused cell-cycle arrest at G2/M phase of PC-3 cells. The cytotoxicity of neem mesocarp extract is strongly correlated with the induction of apoptosis, where it caused downregulation of the antiapoptotic BCL2 gene but upregulation of the proapoptotic P53 and BAX genes. This study showed that neem fruit extract is potential anticancer material in the future.

Engineered Nanoscale Lipid-Based Formulation as Potential Enhancer of Gefitinib Lymphatic Delivery: Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Studies Against the A549 Cell Line

The present study aimed to engineer a nanoscale lipid-based lymphatic drug delivery system with D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate to combat the lymphatic metastasis of lung cancer. The nanoscale lipid-based systems including GEF-SLN, GEF-NLC, and GEF-LE were prepared and pharmaceutically characterized. In addition, the most stable formulation (GEF-NLC) was subjected to an in vitro release study. Afterward, the optimized GEF-NLC was engineered with TPGS (GEF-TPGS-NLC) and subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity, and apoptotic studies using the A549 cells line as a surrogate model for lung cancer. The present results revealed that particle size and polydispersity index of freshly prepared formulations were ranging from 198 to 280 nm and 0.106 to 0.240, respectively, with negative zeta potential ranging from − 14 to − 27.6.mV. An in vitro release study showed that sustained drug release was attained from GEF-NLC containing a high concentration of lipid. In addition, GEF-NLC and GEF-TPGS-NLC showed remarkable entrapment efficiency above 89% and exhibited sustained release profiles. Cytotoxicity showed that IC₅₀ of pure GEF was 11.15 μg/ml which decreased to 7.05 μg/ml for GEF-TPGS-NLC. The apoptotic study revealed that GEF-TPGS-NLC significantly decreased the number of living cells from 67 to 58% when compared with pure GEF. The present results revealed that the nanoscale and lipid composition of the fabricated SLN, NLC, and LE could mediate the lymphatic uptake of GEF to combat the lymphatic tumor metastasis. Particularly, GEF-TPGS-NLC is a promising LDDS to increase the therapeutic outcomes of GEF during the treatment of metastatic lung cancer.

PEGylated SLN as a Promising Approach for Lymphatic Delivery of Gefitinib to Lung Cancer

Purpose

The present study aimed to develop gefitinib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (GEF-SLN), and GEF-loaded PEGylated SLN (GEF-P-SLN) for targeting metastatic lung cancer through the lymphatic system.

Methods

The prepared SLNs were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro release. Furthermore, ex-vivo permeability was investigated using the rabbit intestine. Cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects were studied against A549 cell lines as a model for lung cancer.

Results

The present results revealed that the particle size and polydispersity index of the prepared formulations range from 114 to 310 nm and 0.066 to 0.350, respectively, with negative zeta-potential (−14 to −27.6). Additionally, SLN and P-SLN showed remarkable entrapment efficiency above 89% and exhibited sustained-release profiles. The permeability study showed that GEF-SLN and GEF-P-SLN enhanced the permeability of GEF by 1.71 and 2.64-fold, respectively, compared with GEF suspension. Cytotoxicity showed that IC₅₀ of pure GEF was 3.5 μg/mL, which decreased to 1.95 and 1.8 μg/mL for GEF-SLN and GEF-P-SLN, respectively. Finally, the apoptotic study revealed that GEF-P-SLN decreased the number of living cells from 49.47 to 3.43 when compared with pure GEF.

Conclusion

These results concluded that GEF-P-SLN is a promising approach to improving the therapeutic outcomes of GEF in the treatment of metastatic lung cancer.

Janerin Induces Cell Cycle Arrest at the G2/M Phase and Promotes Apoptosis Involving the MAPK Pathway in THP-1, Leukemic Cell Line

Janerin is a cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactone that has been isolated and characterized from different species of the Centaurea genus. In this study, janerin was isolated form Centaurothamnus maximus, and its cytotoxic molecular mechanism was studied in THP-1 human leukemic cells. Janerin inhibited the proliferation of THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Janerin caused the cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase by decreasing the CDK1/Cyclin-B complex. Subsequently, we found that janerin promoted THP-1 cell death through apoptosis as indicated by flow cytometry. Moreover, apoptosis induction was confirmed by the upregulation of Bax, cleaved PARP-1, and cleaved caspase 3 and the downregulation of an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 biomarker. In addition, immunoblotting indicated a dose dependent upregulation of P38-MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation during janerin treatment. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time that janerin may be capable of inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the MAPK pathway, which would be one of the mechanisms underlying its anticancer activity. As a result, janerin has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for leukemia.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation and Apoptotic Effects of Datura innoxia Grown in Saudi Arabia and Phytochemical Analysis

Datura innoxia is an important species of Solanaceae family with several purposes in folk medicine. This study intends to explore the cytotoxic effect of D. innoxia on various cancer cell proliferation. D. innoxia ethanolic extract’s effect on the progression of the cell cycle and the induction of apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry. Further, real-time PCR was employed to confirm apoptosis initiation. In addition, active phytochemicals of D. innoxia was identified by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The cell viability study revealed that the ethanolic extract of D. innoxia demonstrated potent cytotoxicity, with an IC50 value of 10 μg/mL against LoVo colon cancer cells. Cell cycle staining with propidium iodide revealed that D. innoxia treatment leads to cell accumulation in the sub-G1 phase. Using the Annexin V-FITC/PI assay, the ethanolic extract was found to cause a dose-dependent increase in early and late apoptosis when compared to control cells. Apoptosis as the mode of cell death was also confirmed by the increased expression of p53, bax and caspase-8, -9, and -3 along with downregulation of Bcl-2. GC-MS analysis displayed that 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (16.53%), heneicosyl formate (14.14%), 2,3-dimethyl-3-pentanol (12.89%), 2-hydroxy-4-methyl pentanoic acid (5.19%) were the main phytoconstituents. These findings conclude that D. innoxia causes cell death through apoptosis, suggesting more attention should be paid to further exploration of the active components from D. innoxia responsible for the observed activities.