Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy

A comprehensive LCMS/MS characterization for the green extracted cucurbitane-triterpenoid glycosides from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) fruit

A first-time green extraction and LCMSMS analysis for karavilosides (KVs) VIII, X, and XI in different parts (skin, pith, and seed) of the fresh and dried fruit of bitter melon (BM) is reported herein. Ultrasonication for green extraction whereas, LCMS/MS for KVs quantification were used. More extract yield (675.80 ± 163.57 mg/g) was observed for the dried fruit parts compared to the fresh BM-fruit parts (513.20 ± 75.42 mg/g). The fresh skin (343.40 ± 54.07 mg/4g) and dried seeds (311.80 and 77.95 ± 38.98) exhibited more yield whereas, the solvent yield (mg/4mg) observed was; H2O (651.70) > EtOH (227.20) > EtAC (163.30) > ACT (146.80). The LCMS/MS yield for the KVs revealed a descending order; KVXI (2376.44 ppb) > KVX (639.17 ppb) > KVVIII (599.83 ppb). More correlation was seen for the solvent Vs extract yield whereas, the KVs revealed more correlation for the BM-fruit part (P = 0.05). The study comprehensively characterized the parts of fresh and dried BM-fruits in terms of extract yield and KVs amount.

Momordicine-I Suppresses Head and Neck Cancer Growth by Reprogrammimg Immunosuppressive Effect of the Tumor-Infiltrating Macrophages and B Lymphocytes

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is prevalent worldwide, and treatment options are limited. Momordicine-I (M-I), a natural component from bitter melon, shows antitumor activity against these cancers, but its mechanism of action, especially in the tumor microenvironment (TME), remains unclear. In this study, we establish that M-I reduces HNC tumor growth in two different immunocompetent mouse models using MOC2 and SCC VII cells. We demonstrate that the anticancer activity results from modulating several molecules in the monocyte/macrophage clusters in CD45+ populations in MOC2 tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) often pose a barrier to antitumor effects, but following M-I treatment, we observe a significant reduction in the expression of Sfln4, a myeloid cell differentiation factor, and Cxcl3, a neutrophil chemoattractant, in the monocyte/macrophage populations. We further find that the macrophages must be in close contact with the tumor cells to inhibit Sfln4 and Cxcl3, suggesting that these TAMs are impacted by M-I treatment. Coculturing macrophages with tumor cells shows inhibition of Agr1 expression following M-I treatment, which is indicative of switching from M2 to M1 phenotype. Furthermore, the total B-cell population in M-I-treated tumors is significantly lower, whereas spleen cells also show similar results when cocultured with MOC2 cells. M-I treatment also inhibits PD1, PD-L1, and FoxP3 expression in tumors. Collectively, these results uncover the potential mechanism of M-I by modulating immune cells, and this new insight can help to develop M-I as a promising candidate to treat HNCs, either alone or as adjuvant therapy.

Importance of Certain Varieties of Cucurbits in Enhancing Health: A Review

The Cucurbitaceae family is an extensive group of fruits and vegetables that exhibit common characteristics; for example, they are farmed on a global scale and exhibit a wide range of applications, including fresh consumption and use in various food and beverage products. As is frequent, many species or genera share a common name, and this can lead to some confusion when looking for information about a specific variety. In this review, we describe the findings about the biological activity, like antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, of two genera of this family, Cucumis and Momordica, which have been characterized and evaluated in several research studies and regarding which information is readily accessible. Those activities rely on the various physicochemical qualities and nutritional content of each variety, including factors like β-carotene and polyphenols, among others. The goal of this review is to provide a rapid search for each activity examined in the literature, enabling future research on their potential uses in functional foods and nutraceutical supplements.

Extraction methods, multiple biological activities, and related mechanisms of Momordica charantia polysaccharide: A review

Momordica Charantia Polysaccharide (MCP) is a key bioactive compound derived from bitter melon fruit. This review summarizes the advancements in MCP research, including extraction techniques, biological activities, and mechanisms. MCP can be extracted using various methods, and has demonstrated hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects. Research suggests that MCP may regulate metabolic enzymes, oxidative stress reactions, and inflammatory pathways. The review highlights the potential applications of MCP in areas such as anti-diabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory research. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of MCP and optimizing extraction methods. This review provides a foundation for further research and utilization of MCP.

