Molecular Role of EGFR-MAPK Pathway in Patchouli Alcohol-Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest on A549 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

A network pharmacology- and transcriptomics-based investigation reveals an inhibitory role of β-sitosterol in glioma via the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway

Glioma is characterized by rapid cell proliferation, aggressive invasion, altered apoptosis and a poor prognosis. β-Sitosterol, a kind of phytosterol, has been shown to possess anticancer activities. Our current study aims to investigate the effects of β-sitosterol on gliomas and reveal the underlying mechanisms. Our results show that β-sitosterol effectively inhibits the growth of U87 cells by inhibiting proliferation and inducing G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. In addition, β-sitosterol inhibits migration by downregulating markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, network pharmacology and transcriptomics approaches illustrate that the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway may be responsible for the inhibitory effect of β-sitosterol on glioma. Afterward, the results show that β-sitosterol effectively suppresses the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, β-sitosterol significantly inhibits tumor growth in a U87 xenograft nude mouse model. β-Sitosterol inhibits U87 cell proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in U87 cells by blocking the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway. These results suggest that β-sitosterol may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of glioma.

Valeriana jatamansi: Bioactive Compounds and their Medicinal Uses

Valeriana jatamansi is a reputed perennial medicinal herb distributed throughout the world, where it is used in cytotoxicity, neuronal problems, insomnia, leishmania and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, antioxidant, antiviral and α-glucosidase inhibition activities. This review describes the current state of chemical characterization of isolated metabolites, which are well accepted for the treatment of various ailments in the indigenous system of medicine. This comprehensive review covers previously published research articles and reviews up to 2023 with an emphasis on the structural characterization of isolated bioactive compounds using different analytical techniques. Furthermore, the present review also focuses on the detailed medicinal and pharmacological properties of isolated compounds from this threatened herb.

Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth granule revealed a positive effect on improving intestinal barrier function and fecal microbiota in mice with irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis

Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth (PCB), a medicinal and edible homologous Chinese herb, has a protective effect on the structure and function of intestine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of PCB granule (PCBG) on the improvement of irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis and the regulation of intestinal microorganisms in mice. Our results demonstrated that PCBG supplementation significantly improved diarrhea symptoms caused by irinotecan, as evidenced by inhibiting weight loss, reversing intestinal atrophy, protecting against splenomegaly and balancing oxidative stress. Furthermore, compared with the model group, PCBG restored the intestinal morphology and improved intestinal barrier dysfunction by promoting the expression of tight junction proteins and mucin. Moreover, high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that PCBG improved the flora disorder caused by irinotecan and regulated microbial community structure, such as decreasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides as well as increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Meanwhile, the disordered microbial functions in intestinal mucositis mice were recovered more closely to the controls by PCBG. Finally, we found that a robust correlation between the specific microbiota and intestinal mucositis-related index. In summary, these findings revealed the beneficial effects of PCBG on the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota of irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis, which may be one of the potential strategies to reduce the clinical side effects of irinotecan.

Patchouli alcohol ameliorates depression-like behaviors through inhibiting NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation in male stress-exposed mice

BACKGROUND

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation contributes to major depressive disorder (MDD). Targeting microglia is a promising strategy for treating MDD. Patchouli alcohol (PA), an active component of Pogostemon cablin, has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

PURPOSE

In this study, we investigate the microglia-mediated neurogenesis pathway in which PA ameliorates depressive-like behaviors in stress-induced animal model of depression.

METHODS

C57BL/6J male mice were exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) for 4 weeks, then administered PA intraperitoneally at 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg once per day for 3 weeks. The antidepressant effects of PA were evaluated in the sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test. Microglial phenotypes and activation of the NLRP3 inflammation were analyzed using RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Effects of PA on neurogenesis were analyzed in vitro and in vivo using immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Behavioral assessments showed that PA alleviated depressive-like behaviors in CMS-exposed mice. CMS induced microglial activation and pro-inflammatory profiles, which were blocked by PA treatment. PA attenuated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to decreases in the levels of caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the hippocampus of CMS-exposed mice. In primary microglia cultures, PA inhibited LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. PA rescued inflammation-inhibited neurogenesis in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that PA inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome and ameliorates microglia-mediated neurogenesis impairment, contributing to antidepressant effects. Thus, PA may be a novel treatment for inflammation-driven mental disorders.

