Chemopreventive effect of Ocimum sanctum on DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Inhibitory Potential of the Ocimum sanctum Phytochemicals on Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase, a Well-Known Drug Target for Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: An In Silico Investigation

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable neoplasm of B-lymphocytes, which accounts for about one-third of all leukemias. Ocimum sanctum, an herbaceous perennial, is considered as one of the important sources of drugs for the treatment of various diseases, including cancers and autoimmune diseases. The present study was designed to screen various phytochemicals of O. sanctum for discovering their potential to inhibit Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a well-known drug target of CLL. Various phytochemicals of O. sanctum were screened for their potential to inhibit BTK using several in silico protocols. First, the molecular docking approach was used to calculate the docking scores of the selected phytochemicals. Then, the selected top-ranked phytochemicals were screened for their physicochemical characteristics using ADME analysis. Finally, the stability of the selected compounds in their corresponding docking complexes with BTK was analysed using molecular dynamics simulations. Primarily, our observations revealed that, out of the 46 phytochemicals of O. sanctum, six compounds possessed significantly better docking scores (ranging from -9.2 kcal/mol to -10 kcal/mol). Their docking scores were comparable to those of the control inhibitors, acalabrutinib (-10.3 kcal/mol), and ibrutinib (-11.3 kcal/mol). However, after ADME analysis of these top-ranked six compounds, only three compounds (Molludistin, Rosmarinic acid, and Vitexin) possessed drug likeliness characteristics. During the MD analysis, the three compounds Molludistin, Rosmarinic acid, and Vitexin were found to remain stable in the binding pocket in their corresponding docking complexes with BTK. Therefore, among the 46 phytochemicals of O. sanctum tested in this study, the three compounds, Molludistin, Rosmarinic acid, and Vitexin are the best inhibitors of BTK. However, these findings need to be confirmed by biological experiments in the laboratory.

Long-term exposure to cimetidine induced gonado-toxicity in male rats: Modulating role of Ocimum gratissimum

BACKGROUND

Available evidence suggests that cimetidine is a reproductive toxicant that induces sexual and testicular dysfunction. Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is globally consumed for medicinal and nutritional purposes. To determine the modulating role of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on cimetidine-induced gonado-toxicity, sexually mature male rats were randomized into four groups of six (n=6) rats each. Group A: control given 2ml distilled water. Group B received 500mg/kg body weight (bwt) of OG extract, Group C received 50mg/kg bwt cimetidine, and group D received 50mg/kg bwt of cimetidine+500mg/kg bwt OG extract once daily for 8 weeks via gastric gavage. Parameters tested include sperm parameters, testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin, testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein, cholesterol, glycogen, sexual behavioural parameters, and testicular histology.

RESULTS

There were depletions in the seminiferous epithelium, decreased sperm quality, TT, LH, and FSH, testicular enzymes, protein, cholesterol, glycogen, and sexual behaviour increase in animals treated with cimetidine only compared to control. OG restored and improved sexual behaviour and libido as evident from increased frequencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation, and ejaculatory latency. Mount latencies, intromission, post-ejaculation, and prolactin were significantly decreased. The significantly decreased testicular activities of ALP, ACP, LDH and protein, cholesterol, glycogen concentrations, TT, LH and FSH were increased by OG administration.

CONCLUSION

Ocimum gratissimum attenuated the deleterious effects of cimetidine on the testis, protected the seminiferous epithelium, restored, and boosted sexual competence, and promoted spermatogenesis.

Effect of Ocimum sanctum extract on leukemic cell lines: A preliminary in-vitro study

Background:

Surge of cancer incidence, effects of chemotherapeutic agents and their cost and reduced survival and responsiveness to treatment have led to shift of attention of researchers toward herbal remedies to look for newer dimension in cancer therapy. Ocimum sanctum, Holy Basil or Tulsi, holiest herb well used in the Indian household, has drawn much attention toward its various health benefits, especially anti-cancer property. The present study was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of O. sanctum on leukemic cell lines K562.

Materials and Methods:

Dry and aqueous extracts of two types of Tulsi leaves (Rama Tulsi and Krishna Tulsi) were evaluated for a dose-dependent cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative against K562 cell lines, leukoerythroid progenitor leukemic cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration was evaluated for each of the extracts.

