Bioassay of Eucalyptus extracts for anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (eac) cells in Swiss albino mice

Root Bark Extract of Oroxylum indicum Vent. Inhibits Solid and Ascites Tumors and Prevents the Development of DMBA-Induced Skin Papilloma Formation

Oroxylum indicum is a traditionally used plant in Ayurvedic and folk medicines. The plant is useful for the management of gastrointestinal diseases as well as skin diseases. In the present study, we analyzed the antitumor potential of O. indicum in Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumor cells (DLA) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-induced solid and ascites tumors. Further, the potential of O. indicum extract (OIM) on skin papilloma induction by dimethyl benz(a) anthracene (DMBA) and croton oil was evaluated. The chemical composition of the extract was analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The predominant compounds present in the extract were demethoxycentaureidin 7-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, baicalein-7-O-glucuronide, 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone, 3-Hydroxy-3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) chromen-4-one, and 4'-Hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavanone. Treatment with high-dose OIM enhanced the percentage of survival in ascites tumor-bearing mice by 34.97%. Likewise, high and low doses of OIM reduced the tumor volume in mice by 61.84% and 54.21%, respectively. Further, the skin papilloma formation was brought down by the administration of low- and high-dose groups of OIM (by 67.51% and 75.63%). Overall, the study concludes that the Oroxylum indicum root bark extract is a potentially active antitumor and anticancer agent.

A flavone from the ethyl acetate extract of Leea rubra leaves with DNA damage protection and antineoplastic activity

Among the major constituents of Leea rubra (Family Vitaceae) leaves, phenolic and flavonoind compounds are most important for therapeutic purposes and the plant parts have been used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases for long. Thus, in order to scientifically confirm the traditional uses of the L. rubra leaves, the present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of the isolated flavones against AAPH induced oxidative damage to pUC19 DNA by gel electrophoresis and antineoplastic activity was evaluated on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice by evaluating percentage inhibition of cell growth, morphological changes of EAC cells and hematological parameters of the mice. The isolation was carried out by column chromatography and structure was revealed by ¹H-NMR and ¹³C NMR. The result shows that, the isolated compound was identified as myricetin 4'-methoxy-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside based on previously reported data. The isolated flavone effectively inhibited AAPH-induced oxidative damage to DNA; because it could inhibit the formation of circular and linear forms of the DNA. In anti-proliferative assay, 76% growth inhibition of EAC cells was observed as compare to the control mice (p<0.05) at a dose 100 mg/kg body weight. Thus the isolated flavone showed great importance as a possible therapeutic agent in preventing oxidative damage to DNA and the chronic diseases caused by such DNA damage, and can also become important in cancer chemotherapy.

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Myricetin 4'-methoxy-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside was isolated from plant Leea rubra.

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The compound significantly inhibited AAPH-induced oxidative damage to pUC19 DNA.

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Inhibition of EAC tumor growth in Swiss albino mice model was significant.

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Hematological parameters in the cancer bearing mice were restored to normal values.

Antiproliferative Activity and Apoptotic Efficiency of Syzygium cumini Bark Methanolic Extract against EAC Cells In Vivo

BACKGROUND

Syzygium cumini is one of the evidence-based traditional medicinal plant used in the treatment of various ailments.

OBJECTIVES

Herein, the antioxidant property and anticancer property of Syzygium cumini against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells were examined to find effective chemotherapeutics.

METHODS

In vitro assays, and phytochemical and chromatographic analyses were used to determine antioxidant properties and chemical constituents of Syzygium cummini Bark Methanolic Extract (SCBME). Functional assays were used to measure the anticancer activity of SCBME. Fluorescence microscopy and RT-PCR were used to examine morphological and molecular changes of EAC cells followed by SCBME treatment.

RESULTS

Phytochemical and GC-MS analyses confirmed the presence of compounds with antioxidant and anticancer activities. Accordingly, we have noted a strong antioxidant activity of SCBME with an IC₅₀ value of ~10μg/ml. Importantly, SCBME exerted a dose-dependent anticancer activity with significant inhibition of EAC cell growth (71.08±3.53%; p<0.001), reduction of tumor burden (69.50%; p<0.01) and increase of life span (73.13%; p<0.001) of EAC-bearing mice at 75mg/kg/day. Besides, SCBME restored the blood toxicity towards normal in EAC-bearing mice (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION

SCBME treated EAC cells showed apoptotic features under a fluorescence microscope and fragmented DNA in DNA laddering assay. Moreover, up-regulation of the tumor suppressor p53 and pro-apoptotic Bax and down-regulation of NF-κB and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 genes implied induction of apoptosis followed by SCBME treatment.

