Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract Concomitantly Supplemented with Chemotherapy Worsens Tumor Progression in Mice with Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Obesity

Unveiling the Miracle Tree: Therapeutic Potential of Moringa oleifera in Chronic Disease Management and Beyond

Moringa oleifera (MO) has gained recognition as a potent natural intervention for preventing and managing chronic diseases (CDs) due to its diverse phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and glucosinolates, MO exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, cardioprotective, and anti-obesity effects. These properties make it a valuable therapeutic agent for CDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. MO's ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation-key drivers of CDs-highlights its significant role in disease prevention and treatment. MO enhances insulin sensitivity, regulates lipid profiles and blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and protects against oxidative damage. MO also modulates key signaling pathways involved in cancer and liver disease prevention. Studies suggest that MO extracts possess anticancer activity by modulating apoptosis, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, and interacting with key signaling pathways, including YAP/TAZ, Nrf2-Keap1, TLR4/NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin. However, challenges such as variability in bioactive compounds, taste acceptability, and inconsistent clinical outcomes limit their widespread application. While preclinical studies support its efficacy, large-scale clinical trials, standardized formulations, and advanced delivery methods are needed to optimize its therapeutic potential. MO's multifunctional applications make it a promising and sustainable solution for combating chronic diseases, especially in resource-limited settings.

The extracts from centaurea species abolished the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin on breast cancer cell line - MCF-7 and bortezomib on prostate cancer cell line- PC3

The use of plant extracts by cancer patients during chemotherapy poses potential risks, as they may reduce the effectiveness of treatment or interact negatively with chemotherapeutic drugs. There is a lack of comprehensive studies evaluating the effects of various Centaurea spp. plant extracts on chemotherapy outcomes, highlighting the need for caution and medical supervision. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of five Centaurea spp. extracts in concentrations of 125 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml on the cytotoxicity induced by doxorubicin (DOX, 1 μM) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and by bortezomib (BOR, 7 nM) in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Selected cell lines were treated with drugs and extracts or combined for 48 h. Biological assays revealed that four out of five tested extracts abolished the cytotoxic effects of DOX and BOR. The extracts showed low antioxidant activity compared to Trolox, with no correlation to total compound content, indicating the abolition of the cytotoxic effect was not due to antioxidant activity. However, genotoxicity and DNA damage response studies showed a protective effect of the extract on the DNA of cancer cells and upregulation of DNA repair, which may underlie the reversal of the chemotherapy effect.

Aronia melanocarpa L. fruit peels show anti-cancer effects in preclinical models of breast carcinoma: The perspectives in the chemoprevention and therapy modulation

Introduction

Within oncology research, there is a high effort for new approaches to prevent and treat cancer as a life-threatening disease. Specific plant species that adapt to harsh conditions may possess unique properties that may be utilized in the management of cancer.

Hypothesis

Chokeberry fruit is rich in secondary metabolites with anti-cancer activities potentially useful in cancer prevention and treatment.

Aims of the study and Methods

Based on mentioned hypothesis, the main goal of our study was to evaluate the antitumor effects of dietary administered Aronia melanocarpa L. fruit peels (in two concentrations of 0.3 and 3% [w/w]) in the therapeutic syngeneic 4T1 mouse adenocarcinoma model, the chemopreventive model of chemically induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats, a cell antioxidant assay, and robust in vitro analyses using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells.

Results

The dominant metabolites in the A. melanocarpa fruit peel extract tested were phenolic derivatives classified as anthocyanins and procyanidins. In a therapeutic model, aronia significantly reduced the volume of 4T1 tumors at both higher and lower doses. In the same tumors, we noted a significant dose-dependent decrease in the mitotic activity index compared to the control. In the chemopreventive model, the expression of Bax was significantly increased by aronia at both doses. Additionally, aronia decreased Bcl-2 and VEGF levels, increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio compared to the control group. The cytoplasmic expression of caspase-3 was significantly enhanced when aronia was administered at a higher dosage, in contrast to both the control group and the aronia group treated with a lower dosage. Furthermore, the higher dosage of aronia exhibited a significant reduction in the expression of the tumor stem cell marker CD133 compared to the control group. In addition, the examination of aronia`s epigenetic impact on tumor tissue through in vivo analyses revealed significant alterations in histone chemical modifications, specifically H3K4m3 and H3K9m3, miRNAs expression (miR155, miR210, and miR34a) and methylation status of tumor suppressor genes (PTEN and TIMP3). In vitro studies utilizing a methanolic extract of A.melanocarpa demonstrated significant anti-cancer properties in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Various analyses, including Resazurin, cell cycle, annexin V/PI, caspase-3/7, Bcl-2, PARP, and mitochondrial membrane potential, were conducted in this regard. Additionally, the aronia extract enhanced the responsiveness to epirubicin in both cancer cell lines.