Results:

Both dry and aqueous extracts of both types of Tulsi leaves demonstrated a significant amount of cytotoxicity against the studied cell lines.

Conclusion:

This being preliminary study, we propose the initial finding of cytotoxic abilities of the herb against the leukemic cell lines and recommend a more detailed evaluation of the herb and its components.

A Review of Cytotoxic Plants of the Indian Subcontinent and a Broad-Spectrum Analysis of Their Bioactive Compounds

Cancer or uncontrolled cell proliferation is a major health issue worldwide and is the second leading cause of deaths globally. The high mortality rate and toxicity associated with cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy have encouraged the investigation of complementary and alternative treatment methods, such as plant-based drugs. Moreover, over 60% of the anti-cancer drugs are molecules derived from plants or their synthetic derivatives. Therefore, in the present review, an attempt has been made to summarize the cytotoxic plants available in the Indian subcontinent along with a description of their bio-active components. The review covers 99 plants of 57 families as well as over 110 isolated bioactive cytotoxic compounds, amongst which at least 20 are new compounds. Among the reported phytoconstituents, artemisinin, lupeol, curcumin, and quercetin are under clinical trials, while brazilin, catechin, ursolic acid, β-sitosterol, and myricetin are under pharmacokinetic development. However, for the remaining compounds, there is little or no information available. Therefore, further investigations are warranted on these subcontinent medicinal plants as an important source of novel cytotoxic agents.

Ethanolic extract Ocimum sanctum Linn. induces an apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells

Ocimum sanctum (OS) is tropical herbal plant which is easy to find and widely used as a vegetable food in Indonesia. In last decade, lung adenocarcinoma was in top position as male cancer disease in Indonesia. Recently, emerging data showing the extracts of different species of Ocimum exhibiting the anti-tumor properties. Further studies on lung lewis carcinoma demonstrated pro-apoptosis effects after the treatment with Ocimum extracts. However, the effect of OS of Indonesian origin in human alveolar pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 cells remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate effects of ethanolic extract OS (EEOS) in A549 cell culture systems. Cell adhesion and viability assays revealed that EEOS significantly decreased the attachment into extracellular matrix of A549 cells. Morphological examination AO/EB and DAPI staining indicated that EEOS induced the cells shrinkage, DNA fragmentation and condensation of A549 cells. Further, EEOS treatment induced the apoptosis rate followed by up-regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3 expression and decreased anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. This condition also suppressed the expression of SOD2 as well as the GPx. In conclusion, our findings indicate that EEOS suppressed the viability of A549 cells, which may result from the activation of ROS promoting the apoptosis signaling via mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Taken together, EEOS might be a good therapeutic potential to further understand its properties in the treatment of lung carcinoma.

A Phenotypic Switch of Differentiated Glial Cells to Dedifferentiated Cells Is Regulated by Folate Receptor α

In a previous study, we showed that folate receptor‐α (FRα) translocates to the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor and upregulates Hes1, Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4 genes responsible for pluripotency. Here, we show that acetylation and phosphorylation of FRα favor its nuclear translocation in the presence of folate and can cause a phenotypic switch from differentiated glial cells to dedifferentiated cells. shRNA‐FRα mediated knockdown of FRα was used to confirm the role of FRα in dedifferentiation. Ocimum sanctum hydrophilic fraction‐1 treatment not only blocks the folate mediated dedifferentiation of glial cells but also promotes redifferentiation of dedifferentiated glial cells, possibly by reducing the nuclear translocation of ~38 kDa FRα and subsequent interaction with chromatin assembly factor‐1. stem cells2019;37:1441–1454

Formulation development and evaluation of antimicrobial polyherbal gel

OBJECTIVE

In the recent years, there has been a gradual revival of interest in the use of medicinal plants in developing countries because herbal medicines have been reported safe with minimal adverse side effect especially when compared with synthetic drugs.

