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Kim H, Bai D, Ghosh S, Franks ML, Wang X, Yan C, Liu Z, Zhang P, Michalek SM, Leavenworth JW, Wang P. Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Momordica Saponin II Derivatives as Vaccine Adjuvants. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14589-14598. [PMID: 36318612 PMCID: PMC10202417 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
VSA-2 is a recently developed semisynthetic saponin immunostimulant. It is prepared by incorporating a terminal-functionalized side chain to the branched trisaccharide domain at the C3 position of Momordica saponin II (MS II) isolated from the seeds of perennial Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng. Direct comparison of VSA-2 and the clinically proven saponin adjuvant QS-21 shows that VSA-2 is comparable to QS-21 in enhancing humoral and cellular immune responses. Structure-activity relationship studies show that structural changes in the side chain have a significant impact on saponins' adjuvant activity. However, with the VSA-2 molecular framework intact, the new VSA-2 analogues with various substitution(s) at the terminal benzyl group of the side chain retain the ability of potentiating antigen-specific humoral and cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Di Bai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Sadashib Ghosh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Michael L Franks
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Xifeng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P. R. China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Suzanne M Michalek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Jianmei W Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
- The O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
- The O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
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Silva CD, Ramalhete C, Spengler G, Mulhovo S, Molnar J, Ferreira MJU. Triterpenes from Momordica balsamina (African pumpkin): ABCB1 inhibition and synergistic interaction with doxorubicin in resistant cancer cells. Phytochemistry 2022; 203:113354. [PMID: 35940427 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aiming at overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer, we have been studying Momordica balsamina, a vegetable known as African pumpkin. Five undescribed cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (balsaminaepoxide, balsaminatriol, balsaminoic acid, balsaminal, and balsaminol G) along with five known cucurbitacins were isolated from the methanol extract of Momordica balsamina aerial parts, whose structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data, mainly 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Compounds were evaluated for their ability as P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) inhibitors in multidrug resistant human ABCB1-transfected mouse lymphoma cells (L5178Y, MDR) and resistant human colon adenocarcinoma cells (COLO 320), using the rhodamine-123 exclusion test, by flow cytometry. Several compounds, which were found to be non-cytotoxic, strongly inhibited P-gp efflux activity in a dose-dependent manner in both cell models. In MRD mouse lymphoma cells, balsaminol G and karavilagenin B were the most active, while in resistant colon adenocarcinoma cells, the strongest inhibitory activity was found for balsaminaepoxide, balsaminatriol and karavilagenin C, being several-fold more active than the positive control verapamil. In chemosensitivity assays, in a model of combination chemotherapy, selected compounds showed to interact synergistically with doxorubicin, thus substantiating their potential as MDR reversers. The strongest synergistic interaction was found for balsaminal and balsaminol G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Duarte Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cátia Ramalhete
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal; ATLÂNTICA - Instituto Universitário, Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena, 2730-036, Barcarena, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Gabriella Spengler
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis Utca 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Silva Mulhovo
- Centro de Estudos Moçambicanos e de Etnociências, Faculdade de Ciências e Matemática, Universidade Pedagógica, 21402161, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Joseph Molnar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis Utca 6, 6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Maria-José U Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Chainumnim S, Saenkham A, Dolsophon K, Chainok K, Suksamrarn S, Tanechpongtamb W. Stem Extract from Momordica cochinchinensis Induces Apoptosis in Chemoresistant Human Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3). Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27041313. [PMID: 35209099 PMCID: PMC8878451 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural compounds have been recognized as valuable sources for anticancer drug development. In this work, different parts from Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng were selected to perform cytotoxic screening against human prostate cancer (PC-3) cells. Chromatographic separation and purification were performed for the main constituents of the most effective extract. The content of the fatty acids was determined by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC–FID). Chemical structural elucidation was performed by spectroscopic means. For the mechanism of the apoptotic induction of the most effective extract, the characteristics were evaluated by Hoechst 33342 staining, sub-G1 peak analysis, JC-1 staining, and Western blotting. As a result, extracts from different parts of M. cochinchinensis significantly inhibited cancer cell viability. The most effective stem extract induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells by causing nuclear fragmentation, increasing the sub-G1 peak, and changing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, the stem extract increased the pro-apoptotic (caspase-3 and Noxa) mediators while decreasing the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-xL and Mcl-1) mediators. The main constituents of the stem extract are α-spinasterol and ligballinol, as well as some fatty acids. Our results demonstrated that the stem extract of M. cochinchinensis has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in PC-3 cells. These results provide basic knowledge for developing antiproliferative agents for prostate cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seksom Chainumnim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand;
| | - Audchara Saenkham
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; (A.S.); (K.D.)
| | - Kulvadee Dolsophon
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; (A.S.); (K.D.)
| | - Kittipong Chainok
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Multifunctional Crystalline Materials and Applications (TU-MCMA), Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand;
| | - Sunit Suksamrarn
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; (A.S.); (K.D.)