CONCLUSION

The antiproliferative activity of SCBME against EAC cells is likely due to apoptosis, mediated by regulation of p53 and NF-κB signaling. Thus, SCBME can be considered as a useful resource in cancer chemotherapy.

A sulfated polyphenols-rich extract from Sabal yapa exhibits antitumor activities in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality accounting for one in every six deaths globally. Plant secondary metabolites, among them polyphenols, represent an effective and much safer alternative approach to the currently available medications. In this work, utilizing LC-MS/MS, we characterized the constituents of S. yapa leaves extract and evaluated its antioxidant and anticancer properties. In total, 34 secondary metabolites, mainly flavonoids (Tricin, luteolin, and apigenin and their glucosides as well as sulfated derivatives) were identified. The extract manifested substantial antioxidant activity in DPPH assay, and high total phenolic content determined by Folin Ciocalteu method. The extract was safe up to 4800 mg/kg b.wt. when administered orally in mice and neither affected the hematological parameters nor the liver enzyme levels at the studied dose (LD₅₀, 480 mg, kg b.wt.). In the treated animals, the extract surpassed the reference drug (5-flouro uracil) and significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight by 71.50 and 85.46%, respectively, increased the median survival time to 53.2 days and the lifespan by 116%. The extract improved all the hematological parameters, where it increased the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PVC) and platelets by 58.21, 8.98, 9.89 and 120%, respectively, compared to the untreated EAC bearing animals. Additionally, the extract significantly declined the elevated levels of ALT and AST enzymes by 29.18% and 59.88%, respectively. In molecular docking, the annotated flavonoids displayed appreciable binding affinities to the active sites of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. In conclusion, Saba yapa is a promising plant that can be introduced to further advanced clinical studies for the development of novel anticancer drugs with lower side effects.

Value-Added Compound Recovery from Invasive Forest for Biofunctional Applications: Eucalyptus Species as a Case Study

From ancient times, the medicinal properties of the different Eucalyptus species are well known. In fact, plants from this family have been used in folk medicine as antiseptics, and to treat different ailments of the upper respiratory tract such as sinus congestion, common cold, or influenza. Moreover, other biological activities were described for Eucalyptus species such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In the last few decades, numerous investigations revealed that the compounds responsible for these properties are secondary metabolites that belonging to the group of phenolic compounds and are present in different parts of the plants such as leaves, bark, wood, fruits, and stumps. The increasing demand for natural compounds that can substitute synthetic antioxidants and the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics have boosted the intense search for renewable natural sources containing substances with such bioactivities, as well as greener extraction technologies and avant-garde analytical methods for the identification of the target molecules. The literature data used in this paper were collected via Scopus (2001-2020) using the following search terms: Eucalyptus, extraction methods, phenolic compounds, and biological activities. This review collects the main studies related to the recovery of value-added compounds from different Eucalyptus species, as well as their biofunctional applications.

Chemical Profiling of Polyphenolics in Eucalyptus globulus and Evaluation of Its Hepato-Renal Protective Potential Against Cyclophosphamide Induced Toxicity in Mice

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a potent anti-neoplastic and immunosuppressive agent; however, it causes multi-organ toxicity. We elucidated the protective activities of Eucalyptus globulus (EG) leaf extract against CP-induced hepato-renal toxicity. Mice were treated with EG for 15 days plus CP on day 12 and 13 of the experiment. Using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, 26 secondary metabolites were identified in EG leaf extract. Out of them, 4 polyphenolic compounds were isolated: (1) 4-(O-β-d-xylopyranosyloxy)-3,5-di-hydroxy-benzoic acid, (2) 4-(O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-3,5-di-hydroxy-benzoic acid, (3) gallic acid, and (4) methyl gallate. Effects of EG extract on biochemical parameters, gene expression, and immune-histopathological changes were assessed in comparison to mesna positive control. Results showed that EG improved CP-increased serum ALT, AST, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels. The hepatic and renal tissue levels of MDA, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl, TNF-α, IL-6, and immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) and caspase-3 were reduced. Also, hepatic and renal GSH contents, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRf2)/ hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling levels were increased. Histopathological findings supported our findings where hepatic and renal architecture were almost restored. Results revealed the protective effects of EG against CP-induced hepato-renal toxicity. These effects may be related to EG antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties coupled with activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