Therapeutic potential of Pogostemon cablin herb: a comprehensive review

Pogostemon cablin (Pogostemon patchouli or Patchouli) is known for its essential oil and is a popular medicinal herb in Indian Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. This review covers patent articles on the P. cablin plant's therapeutic effects. The patent literature was collected using a thorough, comprehensive search on databases like Thomson Innovation, Espacenet, Patentscope, The Lens and Patent digital libraries of different Jurisdictions, including IPO, USPTO, CNIPA, inPASS, KIPO, JPO, etc. Despite the vast number of review articles on non-patent literature, none of the articles reviewed the patent literature. This current P. cablin literature analysis study will facilitate bridging the gap between further exploring the potential of this plant through novel investigations.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins Regulate Transforming Growth Factor-β1 through MAPK and Snail/TWIST1 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Pulmonary Fibrosis in A549 Cells

Panaxnotoginseng saponins (PNS) is one of the active components of traditional Chinese medicine Panax notoginseng which has the function of reducing oxygen consumption, expansion of the cerebrovascular system, and is antithrombotic. PNS also plays a role in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we found that PNS suppresses fibroblast-like changes in A549 cells through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). PNS promoted E-cadherin (E-cad) in epithelial cells and decreased Fibronectin (FN) and Vimentin (Vim) expression in myofibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Further mechanism studies have shown that PNS inhibits the EMT process by regulating p38, JNK, and Erk signaling factors in the MAPK signaling pathway and then blocking Snail and TWIST1 transcription factors from entering the nucleus. This indicates that PNS can regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition through MAPK and the Snail/TWIST1 signaling pathway, thereby exerting its antipulmonary fibrosis effect.

Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth Beneficial Effects to Alleviate Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth/Huo Xiang (HX) is a perennial herb with unique anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and thus, can positively affect liver function. In this study, we used network pharmacology to predict the potential mechanism of HX on NAFLD. Pharmacological experiments were used to verify the effect of HX on the functions of NAFLD. Network pharmacology identified nine components that interacted with 82 NAFLD-related targets, revealing four target genes: TNF, IL6, TP53, and AKT1. HX prevents the development and progression of NAFLD through different pathways and targets with quercetin-regulated lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant pathways playing an essential role in the treatment of NAFLD. Compared with feeding HFD, HX significantly attenuated lipid accumulation in vivo with mice and also in vitro with mouse liver cells. A high dose of HX decreased hepatocyte lipid accumulation and the abundance of SREBF1 and FASN. Validation experiments revealed that HX inhibited the activation of NF-κB/IκB signaling and decreased the release and levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6). These data suggest that HX can attenuate abnormal lipid metabolic responses and enhance antioxidant mechanisms. Thus, the pharmacological effects from plants used in traditional Chinese medicine are achievde through a multi-level response.

Regulatory Mechanism and Experimental Verification of Patchouli Alcohol on Gastric Cancer Cell Based on Network Pharmacology

Background

Pogostemon cablin is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is frequently used to treat various gastrointestinal diseases. Patchouli alcohol (PA), a compound extracted from the Pogostemon cablin, has been shown to have anti-tumor efficacy in human colorectal cancer. However, the mechanism of PA’s anticancer effect on gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown.

Methods

We used the public database to obtain the potential targets of PA and genes related to GC. Bioinformatic analyses, such as the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and protein-protein interactions (PPI), were used for analyzing the potential signal pathways and targets. Cell experiments were also conducted to further explain the impact and molecular mechanism of PA on GC, as well as to confirm the findings of network pharmacology.

Results

Using network pharmacological analysis, 161 possible targets were identified for the treatment of GC. Network analysis and functional enrichment analysis show that PA produced a marked effect in the treatment of GC through multi-targets and multi-pathways, especially the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signal pathways. In addition, PA showed the inhibition of GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in cell experiments. According to our findings, PA could also cause G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in GC cells.

Conclusion

Using network pharmacology, we aim to uncover the possible molecular mechanism of PA on GC treatment in this research. Cell experiments were also conducted to confirm the therapeutic effect of PA on GC.

