Pterostilbene in the treatment of inflammatory and oncological diseases

Pterostilbene as a Multifaceted Anticancer Agent: Molecular Mechanisms, Therapeutic Potential and Future Directions

Pterostilbene (PT), a natural dimethoxy analogue of resveratrol, exhibits enhanced bioavailability and lipophilicity, making it a more effective therapeutic candidate than resveratrol. These pharmacokinetic advantages improve its cellular uptake and metabolic stability, positioning PT as a promising compound in cancer treatment. PT has shown significant anticancer activity in several malignancies, including melanoma, breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. Its mechanisms of action include induction of apoptosis through caspase activation, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis via downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor. PT also modulates epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, and targets cancer stem cells by reducing the expression of stemness markers like CD44 and c-Myc. Additionally, PT enhances the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil, with preclinical studies showing synergistic effects and reversal of drug resistance. A Phase II clinical trial (NCT03671811) in endometrial cancer patients has confirmed the safety of PT and revealed its ability to modulate immune-related gene expression and suppress mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Despite promising results, several challenges remain particularly low water solubility, limited systemic bioavailability, lack of large-scale human studies, and undefined therapeutic protocols. Future research should focus on advanced formulation strategies, rigorous clinical trials across cancer types, and identification of patient-specific therapeutic responses to support PT's integration into oncology practice.

Stilbene Glycosides in Pinus cembra L. Bark: Isolation, Characterization, and Assessment of Antioxidant Potential and Antitumor Activity on HeLa Cells

Stilbenes are plant secondary metabolites with remarkable antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and neuroprotective properties. As these compounds are valuable constituents in healthcare products and promising drug candidates, exploring new sources of stilbenes is essential for therapeutic advancement. The present study reports the isolation of two stilbene glycosides, resveratroloside and pinostilbenoside, from Pinus cembra L. bark. Their antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effects against HeLa cells were evaluated in comparison to the raw bark extract. The structures of resveratroloside and pinostilbenoside were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) data analyses. Antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Cell viability, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell cycle assays were used to evaluate the cytotoxic potential against HeLa cells. Resveratroloside and pinostilbenoside exhibited lower activity as free radical scavengers and reducing agents. However, they showed greater efficacy in reducing viability and suppressing proliferation in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Given the promising findings of our study, the therapeutic potential of resveratroloside and pinostilbenoside should be further investigated.

Updated Review on Natural Polyphenols: Molecular Mechanisms, Biological Effects, and Clinical Applications for Cancer Management

Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds found exclusively in plants, have gained significant attention for their potential in cancer prevention and treatment. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties and are abundant in various plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and beverages. Recent studies have highlighted the broad spectrum of health benefits of polyphenols, including their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. In addition, these naturally derived compounds are increasingly important for drug discovery due to their high molecular diversity and novel biofunctionalities. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the current research and knowledge on the potential use of dietary polyphenols as bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of various cancers. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of phenolic compounds in both laboratory and clinical settings. Furthermore, this review highlights the positive clinical outcomes associated with the use of polyphenols as anticancer agents and offers guidance for future research to advance this promising field.

Role of Chinese Medicine Monomers in Dry Eye Disease: Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Inflammation

Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronically inflammatory ocular surface disorder of unknown pathogenesis. Anti-inflammatory medications, artificial tears, autologous serum, and LipiFlow have been shown to be highly beneficial in alleviating symptoms. Nevertheless, these interventions often provide only short-term results and do not address the underlying problems of the disease. There is growing evidence that the risk of DED is associated with a vicious cycle of inflammation. This vicious cycle of inflammation is produced by the interaction of several factors, including tear film hyperosmolarity, tear film instability, inflammation, and apoptosis. Chinese medicine monomers, distinguished by their multicomponent and multitarget advantages, have been shown to help treat DED by modulating tear film status, and inhibiting inflammatory responses, and apoptosis, providing a new way of thinking of the management of DED in Chinese medicine.

Topical delivery of pterostilbene nanoemulgel ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice

AIM

This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of Pterostilbene (PTN), a natural stilbenoid, in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model. Due to PTN's poor solubility and bioavailability, a pterostilbene nano-emulsion gel (PTN-NEG) formulation (0.1% and 0.2% w/w) was developed to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.

METHODS

Psoriasis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by applying IMQ (62.5 mg/day) on a 5 cm2 shaved dorsal skin area for 7 days. PTN-NEG was topically applied, and its effects on oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, TNF-α, IL-22), NF-κB pathway activation, and keratinocyte proliferation markers (Ki-67, Bcl-xL) were assessed. The expression of dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP-1) and its role in modulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling were evaluated. Additionally, DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT-1) inhibition was examined to explore PTN's epigenetic impact.