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (W.T.); Tel.: +66-813446669 (W.T.)
| | - Wanlaya Tanechpongtamb
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand;
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (W.T.); Tel.: +66-813446669 (W.T.)
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Kan Y, Song M, Cui X, Yang Q, Zang Y, Li Q, Li Y, Cai W, Chen Y, Weng X, Wang Y, Zhu X. Muyin extract inhibits non-small-cell lung cancer growth by inducing autophagy and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Phytomedicine 2022; 96:153834. [PMID: 34952294 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major subtype of lung cancer with a higher mortality rate. Both apoptosis and autophagy are crucial processes in the pathophysiology of NSCLC. Muyin extract (MSE) is a combination of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng seeds and Epimedium brevicornu Maxim extract, with an optimal ratio of 1:1. Our previous research has firstly shown that MSE exerts a good anti-tumor activity, especially for NSCLC. PURPOSE This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effect of MSE on NSCLC and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS In vitro, cell proliferation was examined by MTT and colony formation. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V-FITC/PI assay while autophagy was assessed by Acridine orange (AO) and Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining. In vivo, Lewis lung cancer cell transplanted mice model was established to measure the effect of MSE on tumor growth. Hematoxylin eosin (H & E) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the tumor after MSE treatment. The apoptosis in tumor tissue was detected by TUNEL assay. Meanwhile, the cellular proliferation marker Ki67 and autophagy marker LC3Ⅱ were observed by immunohistochemistry staining. The IL-4 and IFN-γ concentrations in blood were tested by Elisa. The apoptosis related factors (Bcl-2, Bax Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and p53), autophagy marker proteins (Atg-5, Becline-1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰand p62) as well as Akt/mTOR pathway were detected by western blotting. RESULTS Present study showed that MSE greatly inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo, together with apoptotic rate increasing. P53 and cleaved Caspase-3 levels were up-regulated while Bcl-2/Bax ratio, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 levels were significantly down-regulated treated with MSE. Meanwhile, MSE activated autophagy, Atg-5, Becline-1 as well as the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were notably up-regulated while p62 was down-regulated after MSE treatment. Importantly, MSE significantly blocked Akt/mTOR pathway, which is a common upstream signal triggered by autophagy and apoptosis. Furthermore, when co-treated with specific autophagy inhibitor, the inhibitory rate and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 level were significantly reversed. Impressively, MSE remarkably increased IFN-γ/ IL-4 ratio while VP16 did not in animal model, and the inhibition rate in tumor weight after MSE treatment was higher than xiaojin pill. CONCLUSION Taken together, it is proved that MSE may be a promising oral TCM candidate for NSCLC therapy with immunity improvement. The underlying mechanisms could be associated with the induction of apoptosis and autophagy through blocking Akt/mTOR pathway, meanwhile, it may promote crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyi Kan
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Min Song
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xihe Cui
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuanlong Zang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qi Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yujie Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Weiyan Cai
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xiaogang Weng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Xiaoxin Zhu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China.
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Liew HT, To J, Zhang X, Hemu X, Chan NY, Serra A, Sze SK, Liu CF, Tam JP. The legumain McPAL1 from Momordica cochinchinensis is a highly stable Asx-specific splicing enzyme. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101325. [PMID: 34710371 PMCID: PMC8600085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Legumains, also known as asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs), cleave peptide bonds after Asn/Asp (Asx) residues. In plants, certain legumains also have ligase activity that catalyzes biosynthesis of Asx-containing cyclic peptides. An example is the biosynthesis of MCoTI-I/II, a squash family-derived cyclic trypsin inhibitor, which involves splicing to remove the N-terminal prodomain and then N-to-C-terminal cyclization of the mature domain. To identify plant legumains responsible for the maturation of these cyclic peptides, we have isolated and characterized a legumain involved in splicing, McPAL1, from Momordica cochinchinensis (Cucurbitaceae) seeds. Functional studies show that recombinantly expressed McPAL1 displays a pH-dependent, trimodal enzymatic profile. At pH 4 to 6, McPAL1 selectively catalyzed Asp-ligation and Asn-cleavage, but at pH 6.5 to 8, Asn-ligation predominated. With peptide substrates containing N-terminal Asn and C-terminal Asp, such as is found in precursors of MCoTI-I/II, McPAL1 mediates proteolysis at the Asn site and then ligation at the Asp site at pH 5 to 6. Also, McPAL1 is an unusually stable legumain that is tolerant of heat and high pH. Together, our results support that McPAL1 is a splicing legumain at acidic pH that can mediate biosynthesis of MCoTI-I/II. We purport that the high thermal and pH stability of McPAL1 could have applications for protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Tai Liew
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Janet To
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinya Hemu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ning-Yu Chan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aida Serra
- IMDEA Food Research Institute, +Pec Proteomics, Campus of International Excellence UAM+CSIC, Old Cantoblanco Hospital, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Proteored - Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Campus UAM, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Siu Kwan Sze