Protective Effect of Patchouli Alcohol Against SH-SY5Y Cell Injury Induced by Aβ25-35 via the Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Patchouli alcohol (PA) has multiple pharmacological activities, but its protective effect against SH-SY5Y cell injury induced by Aβ25-35 has not been reported. It has been recorded that phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxykinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays an important role in neuroprotection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of PA against SH-SY5Y cell injury induced by Aβ25-35 and its underlying mechanism. The results showed that compared with that in the Aβ25-35-induced injury group, the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells increased ( P < .01) in the different PA-treated groups and the lactic dehydrogenase activity decreased significantly ( P < .01) in the 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL PA groups; compared with those in the Aβ25-35-induced injury group, the malonyldialdehyde contents in SH-SY5Y cells decreased ( P < .05 or P < .01), while the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities increased significantly ( P < .05 or P < .01) in the different PA-treated groups; compared with those in the Aβ25-35-induced injury group, the apoptosis rates, and the mRNA and protein levels of Caspase-3 and Bax in SH-SY5Y cells decreased ( P < .05 or P < .01), while the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2, and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR protein levels increased significantly ( P < .05 or P < .01) in the different PA-treated groups. The above results indicate that PA can inhibit the oxidative stress and apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells induced by Aβ25-35 by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, to protect the SH-SY5Y cells from the injury induced by Aβ25-35.

Pogostemon cablin extract as an anticancer agent on human acute myeloid leukemia

Pogostemon cablin has been indicated to treat many kinds of diseases and the progression of cancers, such as colorectal cancer. However, the effects of P. cablin extract (PPa extract) against acute myeloid leukemia have not been investigated. Thus, this study explored the anticancer potential of PPa extract and its mechanism in HL-60 cells. The MTT assay results showed that PPa extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner and affected cell morphology, causing cell shrinkage and the formation of debris. PPa extract blocked cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis, as shown by the observation of DNA fragments and apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, PPa extract caused the accumulation of a population of cells at G0/G1 phase via a reduction in p-Rb, increasing p21 expression, and downregulating cell cycle regulator protein expression. Then, PPa extract was found to activate the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, leading to cell death. These data demonstrated that PPa extract exerted inhibitory activity and triggered cell apoptosis in HL-60 cells and that PPa extract might be a chemopreventive agent for cancer therapy.

Pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of Pogostemon cablin Benth: a review

Patchouli ("Guanghuoxiang") or scientifically known as Pogostemon cablin Benth, belonging to the family Lamiaceae, has been used in traditional Chinse medicine (TCM) since the time of the Eastern Han dynasty. In TCM theory, patchouli can treat colds, nausea, fever, headache, and diarrhea. Various bioactive compounds have been identified in patchouli, including terpenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, organic acids, lignins, glycosides, alcohols, pyrone, and aldehydes. Among the numerous compounds, patchouli alcohol, β-patchoulene, patchoulene epoxide, pogostone, and pachypodol are of great importance. The pharmacological impacts of these compounds include anti-peptic ulcer effect, antimicrobial effect, anti-oxidative effect, anti-inflammatory effect, effect on ischemia/reperfusion injury, analgesic effect, antitumor effect, antidiabetic effect, anti-hypertensive effect, immunoregulatory effect, and others.For this review, we examined publications from the previous five years collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. This review summarizes the recent progress in phytochemistry, pharmacology, and mechanisms of action and provides a reference for future studies focused on clinical applications of this important plant extract.

Pogostemon cablin Triggered ROS-Induced DNA Damage to Arrest Cell Cycle Progression and Induce Apoptosis on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo

The purpose of the study was to elucidate the anti-hepatoma effects and mechanisms of Pogostemon cablin essential oils (PPa extract) in vitro and in vivo. PPa extract exhibited an inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and was less cytotoxic to normal cells, especially normal liver cells, than it was to HCC cells, exerting a good selective index. Additionally, PPa extract inhibited HCC cell growth by blocking the cell cycle at the G₀/G₁ phase via p53 dependent or independent pathway to down regulated cell cycle regulators. Moreover, PPa extract induced the FAS-FASL-caspase-8 system to activate the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, and it increased the bax/bcl-2 ratio and reduced ΔΨm to activate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway that might be due to lots of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which was induced by PPa extract. In addition, PPa extract presented to the potential to act synergistically with sorafenib to effectively inhibit HCC cell proliferation through the Akt/mTOR pathway and reduce regrowth of HCC cells. In an animal model, PPa extract suppressed HCC tumor growth and prolonged lifespan by reducing the VEGF/VEGFR axis and inducing tumor cell apoptosis in vivo. Ultimately, PPa extract demonstrated nearly no or low system-wide, physiological, or pathological toxicity in vivo. In conclusion, PPa extract effectively inhibited HCC cell growth through inducing cell cycle arrest and activating apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PPa extract exhibits less toxicity toward normal cells and organs than it does toward HCC cells, which might lead to fewer side effects in clinical applications. PPa extract may be developed into a clinical drug to suppress tumor growth or functional food to prevent HCC initiation or chemoprotection of HCC recurrence.

