The use of African medicinal plants in cancer management

Skimmianine Modulates Tumor Proliferation and Immune Dynamics in Breast Cancer by Targeting PCNA and TNF-α

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer continues to be a major global health challenge, driving the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This study evaluates the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential of skimmianine in breast cancer through a comprehensive approach, integrating biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and bioinformatics analyses. Methods: Thirty-six female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer, and DMBA + skimmianine (n = 12/group). Breast cancer was induced with a single oral dose of 50 mg/kg DMBA in sesame oil. After 16 weeks, skimmianine (40 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for four weeks. Serum CA15-3 levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological assessment was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were evaluated immunohistochemically. Pathway and hub gene analyses were performed using Cytoscape, functional annotation with Enrichr, and immune analyses via the Tumor and Immune System Interaction Database (TISIDB) and Sangerbox. Results: The tumor burden in the animals increased after DMBA induction compared to the control groups (0.00 ± 0.00% vs. 89.00 ± 6.60%, respectively, p < 0.001), while skimmianine treatment significantly reduced the tumor burden in the animals (49.00 ± 9.40%, vs. DMBA group, p = 0.191). Histopathological analysis showed DMBA-induced structural disorganization and malignant clustering, whereas skimmianine preserved ductal structures and mitigated the damage. Compared to the control group, DMBA administration markedly elevated serum CA15-3 levels (0.23 ± 0.06 ng/mL vs. 8.57 ± 1.01 ng/mL, respectively), along with PCNA (13.0 ± 3.0% vs. 25.0 ± 4.0%, respectively) and TNF-α (8.4 ± 1.7% vs. 34.0 ± 5.3%, respectively) expression, indicating active tumor progression. Skimmianine treatment significantly reduced CA15-3 (3.72 ± 0.58 ng/mL), PCNA (20.0 ± 4.1%), and TNF-α (25.0 ± 3.9%) levels (p < 0.001). In silico analyses indicated skimmianine's effects on PCNA influence cell cycle pathways, while TNF-α suppression impacts toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling (adjusted p < 0.05). PCNA- and TNF-α-related anticancer effects were especially notable in basal molecular and C2 immune subtypes (p < 0.05). Related hub proteins may regulate immune dynamics by reducing immunosuppression and tumor-promoting inflammation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Skimmianine shows promise as a breast cancer therapy by simultaneously targeting tumor growth and immune regulation, with PCNA and TNF-α identified as potential key players.

Isolation and purification of sinensetin, and in silico screening of phytochemicals from Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. for anti-breast cancer activity

Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. (O. aristatus), a traditional herbal medicine, exhibits a wide range of biological activities but its anti-breast cancer effect is not fully established. In this study, sinensetin was isolated and purified through a multistep process, beginning with liquid-liquid partitioning using dichloromethane, followed by classic column chromatography using gradient elution. Preparative high-performance liquid chromatography with acetonitrile-water (41:59, v/v) mobile phase successfully isolated sinensetin to 95% purity. In silico screening of O. aristatus-derived bioactive compounds revealed that flavonoids (including sinensetin), polyphenols (i.e. 2,3-O-dicaffeoyltartaric acid, rosmarinic acid), diterpenoid (i.e. trans-ozic acid), triterpenoids and dipeptide (i.e. aurantiamide acetate) have good binding affinities with 17β-HSD1, ErbB2/HER2 and PI3K-PKB/Akt proteins. These findings suggest that O. arsistatus could be a rich natural source of inhibitors targeting molecular pathways involved in breast cancer, offering promising therapeutic benefits.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of side effects influenced by non-surgical treatments in African cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy immunotherapy and radiotherapy are associated with serious adverse effects that affect a patient's physiological functioning and physical appearance, contribute to financial toxicity, reduce quality of life, and increase the risk of treatment discontinuation. This systematic review aims to describe treatment-related side effects associated with non-surgical cancer treatment and clinical factors that influence the severity of side effects experienced among African cancer patients.

METHOD

A systematic search of primary research studies reporting side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy among patients in African countries was undertaken across four databases (Medline (PubMed), ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials).