METHOD

In the present study we prepared gel formulations (formulations A and B) which comprised of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Ocimum sactum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum nees and Tamarindus indica in a concentration of 0.1 and 0.5%, respectively in a base. The base was prepared by using carbapol 940, propylene glycol-400, ethanol, methyl paraben, propylparaben, EDTA, triethanolamine and required amount of water in a quantity sufficient to prepare 50g. The prepared formulations were screened for their antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion technique against S. aureus, B. subtilis, A. niger and E. coli which are representative types of Gram positive and Gram negative organisms. The formulations were also evaluated for appearance and homogeneity, pH, viscosity and rheological studies, spreadability, drug content uniformity, skin irritation test (Patch test) and washability.

RESULT

The results of the studies revealed that both formulation under study viz A and B showed better zone of inhibition as compared with the base. However, formulation B exhibited maximum activity against the selected strains which may be attributed to its greater amount of herbal extracts as compared to formulation A.

CONCLUSION

Based on our research, it could be concluded that these formulations possess antimicrobial activity and can be used safely on human skin.

Targeting the mercapturic acid pathway and vicenin-2 for prevention of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (CaP) is often androgen-sensitive malignancy and regresses upon inhibition of androgen signaling. However, CaP, nearly always develops androgen resistance and progresses to aggressive and lethal androgen-independent CaP, which lacks satisfactory therapy. For metastatic CaP, patients are often treated with Taxotere (docetaxel), a cytoskeleton-targeted chemotherapy drug, that provides transient palliative benefit but to which patients rapidly develop drug-resistance. Combination chemotherapy may be used instead, but is more toxic and adds little clinically relevant benefit over docetaxel. Therefore, novel strategies to enhance docetaxel efficacy are needed to effectively treat patients with metastatic CaP. The mercapturic acid pathway, which metabolizes genotoxic and pro-apoptotic toxins, is over-expressed in CaP and plays an important role in carcinogenesis, metastasis and therapy-resistance of CaP. Vicenin-2, a flavonoid derived from Tulsi (holy basil) as an active compound, inhibits the growth of CaP and increases the anti-tumor activity of docetaxel in-vitro and in-vivo. Taken together, the combination of vicenin-2 and docetaxel could be highly effective in the treatment of advanced and metastatic CaP due to their multi-targeting anti-tumor potential.

Effect of Ocimum sanctum on Oral Cancer Cell Line: An in vitro Study

BACKGROUND

Cancer till today remains the leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries. Plants have been beacon of therapeutic sources for curing diseases from times immemorial. Hence, the present study aimed at evaluating the antiproliferative activity of extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on oral cancer cell line.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the antiproliferative effect and to analyze dose dependent cytotoxic activity of aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaves on KB mouth cell line. To compare the effectiveness among different variety of O. sanctum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

KB cells (Mouth Epidermal Carcinoma Cells) were used for the present study. Aqueous and dry extract of O. sanctum with both dark (Krishna Tulsi) and light (Rama Tulsi) leaves were prepared in the institution. The antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity on KB cell line was evaluated by MTT assay. Statistical analysis with Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon matched pairs test was carried out.

RESULTS

The aqueous extract of O. sanctum of both the leaves exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against oral cancer cell line.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaves was effective as an antiproliferative agent which caused apoptosis in oral cancer cell line.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Ocimum sanctum herb which is abundantly grown in India can be used for its anticancer properties for treating oral cancer. This will not only be cost-effective but will also have less or no side effects.

Mechanisms of Mycotoxin-induced Dermal Toxicity and Tumorigenesis Through Oxidative Stress-related Pathways

Among the many mycotoxins, T-2 toxin, citrinin (CTN), patulin (PAT), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are known to have the potential to induce dermal toxicity and/or tumorigenesis in rodent models. T-2 toxin, CTN, PAT and OTA induce apoptosis in mouse or rat skin. PAT, AFB1 and OTA have tumor initiating properties, and OTA is also a tumor promoter in mouse skin. This paper reviews the molecular mechanisms of dermal toxicity and tumorigenesis induced in rodent models by these mycotoxins especially from the viewpoint of oxidative stress-mediated pathways.

Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi): an ethnomedicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of cancer

Ocimum sanctum Linn., commonly known as 'Tulsi' or 'Holy Basil', is considered to be the most sacred herb of India. Several anatomical parts of O. sanctum are known to have an impressive number of therapeutic properties and accordingly find use in several traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. Scientific investigations have shown that O. sanctum has a plethora of biological and pharmacological activities. The presence of an impressive number of phytoconstituents in O. sanctum could explain its exceptional beneficial effects. Although several recent articles provide an overview of the various pharmacological properties of O. sanctum, the use of this herb for either prevention or therapy of oncologic diseases has not been exclusively and critically discussed in the literature. The present review critically and comprehensively examines the current knowledge on the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of O. sanctum. The review also examines, in detail, the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the antineoplastic effects of O. sanctum. Finally, we discuss the role of synergy, current limitations, and future directions of research toward the effective use of this ethnomedicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of human cancer.

Ocimum sanctum L (Holy Basil or Tulsi) and its phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer

Ocimum sanctum L. or Ocimum tenuiflorum L, commonly known as the Holy Basil in English or Tulsi in the various Indian languages, is a important medicinal plant in the various traditional and folk systems of medicine in Southeast Asia. Scientific studies have shown it to possess antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antistress, and immunomodulatory activities. Preclinical studies have also shown that Tulsi and some of its phytochemicals eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, myretenal, luteolin, β-sitosterol, and carnosic acid prevented chemical-induced skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers and to mediate these effects by increasing the antioxidant activity, altering the gene expressions, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. The aqueous extract of Tulsi and its flavanoids, orintin, and vicenin are shown to protect mice against γ-radiation-induced sickness and mortality and to selectively protect the normal tissues against the tumoricidal effects of radiation. The other important phytochemicals like eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and carnosic acid are also shown to prevent radiation-induced DNA damage. This review summarizes the results related to the chemopreventive and radioprotective properties of Tulsi and also emphasizes aspects that warrant future research to establish its activity and utility in cancer prevention and treatment.

Beneficial Effects of Ocimum gratissimum Aqueous Extract on Rats with CCl(4)-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is known as a food spice and traditional herb, which has been recommended for the treatment of various diseases. To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of OG aqueous extract (OGAE), male Wistar rats challenged by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) were used as the animal model of chronic hepatic injury. Significantly increased serum catalase and DPPH levels were detected in CCl(4)-administrated rats that were treated with OGAE or silymarin as compared to those rats that were treated with saline or CCl(4). In contrast, significantly decreased stress proteins including HSP70 and iNOS were observed in livers of CCl(4)-administrated rats that were treated with OGAE or sylimarin as compared to those rats that were treated with saline or CCl(4). Moreover, significant decreases of MMP-9/MMP-2 ratio, uPA, phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) and NF-κB (p-P65) were detected in livers of CCl(4)-administrated rats that were treated with OGAE or sylimarin as compared to those rats that were treated with saline or CCl(4). These findings imply that OGAE can efficiently inhibit CCl(4)-induced liver injuries in rats and may therefore be a potential food or herb for preventing liver injuries.

Anti-cancer effects of novel flavonoid vicenin-2 as a single agent and in synergistic combination with docetaxel in prostate cancer

The present study was conducted to determine the efficacy of novel flavonoid vicenin-2 (VCN-2), an active constituent of the medicinal herb Ocimum Sanctum Linn or Tulsi, as a single agent and in combination with docetaxel (DTL) in carcinoma of prostate (CaP). VCN-2 effectively induced anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic effect in CaP cells (PC-3, DU-145 and LNCaP) irrespective of their androgen responsiveness or p53 status. VCN-2 inhibited EGFR/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway along with decreasing c-Myc, cyclin D1, cyclin B1, CDK4, PCNA and hTERT in vitro. VCN-2 reached a level of 2.6±0.3μmol/l in serum after oral administration in mice which reflected that VCN-2 is orally absorbed. The i.v. administration of docetaxel (DTL), current drug of choice in androgen-independent CaP, is associated with dose-limiting toxicities like febrile neutropenia which has lead to characterization of alternate routes of administration and potential combinatorial regimens. In this regard, VCN-2 in combination with DTL synergistically inhibited the growth of prostate tumors in vivo with a greater decrease in the levels of AR, pIGF1R, pAkt, PCNA, cyclin D1, Ki67, CD31, and increase in E-cadherin. VCN-2 has been investigated for radioprotection and anti-inflammatory properties. This is the first study on the anti-cancer effects of VCN-2. In conclusion, our investigations collectively provide strong evidence that VCN-2 is effective against CaP progression along with indicating that VCN-2 and DTL co-administration is more effective than either of the single agents in androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Chemopreventive herbal anti-oxidants: current status and future perspectives