An Array of Bioactive Compounds From Australian Eucalypts and Their Relevance in Pancreatic Cancer Therapeutics

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most devastating human cancers, and despite the significant advances in the current therapeutic options, the overall survival rate for PC has remained static for the past 50 years. Plant-derived bioactive compounds play a vital role in cancer therapeutics by providing new lead compounds for future drug development. Therefore, the isolation, characterization, and identification of new bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of cancer continue to be an important aspect of natural product research. Many in vitro and in vivo studies published in the last few decades have established strong links between the phytochemical profile of eucalypts and anticancer activity. However, only a small number of these reports have attempted to demonstrate a relationship between the biological activity of eucalypt extracts and PC. This review focuses on potential anti-PC effects of an array of bioactive compounds present in various species of eucalypts. It also highlights the necessity for further in vitro and in vivo studies to develop a complete understanding of the potential this group of plants has for the development of potent and specific chemotherapeutic drugs for PC.

Synthesis and evaluation of thiazolidinone-pyrazole conjugates as anticancer and antimicrobial agents

AIM

To synthesize a series of new thiazolidinone-pyrazole hybrids (5a-o) and assess their anticancer (in vitro and in vivo) and antimicrobial activities.

RESULTS

The compounds 5h (against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells), 5e and 5i (against the human breast cancer [MDA-MB231] cell line) exhibited potent anticancer activity. All the compounds except 5g and 5e found to be less toxic for the human dermal fibroblast cells. The effective interactions of the compounds in silico with MDM2 exemplified their inhibitory potency. The derivatives also showed moderate antimicrobial activity.

CONCLUSION

The halogen atoms on various positions of the N-arylamino ring played an advantageous role in elevating the potency of the molecules. Thus, these conjugates could be used as a lead for further optimization to achieve promising therapeutics.

Photochemical internalization (PCI) of bleomycin is equally effective in two dissimilar leiomyosarcoma xenografts in athymic mice

BACKGROUND

Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a novel technique for delivery of active macromolecules into cancerous cells, via light activation of a specific photosensitizer and a low dose systemic drug. Numerous pre-clinical studies and one clinical trial have confirmed the treatment potential in carcinomas. Soft tissue sarcomas are rare and generally resistant to radio- and chemotherapy. Due to treatment resistance and surgical morbidity in sarcoma care, we seek to increase knowledge on PCI effects in sarcomas by studying two different, but closely related leiomyosarcomas.

METHODS

MES-SA and SK-LMS-1 tumours were established in the leg muscles of athymic mice. Treatment effects after AlPcS_2a-PCI of bleomycin, PCI with no drug (photodynamic therapy, PDT) and control groups were evaluated by: 1) assessment of tumour growth, 2) uptake of contrast agent during MRI and 3) histopathology.

RESULTS

PCI of bleomycin induced a similar and significant increase in time to reach the end point in both tumour models, while neither responded to AlPcS_2a-PDT. In the MES-SA tumours PCI reduced the growth rate, while in the SK-LMS-1 tumours the growth was blocked for 12days followed by exponential growth close to that of untreated tumours. SK-LMS-1 tumours were more homogenously and better vascularized than MES-SA. After PCI the vascular shutdown was more complete in the SK-LMS-1 tumours than in the MES-SA tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

AlPcS2a-based PCI, but not PDT, induced significant tumour growth delay in the evaluated sarcomas. Cellular responsiveness to bleomycin and tumour vascularity are identified as predictive markers for PCI treatment effects.

Eucalrobusone C suppresses cell proliferation and induces ROS-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis via the p38 MAPK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Eucalyptus extracts have anti-cancer activity against various cancer cells. Formyl-phloroglucinol meroterpenoids (FPMs), which are typical secondary metabolites of the genera Eucalyptus, have many important pharmacological activities.

PURPOSE

Eucalrobusone C (EC), a new bioactive phytochemical, was first isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus robusta in our laboratory. EC is a FPM, and our previous research revealed that EC showed strongest cytotoxicity in three cancer models than other compounds isolated from the leaves of E. robusta. This study investigated its anti-tumor effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Cell cycle, apoptosis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were determined by flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence was determined by a laser scanning confocal microscope. Protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Our results showed that EC exerted strong anti-proliferative activity against HCC cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. EC markedly induced apoptosis through the caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway, and the cell cycle was arrested at S phase. SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, effectively decreased cell death caused by EC. Moreover, the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) significantly attenuated apoptosis induced by EC and reversed EC-induced p38 MAPK activation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that EC induces mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in HCC cells through ROS generation and p38 MAPK activation, making EC a promising candidate for further development as an anticancer agent for HCC cells.