Polyphenolic profile and antioxidant properties of Momordica charantia L. 'Enaja' cultivar grown in Romania

This is the first study describing phenolics of Momordica charantia L. 'Enaja' cultivar (bitter melon) produced in Romania. Total polyphenol content, total tannin content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of bitter melon stems and leaves, young fruits, and ripe fruits grown in Romania were analysed, along with fruits imported from India. The UPLC-DAD analysis led to the identification of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, luteolin-3',7-di-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and vanillic acid. (-)-Epicatechin (859 µg/g) and (+)-catechin (1677 µg/g) were the most abundant compounds in stems and leaves, while in the ripe fruits, luteolin-7-O-glucoside (310 µg/g) was the main phenolic. Stems and leaves were the most active for capturing free DPPH radicals (IC50 = 216.9 ± 11.91 µg/ml); the scavenging activity strongly correlated with the flavonoid content (r = 0.8806, r2 = 0.7754). Momordica charantia fruits from Romania, both young and ripe, are a source of polyphenols as valuable as those imported from India.

Exploring the Influence of the Selected Conjugated Fatty Acids Isomers and Cancerous Process on the Fatty Acids Profile of Spleen

The spleen, traditionally associated with blood filtration and immune surveillance, has recently been recognized for its role in systemic lipid metabolism and potential influence on cancer development and progression. This study investigates effects of dietary supplements, specifically conjugated linolenic acids from pomegranate seed oil and bitter melon extract, on the fatty acid (FA) composition of the spleen in the context of cancerous processes. Advanced methods, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and silver ion-impregnated high-performance liquid chromatography, were employed to analyze the spleen's FA profile. Our research uncovered that dietary supplementation leads to alterations in the spleen's FA profile, especially under the carcinogenic influence of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. These changes did not align with a simple protective or anti-carcinogenic pattern, as previously suggested in in vitro studies. We observed shifts in conjugated FA isomer concentrations and variations in desaturase activities, suggesting disrupted lipid metabolism in cancerous conditions. The findings underscore the spleen's vital role in lipid metabolism within the body's systemic health framework, highlighting the complexity of dietary supplements' impact on FA profiles in the spleen and their potential implications in cancer progression and treatment. This study adds valuable insight into the complex interplay between diet, disease, and metabolic regulation, particularly in cancerous environments.

Phytoimmunomodulators: A review of natural modulators for complex immune system

In the past few decades, the medicinal properties of plants and their effects on the human immune system are being studied extensively. Plants are an incredible source of traditional medicines that help cure various diseases, including altered immune mechanisms and are economical and benign compared to allopathic medicines. Reported data in written documents such as Traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic medicine support the supplementation of botanicals for immune defense reactions in the body and can lead to safe and effective immunity responses. Additionally, some botanicals are well-identified as magical herbal remedies because they act upon the pathogen directly and help boost the immunity of the host. Chemical compounds, also known as phytochemicals, obtained from these botanicals looked promising due to their effects on the human immune system by modulating the lymphocytes which subsequently reduce the chances of getting infected. This paper summarises most documented phytochemicals and how they act on the immune system, their properties and possible mechanisms, screening conventions, formulation guidelines, comparison with synthetic immunity-enhancers, marketed immunity-boosting products, and immune-booster role in the ongoing ghastly corona virus wave. However, it focuses mainly on plant metabolites as immunomodulators. In addition, it also sheds light on the current advancements and future possibilities in this field. From this thorough study, it can be stated that the plant-based secondary metabolites contribute significantly to immunity building and could prove to be valuable medicaments for the design and development of novel immunomodulators even for a pandemic like COVID-19.

Cervical Cancer Therapeutics: An In-depth Significance of Herbal and Chemical Approaches of Nanoparticles

Cervical cancer emerges as a prominent health issue, demanding attention on a global level for women's well-being, which frequently calls for more specialized and efficient treatment alternatives. Traditional therapies may have limited tumour targeting and adverse side effects. Recent breakthroughs have induced a transformative shift in the strategies employed against cervical cancer. biocompatible herbal nanoparticles and metallic particles made of gold, silver, and iron have become promising friends in the effort to fight against this serious disease and understand the possibility of these nanoparticles for targeted medication administration. this review article delves into the latest advancements in cervical cancer research. The safety and fabrication of these nanomaterials and their remarkable efficacy against cervical tumour spots are addressed. This review study, in short, provides an extensive introduction to the fascinating field of metallic and herbal nanoparticles in cervical cancer treatment. The information that has been examined points to a bright future in which women with cervical cancer may experience fewer side effects, more effective therapy, and an improved quality of life. This review holds promise and has the potential to fundamentally reshape the future of cervical cancer treatment by addressing urgent issues and unmet needs in the field.