RESULTS

PTN-NEG restored antioxidant balance, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibited NF-κB activation, and suppressed keratinocyte proliferation. It unregulated DUSP-1, modulating MAPK signaling and preventing psoriasis progression. PTN-NEG also improved epidermal structure, reduced hyperplasia, and prevented splenomegaly. Notably, PTN inhibited DNMT-1, suggesting a novel epigenetic mechanism for psoriasis.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that PTN-NEG mitigates psoriasis through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, highlighting its therapeutic potential in psoriasis management.

Insights Into the Therapeutic Potential of SIRT1-modifying Compounds for Alzheimer's Disease: A Focus on Molecular Mechanisms

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD + -dependent deacetylase, in regulating various biological pathways associated with AD pathology, including amyloid-beta metabolism, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of synthetic and natural compounds that modulate SIRT1 levels, emphasizing their molecular mechanisms of action. We explore a range of SIRT1-modifying agents, including polyphenols such as resveratrol, as well as synthetic analogs and novel pharmaceuticals that aim to enhance SIRT1 activity. Additionally, we discuss emerging innovative therapies, including pharmacological agents that improve SIRT1 signaling through mechanisms like photobiomodulation and nutritional interventions. These compounds not only target SIRT1 but also integrate into broader metabolic and neuroprotective pathways, presenting a promising approach to ameliorating AD symptoms. By elucidating the intricate interactions between SIRT1-modifying compounds and their effects on AD pathology, this review aims to advance the understanding of potential therapeutic strategies that could delay or prevent the progression of AD.

Recent Advances in Resveratrol Derivatives: Structural Modifications and Biological Activities

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phenolic stilbene molecule, has been intensively researched for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. However, due to its limited absorption and probable hepatotoxicity, it is difficult to employ directly as a medication, limiting its therapeutic applicability. Over the last five years, numerous structural changes in resveratrol have been widely studied, resulting in considerable improvements in pharmacological activity and drug availability. This work reviews the biological activities and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of resveratrol derivatives, with the goal of providing useful insights for the discovery of new resveratrol derivatives.

Polyphenols, Alkaloids, and Terpenoids Against Neurodegeneration: Evaluating the Neuroprotective Effects of Phytocompounds Through a Comprehensive Review of the Current Evidence

Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a group of chronic, usually age-related, disorders characterized by progressive neuronal loss, deformation of neuronal structure, or loss of neuronal function, leading to a substantially reduced quality of life. They remain a significant focus of scientific and clinical interest due to their increasing medical and social importance. Most neurodegenerative diseases present intracellular protein aggregation or their extracellular deposition (plaques), such as α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and amyloid beta (Aβ)/tau aggregates in Alzheimer's. Conventional treatments for neurodegenerative conditions incur high costs and are related to the development of several adverse effects. In addition, many patients are irresponsive to them. For these reasons, there is a growing tendency to find new therapeutic approaches to help patients. This review intends to investigate some phytocompounds' effects on neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions are generally related to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, so phytocompounds can help prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases. To achieve our aim to provide a critical assessment of the current literature about phytochemicals targeting neurodegeneration, we reviewed reputable databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and COCHRANE, seeking clinical trials that utilized phytochemicals against neurodegenerative conditions. A few clinical trials investigated the effects of phytocompounds in humans, and after screening, 13 clinical trials were ultimately included following PRISMA guidelines. These compounds include polyphenols (flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin, phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid, and other polyphenols like resveratrol), alkaloids (such as berberine, huperzine A, and caffeine), and terpenoids (such as ginkgolides and limonene). The gathered evidence underscores that quercetin, caffeine, ginkgolides, and other phytochemicals are primarily anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective, counteracting neuroinflammation, neuronal oxidation, and synaptic dysfunctions, which are crucial aspects of neurodegenerative disease intervention in various included conditions, such as Alzheimer's and other dementias, depression, and neuropsychiatric disorders. In summary, they show that the use of these compounds is related to significant improvements in cognition, memory, disinhibition, irritability/lability, aberrant behavior, hallucinations, and mood disorders.

Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases: The Role in Regulating KEAP1-NRF2 Pathway

Oxidative stress represents a pivotal mechanism in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (KEAP1-NRF2) pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis and regulating a multitude of biological processes such as inflammation, protein homeostasis, and metabolic homeostasis. In this paper, we present the findings of recent studies on the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, which have revealed that it is aberrantly regulated and induces oxidative stress injury in a variety of diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, and cancer. Given this evidence, targeting KEAP1-NRF2 represents a highly promising avenue for developing therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases, and thus the development of appropriate therapeutic strategies based on the targeting of the NRF2 pathway has emerged as a significant area of research interest. This paper highlights an overview of current strategies to modulate KEAP1-NRF2, as well as recent advances in the use of natural compounds and traditional Chinese medicine, with a view to providing meaningful guidelines for drug discovery and development targeting KEAP1-NRF2. Additionally, it discusses the challenges associated with harnessing NRF2 as a therapeutic target.

Differentiating Tangerine Peels from Other Citrus reticulata through GC-MS, UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS, and HPLC-PDA

The nonvolatile and volatile compounds in the peels of 13 Citrus reticulata cultivars (4 mandarins, 5 tangerines, and 4 hybrids) and 5 Citrus sinensis (sweet oranges) cultivars were analyzed. Initially, 66 volatile compounds were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Tangerines were distinguished from other citrus cultivars (mandarins, sweet oranges, hybrids) by having higher volatile oil extraction rates and higher relative contents of o-Cymene, α-Terpinene, d-α-Pinene, Terpinolene, γ-Terpinene, l-β-Pinene, and 3-Thujene. Additionally, 115 nonvolatile compounds were tentatively identified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS). C. sinensis contained fewer compounds than did C. reticulata. Pterostilbene was detected in all tangerines but not in mandarins and hybrids, suggesting its potential as a marker compound for differentiating tangerines from other C. reticulata. Lastly, a high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) was used to quantify 9 major nonvolatile components. Heat map and principal component analysis showed that the contents of tangerines differed from other cultivars (sweet oranges, mandarins, and hybrids). It may be caused by the higher content of synephrine, nobiletin, tangeretin, and 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone in tangerines. The study may obtain information for the application of different types of C. reticulata (tangerines, mandarins, or hybrids) and C. sinensis peels, thereby promoting their recycling.

Advances in antitumor effects of pterostilbene and its derivatives

Pterostilbene (PT) is a naturally occurring small molecule stilbenoid that has garnered significant attention due to its potential therapeutic effects in tumor diseases. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the antitumor effects of PT and its derivatives on various cancer types, including colon, breast, liver, lung, and pancreatic cancers in recent 20 years. We have succinctly summarized the PT derivatives that exhibit superior anti-tumor efficacy compared to PT. Additionally, we reviewed the potential structure-activity relationship (SAR) rules and clinical application methods to establish a foundation for chemical modification and clinical utilization of stilbene compounds.

Polyphenols as Immunomodulators and Epigenetic Modulators: An Analysis of Their Role in the Treatment and Prevention of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer poses a substantial health challenge for women globally. Recently, there has been a notable increase in scholarly attention regarding polyphenols, primarily attributed to not only the adverse effects associated with conventional treatments but also their immune-preventive impacts. Polyphenols, nature-derived substances present in vegetation, including fruits and vegetables, have received considerable attention in various fields of science due to their probable wellness merits, particularly in the treatment and hindrance of cancer. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory effects of polyphenols in breast cancer, emphasizing their capacity to influence the reaction of adaptive and innate immune cells within the tumor-associated environment. Polyphenols are implicated in the modulation of inflammation, the enhancement of antioxidant defenses, the promotion of epigenetic modifications, and the support of immune functions. Additionally, these compounds have been shown to influence the activity of critical immune cells, including macrophages and T cells. By targeting pathways involved in immune evasion, polyphenols may augment the capacity of the defensive system to detect and eliminate tumors. The findings suggest that incorporating polyphenol-rich foods into the diet could offer a promising, collaborative (integrative) approach to classical breast cancer remedial procedures by regulating how the defense mechanism interacts with the disease.