RESULTS

Of the 7870 identified articles, 51 eligible studies were included . Articles outlined side effects from chemotherapy (n = 31), radiotherapy (n = 6), chemoradiation (n = 9), chemotherapy and targeted therapy (n = 2), and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy (n = 3). The most prevalent side effects reported were nausea and vomiting (chemotherapy), radiation dermatitis (radiotherapy), neutropenia, and anaemia (chemoradiation). Included studies reported an increased risk of side effects related to combined therapy (i.e., chemoradiation), type of chemotherapy, higher cumulative chemotherapy doses, more frequent treatment cycles, and the presence of comorbidities. Six studies indicated treatment discontinuation arising due to treatment-related side effects.

CONCLUSION

The review highlights the need for cancer care providers to anticipate treatment-related side effects and mitigate them ahead of time, providing necessary prophylactic measures and treatment support.

Therapeutic Potential of Prunus Species in Gastrointestinal Oncology

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal tract cancers represent a significant worldwide health concern, accounting for almost one-third of cancer-related deaths. The existing chemotherapy drugs used in gastrointestinal cancers are ineffective, so prognosis is poor, recurrence and metastasis rates are high, and survival time remains short, necessitating the development of novel antitumor drugs that exhibit low toxicity and less potential for the development of drug resistance. This challenge is considerable, but evidence from the past decades supports the medicinal properties and functionalities of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and acid phenolics with anticancer activities. Our purpose was to find data on the relationship between gastrointestinal cancer and bioactive compounds from Prunus species, focusing on their molecular mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

Studies highlight the potential of bioactive compounds from Prunus species to modulate the cancer cell signaling pathways involved in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The studies reviewed suggest that polyphenols from Prunus species exhibit promising gastrointestinal anticancer activities and could represent an adjunctive therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. Further studies are necessary to validate these compounds' therapeutic potential and their feasibility as cost-effective treatments for cancer.

Anti-microtubular activity of total alkaloids and aqueous extract of Detarium microcarpum a medicinal plant harvested in Mali

Detarium microcarpum, is a species confined to drier regions of west and central Africa used to treat various diseases including cancer. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites (alkaloids) The aim of this work is to study the effect of total aqueous extracts and alkaloid fractions from D. microcarpum leaves, bark and roots on Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. 'Bright Yellow 2' (BY-2) tobacco cell line GFP-TuA3 expressing a N-terminal fusion of GFP. The plant was harvested in two different regions of Mali with a contrasting climate. The effects of the extracts on the microtubules was followed by spinning disc confocal microscopy. We showed that the anti-microtubular effect of the extracts is dose-dependent, depends of the sampling site and the part of the plant used. Total alkaloids extracted of D. microcarpum bark have more effect on microtubules than leaf and root. The bioactivity-guided fractionation should be used to screen out the biologically active compounds of the total alkaloid extracts of the bark of D. microcarpum.

Incredible use of plant-derived bioactives as anticancer agents

Cancer is a major global concern. Despite considerable advancements in cancer therapy and control, there are still large gaps and requirements for development. In recent years, various naturally occurring anticancer drugs have been derived from natural resources, such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, terpenoids, flavones, and polyphenols. Plant-derived substances exhibit their anticancer potential through antiproliferative activity, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, angiogenesis and cell cycle arrest. Natural compounds can affect the molecular activity of cells through various signaling pathways, like the cell cycle pathway, STAT-3 pathway, PI3K/Akt, and Ras/MAP-kinase pathways. Capsaicin, ouabain, and lycopene show their anticancer potential through the STAT-3 pathway in breast, colorectal, pancreatic, lung, cervical, ovarian and colon cancers. Epigallocatechin gallate and emodin target the JNK protein in skin, breast, and lung cancers, while berberine, evodiamine, lycorine, and astragalin exhibit anticancer activity against breast, liver, prostate, pancreatic and skin cancers and leukemia through the PI3K/Akt and Ras/MAP-kinase pathways. In vitro/in vivo investigations revealed that secondary metabolites suppress cancer cells by causing DNA damage and activating apoptosis-inducing enzymes. After a meticulous literature review, the anti-cancer potential, mode of action, and clinical trials of 144 bioactive compounds and their synthetic analogues are included in the present work, which could pave the way for using plant-derived bioactives as anticancer agents.