Exploring the mechanism of action bitter melon in the treatment of breast cancer by network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Bitter melon has been used to stop the growth of breast cancer (BRCA) cells. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear.

AIM

To predict the therapeutic effect of bitter melon against BRCA using network pharmacology and to explore the underlying pharmacological mechanisms.

METHODS

The active ingredients of bitter melon and the related protein targets were taken from the Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics and SuperPred databases, respectively. The GeneCards database has been searched for BRCA-related targets. Through an intersection of the drug's targets and the disease's objectives, prospective bitter melon anti-BRCA targets were discovered. Gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were carried out to comprehend the biological roles of the target proteins. The binding relationship between bitter melon's active ingredients and the suggested target proteins was verified using molecular docking techniques.

RESULTS

Three key substances, momordicoside K, kaempferol, and quercetin, were identified as being important in mediating the putative anti-BRCA effects of bitter melon through the active ingredient-anti-BRCA target network study. Heat shock protein 90 AA, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 were found to be the top three proteins in the protein-protein interaction network study. The several pathways implicated in the anti-BRCA strategy for an active component include phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling, transcriptional dysregulation, axon guidance, calcium signaling, focal adhesion, janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling, mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, and phospholipase D signaling.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and functional enrichment analyses shed light on potential mechanisms underlying bitter melon's ability to fight BRCA, implicating active ingredients and protein targets, as well as highlighting the major signaling pathways that may be altered by this natural product for therapeutic benefit.

Momordica charantia-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Provide Antioxidant Protection in Ulcerative Colitis

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles are functional nanovesicles that have significant applications in both disease prevention and treatment, as well as for use as drug carriers. Momordica charantia is a widely consumed food that has both medicinal and nutritional properties and has shown intervention in diabetes and inflammation caused by oxidative damage. In this study, Momordica charantia-derived extracellular vesicles (MCEVs) were extracted and demonstrated to have excellent antioxidant activity by characterization, lipid composition analysis, protein domain analysis, and in vitro antioxidant measurement. In addition, in vivo studies indicated that the MCEVs could restore ulcerative colitis by regulating oxidation and inflammatory factors. Therefore, the antioxidant properties of MCEVs may be important in protecting the colon from inflammation, which provides new insights into the application of MCEVs as drugs or vectors for intervention in ulcerative colitis.

The Role of Bitter Melon in Breast and Gynecological Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Phytotherapy has long represented a widely accepted treatment alternative to conventional therapy. Bitter melon is a vine with potent antitumor effects against numerous cancer entities. To date, no review article has, however, been published on the role of bitter melon in breast and gynecological cancer prevention and therapy. The current work constitutes the most comprehensive, up-to-date review of the literature, which highlights the promising anticancer effects of bitter melon on breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer cells and discusses future research recommendations.

Role of Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Curcuma longa, Berberine and Momordica charantia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment: A Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease that has become a major global health concern. Given the efficacy of antidiabetic drugs, pharmacological therapy is considered the first-line treatment of T2DM; however, due to their potential side effects and high costs, new and cost-effective treatments with minimal side effects are needed. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as part of traditional medicine to treat T2DM. Among these, fenugreek, cinnamon, Curcuma longa, berberine, and Momordica charantia have demonstrated different degrees of hypoglycemic activity in clinical studies and animal models. Therefore, the aim of this review is to synthesize the mechanisms of action of five medicinal plants, as well as the experimental and clinical evidence of their hypoglycemic activity from the published literature.

New insights into the bioactive polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids isolated from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and their relevance for nutraceutical and food application: A review

The recent trend in infectious diseases and chronic disorders has dramatically increased consumers' interest in functional foods. As a result, the research of bioactive ingredients with potential for nutraceutical and food application has rapidly become a topic of interest. In this optic, the plant Momordica charantia (M. charantia) has recently attracted the most attention owing to its numerous biological properties including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancers among others. However, the current literature on M. charantia has mainly been concerned with the plant extract while little is known on the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's health benefits. Hence, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent research progress on bioactives isolated from M. charantia, focusing on polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids. Thus, this review provides an up-to-date account of the different extraction methods used to isolate M. charantia bioactives. In addition, the structural features and biological properties are presented. Moreover, this review discusses the current and promising applications of M. charantia bioactives with relevance to the nutraceutical and food industries. The information provided in this review will serve as a theoretical basis and practical support for the formulation of products enriched with M. charantia bioactives.

