In vitro vasoactivity of zerumbone from Zingiber zerumbet

Traceability and authentication in agri-food production: A multivariate approach to the characterization ofthe Italian food excellence elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), a vasoactive nutraceutical

A research platform for food authentication was set up by combining stable isotope ratio analysis, metabolomics by gas and liquid mass-spectrometry and NMR investigations, chemometric analyses for food excellences. This multi-analytical approach was tested on samples of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), a species belonging to the same genus of common garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), mainly produced in southern Tuscany-(Allium ampeloprasum). The isotopic composition allowed the product to be geographically characterized. Flavonoids, like (+)-catechin, cinnamic acids, quercetin glycosides were identified. The samples showed also a significant amount of dipeptides, sulphur-containing metabolites and glutathione, the latter of which could be considered a molecular marker of the analyzed elephant garlic. For nutraceutical profiling to reach quality labels, extracts were investigated in specific biological assays, displaying interesting vasorelaxant properties in rat aorta by mediating nitric oxide release from the endothelium and exhibited positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects in rat perfused heart.

Dynamin-independent CaV1.2 and KCa1.1 channels regulation and vascular tone modulation by the mitochondrial fission inhibitors dynasore and dyngo-4a

A role for mitochondrial fission in vascular contraction has been proposed based on the vasorelaxant activity of the dynamin (and mitochondrial fission) inhibitors mdivi-1 and dynasore. However, mdivi-1 is capable to inhibit Ba2+ currents through CaV1.2 channels (IBa1.2), stimulate KCa1.1 channel currents (IKCa1.1), and modulate pathways key to the maintenance of vessel active tone in a dynamin-independent manner. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the present study demonstrates that dynasore, like mdivi-1, is a bi-functional vasodilator, blocking IBa1.2 and stimulating IKCa1.1 in rat tail artery myocytes, as well as promoting relaxation of rat aorta rings pre-contracted by either high K+ or phenylephrine. Conversely, its analogue dyngo-4a, though inhibiting mitochondrial fission triggered by phenylephrine and stimulating IKCa1.1, did not affect IBa1.2 but potentiated both high K+- and phenylephrine-induced contractions. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations identified the molecular basis supporting the different activity of dynasore and dyngo-4a at CaV1.2 and KCa1.1 channels. Mito-tempol only partially counteracted the effects of dynasore and dyngo-4a on phenylephrine-induced tone. In conclusion, the present data, along with previous observations (Ahmed et al., 2022) rise caution for the use of dynasore, mdivi-1, and dyngo-4a as tools to investigate the role of mitochondrial fission in vascular contraction: to this end, a selective dynamin inhibitor and/or a different experimental approach are needed.

Artificial intelligence-driven identification of morin analogues acting as CaV1.2 channel blockers: Synthesis and biological evaluation

Morin is a vasorelaxant flavonoid, whose activity is ascribable to Ca_V1.2 channel blockade that, however, is weak as compared to that of clinically used therapeutic agents. A conventional strategy to circumvent this drawback is to synthesize new derivatives differently decorated and, in this context, morin-derivatives able to interact with Ca_V1.2 channels were found by employing the potential of PLATO in target fishing and reverse screening. Three different derivatives (5a-c) were selected as promising tools, synthesized, and investigated in in vitro functional studies using rat aorta rings and rat tail artery myocytes. 5a-c were found more effective vasorelaxant agents than the naturally occurring parent compound and antagonized both electro- and pharmaco-mechanical coupling in an endothelium-independent manner. 5a, the series' most potent, reduced also Ca²⁺ mobilization from intracellular store sites. Furthermore, 5a≈5c > 5b inhibited Ba²⁺ current through Ca_V1.2 channels. However, compound 5a caused also a concentration-dependent inhibition of K_Ca1.1 channel currents.

Healthy Zerumbone: From Natural Sources to Strategies to Improve Its Bioavailability and Oral Administration

Zerumbone is a multifunctional compound with antimicrobial, antitumor, hyperalgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications, and constitutes a point molecule for the future synthesis of derivatives with improved efficiency. This monocyclic sesquiterpenoid is found in high content in wild ginger (Zingiber zerumbet Smith), a perennial herb with economic importance as an ornamental as well as a medicinal plant. The presence of zerumbone is a distinctive feature that allows identification and differentiation from other species, not only in Zingiber, but also in Curcuma, Alpinia, Boesenbergia, Ethlingera and Ammomum spp., as well as related families (Costaceaee). To successfully use zerumbone in areas such as medicine, food and agriculture, further research on improving its low solubility and bioavailability, as well as its preservation, is a major current priority. In addition, despite its promising pharmacological activities, preclinical and clinical studies are required to demonstrate and evaluate the in vivo efficacy of zerumbone.

A comprehensive review on phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Kopsia: monoterpene alkaloids - major secondary metabolites

Kopsia belongs to the family Apocynaceae, which was originally classified as a genus in 1823. Kopsia consists of medicinal plants that can be traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and dropsy. More than one hundred and twenty-five publications have been documented relating to the phytochemical and pharmacological results, but a systematic review is not available. The goal of this study is to compile almost all of the secondary metabolites from the plants of genus Kopsia, as well as the coverage of their pharmacological research. The document findings were conducted via reliable sources, including Web of Science, Sci-Finder, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, and publishers, while four words “Kopsia”, “monoterpene alkaloids”, “Phytochemistry” and “Pharmacology” are key factors to search for references. Most Kopsia secondary metabolites were collected. A total of four hundred and seventy-two, including four hundred and sixty-six monoterpene alkaloids, five triterpenoids, and one sterol, were summarized, along with their resource. Kopsia monoterpene alkaloids presented in various skeletons, but aspidofractinines, eburnamines, and chanofruticosinates are the three major backbones. Mersinines and pauciflorines are new chemical classes of monoterpene alkaloids. With the rich content of monoterpene alkaloids, Kopsia constituents were also the main objects in pharmacological studies since the plant extracts and isolated compounds were proposed for anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, anti-manic, anti-nociceptive, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory, cardiovascular, and vasorelaxant activities, especially cytotoxicity.

Monoterpene alkaloids (466 isolated compounds) are major components, and anticancer activity is characteristic of Kopsia constituents.

Potential Role of Natural Products to Combat Radiotherapy and Their Future Perspectives

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) are the common cancer treatments. In addition to these limitations, the development of adverse effects from chemotherapy and RT reduces the quality of life for cancer patients. Cellular radiosensitivity, or the ability to resist and overcome cell damage caused by ionizing radiation (IR), is directly related to cancer cells' response to RT. Therefore, radiobiological research is emphasizing chemical compounds 'radiosensitization of cancer cells so that they are more reactive in the IR spectrum. Recent years researchers have seen an increase in interest in natural products that have antitumor effects with minimal side effects. Natural products, on the other hand, are easy to recover and therefore less expensive. There have been several scientific studies done based on these compounds that have tested their ability in vitro and in vivo to induce tumor radiosensitization. The role of natural products in RT, as well as their usefulness and potential applications, is the goal of this current review.

Review of Natural Resources With Vasodilation: Traditional Medicinal Plants, Natural Products, and Their Mechanism and Clinical Efficacy

For decades, chronic diseases including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) have plagued the world. Meanwhile, we have noticed a close association between CCVDs and vascular lesions, such as hypertension. More focus has been placed on TMPs and natural products with vasodilation and hypotension. TMPs with vasodilatory and hypotensive activities are mainly from Compositae, Lamiaceae, and Orchidaceae (such as V. amygdalina Del., T. procuinbens L., M. glomerata Spreng., K. galanga L., etc.) whereas natural products eliciting vasorelaxant potentials were primarily from flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids (such as apigenin, puerarin, curcumin, sinomenine, etc.). Furthermore, the data analysis showed that the vasodilatory function of TMPs was mainly concerned with the activation of eNOS, while the natural products were primarily correlated with the blockage of calcium channel. Thus, TMPs will be used as alternative drugs and nutritional supplements, while natural products will be considered as potential therapies for CCVDs in the future. This study provides comprehensive and valuable references for the prevention and treatment of hypertension and CCVDs and sheds light on the further studies in this regard. However, since most studies are in vitro and preclinical, there is a need for more in-depth researches and clinical trials to understand the potential of these substances.

Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of ester-based quercetin derivatives as selective vascular KCa1.1 channel stimulators

Quercetin represents one of the most studied dietary flavonoids; it exerts a panel of pharmacological activities particularly on the cardiovascular system. Stimulation of vascular K_Ca1.1 channels contributes to its vasorelaxant activity, which is, however, counteracted in part by its concomitant stimulation of Ca_V1.2 channels. Therefore, several quercetin hybrid derivatives were designed and synthesized to produce a more selective K_Ca1.1 channel stimulator, then assessed both in silico and in vitro. All the derivatives interacted with the K_Ca1.1 channel with similar binding energy values. Among the selected derivatives, 1E was a weak vasodilator, though displaying an interesting Ca_V1.2 channel blocking activity. The lipoyl derivatives 1F and 3F, though showing pharmacological and electrophysiological features similar to those of quercetin, seemed to be more effective as K_Ca1.1 channel stimulators as compared to the parent compound. The strategy pursued demonstrated how different chemical substituents on the quercetin core can change/invert its effect on Ca_V1.2 channels or enhance its K_Ca1.1 channel stimulatory activity, thus opening new avenues for the synthesis of efficacious vasorelaxant quercetin hybrids.

Nutraceutical Compounds as Sensitizers for Cancer Treatment in Radiation Therapy

The improvement of diagnostic techniques and the efficacy of new therapies in clinical practice have allowed cancer patients to reach a higher chance to be cured together with a better quality of life. However, tumors still represent the second leading cause of death worldwide. On the contrary, chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) still lack treatment plans which take into account the biological features of tumors and depend on this for their response to treatment. Tumor cells' response to RT is strictly-connected to their radiosensitivity, namely, their ability to resist and to overcome cell damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR). For this reason, radiobiological research is focusing on the ability of chemical compounds to radiosensitize cancer cells so to make them more responsive to IR. In recent years, the interests of researchers have been focused on natural compounds that show antitumoral effects with limited collateral issues. Moreover, nutraceuticals are easy to recover and are thus less expensive. On these bases, several scientific projects have aimed to test also their ability to induce tumor radiosensitization both in vitro and in vivo. The goal of this review is to describe what is known about the role of nutraceuticals in radiotherapy, their use and their potential application.

Potential of Zerumbone as an Anti-Cancer Agent

Cancer is still a major risk factor to public health globally, causing approximately 9.8 million deaths worldwide in 2018. Despite advances in conventional treatment modalities for cancer treatment, there are still few effective therapies available due to the lack of selectivity, adverse side effects, non-specific toxicities, and tumour recurrence. Therefore, there is an immediate need for essential alternative therapeutics, which can prove to be beneficial and safe against cancer. Various phytochemicals from natural sources have been found to exhibit beneficial medicinal properties against various human diseases. Zerumbone is one such compound isolated from Zingiber zerumbet Smith that possesses diverse pharmacological properties including those of antioxidant, antibacterial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, as well as anti-neoplastic. Zerumbone has shown its anti-cancer effects by causing significant suppression of proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis through the molecular modulation of different pathways such as NF-κB, Akt, and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 (interleukin-6/janus kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and their downstream target proteins. The current review briefly summarizes the modes of action and therapeutic potential of zerumbone against various cancers.

Zerumbone Regulates DNA Repair Responding to Ionizing Radiation and Enhances Radiosensitivity of Human Prostatic Cancer Cells

Introduction. Radiation therapy using ionizing radiation is widely used for the treatment of prostate cancer. The intrinsic radiation sensitivity of cancer cells could be enhanced by modulating multiple factors including the capacity to repair DNA damage, especially double-strand breaks (DSBs). We aimed to examine the effect of zerumbone on radiation sensitivity and its protective effects against ionizing radiation–induced DSB in human prostate cancer cells. Materials and Methods. The human prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cell lines were used. A colony formation assay was performed to analyze the radiation survival of cells. DNA histogram and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined using flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of regulatory molecules related to DNA damage repair. Results. Pretreatment with zerumbone enhanced the radiation effect on prostate cancer cells. Zerumbone delayed the abrogation of radiation-induced expression of γ-H2AX, an indicator of DNA DSB. Zerumbone pretreatment markedly reduced ionizing radiation–induced upregulated expression of phosphorylated ATM (ataxia telangiectasia-mutated), which was partially reversed by the ATM agonist methyl methanesulfonate. Ionizing radiation augmented and zerumbone pretreatment reduced the expression of Jak2 and Stat3, which are involved in DNA damage repair signaling. No significant effect on the generation of ROS and expression of ATR was noted after zerumbone treatment. Conclusion: Zerumbone sensitized DU145 and PC3 prostatic cancer cells to ionizing radiation by modulating radiation-induced ATM activation during repair of DNA DSBs.

Scutellarin attenuates endothelium-dependent aasodilation impairment induced by hypoxia reoxygenation, through regulating the PKG signaling pathway in rat coronary artery

Scutellarin (SCU), a flavonoid from a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Our previous study has demonstrated that SCU relaxes mouse aortic arteries mainly in an endothelium-depend-ent manner. In the present study, we investigated the vasoprotective effects of SCU against HR-induced endothelial dysfunction (ED) in isolated rat CA and the possible mechanisms involving cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) dependent protein kinase (PKG). The isolated endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rat CA rings were treated with HR injury. Evaluation of endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation relaxation of the CA rings were performed using wire myography and the protein expressions were assayed by Western blotting. SCU (10-1 000 μmol·L(-1)) could relax the endothelium-intact CA rings but not endothelium-denuded ones. In the intact CA rings, the PKG inhibitor, Rp-8-Br-cGMPS (PKGI-rp, 4 μmol·L(-1)), significantly blocked SCU (10-1 000 μmol·L(-1))-induced relaxation. The NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, NO-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME, 100 μmol·L(-1)), did not significantly change the effects of SCU (10-1 000 μmol·L(-1)). HR treatment significantly impaired ACh-induced relaxation, which was reversed by pre-incubation with SCU (500 μmol·L(-1)), while HR treatment did not altered NTG-induced vasodilation. PKGI-rp (4 μmol·L(-1)) blocked the protective effects of SCU in HR-treated CA rings. Additionally, HR treatment reduced phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (p-VASP, phosphorylated product of PKG), which was reversed by SCU pre-incubation, suggesting that SCU activated PKG phosphorylation against HR injury. SCU induces CA vasodilation in an endothelium-dependent manner to and repairs HR-induced impairment via activation of PKG signaling pathway.

The vasodilator papaverine stimulates L-type Ca(2+) current in rat tail artery myocytes via a PKA-dependent mechanism

Papaverine is an opium alkaloid, primarily used as an antispasmodic drug and as a cerebral and coronary vasodilator. Its phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity promotes increase of cAMP levels mainly in the cytosol. As cAMP is known to modulate L-type Ca(2+) channel activity, here we tested the proposition that papaverine could affect vascular channel function. An in-depth analysis of the effect of papaverine on Ba(2+) or Ca(2+) current through L-type Ca(2+) channel [IBa(L) or ICa(L)], performed in rat tail artery myocytes using either the whole-cell or the perforated patch-clamp method, was accompanied by a functional study on rat aorta rings. Papaverine increased current amplitude under both the perforated or whole-cell configuration. Stimulation of the current by papaverine was concentration-, Vh-, frequency-, and charge carrier-dependent, and fully reverted by drug washout. The PKA inhibitor H89, but not the PKG inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cGMPS, antagonised papaverine- as well as IBMX- (another phosphodiesterase inhibitor) induced IBa(L) stimulation. In cells pre-treated with IBMX, application of papaverine failed to increase current amplitude. Papaverine sped up the inactivation kinetics of IBa(L), though only at concentrations ≥ 30 μM, and shifted the voltage dependence of the inactivation curve to more negative potentials. In rings, the vasorelaxing activity of papaverine was enhanced by previous treatment with nifedipine. In conclusion, papaverine stimulates vascular L-type Ca(2+) channel via a PKA-dependent mechanism, thus antagonising its main vasodilating activity.