Utilizing Indigenous Flora in East Africa for Breast Cancer Treatment: An Overview

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to cancer- related deaths. Conventional treatment methods, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgical interventions, and radiation, have long been utilized. However, these traditional treatments are often associated with serious side effects and drug resistance, limiting their efficacy.

AIM

This review aims to explore the potential of medicinal plants used in breast cancer management in East Africa, focusing on their bioactive compounds and anticancer properties.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to examine the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating breast cancer across Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Relevant studies published between 2003 and 2023 were identified using keywords related to breast cancer and medicinal plants. The search was performed across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Science Direct.

RESULTS

Numerous natural compounds found in East African medicinal plants including Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass,) Tabebuia avellanedae, Prunus africana (African Cherry), Euclea divinorum, Berberis holstii, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha, Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen, Vitis vinifera (Grapevine), Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum), Moringa oleifera (Drumstick Tree), Camellia sinensis (Tea), Glycine max (Soybean), Catharanthus roseus, Madagascar Periwinkle), Rhus vulgaris (Wild Currant) exhibit significant anticancer properties. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to reduce breast cancer aggressiveness, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and modulate cancer-related pathways. Current research focuses on these natural and dietary compounds to develop more effective strategies for treating breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that East African medicinal plants hold promise as complementary treatments for breast cancer, offering potential benefits such as affordability, cultural appropriateness, and sustainability. Further research into these plants and their bioactive compounds could revolutionize breast cancer treatment, improving survival rates and addressing the rising incidence of breast cancer-related fatalities. Other: The review underscores the importance of continued research, conservation, and the integration of ancient healing methods to fully harness the potential of East African flora in breast cancer management.

Phytochemical Screening and Characterization of Volatile Compounds from Three Medicinal Plants with Reported Anticancer Properties Using GC-MS

Annona senegalensis pers, Sutherlandia frutescens (L.), and Withania somnifera (L.) are abundant plants and widely distributed in the Limpopo, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, North West and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa. The three plants are among those used by traditional healers and herbalists in South Africa for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer. The current study aimed at the phytochemical screening and characterization of volatile compounds from the three medicinal plants using GC-MS. The methanol leaf extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard chemical tests to detect the presence of different classes of compounds. Volatile compounds were detected by GC-MS analysis, and detected compounds were identified by comparing the MS spectral data with those of compounds deposited in the NIST Library (NIST08). Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of different secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, quinones, steroids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, and terpenoids in all plants. GC-MS chromatograms allowed the detection and identification of 19 volatile compounds among the three plants with known bioactivities that are important in the management of life-threatening diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The results confirm the leaves of Annona senegalensis, Sutherlandia frutescens, and Withania somnifera as sources of important phytochemicals and therefore justify their use for the treatment of various diseases by traditional healers.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro study on Aspilia pluriseta against prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Current prostate cancer treatments are associated with life-threatening side effects, prompting the search for effective and safer alternatives. Aspilia pluriseta Schweinf. ex Engl. has previously shown anticancer activity in lung and liver cancer cell lines. This study investigated its potential for prostate cancer.