Anticancer Activity of Bitter Melon-Derived Vesicles Extract against Breast Cancer

Due to their low immunogenicity, high biocompatibility and ready availability in large quantities, plant-derived vesicles extracts have attracted considerable interest as a novel nanomaterial in tumor therapy. Bitter melon, a medicinal and edible plant, has been reported to exhibit excellent antitumor effects. It is well-documented that breast cancer gravely endangers women’s health, and more effective therapeutic agents must be urgently explored. Therefore, we investigated whether bitter melon-derived vesicles extract (BMVE) has antitumor activity against breast cancer. Ultracentrifugation was used to isolate BMVE with a typical “cup-shaped” structure and an average size of approximately 147 nm from bitter melon juice. The experimental outcomes indicate that 4T1 breast cancer cells could efficiently internalize BMVE, which shows apparent anti-proliferative and migration-inhibiting effects. In addition, BMVE also possesses apoptosis-inducing effects on breast cancer cells, which were achieved by stimulating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupting mitochondrial function. Furthermore, BMVE could dramatically inhibit tumor growth in vivo with negligible adverse effects. In conclusion, BMVE exhibits a pronounced antitumor effect on 4T1 breast cancer cells, which has great potential for use in tumor therapy.

Alpha-momorcharin preserves catalase activity to inhibit viral infection by disrupting the 2b-CAT interaction in Solanum lycopersicum

Many host factors of plants are used by viruses to facilitate viral infection. However, little is known about how alpha-momorcharin (αMMC) counters virus-mediated attack strategies in tomato. Our present research revealed that the 2b protein of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) directly interacted with catalases (CATs) and inhibited their activities. Further analysis revealed that transcription levels of catalase were induced by CMV infection and that virus accumulation increased in CAT-silenced or 2b-overexpressing tomato plants compared with that in control plants, suggesting that the interaction between 2b and catalase facilitated the accumulation of CMV in hosts. However, both CMV accumulation and viral symptoms were reduced in αMMC transgenic tomato plants, indicating that αMMC engaged in an antiviral role in the plant response to CMV infection. Molecular experimental analysis demonstrated that αMMC interfered with the interactions between catalases and 2b in a competitive manner, with the expression of αMMC inhibited by CMV infection. We further demonstrated that the inhibition of catalase activity by 2b was weakened by αMMC. Accordingly, αMMC transgenic plants exhibited a greater ability to maintain redox homeostasis than wild-type plants when infected with CMV. Altogether, these results reveal that αMMC retains catalase activity to inhibit CMV infection by subverting the interaction between 2b and catalase in tomato.

Momordica charantia extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction inhibit the inflammatory pathways

Background

Momordica charantia is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and has traditionally been used for medical nutritional therapy to cure diabetes, and its various biological properties have been reported. However, several studies have demonstrated that M. charantia may exert toxic or adverse effects under different conditions. In this study, we prepared an M. charantia extract using ultrasound-assisted extraction, which is a green technology, and verified its anti-inflammatory effects.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of M. charantia extract using ultrasound-assisted extraction in LPS-induced Raw264.7 macrophages and explore the potential mechanism mediated by the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Results

We found that the M. charantia extract was non-toxic up to a concentration of 500 μg/mL in Raw264.7 cells. We verified that treatment with M. charantia extract significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-6, in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was dramatically increased by treatment with the M. charantia extract. In addition, the phosphorylation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which modulates the production of inflammatory proteins, including JNK, ERK, and p38, was reduced by downregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the M. charantia extract collected using an industrial ultrasonic system is non-toxic and has an anti-inflammatory effect through regulation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, suggesting that it can act as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Anti-leukemic principle(s) from Momordica charantia seeds induce differentiation of HL-60 cells through ERK/MAPK signalling pathway