Dietary supplementation of pterostilbene, a major component in small berries, prevents alcohol-induced liver injury associated with lipid accumulation and inflammation

Pterostilbene (PTE), a natural stilbene found in small berries, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities, particularly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study explores the dietary supplementation of PTE to ameliorate acute and chronic alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). C57BL/6 mice were administrated with PTE and subjected to acute or chronic alcohol stimulation. They were intragastrically administered with alcohol (5 g kg-1, 3 times per 24 h) to induce acute alcohol liver injury or fed a Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing 5% ethanol for 4 weeks and a single binge to induce chronic alcoholic liver injury. In the acute ethanol model, PTE decreased the serum transaminase and triglyceride (TG) levels and ameliorated lipid droplet accumulation. PTE ameliorated acute ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis by inhibiting the expression of SREBP1 and its target genes and up-regulating PPARα expression. PTE could reverse the inflammatory response by inhibiting NLRP3 activation, inflammatory factor secretion, and macrophage recruitment caused by acute ethanol exposure. PTE could synergistically activate the SIRT1-AMPK and LXR/FXR axis in mice with acute ethanol exposure. In the chronic-binge ethanol feeding model, PTE also decreased serum transaminase and TG levels and ameliorated hepatocellular ballooning, macrovesicular steatosis, lipid accumulation and inflammation. Chronic-binge ethanol feeding could induce extracellular matrix dysfunction with an increase in α-SMA, collagen I and TIMP-1 expression, which was decreased by PTE. PTE increased SIRT1 expression and AMPK phosphorylation and activated the LXRs/FXR axis, which could be reduced by chronic-binge ethanol feeding. PTE could prevent liver injury caused by alcohol regardless of acute or chronic exposure. These results suggest that PTE can be utilized as a dietary health supplement to avoid ALD and promote health and quality of life.

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of pterostilbene against cervical cancer through an integrated bioinformatics and network pharmacology approach

Pterostilbene (PTE), a natural phenolic compound, has exhibited promising anticancer properties in the preclinical treatment of cervical cancer (CC). This study aims to comprehensively investigate the potential targets and mechanisms underlying PTE's anticancer effects in CC, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for its future clinical application and development. To accomplish this, we employed a range of methodologies, including network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and computer simulation, with specific techniques such as WGCNA, PPI network construction, ROC curve analysis, KM survival analysis, GO functional enrichment, KEGG pathway enrichment, molecular docking, MDS, and single-gene GSEA. Utilizing eight drug target prediction databases, we have identified a total of 532 potential targets for PTE. By combining CC-related genes from the GeneCards disease database with significant genes derived from WGCNA analysis of the GSE63514 dataset, we obtained 7915 unique CC-related genes. By analyzing the intersection of the 7915 CC-related genes and the 2810 genes that impact overall survival time in CC, we identified 690 genes as crucial for CC. Through the use of a Venn diagram, we discovered 36 overlapping targets shared by PTE and CC. We have constructed a PPI network and identified 9 core candidate targets. ROC and KM curve analyses subsequently revealed IL1B, EGFR, IL1A, JUN, MYC, MMP1, MMP3, and ANXA5 as the key targets modulated by PTE in CC. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated significant enrichment of these key targets, primarily in the MAPK and IL-17 signaling pathways. Molecular docking analysis verified the effective binding of PTE to all nine key targets. MDS results showed that the protein-ligand complex between MMP1 and PTE was the most stable among the nine targets. Additionally, GSEA enrichment analysis suggested a potential link between elevated MMP1 expression and the activation of the IL-17 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study has identified key targets and uncovered the molecular mechanism behind PTE's anticancer activity in CC, establishing a firm theoretical basis for further exploration of PTE's pharmacological effects in CC therapy.

Analysing the Anticancer Properties of Pterostilbene Through Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) and Molecular Docking Studies

Aim The aim of this study is to examine the possible therapeutic effect of pterostilbene (PTS), a chemical present in grapes and blueberries, in the treatment of liver cancer by analysing its interactions with important proteins linked to the wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling system. Objective Using computational techniques like molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies, this research focuses on examining the pharmacokinetics and molecular interactions of PTS with proteins such as vimentin (Vim), glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3-β), epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and Wnt, all of which are connected to the Wnt signaling pathway in liver cancer. Methods The study includes the synthesis of proteins and ligands, ADME investigations for PTS, and AutoDock Vina molecular docking simulations to evaluate binding affinities and interactions. PTS is obtained from PubChem, while protein structures are obtained from the Protein Data Bank. Results Strong binding affinities between PTS and essential proteins in the Wnt signaling cascade are shown by molecular docking, which also highlights noteworthy hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic contacts. According to an ADME study, PTS has advantageous pharmacokinetic properties, such as moderate solubility, membrane permeability, and a minimal chance of drug interactions. Conclusion The extensive study highlights PTS's potential as a viable treatment option for liver cancer. The study promotes its investigation in cutting-edge liver cancer therapy approaches and urges more investigation into the molecular mechanisms, underpinning its anticancer properties. This paper sheds important light on the role of natural chemicals in cancer therapy and emphasizes the need for computational methods in drug discovery.