METHODS

A crude extract of A. pluriseta root was prepared using dichloromethane/methanol (1:1 v/v) and partitioned into hexane, ethyl acetate, and water fractions. The MTT assay was used to assess the antiproliferative activity of the fractions. The active fractions were tested at 6.25-200 µg/ml on human prostate cancer DU-145 cells and non-cancerous Vero E6 cells. Qualitative phytochemical and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were conducted to identify chemical compounds. Network pharmacology was employed to predict molecular targets and modes of action of the identified chemical compounds, with subsequent validation through molecular docking and real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Active extracts included crude dichloromethane/methanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions, inhibiting DU-145 cell proliferation with IC50 values of 16.94, 20.06, and 24.14 µg/ml, respectively. Selectivity indices were determined to be 6.04 (crude), 3.62 (hexane), and 6.68 (ethyl acetate). Identified phytochemicals comprised phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and saponins. GC-MS analysis revealed seventy-nine (79) compounds, with seven (7) meeting ideal drug candidate parameters; their hub gene targets included MAPK3, MAPK1, IL6, TP53, ESR1, PTGS2, MMP9, MDM2, AR, and MAP2K1, implicating regulation of PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and p53 signaling pathways as potential modes of action. Core compounds such as 1-heneicosanol, lanosterol, andrographolide, and retinoic acid exhibited strong binding activities, particularly lanosterol with MAPK21 (-9.7 kcal/mol), ESR1 (-8.9 kcal/mol), and MAPK3 (-8.8 kcal/mol). Treatment with A. pluriseta downregulated AR expression and upregulated p53, while also downregulating CDK1 and BCL-2 and upregulating caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONS

A. pluriseta extracts inhibited DU-145 cell growth without causing cellular toxicity, suggesting great potential for development as an anti-prostate cancer agent. However, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are recommended.

Harnessing the nutriceutics in early-stage breast cancer: mechanisms, combinational therapy, and drug delivery

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is a significant health challenge, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related death and the primary cause of mortality among women aged 45 to 55. Early detection is crucial for optimal prognosis. Among various treatment options available for cancer, chemotherapy remains the predominant approach. However, its patient-friendliness is hindered by cytotoxicity, adverse effects, multi-drug resistance, potential for recurrence, and high costs. This review explores extensively studied phytomolecules, elucidating their molecular mechanisms. It also emphasizes the importance of combination therapy, highlighting recent advancements in the exploration of diverse drug delivery systems and novel routes of administration. The regulatory considerations are crucial in translating these approaches into clinical practices.

RESULTS

Consequently, there is growing interest in exploring the relationship between diet, cancer, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer chemotherapy. Phytochemicals like berberine, curcumin, quercetin, lycopene, sulforaphane, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, genistein, thymoquinone have emerged as promising candidates due to their pleiotropic actions on target cells through multiple mechanisms with minimal toxicity effects. This review focuses on extensively studied phytomolecules, elucidating their molecular mechanisms. It also emphasizes the importance of combination therapy, highlighting recent advancements in the exploration of diverse drug delivery systems and novel routes of administration. The regulatory considerations are crucial in translating these approaches into clinical practices.

CONCLUSION

The present review provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms, coupled with well-designed clinical trials and adherence to regulatory guidelines, which pave the way for nutrition-based combination therapies to become a frontline approach in early-stage BC treatment.

Tapping the potential of Calotropis procera hairy roots for cardiac glycosides production and their identification using UHPLC/QTOF-MS

The present work deals with the establishment of hairy root cultures from different explants of C. procera using Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4. A high transformation frequency (95%) was obtained from leaves followed by cotyledons (81.6%) and hypocotyls (38.3%). Genetic transformation of hairy roots was confirmed through PCR by amplifying a 400 bp fragment of the rolB gene. Hairy roots were highly branched, possessed plagiotropic and rapid growth on hormone-free ½ B5 medium. Ten cardiac glycosides, including calotropagenin, calotoxin, frugoside, coroglaucigenin, calotropin, calactin, uzarigenin, asclepin, uscharidin, and uscharin, based on their specific masses and fragmentation properties were identified in ethanolic extracts of hairy roots by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry UHPLC/QTOF-MS. This protocol could be used as a powerful tool for large-scale in vitro production of highly valued cardiac glycosides and for further transcriptomics or metabolomics studies.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical Screening of Methanolic Seed Extracts of Tribulus terrestris: An In Vitro Application of Anti-cancer, Anti-oxidant, and Anti-microbial Activities

BACKGROUND

Tribulus terrestris, a plant known for its pharmacological properties, was investigated in this study for its potential anticancer effects against oral cancer cells. The study aimed to explore the phytochemical composition of T. terrestris seed extract and evaluate its cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanolic seed extracts of T. terrestris were obtained and subjected to phytochemical analysis to identify bioactive compounds. The cytotoxic effect of the extract on oral cancer cells was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, while pro-apoptotic effects were assessed through dual fluorescent staining. Antioxidant activity was measured using hydrogen peroxide and erythrocyte aggregation assays, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through inhibition of albumin denaturation.