Botanical, Phytochemical, and Anticancer Properties of the Eucalyptus Species

The genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) is mainly native to Australia; however, some species are now distributed globally. Eucalyptus has been used in indigenous Australian medicines for the treatment of a range of aliments including colds, flu, fever, muscular aches, sores, internal pains, and inflammation. Eucalyptus oils containing volatile compounds have been widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries for a multitude of purposes. In addition, Eucalyptus extracts containing nonvolatile compounds are also an important source of key bioactive compounds, and several studies have linked Eucalyptus extracts with anticancer properties. With the increasing research interest in Eucalyptus and its health properties, this review briefly outlines the botanical features of Eucalyptus, discusses its traditional use as medicine, and comprehensively reviews its phytochemical and anticancer properties and, finally, proposes trends for future studies.

Could Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Expand the Antitumor Effect of Tamoxifen in Breast Carcinoma?

Despite tamoxifen (TAM) is beneficial in treating a significant proportion of patients with breast cancer, many women still relapse after long-term therapy. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a component of honeybee propolis, with a plethora of important biological actions including anticancer activity. This study aimed to explore the cytotoxicity, the type of drugs interaction as well as the apoptotic and autophagic pathways of the combined treatment of TAM and CAPE in MCF-7 cells. Their antitumor activity and effect on survival of mice bearing Ehrlich tumor were also analyzed. The results showed synergistic cytotoxic effects, manifested by significant activation of apoptotic machinery, along with downregulation of protein levels of Bcl-2 and beclin-1, upon using the combination regimen. However, the ratio between microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II and -I was not altered. Moreover, a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor level was detected. Similarly, TAM + CAPE increased the life span of tumor-bearing animals and caused a marked regression in their tumor size and weight compared with those treated with either TAM or CAPE alone. In conclusion, CAPE relatively improved the anticancer activity of TAM in both in vitro and in vivo models via its apoptotic and angiostatic potentials.

Cytotoxic activity of acyl phloroglucinols isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus cinerea F. Muell. ex Benth. cultivated in Egypt

Two acyl phloroglucinol compounds namely; Sideroxylonal B (1) and Macrocarpal A (2) were isolated from the Sideroxylonal-Rich Extract (SRE) of the juvenile leaves of Eucalyptus cinerea; F. Muell. ex Benth cultivated in Egypt. Identification of the isolated compounds was established on the basis of physico-chemical properties and spectral analysis (1D & 2D NMR). The two compounds were isolated for the first time from this species. The SRE alongside with the isolated compounds were tested against three human cancer cell lines; MCF7 (breast carcinoma cell line), HEP2 (laryngeal carcinoma), CaCo (colonic adenocarcinoma) and one type of normal human cell line;10 FS (fibroblast cells). The SRE, (1), and (2) showed cytotoxic activity with IC₅₀ 13.6 ± 0.62, 7.2 ± 0.5, 14.8 ± 0.55 μg mL−1 against HEP2 respectively, 11.6 ± 0.47, 4 ± 0.36, 11.4 ± 0.45 μg mL−1 against CaCo, respectively, and 8.6 ± 0.29, 4.4 ± 0.25, and 7.8 ± 0.3 μg mL−1 against MCF7, respectively. Meanwhile, the (SRE) together with (1) and (2) exhibited low cytotoxicity against normal cell line 10 FS, with IC₅₀ 55.4 ± 1.4, 43 ± 0.8 and 50.1 ± 1.12 μg mL−1, respectively. The antiprofilerative activity of the tested compounds was evaluated. The cell cycle profile of cells treated with Sideroxylonal-B and Macrocarpal-A indicates possible S-phase specific effects.

Biochemical analysis and antitumour effect of Abrus precatorius agglutinin derived peptides in Ehrlich's ascites and B16 melanoma mice tumour model

Anticancer and immunostimulatory properties of tryptic digest peptides of Abrus precatorius agglutinin protein (10kDAGP) have already been reported. Here attempt has been made to further validate anticancer properties of 10kDAGP peptides in Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) and B16 melanoma (B16M) bearing mice models and to analyze 10kDAGP by anion exchange chromatography and RP-HPLC for obtaining the bioactive fraction from the total peptide pool. 10kDAGP treatment decreased the tumour pack volume by ∼82% for EAC and 58.8% for B16M. It also showed increase in ex vivo proliferation of splenocyte and thymocyte isolated from tumour bearing mice and increase in TNF-α and Interferon-γ in splenocyte culture supernatant. From chromatographic analysis it was found that anionic peptide fraction may be responsible for anti-proliferative activities of 10kDAGP. As most anticancer peptides are cationic in nature, further studies regarding bioactivity of anionic peptide fraction may lead to novel anticancer peptides and pathways of action.