Cancer chemoprevention is fast becoming a lucrative approach for controlling cancer. Carcinogenesis being a complex multi-step, multi-factorial process, a number of chemopreventive interventions can be employed. These strategies are generally directed against two broad events of carcinogenesis viz., initiation and promotion/progression. Anti-initiation interventions principally involve inhibition of carcinogen activation, scavenging of free radicals and reactive carcinogen metabolites along with enhanced detoxification of carcinogens by modulating cellular metabolism. Anti-promotion strategies involve attenuation of enhanced cellular proliferation along with induction of cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Dietary agents or herbal anti-oxidants due to low toxicity and relative safety are promising chemopreventive agents. These agents after emerging successful through a series of in vitro and in vivo assays enter clinical trials. Many dietary compounds have emerged as promising chemopreventive agents in empirical experiments. However, in clinical trials these compounds have met with limited success. This emphasizes the need for further detailed research on the mechanisms of observed chemoprevention and choice, dose, duration and bioavailability of chemopreventive agent used. Complex issues such as choice and nutritional status of target population, genetic variation, gene-environment interactions and relevance of biomarkers analyzed also warrant further research and analyses.

Ocimum gratissimum Aqueous Extract Induces Apoptotic Signalling in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell A549

Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is widely used as a traditional herb for its antibacterial activity in Taiwan. Recently, antitumor effect of OG on breast cancer cell is also reported; however, the effects of OG on human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell A549 remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether aqueous OG extract (OGE) affects viability of A549 cells and the signals induced by OGE in A549 cells. Cell viability assays revealed that OGE significantly and dose-dependently decreased the viability of A549 cell but not that of BEAS-2B cell. Morphological examination and DAPI staining indicated that OGE induced cell shrinkage and DNA condensation for A549 cells. Further investigation showed that OGE enhanced activation of caspase-3, caspase-9 and caspase-8 and increased protein level of Apaf-1 and Bak, but diminished the level of Bcl-2. Additionally, OGE inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) yet enhanced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinase (p38). In conclusion, our findings indicate that OGE suppressed the cell viability of A549 cells, which may result from the activation of apoptotic signaling and the inhibition of anti-apoptotic signaling, suggesting that OGE might be beneficial to lung carcinoma treatment.

Cancer detection by native fluorescence of urine

Because cancer is a dreaded disease, a number of techniques such as biomarker evaluation, mammograms, colposcopy, and computed tomography scan are currently employed for early diagnosis. Many of these are specific to a particular site, invasive, and often expensive. Hence, there is a definite need for a simple, generic, noninvasive protocol for cancer detection, comparable to blood and urine tests for diabetes. Our objective is to show the results of a novel study in the diagnosis of several cancer types from the native or intrinsic fluorescence of urine. We use fluorescence emission spectra (FES) and stokes shift spectra (SSS) to analyze the native fluorescence of the first voided urine samples of healthy controls (N=100) and those of cancer patients (N=50) of different etiology. We show that flavoproteins and porphyrins released into urine can act as generic biomarkers of cancer with a specificity of 92%, a sensitivity of 76%, and an overall accuracy of 86.7%. We employ FES and SSS for rapid and cost-effective quantification of certain intrinsic biomarkers in urine for screening and diagnosis of most common cancer types with an overall accuracy of 86.7%.

Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview

The medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional medicinal practitioners for curing various diseases in their day to day practice. In traditional system of medicine, different parts (leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and even whole plant) of Ocimum sanctum Linn. have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin disease, arthritis, eye diseases, insect bites and so on. The O. sanctum L. has also been suggested to possess anti-fertility, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, analgesic, antispasmodic and adaptogenic actions. Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene), the active constituents present in O. sanctum L. have been found to be largely responsible for the therapeutic potentials. The pharmacological studies reported in the present review confirm the therapeutic value of O. sanctum L. The results of the above studies support the use of this plant for human and animal disease therapy and reinforce the importance of the ethno-botanical approach as a potential source of bioactive substances.