An In Vitro Evaluation of the Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Medical Plants from the Lamiaceae Family as Effective Sources of Active Compounds against Human Cancer Cell Lines

It is predicted that 1.8 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed worldwide in 2020; of these, the incidence of lung, colon, breast, and prostate cancers will be 22%, 9%, 7%, and 5%, respectively according to the National Cancer Institute. As the global medical cost of cancer in 2020 will exceed about $150 billion, new approaches and novel alternative chemoprevention molecules are needed. Research indicates that the plants of the Lamiaceae family may offer such potential. The present study reviews selected species from the Lamiaceae and their active compounds that may have the potential to inhibit the growth of lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells; it examines the effects of whole extracts, individual compounds, and essential oils, and it discusses their underlying molecular mechanisms of action. The studied members of the Lamiaceae are sources of crucial phytochemicals that may be important modulators of cancer-related molecular targets and can be used as effective factors to support anti-tumor treatment.

Potential benefits of patchouli alcohol in prevention of human diseases: A mechanistic review

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Patchouli alcohol (PA) is a bioactive component in essential oil extracted from Pogostemon cablin.

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The present review provides the scientific mechanisms for health beneficial activities of PA in diverse disease models.

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PA possesses diverse health beneficial activities.

Patchouli alcohol (PA), a tricyclic sesquiterpene, is a dominant bioactive component in oil extracted from the aerial parts of Pogostemon cablin (patchouli). Diverse beneficial activities have been reported, including anti-influenza virus, anti-depressant, anti-nociceptive, vasorelaxation, lung protection, brain protection, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-colitis, pre-biotic-like, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and protective activities against metabolic diseases. However, detailed mechanistic studies are required to explore the possibility of developing PA as a functional food material or promising drug for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. This review highlights multiple molecular targets and working mechanisms by which PA mediates health benefits.

Extract of Pogostemon cablin Possesses Potent Anticancer Activity against Colorectal Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Pogostemon cablin (PCa), an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, is routinely used in the amelioration of different types of gastrointestinal discomfort. However, the mechanisms underlying the cancer suppression activity of PCa in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells have yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effects of PCa, specifically the induction of apoptosis in CRC cells. The growth inhibition curve of CRC cells following exposure to PCa was detected by an MTT assay. Moreover, PCa combined with 5-FU revealed a synergic effect of decreased cell viability. PCa inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G₀/G₁ phase and cell apoptosis through regulation of associated protein expression. An in vivo study showed that PCa suppressed the growth of CRC via induction of cell apoptosis with no significant change in body weight or organ histology. Our results demonstrated that PCa inhibits the growth of CRC cells and induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, which suggests the potential applicability of PCa as an anticancer agent.

The importance of programmed death ligand 1 gene expression, epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutations and serum epidermal growth factor receptor levels in Turkish non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background

This study aims to investigate the possible relationships between epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutations, serum epidermal growth factor receptor levels, programmed death ligand gene expression levels and the risks and survivals of resectable nonsmall cell lung cancer patients.

Methods

Deoxyribonucleic acid isolation was performed from peripheral blood samples and tumor tissues. The mutation analysis was performed for epidermal growth factor receptor. Programmed death ligand 1 gene expression levels were examined pathologically and histopathologically following the tissue tracing of 36 non-small cell lung cancer patients (29 males, 7 females; mean age 60.1 years; range, 41 to 79 years) and analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Epidermal growth factor receptor serum levels were assessed in all patients.

Results

As a result of mutation analyses in 21 patients (28.5% of all adenocarcinoma patients), epidermal growth factor receptor mutation was determined in at least one exon in six patients. In epidermal growth factor receptor mutation detected patients, programmed death ligand 1 gene expression levels were associated with lymph node metastasis (p=0.036). However, epidermal growth factor receptor mutations were not statistically significantly associated according to histopathological examination (p>0.05). Of patients carrying exon 20 (c.2303G>T) mutations, 25% had tumors with perineural invasion. There was a statistically significant association between exon 20 insertions and c.2303G>T and lymphatic invasion (p=0.02), lymph node metastasis and exon 20 insertions (p=0.03). Patients with lower serum epidermal growth factor receptor levels (<400 pg/mL) had better survival time than those with higher serum epidermal growth factor receptor levels (p=0.04).

Conclusion

Programmed death ligand 1 gene expression and epidermal growth factor receptor mutation might have a combined effect on non-small cell lung cancer. Programmed death ligand 1 gene expression in tumor pathology may also be a significant feature for tumor progression and tumorigenesis. Serum epidermal growth factor receptor levels seem to be associated with survival.