Antiproliferative and hepatoprotective activity of metabolites from Corynebacterium xerosis against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

To find out the effective anticancer drugs from bacterial products, petroleum ether extract of Corynebacterium xerosis.

METHODS

Antiproliferative activity of the metabolite has been measured by monitoring the parameters like tumor weight measurement, tumor cell growth inhibition in mice and survival time of tumor bearing mice, etc. Hepatoprotective effect of the metabolites was determined by observing biochemical, hematological parameters.

RESULTS

It has been found that the petroleum ether extract bacterial metabolite significantly decrease cell growth (78.58%; P<0.01), tumor weight (36.04 %; P<0.01) and increase the life span of tumor bearing mice (69.23%; P<0.01) at dose 100 mg/kg (i.p.) in comparison to those of untreated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice. The metabolite also alters the depleted hematological parameters like red blood cell, white blood cell, hemoglobin (Hb%), etc. towards normal in tumor bearing mice. Metabolite show no adverse effect on liver functions regarding blood glucose, serum alkaline phosphatases, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity and serum billirubin, etc. in normal mice. Histopathological observation of these mice organ does not show any toxic effect on cellular structure. But in the case of EAC bearing untreated mice these hematological and biochemical parameters deteriorate extremely with time whereas petroleum ether extract bacterial metabolite receiving EAC bearing mice nullified the toxicity induced by EAC cells.

CONCLUSION

Study results reveal that metabolite possesses significant antiproliferative and hepatoprotective effect against EAC cells.

Growth inhibition and apoptosis of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells by the methanol extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis

CONTEXT

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (Myrtaceae) is a tall evergreen tree found commonly in Bangladesh. Its use in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of various health complications are well known.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the in vivo antitumor effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis stem bark methanol extract (ME) against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antitumor activity of ME was studied by determining viable tumor cell count, recording tumor weight and survival time, observing morphological changes and nuclear damage of EAC cells, and estimating hematological as well as biochemical parameters of experimental mice (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for 5 d, i.p.).

RESULTS

ME showed 96% (p < 0.001) cell growth inhibition and reduced tumor burden significantly (81.4%; p < 0.01) when compared with control mice. It also increased the lifespan of EAC-bearing mice significantly (71.36%; p < 0.01). It also restored the altered hematological and biochemical parameters towards normal level. The high LD50 value (1120 mg/kg) of ME indicated its low host toxic effects. ME-treated EAC cells showed membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation (apoptotic features) in Hoechst 33342 staining under fluorescence microscope. The DNA profile in agarose gel (1.5%) electrophoresis also confirmed that ME caused EAC cell death by apoptosis.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Results showed that ME exhibits strong anticancer activity through apoptosis and stimulation of host immunity. Thus, E. camaldulensis may be considered as a promising resource in cancer chemotherapy.

Hepatoprotective effect of acetone semicarbazone on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced carcinogenesis in experimental mice

OBJECTIVE

To determine the hepatoprotective effect of acetone semicarbazone (ASC) in vivo in normal and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing male Swiss albino mice.

METHODS

Drug-induced changes in biochemical and behavioral parameters at dose of 2.0 mg/kg body weight for 14 d and nullifying the toxicity induced by EAC cells were studied. The histopathology studies of the protective effects of ASC on vital organs were also assessed.

RESULTS

The administration of ASC made insignificant changes in body weight and behavioral (salivation, diarrhea, muscular numbness) changes during treatment period due to minor toxicity were minimized after the treatment in normal mice. The biochemical parameters, including serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamate oxaloactate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, serum glucose, cholesterol, urea, triglyceride and billirubin changed modestly in normal mice receiving ASC. Though the treatment continued, these values gradually decreased to normal level after the treatment. In EAC bearing mice, the toxic effects due to EAC cells in all cases were nullified by treatment with the ASC. Significant abnormalities were not detected in histology of the various organs of the normal mice treated with ASC.

CONCLUSIONS

ASC can, therefore, be considered safe in formulating novel anticancer drug, as it exhibits strong protective effect against EAC cell bearing mice.