Zyflamend reduces LTB4 formation and prevents oral carcinogenesis in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster cheek pouch model

Aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism, especially altered cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) activities, has been associated with chronic inflammation as well as carcinogenesis in human oral cavity tissues. Here, we examined the effect of Zyflamend, a product containing 10 concentrated herbal extracts, on development of 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA)-induced inflammation and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A hamster cheek pouch model was used in which 0.5% DMBA was applied topically onto the left cheek pouch of male Syrian golden hamsters either three times per week for 3 weeks (short term) or 6 weeks (long term). Zyflamend was then applied topically at one of three different doses (25, 50 and 100 microl) onto the left cheek pouch three times for 1 week (short-term study) or chronically for 18 weeks. Zyflamend significantly reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, incidence of hyperplasia and dysplastic lesions, bromodeoxyuridine-labeling index as well as number of SCC in a concentration-dependent manner. Application of Zyflamend (100 microl) reduced formation of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) by 50% compared with DMBA-treated tissues. The reduction of LTB(4) was concentration dependent. The effect of Zyflamend on inhibition of LTB(4) formation was further confirmed with in vitro cell-based assay. Adding LTB(4) to RBL-1 cells, a rat leukemia cell line expressing high levels of 5-LOX and LTA(4) hydrolase, partially blocked antiproliferative effect of Zyflamend. This study demonstrates that Zyflamend inhibited LTB(4) formation and modulated adverse histopathological changes in the DMBA-induced hamster cheek pouch model. The study suggests that Zyflamend might prevent oral carcinogenesis at the post-initiation stage.

Inhibition of breast tumor growth and angiogenesis by a medicinal herb: Ocimum gratissimum

Ocimum sp. is a traditionally used medicinal herb, which shows anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, radio-protective and free radical scavenging properties. So far no detailed studies have been reported on its effects on human cancers. Thus, we analyzed its effects on human breast cancer utilizing in vitro and in vivo methodologies. Aqueous extracts were prepared from the mature leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) cultivated devoid of pesticides. Tumor progression and angiogenesis related processes like chemotaxis, proliferation, apoptosis, 3D growth and morphogenesis, angiogenesis and tumor growth were studied in the presence or absence of the extract, and in some experiments a comparison was made with purified commercially available eugenol, apigenin and ursolic acid. Aqueous OG leaf extract inhibits proliferation, migration, anchorage independent growth, 3D growth and morphogenesis and induction of COX-2 protein in breast cancer cells. A comparative analysis with eugenol, apigenin and ursolic acid showed that the inhibitory effects on chemotaxis and 3D morphogenesis of breast cancer cells were specific to OG extract. In addition, OG extracts reduced tumor size and neoangiogenesis in a MCF10 DCIS.com xenograft model of human DCIS. This is the first detailed report showing that OG leaf extract may be of value as a breast cancer preventive and therapeutic agent and might be considered as additional additive in the arsenal of components aimed at combating breast cancer progression and metastasis.

Ocimum sanctumLinn. (Holy Basil) Ethanolic Leaf Extract Protects Against 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene-Induced Genotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, and Imbalance in Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of ethanolic Ocimum sanctum leaf extract against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and imbalance in xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Four different concentrations of ethanolic O. sanctum leaf extract (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg of body weight) were administered to Wistar rats by intragastric intubation for five consecutive days followed by intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (35 mg/kg of body weight) 90 minutes after the final dose of the extract. Administration of DMBA increased bone marrow micronuclei, phase I enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonyl formation. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the activities of phase II detoxification enzymes and antioxidants in the liver, erythrocytes, and bone marrow. Pretreatment with ethanolic O. sanctum leaf extract at a concentration of 300 mg/kg of body weight significantly reduced micronuclei formation and phase I enzymes as well as lipid and protein oxidation with enhanced antioxidant and phase II enzyme activities. The results of the present study suggest that ethanolic O. sanctum leaf extract inhibits DMBA-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress by modulating xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, reducing the extent of lipid and protein oxidation and up-regulating antioxidant defenses.