RESULTS

Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols in T. terrestris seed extract. The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against oral cancer cells, with 100 μg/mL showing significant growth inhibition. Pro-apoptotic effects were observed, with characteristic morphological changes in cancer cells treated with the extract. Antioxidant activity was demonstrated by the extract, with methanol fraction of a flower (MFF) exhibiting the highest capacity, followed by total trichome fraction (TTF), and a positive correlation between phenolic content and free radical scavenging effectiveness was noted. Antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, was also observed, with higher concentrations showing increased efficacy.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that methanolic extracts of T. terrestris possess significant anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. These findings highlight the potential of T. terrestris as a candidate for further research and clinical applications, either alone or in combination with other agents, for the treatment of oral cancer and associated conditions.

In-silico study unveils potential phytocompounds in Andrographis paniculata against E6 protein of the high-risk HPV-16 subtype for cervical cancer therapy

Despite therapeutic advancements, cervical cancer caused by high-risk subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. This study aimed to discover potential drug candidates from the Asian medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata, demonstrating efficacy against the E6 protein of high-risk HPV-16 subtype through an in-silico computational approach. The 3D structures of 32 compounds (selected from 42) derived from A. paniculata, exhibiting higher binding affinity, were obtained from the PubChem database. These structures underwent subsequent analysis and screening based on criteria including binding energy, molecular docking, drug likeness and toxicity prediction using computational techniques. Considering the spectrometry, pharmacokinetic properties, docking results, drug likeliness, and toxicological effects, five compounds-stigmasterol, 1H-Indole-3-carboxylic acid, 5-methoxy-, methyl ester (AP7), andrographolide, apigenin and wogonin-were selected as the potential inhibitors against the E6 protein of HPV-16. We also performed 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations of the compounds to analyze their stability and interactions as protein-ligand complexes using imiquimod (CID-57469) as a control. Screened compounds showed favorable characteristics, including stable root mean square deviation values, minimal root mean square fluctuations and consistent radius of gyration values. Intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts, were sustained throughout the simulations. The compounds displayed potential affinity, as indicated by negative binding free energy values. Overall, findings of this study suggest that the selected compounds have the potential to act as inhibitors against the E6 protein of HPV-16, offering promising prospects for the treatment and management of CC.

Pulmonary hypertension and the potential of 'drug' repurposing: A case for African medicinal plants

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a haemodynamic disorder in which elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation is caused by abnormal vascular tone. Despite advances in treatment, PH mortality remains high, and drug repurposing has been proposed as a mitigating approach. This article reviews the studies that have investigated drug repurposing as a viable option for PH. We provide an overview of PH and highlight pharmaceutical drugs with repurposing potential, based on limited evidence of their mechanisms of action. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the benefits of medicinal plants in PH, most of which are of Indian or Asian origin. Africa is a rich source of many medicinal plants that have been scientifically proven to counteract myriad pathologies. When perusing these studies, one will notice that some African medicinal plants can counteract the molecular pathways (e.g. proliferation, vasoconstriction, inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction) that are also involved in the pathogenesis of PH. We review the actions of these plants with actions applicable to PH and highlight that they could be repurposed as adjunct PH therapies. However, these plants have either never been tested in PH, or there is little evidence of their actions against PH. We therefore encourage caution, as more research is needed to study these plants further in experimental models of PH while acknowledging that the outcomes of such proof of-concept studies may not always yield promising findings. Regardless, this article aims to stimulate future research that could make timely contributions to the field.