Myeloid leukemia is one of the major causes of deaths among elderly with very poor prognosis. Due to the adverse effects of existing chemotherapeutic agents, plant-derived components are being screened for their anti-leukemic potential. Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) possesses a variety of therapeutic activities. We have earlier demonstrated anti-leukemic activity of acetone extract of M. charantia seeds. The present study reports purification of differentiation inducing principle(s) from further fractionated seed extract (hexane fraction of the acetone extract, Mc2-Ac-hex) using HL-60 cells. Out of the 5 peak fractions (P1-P5) obtained from normal phase HPLC of the Mc2-Ac-hex, only peak fraction 3 (P3) induced differentiation of HL-60 cells as evident from an increase in NBT-positive cells and increased expression of cell surface marker CD11b. The P3 differentiated the HL-60 cells to granulocytic lineage, established by increased CD15 (granulocytic cell surface marker) expression in the treated cells. Further, possible molecular mechanism and the signalling pathway involved in the differentiation of HL-60 cells were also investigated. Use of specific signalling pathway inhibitors in the differentiation study, and proteome array analysis of the treated cells collectively revealed the involvement the of ERK/MAPK mediated pathway. Partial characterization of the P3 by GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of dibutyl phthalate, and derivatives of 2,5-dihydrofuran to be the highest among the 5 identified compounds. This study thus demonstrated that purified differentiation-inducing principle(s) from M. charantia seed extract induce HL-60 cells to granulocytic lineage through ERK/MAPK signalling pathway.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-022-00547-x.

Molecular docking and spectral shift supported toxicity profile of metaldehyde mollucide and the toxicity-reducing effects of bitter melon extract

Excessive use of metaldehyde to combat mollusks directly or indirectly endangers non-targeted organisms. The present study aimed to reveal the antitoxic potential of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) extract (BME) against metaldehyde-related toxicity in Allium cepa L. The experimental groups formed using A. cepa bulbs were exposed to aqueous solutions containing 350 mg/L BME, 700 mg/L BME, 200 mg/L metaldehyde, 200 mg/L metaldehyde +350 mg/L BME and 200 mg/L metaldehyde +700 mg/L BME, respectively. The bulbs in the control group dipped in tap water. Metaldehyde suppressed growth with respect to germination ratio, root elongation and weight gain parameters. In metaldehyde-administered group, mitotic index (MI) was reduced, while the frequencies of micronucleus (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) increased. Metaldehyde promoted CAs such as sticky chromosomes, vagrant chromosome, fragment, unequal distribution of chromatin, reverse polarization, bridge and multipolar anaphase in root tip meristem cells. Spectral shift and molecular docking confirmed the genotoxic effect of metaldehyde resulting from DNA-metaldehyde interaction. The DNA damage in root meristems was revealed using the Comet Assay. Metaldehyde stress provoked oxidative stress. Activities superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes along with level of malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation accelerated. In roots treated with metaldehyde, epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, cortex cell damage and cortex cell wall thickening were observed as meristematic cell damage. BME attenuated metaldehyde-induced toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. This study demonstrated the mitigative potential of plant derived BME with no-to-low side effects against hazardous chemicals including metaldehyde. Nature is the most valuable weapon against toxicity from pollutants. Therefore, the protective potential of BME against other harmful agents should be screened.

Exogenous melatonin increases salt tolerance in bitter melon by regulating ionic balance, antioxidant system and secondary metabolism-related genes

BACKGROUND

Melatonin is a multi-functional molecule widely employed in order to mitigate abiotic stress factors, in general and salt stress in particular. Even though previous reports revealed that melatonin could exhibit roles in promoting seed germination and protecting plants during various developmental stages of several plant species under salt stress, no reports are available with respect to the regulatory acts of melatonin on the physiological and biochemical status as well as the expression levels of defense- and secondary metabolism-related related transcripts in bitter melon subjected to the salt stress.

RESULTS

Herewith the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the physiological and ion balance, antioxidant system, as well as transcript analysis of defense-related genes (WRKY1, SOS1, PM H⁺-ATPase, SKOR, Mc5PTase7, and SOAR1) and secondary metabolism-related gene expression (MAP30, α-MMC, polypeptide-P, and PAL) in salt-stressed bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) plants in response to melatonin treatment. In this regard, different levels of melatonin (0, 75 and 150 µM) were applied to mitigate salinity stress (0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl) in bitter melon. Accordingly, present findings revealed that 100 mM salinity stress decreased growth and photosynthesis parameters (SPAD, ^Fv/_Fo, Y(II)), RWC, and some nutrient elements (K⁺, Ca²⁺, and P), while it increased Y(NO), Y(NPQ), proline, Na⁺, Cl^-, H₂O₂, MDA, antioxidant enzyme activity, and lead to the induction of the examined genes. However, prsiming with 150 µM melatonin increased SPAD, ^Fv/_Fo, Y(II)), RWC, and K⁺, Ca²⁺, and P concentration while decreased Y(NO), Y(NPQ), Na⁺, Cl^-, H₂O₂, and MDA under salt stress. In addition, the antioxidant system and gene expression levels were increased by melatonin (150 µM).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, it can be postulated that the application of melatonin (150 µM) has effective roles in alleviating the adverse impacts of salinity through critical modifications in plant metabolism.

Orchestrated Action of AMPK Activation and Combined VEGF/PD-1 Blockade with Lipid Metabolic Tunning as Multi-Target Therapeutics against Ovarian Cancers

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies worldwide, and chemoresistance is a critical obstacle in the clinical management of the disease. Recent studies have suggested that exploiting cancer cell metabolism by applying AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activating agents and distinctive adjuvant targeted therapies can be a plausible alternative approach in cancer treatment. Therefore, the perspectives about the combination of AMPK activators together with VEGF/PD-1 blockade as a dual-targeted therapy against ovarian cancer were discussed herein. Additionally, ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic regulated cell death triggered by the availability of redox-active iron, have been proposed to be governed by multiple layers of metabolic signalings and can be synergized with immunotherapies. To this end, ferroptosis initiating therapies (FITs) and metabolic rewiring and immunotherapeutic approaches may have substantial clinical potential in combating ovarian cancer development and progression. It is hoped that the viewpoints deliberated in this review would accelerate the translation of remedial concepts into clinical trials and improve the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment.

New Achievements for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes a heterogeneous group of malignancies that are often aggressive and associated with a poor prognosis. The development of new TNBC treatment strategies has become an urgent clinical need. Diagnosis and subtyping of TNBC are essential to establish alternative treatments and targeted therapies for every TNBC patient. Chemotherapy, particularly with anthracycline and taxanes, remains the backbone for medical management for both early and metastatic TNBC. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy have revolutionized cancer treatment. Included in the different strategies studied for TNBC treatment is drug repurposing. Despite the numerous medications available, numerous studies in medicinal chemistry are still aimed at the synthesis of new compounds in order to find new antiproliferative agents capable of treating TNBC. Additionally, some supplemental micronutrients, nutraceuticals and functional foods can potentially reduce the risk of developing cancer or can retard the rate of growth and metastases of established malignant diseases. Finally, nanotechnology in medicine, termed nanomedicines, introduces nanoparticles of variable chemistry and architecture for cancer treatment. This review highlights the most recent studies in search of new therapies for the treatment of TNBC, along with nutraceuticals and repositioning of drugs.

Effect of Momordica charantia Administration on Anthropometric Measures and Metabolic Profile in Patients with Obesity: A Pilot Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Momordica charantia (MC) administration on anthropometric measures in patients with obesity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with obesity. Twelve patients randomly received MC (2000 mg/day) for 12 weeks, and 12 patients received placebo. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, as well as clinical and laboratory determinations, were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results showed that while reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and body fat percentage were observed in the MC group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Significant decreases in triglycerides (TG) (1.9 ± 0.6 mM vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 mM, P ≤ .05) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (0.4 ± 0.1 mM vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 mM, P ≤ .05) levels were found after the intervention with MC. In contrast, significant increases in BW (83.0 ± 10.7 kg vs. 84.6 ± 9.1 kg, P ≤ .05) and BMI (31.9 ± 1.5 kg/m² vs. 33.0 ± 1.3 kg/m², P ≤ .05) were observed in the placebo group. In conclusion, no significant reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and body fat percentage were observed after MC administration; however, MC significantly decreased TG and VLDL levels. The protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04916379.

Prophylactic effect of topical (slow-release) and systemic curcumin nano-niosome antioxidant on oral cancer in rat

BACKGROUND

Oral malignancies have a significant effect on the quality of life among the affected patients. Curcumin is an antioxidant with a low bioavailability in the target tissue. Niosomes are carriers of increasing the therapeutic effects of drugs and reducing their side effects. This study aimed to determine the effective dose of curcumin niosome in the culture and then to compare its prophylactic effect in the form of mouthwash with that of its injectable form on oral cancer in rats.