Conclusion

This study is the first to analyze the antitumor effect of A. melanocarpa in selected models of experimental breast carcinoma in vivo and in vitro. The utilization of the antitumor effects of aronia in clinical practice is still minimal and requires precise and long-term clinical evaluations. Individualized cancer-type profiling and patient stratification are crucial for effectively implementing plant nutraceuticals within targeted anti-cancer strategies in clinical oncology.

Antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory potential of Moringa seed and Moringa seed oil: A comprehensive approach

Moringa oleifera, a widely recognized plant more commonly known as moringa, has obtained significant research interest in recent years due to its prospective physiological advantages, including its claimed ability to counteract carcinogenesis. The moringa plant has been found to possess bioactive components that exhibit promising anticancer activities against different human cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. The cytotoxic properties of moringa seed extracts on cancerous cells have also been provided in this paper along with other notable health benefits. The extracts derived from moringa seeds inhibit cancer proliferation and promote cancer cell apoptosis through multiple signaling pathways. They also stimulated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and subsequently induced caspase-3 activity. The impact of moringin and avenanthramide 2f on the stimulation of caspases 2, 4, 8, and 9 results in reduction in the proliferation of cancer cells. The results reported by research studies hold significant implications for identifying and targeting specific molecular entities that could serve as potential therapeutic targets in search of effective cancer treatments. Furthermore, the flavonoids in moringa seed can remove mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, protecting beta cells and bringing hyperglycemia under control. M. oleifera seed oil can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases via reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and modulation of cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the noteworthy discoveries derived from a rigorous investigation that explored into the impact of moringa seeds on the prevention/reduction of various cancers and other complex diseases.

The therapeutic potential of natural metabolites in targeting endocrine-independent HER-2-negative breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogenous disease, with prognosis and treatment options depending on Estrogen, Progesterone receptor, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER-2) status. HER-2 negative, endocrine-independent BC presents a significant clinical challenge with limited treatment options. To date, promising strategies like immune checkpoint inhibitors have not yielded breakthroughs in patient prognosis. Despite being considered archaic, agents derived from natural sources, mainly plants, remain backbone of current treatment. In this context, we critically analyze novel naturally-derived drug candidates, elucidate their intricate mechanisms of action, and evaluate their pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo activity in endocrine-independent HER-2 negative BC. Since pre-clinical research success often does not directly correlate with drug approval, we focus on ongoing clinical trials to uncover current trends. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of combining cutting-edge technologies, such as antibody-drug conjugates or nanomedicine, with naturally-derived agents, offering new opportunities that utilize both traditional cytotoxic agents and new metabolites.

Decanoylcarnitine Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression via Mmp9 in an Intermittent Fasting Obesity Mouse

Purpose: Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains challenging. Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a promising approach to improve metabolic health of various metabolic disorders. Clinical studies indicate IF is essential for TNBC progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic remodeling in regulating IF and TNBC progression are still unclear. Methods: In this study, we utilized a robust mouse model of TNBC and exposed subjects to a high-fat diet (HFD) with IF to explore its impact on the metabolic reprogramming linked to cancer progression. To identify crucial serum metabolites and signaling events, we utilized targeted metabolomics and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Furthermore, we conducted immunoblotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), cell migration assays, lentivirus-mediated Mmp9 overexpression, and Mmp9 inhibitor experiments to elucidate the role of decanoylcarnitine/Mmp9 in TNBC cell migration. Results: Our observations indicate that IF exerts notable inhibitory effects on both the proliferation and cancer metastasis. Utilizing targeted metabolomics and RNA-seq, we initially identified pivotal serum metabolites and signaling events in the progression of TNBC. Among the 349 serum metabolites identified, decanoylcarnitine was picked out to inhibit TNBC cell proliferation and migration. RNA-seq analysis of TNBC cells treated with decanoylcarnitine revealed its suppressive effects on extracellular matrix-related protein components, with a notable reduction observed in Mmp9. Further investigations confirmed that decanoylcarnitine could inhibit Mmp9 expression in TNBC cells, primary tumors, lung, and liver metastasis tissues. Mmp9 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of decanoylcarnitine on cell migration. Conclusion: This study pioneers the exploration of IF intervention and the role of decanoylcarnitine/Mmp9 in the progression of TNBC in obese mice, enhancing our comprehension of the potential roles of various dietary patterns in the process of cancer treatment.