Current status of herbal drugs in India: an overview

Herbal drugs constitute a major share of all the officially recognised systems of health in India viz. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy and Naturopathy, except Allopathy. More than 70% of India's 1.1 billion population still use these non-allopathic systems of medicine. Currently, there is no separate category of herbal drugs or dietary supplements, as per the Indian Drugs Act. However, there is a vast experiential-evidence base for many of the natural drugs. This offers immense opportunities for Observational Therapeutics and Reverse Pharmacology. Evidence-based herbals are widely used in the diverse systems and manufactured, as per the pharmacopoeial guidelines, by a well-organised industry. Significant basic and clinical research has been carried out on the medicinal plants and their formulations, with the state-of-the-art methods in a number of Institutes/Universities. There are some good examples. Indian medicinal plants also provide a rich source for antioxidants that are known to prevent/delay different diseased states. The antioxidant protection is observed at different levels. The medicinal plants also contain other beneficial compounds like ingredients for functional foods. Hence, the global knowledge about Ayurveda and Indian herbals will hopefully be enhanced by information on the evidence-base of these plants. This will yield rich dividends in the coming years.

Animal models for the study of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: a historical perspective with review of their utility and limitations. Part A. Chemically-induced de novo cancer, syngeneic animal models of HNSCC, animal models of transplanted xenogeneic human tumors

Understanding the complex histological, genetic and molecular changes that lead to malignant transformation of squamous epithelia of the head and neck will likely guide the development of methods for improved diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The development and use of animal models that closely mimic the histopathology and molecular pathogenesis of HNSCC in humans would greatly expand the research possibilities and provide a means of testing potential therapeutic agents. However, many available animal models of HNSCC fall short of this objective. In order for investigators to select the appropriate model to answer scientific questions, it is important to understand the benefits and limitations of available animal models for the study of HNSCC. The purpose of this work is to give an overview of the most pertinent animal models of HNSCC, and to discuss future directions of research in this field.

Zyflamend, a unique herbal preparation with nonselective COX inhibitory activity, induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells that lack COX-2 expression

Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have suppressive effects on several types of cancer cells including prostate cancer. In this study, we considered the potential COX-inhibitory activity of a unique anti-inflammatory herbal preparation (Zyflamend; New Chapter, Inc., Brattleboro, VT) and analyzed its effects on the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. COX inhibitory activity of Zyflamend was determined by a spectrophotometric-based assay using purified ovine COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Effects of Zyflamend on LNCaP cell growth and apoptosis in vitro were assessed by cell counting, Western blot detection of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and measurement of caspase-3 activity in treated and control cell extracts. Western blotting techniques were conducted to determine the effects of this herbal preparation on the expression of the cell signaling proteins, p21, androgen receptor (AR), phospho-protein kinase C (pPKC)(alpha/beta), and phospho (p)Stat3. The phospohorylation status of several signal transduction phosphoproteins was profiled using a high-throughput phosphoprotein screening assay in treated cells and compared to controls. Zyflamend dramatically decreased COX-1 and COX-2 enzymatic activity. Elevated p21 expression coincided with attenuated cell growth following treatment of LNCaP cells with Zyflamend. PARP cleavage fragments were evident, and caspase-3 activity was upregulated over the control indicating the ability of Zyflamend to induce apoptosis of these cells. Androgen receptor expression levels declined by 40%, and decreases were observed in the active forms of Stat3 and PKC(alpha/beta) in Zyflamend-treated LNCaP cells. Zyflamend inhibited both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymatic activities, suppressed cell growth, and induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. However, our data suggests that the effects are likely due to COX-independent mechanisms potentially involving enhanced expression of p21 and reduced expression of AR, pStat3, and pPKC(alpha/beta).

Spectrofluorimetric detection of DMBA-induced mouse skin carcinoma

An attempt has been made to evaluate the normal and cancer blood samples of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mouse skin carcinoma by spectrofluorimetric method. Analysis of acetone extracts of plasma, erythrocyte and erythrocyte membrane showed an alteration around 630 nm when excited at 400 nm by cancer samples, compared to normal samples. The ratio of fluorescent intensity at 530 nm/630 nm was found to be decreased in erythrocyte and plasma and increased in erythrocyte membrane. These changes are not detectable in both hemolysates. It has been suggested that erythrocytes may be the carriers of fluorophors that accumulate in cancer tissue and may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies.