Cytotoxic activity of butanolic extract from Sambucus nigra L. flowers in natura and vehiculated in micelles in bladder cancer cells and fibroblasts

Health-Promoting Properties: Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Sambucus nigra L. Flowers and Fruits

Sambucus nigra L. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine thanks to its valuable healing properties. The healing properties result from its high content of biologically active compounds, mainly antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In our review, we have presented scientific studies evaluating the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of extracts and their components from S. nigra L. flowers and fruits. The results of the research show that the effect of antioxidant phytochemicals contained in their composition reduces the level of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevents mutations that increase the risk of cancer development, and inhibits cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and changes in intracellular signaling, consequently inhibiting the growth of malignant tumors and the formation of metastases. Flowers and fruits of S. nigra L. are a valuable source of nutraceutical and pharmacological substances that can support prevention and anti-inflammatory and oncological therapy without negative side effects for the patient.

Anticancer potential of Origanum munzurense extract against MCF-7 breast cancer cell

Origanum munzurense (O. munzurense) is an endemic species of Tunceli region of Turkey. In this study, we investigated in vitro anticancer effect of aqueous extract of O. munzurense (OME) on breast cancer cells (MCF-7). In vitro cytotoxic effect of OME was evaluated in MCF-7 cells by MTT assay. The wound-healing assay was used to examine the inhibition of migration. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, cell-cycle distribution was assessed by flow cytometry for MCF-7 cells treated with OME. MTT results show that OME demonstrated in vitro cytotoxicity with 600 mg at 48 h on MCF-7. Doses of 400 µg/mL and 600 µg/mL OME significantly suppressed the migration rate of MCF-7 cells. OME significantly decreased the percentage of live cancer cells and showed an apoptotic effect after 48 h of incubation. These results show that OME is effective against breast cancer when administered at high doses and for a long time.

In vivo and in vitro studies of Alloimperatorin induced autophagy in cervical cancer cells via reactive oxygen species pathway

Alloimperatorin (Alloi) has been shown to have anti-proliferative effects in our previous studies. we aimed to investigate whether Alloimperatorin induces autophagy through the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway and anticancer activity in vivo. The anti-proliferative effect of Alloimperatorin was evaluated using a cell counting kit (CCK-8 kit). Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. Confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence, and mRFP-GFP-LC3 lentivirus transfection were used to verify autophagy. Electron microscopy detection of autophagosomes was induced by Alloimperatorin. Western blotting was used to detect autophagy proteins in HeLa and SiHa cells. A xenograft model was used to monitor the inhibitory effect of Alloimperatorin on tumor growth in nude mice. The results showed that Alloimperatorin induced ROS production and inhibited the proliferation of HeLa and SiHa cells. Furthermore, Alloimperatorin increased the apoptosis rate in HeLa and SiHa cells. Confocal microscopy fluorescence indicated that Alloimperatorin increased autophagy fluorescence of HeLa and SiHa cells. mRFP-GFP-LC3 lentivirus transfection and electron microscopy demonstrated that Alloimperatorin increased autophagy in HeLa and SiHa cells. Western blotting showed that Alloimperatorin induced the expression of autophagy proteins in HeLa and SiHa cells. However, N-acetylcysteine reversed the autophagy. These results demonstrate that Alloimperatorin can induce autophagy in HeLa and SiHa cells through the ROS pathway. In vivo xenograft experiments showed that Alloimperatorin could inhibit tumor growth in nude mice. Alloimperatorin is expected to be an effective new drug for cervical cancer treatment.Abbreviations: ROS, reactive oxygen species; Alloi, Alloimperatorin; CCK-8, Cell Counting Kit-8; NAC, N-acetyl-L-cysteine; DCFH-DA, 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate; OD, optical density; PBS, phosphate buffer solution; BCA, bicinchoninic acid; DAPI, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Bioactive Compounds, Health Functions, and Applications

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is rich in many bioactive compounds and exhibits diverse health functions, of which an understanding can be helpful for its better utilization in the food industry. This review mainly summarizes recent studies about the bioactive compounds and health functions of elderberry, highlighting the potential mechanism of action. In addition, the applications of elderberry in foods are also discussed. Elderberry contains diversely bioactive ingredients, such as (poly)phenolic compounds and terpenoid compounds. Recent studies report that some food processing methods can affect the content of bioactive compounds in elderberry. Additionally, elderberry exhibits various health functions in vitro and in vivo, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-influenza, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardiovascular protective, and neuroprotective activities, and their potential molecular mechanisms are associated with regulating some key signaling pathways and molecular targets. Up to now, there have been limited clinical trials supporting the health benefits of elderberry. Overall, elderberry is a promising dietary source of bioactive ingredients and has the potential to be developed into functional foods or nutraceuticals for preventing and treating certain chronic diseases.

Black Elder and Its Constituents: Molecular Mechanisms of Action Associated with Female Reproduction

The present review summarizes the current knowledge concerning provenance, properties, physiological and therapeutic actions of elderberry and the bioactive molecules present in the plant, with emphasis on their action on female reproduction. Elderberry or black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) attracts attention due to its easy cultivation and high availability of bioactive compounds. Most of the available data concerning black elder’s therapeutic action are focused on its effects such as activation of immune processes and anti-inflammatory processes (cytokine production, etc.) and regulation of hormones and their receptors in cancer cells. The effects of elderberry on reproduction have been poorly investigated so far. Nevertheless, conducted studies so far demonstrate the stimulatory influence of black elder extract and its constituents, such as rutin, anthocyanins and agglutinins, on the viability and steroidogenesis of healthy ovarian cells as well as their ability to promote apoptosis and reduce the viability and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the action of black elder extract and its constituent biomolecules, such as anthocyanins and lectins, on embryogenesis and the embryonal estradiol-estradiol receptor system have also been reported. The available information, despite limitations, suggest the applicability of black elder constituents for improvement of reproductive processes in animal biotechnology, animal production and assisted reproduction, as well as for prevention and treatment of reproductive disorders (including cancer) in veterinary and human medicine.