Moringa oleifera leaf improves meat quality by modulating intestinal microbes in white feather broilers

Moringa oleifera addition to animal diets can improve the growth performance, intestinal health, and immunity of animals, without adverse effects. We investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera on the growth performance, meat quality, and intestinal health of broilers. Moringa oleifera and fermented Moringa oleifera could improve the flesh color and breast muscle tenderness of broilers (p < 0.05). The contents of essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, ΣMUFA, P/S and n-3 ratio in breast muscle of broilers were dose-increased, and the effect of fermented Moringa oleifera was better. Moringa oleifera and fermented Moringa oleifera regulated chicken flavor metabolism by increasing the relative abundance and Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents of Bacteroides, Spirillum, and lactic acid bacteria. Overall, supplementation with 1 % fermented Moringa oleifera can significantly increase essential amino acid and unsaturated fatty acid contents in broilers and participate in the synthesis and transformation of amino acids and fatty acids regulated by beneficial bacteria.

Moringa oleifera: A Review on the Antiproliferative Potential in Breast Cancer Cells

The global burden of female breast cancer and associated deaths has become a major concern. Many chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin, have been shown to have adverse side effects. The development of multi-drug resistance is a common occurrence, contributing to chemotherapeutic failure. The resistance of breast cancer cells to drug treatment leads to a decline in the treatment efficacy and an increase in cancer recurrence. Therefore, action is required to produce alternative drug therapies, such as herbal drugs. Herbal drugs have been proven to be beneficial in treating illnesses, including cancer. This review aims to highlight the antiproliferative potential of Moringa oleifera (MO), a medicinal tree native to India and indigenous to Africa, in breast cancer cells. Although MO is not yet considered a commercial chemopreventive drug, previous studies have indicated that it could become a chemotherapeutic agent. The possible antiproliferative potential of MO aqueous leaf extract has been previously proven through its antioxidant potential as well as its ability to induce apoptosis. This review will provide an increased understanding of the effect that MO aqueous leaf extract could potentially have against breast cancer.

Moringa oleifera Lam.: a comprehensive review on active components, health benefits and application

Moringa oleifera Lam. is an edible therapeutic plant that is native to India and widely cultivated in tropical countries. In this paper, the current application of M. oleifera was discussed by summarizing its medicinal parts, active components and potential mechanism. The emerging products of various formats such as drug preparation and product application reported in the last years were also clarified. Based on literature reports, the unique components and biological activities of M. oleifera need to be further studied. In the future, a variety of new technologies should be applied to the development of M. oleifera products, to enrich the varieties of dosage forms, improve the bitter taste masking technology, and make it better for use in the fields of food and medicine.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidants Activity of Indigenously Produced Moringa Oleifera Seeds Extracts

Medicinal plants are used to control and remediate oxidative stress related diseases caused by free radicals. Thus, these plants find their use as remedy. Moringa oleifera is an extremely valued plant for its medicinal properties. Herein, two indigenously produced accessions of Moringa oleifera seeds [originated from Multan (M-Mln) and India (PKM1)] were investigated for their antioxidant properties by 2.2-Diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, total phenolics content and total flavonoids content. The presence of various phenolics as well as flavonoids was further confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detected the presence of various functional groups. In conclusion, these findings revealed that the methanol extract of M-Mln variety seeds showed high antioxidant potential, having IC50 value of 84 μg/ml. While, hexane extract of PKM1 showed least activity. The methanol extract of M-Mln was found to show highest total phenolics content as 33.83 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g. The methanol extract of M-Mln was found to show highest total flavonoids content as 76.07 ± 1.10 mg CAE/g. The hexane extract of PKM1 was found to show least total flavonoids content as 22.47 ± 1.70 mg CAE/g. The detection of phenolics (ferulic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, and gallic acid) as well as flavonoids (catechin and quercetin) revealed the potential of methanol extracts of both varieties as a good source of antioxidants. The results indicated the importance of seed extracts in the treatment of oxidative stress related diseases. In future, the use of natural antioxidants will prevent the progression of diseases.