METHODS

This was an in-vitro and in-vivo study. Firstly, KB oral cancer cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated in separate groups with free curcumin, curcumin-loaded niosomes, and the unloaded niosomes at four doses of 4, 8, 16, and 32 μg. The study rats were then divided into the following four groups: 1) no intervention, 2) only carcinogenic substance, 3) carcinogenic substance with curcumin-loaded niosome injection, and 4) carcinogenic substance with a mouthwash containing niosome.

RESULTS

At the cellular level, a dose of 16 μg after 24 h was selected as an effective dose. In the animal phase, the use of injectable curcumin niosome was observed to significantly prevent the development of severe forms of dysplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

In this in-vitro and in-vivo study, curcumin-loaded niosome was effective in preventing the development of severe forms of dysplasia and the inhibition of the growth of cancer cells.

Metabolomics and Molecular Networking to Characterize the Chemical Space of Four Momordica Plant Species

Momordica plant species (Cucurbitaceae), have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and for nutritional purposes. Plants from this family are thus claimed to be phytochemically rich, representing an inexhaustible source of natural products. However, the chemical space of these Momordica species has not yet been fully decoded, and due to the inherent complexity of plant metabolomes, the characterization of the Momordica phytochemistry remains challenging. Thus, in this study we propose the use of molecular networking to unravel the molecular families within the metabolomes of four Momordica species (M. cardiospermoides, M. balsamina, M. charantia and M. foetida) and highlight the relevance of molecular networking in exploring the chemotaxonomy of these plants. In silico annotation tools (Network Annotation Propagation and DEREPLICATOR) and an unsupervised substructure identification tool (MS2LDA) were also explored to complement the classical molecular networking output and integration using MolNetEnhancer within GNPS. This allowed for the visualisation of chemical classes and the variety of substructures within the molecular families. The use of computational tools in this study highlighted various classes of metabolites, such as a wide range of flavonoids, terpenoids and lipids. Herein, these species are revealed to be phytochemically rich plants consisting of many biologically active metabolites differentially distributed within the different species, with the metabolome of M. cardiospermoides dereplicated in this paper for the first time.

Dangerous interaction of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) with pazopanib: A case of acute pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

Acute pancreatitis associated with Pazopanib has been reported in the literature. Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia) is traditionally used as a folk medicine in many regions. In this report, we describe a 65-year-old patient with a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, admitted to the hospital with symptoms of acute pancreatitis at the 8th year of pazopanib treatment.

CASE REPORT

The patient diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma was admitted to the hospital with the complaint of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in the 8th year of Pazopanib treatment. It was noticed from the patient's history that he had received Bitter Melon extract for 4 days prior to the beginning of his complaints (100-150 ml/day). Levels of serum amylase and lipase were measured as 9163 U/L and 14,206 U/L, respectively.

MANAGEMENT & OUTCOME

Pazopanib drug was held. The patient was treated for acute pancreatitis. Pazopanib treatment was started again after the clinical condition of the patient had improved and levels of serum amylase and lipase had returned to normal levels. Levels of serum amylase and lipase did not increase again after re-administration of pazopanib treatment.

DISCUSSION

It is thought that Bitter Melon extract and pazopanib interaction might have led to acute pancreatitis. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first to highlight the interaction of Bitter Melon extract with pazopanib. The Drug Interaction Probability Scale indicates that there is a probable association between bitter melon and acute pancreatitis.

Plant-Based Antioxidant Extracts and Compounds in the Management of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and its prevalence is particularly high in developing countries, where people chew tobacco and betel nut on a regular basis. Radiation-, chemo-, targeted-, immuno-, and hormone-based therapies along with surgery are commonly used as part of a treatment plan. However, these treatments frequently result in various unwanted short- to long-term side effects. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop treatment options for oral cancer that have little or no adverse effects. Numerous bioactive compounds derived from various plants have recently attracted attention as therapeutic options for cancer treatment. Antioxidants found in medicinal plants, such as vitamins E, C, and A, reduce damage to the mucosa by neutralizing free radicals found in various oral mucosal lesions. Phytochemicals found in medicinal plants have the potential to modulate cellular signalling pathways that alter the cellular defence mechanisms to protect normal cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various medicinal plants and phytoconstituents that have shown the potential to be used as oral cancer therapeutics.