Study synopsis

What the study adds. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains a fatal disease, and 80% of the patients live in developing countries where resources are scarce and specialised therapies are often unavailable. Drug repurposing is a viable option to try to improve treatment outcomes.Implications of the findings. We propose that another form of 'drug' repurposing is the use of medicinal plants, many of which have demonstrated benefits against pathological processes that are also key in PH, e.g. apoptosis, tumour-like growth of cells, proliferation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Etiology of lung carcinoma and treatment through medicinal plants, marine plants and green synthesized nanoparticles: A comprehensive review

Lung cancer, a leading global cause of mortality, poses a significant public health challenge primarily linked to tobacco use. While tobacco contributes to over 90% of cases, factors like dietary choices and radiation exposure also play a role. Despite potential benefits from early detection, cancer patients face hurdles, including drug resistance, chemotherapy side effects, high treatment costs, and limited healthcare access. Traditional medicinal plant knowledge has recently unveiled diverse cancer chemopreventive agents from terrestrial and marine sources. These phytochemicals regulate intricate molecular processes, influencing the immune system, apoptosis, cell cycle, proliferation, carcinogen elimination, and antioxidant levels. In pursuing cutting-edge strategies to combat the diverse forms of cancer, technological advancements have spurred innovative approaches. Researchers have focused on the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant metabolites. This method offers distinct advantages over conventional physical and chemical synthesis techniques, such as cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and energy efficiency. Metallic nanoparticles, through various pathways such as the generation of reactive oxygen species, modulation of enzyme activity, DNA fragmentation, disruption of signaling pathways, perturbation of cell membranes, and interference with mitochondrial function resulting in DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, exhibit significant potential for preventive applications. Thus, the amalgamation of phytocompounds and metallic nanoparticles holds promise as a novel approach to lung cancer therapy. However, further refinements and advancements are necessary to enhance the environmentally friendly process of metallic nanoparticle synthesis.

Nanoparticle elicitation: A promising strategy to modulate the production of bioactive compounds in hairy roots

Hairy root culture is one of the promising biotechnological tools to obtain the stable and sustainable production of specialized metabolites from plants under controlled environment conditions. Various strategies have been adopted to enhance the accumulation of bioactive compounds in hairy roots yet their utilization at the commercial scale is restricted to only a few products. Recently, nanotechnology has been emerged as an active technique that has revolutionized the many sectors in an advantageous way. Elicitation using nanoparticles has been recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing the bioactive compounds of interest in plants. Nanoparticles elicit the activity of defense-related compounds through activation of the specific transcription factors involved in specialized metabolites production. This review discusses the recent progress in using nanoparticles to enhance specialized metabolite biosynthesis using hairy root culture system and the significant achievements in this area of research. Biotic and abiotic elicitors to improve the production of bioactive compounds in hairy roots, different types of nanoparticles as eliciting agents, their properties as dependent on shape, most widely used nanoparticles in plant hairy root systems are described in detail. Further challenges involved in application of nanoparticles, their toxicity in plant cells and risks associated to human health are also envisaged. No doubt, nanoparticle elicitation is a remarkable approach to obtain phytochemicals from hairy roots to be utilized in various sectors including food, medicines, cosmetics or agriculture but it is quite essential to understand the inter-relationships between the nanoparticles and the plant systems in terms of specifics such as type, dosage and time of exposure as well as other important parameters.

TRAIL-Sensitizing Effects of Flavonoids in Cancer

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) represents a promising anticancer agent, as it selectively induces apoptosis in transformed cells without altering the cellular machinery of healthy cells. Unfortunately, the presence of TRAIL resistance mechanisms in a variety of cancer types represents a major hurdle, thus limiting the use of TRAIL as a single agent. Accumulating studies have shown that TRAIL-mediated apoptosis can be facilitated in resistant tumors by combined treatment with antitumor agents, ranging from synthetic molecules to natural products. Among the latter, flavonoids, the most prevalent polyphenols in plants, have shown remarkable competence in improving TRAIL-driven apoptosis in resistant cell lines as well as tumor-bearing mice with minimal side effects. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms, such as the upregulation of death receptor (DR)4 and DR5 and downregulation of key anti-apoptotic proteins [e.g., cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), survivin], underlying the TRAIL-sensitizing properties of different classes of flavonoids (e.g., flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, chalcones, prenylflavonoids). Finally, we discuss limitations, mainly related to bioavailability issues, and future perspectives regarding the clinical use of flavonoids as adjuvant agents in TRAIL-based therapies.