Polydatin down-regulates the phosphorylation level of STAT3 and induces pyroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer mice with a high-fat diet

Background

To explore the impact of polydatin on mice with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) receiving a high-fat diet, as well as the underlying processes.

Methods

A total of 40 female Balb/c mice were randomly separated into 4 groups (4T1 + polydatin + fat diet group, 4T1 + high-fat diet group, 4T1 + polydatin group, and 4T1 group). To establish the obese TNBC mouse model, TNBC was xenografted 1×10⁵ 4T1 cells/50 µL per mouse at the right fourth mammary fat pad under anesthesia and the mice were fed a high fat diet. When the experiment was completed, total plasma cholesterol (TC) and cancer antigen (CA)15-3 were measured. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used detect CA15-3. Oil red O staining was used to observe the morphological changes. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the corresponding protein expression and the messenger RNA (mRNA) level.

Results

Polydatin decreased the degree of fatty liver, as determined by oil red O staining. The TC level in the 4T1 + fat diet group was significantly higher, and it was decreased in the 4T1 + polydatin group. The results of ELISA showed that compared with the 4T1 group, CA15-3 was significantly increased in the 4T1 + fat diet group, and polydatin was shown to significantly reduce the expression of CA15-3. Polydatin inhibited p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 mRNA and protein levels. Polydatin increased pyroptosis-related gene mRNA and protein level.

Conclusions

We believe that polydatin can effectively reduce blood lipid levels in TNBC mice with a high-fat diet, and play an anticancer role in TNBC. The underlying mechanism may be related to the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and pyroptosis in TNBC. Our results contribute to validating the traditional use of polydatin in the treatment of TNBC with hyperlipidemia.

Anticancer Activity of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori.: A Native Plant in Traditional Herbal Medicine of the United Arab Emirates

Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. is a native desert tree growing in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The plant is being cultivated in many parts of UAE, owing to its uses in traditional medicinal and food systems. In the present study bioactivities of cultivated M. peregrina species samples are evaluated with cytotoxic studies in the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). Different extracts with hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol were prepared from tubers, leaves and stem of M. peregrina for estimating their antioxidant contents and anticancer activities. The study was performed at different concentrations and all the extracts showed dose-depended response on both the cell lines. Among the extracts tested, the chloroform extract of stem showed remarkable anti-proliferative/cell death activity (IC50 = 45.53 µg/mL of 48 h incubation and 33.32 µg/mL of 72 h incubation) on MCF-7 cell lines. Whereas the same extract showed comparatively less activity (IC50 = 93.75 µg/mL of 48 h incubation and 87.76 µg/mL of 72 h incubation) on Caco-2 cell lines. The anti-proliferative effect of leaf extract with chloroform showed a drastic change in cell viability from 48 to 72 h incubation, in MCF-7 cells 220 to 87.5 µg/mL and in Caco-2 cells 500.9 to 72.9 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, less than 200 µg/mL of IC50 values reported in hexane extracts of tubers (188.6 µg/mL for 48 h and 164.3 µg/mL for 72 h), acetone extracts of tubers (167.4 µg/mL for 72 h) and acetone extracts of stem (171.5 µg/mL for 48 h and 101.7 µg/mL for 72 h) on MCF-7 cells. PARP (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) cleavage assay and DNA fragmentation assay performed to understand the cause of cell death. Treatment of extract on the normal fibroblast cell line required more concentration for cytotoxicity compared to the treatment on the cancer cells. This ability of the extract proved the anti-cancer property of the M. peregrina extract from the stem, tuber and leaves. The information provided in the present study enables further studies on the isolation and characterization of an anticancer molecule from the tubers of M. peregrina.