Effects of Seed Priming with Zinc Sulfate on Nutritional Enrichment and Biochemical Fingerprints of Momordica charantia

Zinc is an essential element for plant growth and development as it plays an important role in various metabolic processes with nutritional enrichment. The treatment with zinc sulfate is also economic. Momordica charantia is an economically important medicinal plant reported for a range of pharmaceutical and pharmacological properties. In this study, nutripriming with zinc sulfate (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% solution) was applied to M. charantia seeds to optimize better dose. Based upon seedling establishment, 0.3% zinc sulfate was selected for final field experiment with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. Improved germination percentage, vigor, total soluble sugars, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll content, and peroxidase activity were observed variably in leaves, fruit, and peel. Other nutritive components showed maintenance in fruits of treated plants indicating that the treatment did not cause any nutritive loss. Antimicrobial activity of leaves (in terms of the minimum inhibitory concentration) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was positively correlated with sinapic acid, vanillic acid, cinnamic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, benzoic acid, and ferulic acid. It has been concluded from this study that seed priming with zinc sulfate can improve seedling establishment, photosynthetic pigments, and stable nutritive value. Therefore, zinc from zinc sulfate priming has been proved as a beneficial fertilizer for M. charantia plant growth, yield, and nutraceutical potential.

Momordicine-I, a Bitter Melon Bioactive Metabolite, Displays Anti-Tumor Activity in Head and Neck Cancer Involving c-Met and Downstream Signaling

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most aggressive cancers, and treatments are quite challenging due to the difficulty in early diagnosis, lack of effective chemotherapeutic drugs, adverse side effects and therapy resistance. We identified momordicine-I (M-I), a bioactive secondary metabolite in bitter melon (Momordica charantia), by performing liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HRESIMS) analysis. M-I inhibited human HNC cell (JHU022, JHU029, Cal27) viability in a dose-dependent manner without an apparent toxic effect on normal oral keratinocytes. Mechanistic studies showed that M-I inhibited c-Met and its downstream signaling molecules c-Myc, survivin, and cyclin D1 through the inactivation of STAT3 in HNC cells. We further observed that M-I was non-toxic and stable in mouse (male C57Bl/6) blood, and a favorable pharmacokinetics profile was observed after IP administration. M-I treatment reduced HNC xenograft tumor growth in nude mice and inhibited c-Met and downstream signaling. Thus, M-I has potential therapeutic implications against HNC.

Diverse roles of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) in prevention of oral cancer

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the common lethal malignancies which is increasing rapidly in the world. Increasing risks from alcohol and tobacco habits, lack of early detection markers, lack of effective chemotherapeutic agents, recurrence and distant metastasis make the disease more complicated to manage. Laboratory-based studies and epidemiological studies indicate important roles of nutraceuticals to manage different cancers. The plant bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a good source of nutrients and bio-active phytochemicals such as triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lectins, sterols and proteins. The plant is widely grown in Asia, Africa, and South America. Bitter melon has traditionally been used as a folk medicine and Ayurvedic medicine in Asian culture to treat diseases such as diabetes, since ancient times. The crude extract and some of the isolated pure compounds of bitter melon show potential anticancer effects against different cancers. In this review, we shed light on its effect on OSCC. Bitter melon extract has been found to inhibit cell proliferation and metabolism, induce cell death and enhance the immune defense system in the prevention of OSCC in vitro and in vivo. Thus, bitter melon may be used as an attractive chemopreventive agent in progression towards OSCC clinical study.

Effects of oleuropein on tumor cell growth and bone remodelling: Potential clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of malignant bone diseases

Oleuropein (Ole) is the main bioactive phenolic compound present in olive leaves, fruits and olive oil. This molecule has been shown to exert beneficial effects on several human pathological conditions. In particular, recent preclinical and observational studies have provided evidence that Ole exhibits chemo-preventive effects on different types of human tumors. Studies undertaken to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these effects have shown that this molecule may thwart several key steps of malignant progression, including tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, by modulating the expression and activity of several growth factors, cytokines, adhesion molecules and enzymes involved in these processes. Interestingly, experimental observations have highlighted the fact that most of these signalling molecules also appear to be actively involved in the homing and growth of disseminating cancer cells in bones and, ultimately, in the development of metastatic bone diseases. These findings, and the experimental and clinical data reporting the preventive activity of Ole on various pathological conditions associated with a bone loss, are indicative of a potential therapeutic role of this molecule in the prevention and treatment of cancer-related bone diseases. This paper provides a current overview regarding the molecular mechanisms and the experimental findings underpinning a possible clinical role of Ole in the prevention and development of cancer-related bone diseases.