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chuan-Fa Liu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - James P Tam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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Moyo SM, Serem JC, Bester MJ, Mavumengwana V, Kayitesi E. Hydrothermal Processing and In Vitro Simulated Human Digestion Affects the Bioaccessibility and Bioactivity of Phenolic Compounds in African Pumpkin ( Momordica balsamina) Leaves. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175201. [PMID: 34500636 PMCID: PMC8434164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The African pumpkin (Momordica balsamina) contains bioactive phenolic compounds that may assist in reducing oxidative stress in the human body. The leaves are mainly consumed after boiling in water for a specific time; this hydrothermal process and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract may affect the presence and bioactivity of phenolics either positively or negatively. In this study, the effects of hydrothermal processing (boiling) and in vitro simulated human digestion on the phenolic composition, bioaccessibility and bioactivity in African pumpkin were investigated in comparison with those of spinach (Spinacia oleracea). A high-resolution ultra-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array detection, quadrupole time-of-flight and mass spectrometer (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS) was used to profile phenolic metabolites. Metabolites such as 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were highly concentrated in the boiled vegetable extracts compared to the raw undigested and all digested samples. The majority of African pumpkin and spinach extracts (non-digested and digested) protected Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), (mouse fibroblast) L929 and human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells from 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative damage. From these results, the consumption of boiled African pumpkin leaves, as well as spinach, could be encouraged, as bioactive metabolites present may reduce oxidative stress in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siphosanele Mafa Moyo
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Correspondence: (S.M.M.); (E.K.)
| | - June C. Serem
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia, Pretoria 0007, South Africa; (J.C.S.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Megan J. Bester
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia, Pretoria 0007, South Africa; (J.C.S.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Vuyo Mavumengwana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa;
| | - Eugenie Kayitesi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Correspondence: (S.M.M.); (E.K.)
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Noruddin NAA, Hamzah MF, Rosman Z, Salin NH, Shu-Chien AC, Muhammad TST. Natural Compound 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al from Momordica charantia Acts as PPARγ Ligand. Molecules 2021; 26:2682. [PMID: 34063700 PMCID: PMC8124227 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Momordica charantia is a popular vegetable associated with effective complementary and alternative diabetes management in some parts of the world. However, the molecular mechanism is less commonly investigated. In this study, we investigated the association between a major cucurbitane triterpenoid isolated from M. charantia, 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (THCB) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activation and its related activities using cell culture and molecular biology techniques. In this study, we report on both M. charantia fruit crude extract and THCB in driving the luciferase activity of Peroxisome Proliferator Response Element, associated with PPARγ activation. Other than that, THCB also induced adipocyte differentiation at far less intensity as compared to the full agonist rosiglitazone. In conjunction, THCB treatment on adipocytes also resulted in upregulation of PPAR gamma target genes expression; AP2, adiponectin, LPL and CD34 at a lower magnitude compared to rosiglitazone's induction. THCB also induced glucose uptake into muscle cells and the mechanism is via Glut4 translocation to the cell membrane. In conclusion, THCB acts as one of the many components in M. charantia to induce hypoglycaemic effect by acting as PPARγ ligand and inducing glucose uptake activity in the muscles by means of Glut4 translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Adelina Ahmad Noruddin
- National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia-Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (NIBM-IPharm), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blok 5A, Halaman Bukit Gambir 11700, Malaysia; (N.A.A.N.); (M.F.H.); (Z.R.); (N.H.S.)
| | - Mohamad Faiz Hamzah
- National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia-Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (NIBM-IPharm), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blok 5A, Halaman Bukit Gambir 11700, Malaysia; (N.A.A.N.); (M.F.H.); (Z.R.); (N.H.S.)
| | - Zulfadli Rosman
- National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia-Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (NIBM-IPharm), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blok 5A, Halaman Bukit Gambir 11700, Malaysia; (N.A.A.N.); (M.F.H.); (Z.R.); (N.H.S.)
| | - Nurul Hanim Salin
- National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia-Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (NIBM-IPharm), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blok 5A, Halaman Bukit Gambir 11700, Malaysia; (N.A.A.N.); (M.F.H.); (Z.R.); (N.H.S.)
| | - Alexander Chong Shu-Chien
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia;
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sains@USM, Blok B No. 10, Persiaran Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas 11900, Malaysia
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Mónico A, Ramalhete C, André V, Spengler G, Mulhovo S, Duarte MT, Ferreira MJU. Cucurbalsaminones A-C, Rearranged Triterpenoids with a 5/6/3/6/5-Fused Pentacyclic Carbon Skeleton from Momordica balsamina, as Multidrug Resistance Reversers. J Nat Prod 2019; 82:2138-2143. [PMID: 31339732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Three new triterpenoids, cucurbalsaminones A-C (1-3), featuring a unique 5/6/3/6/5-fused pentacyclic carbon skeleton, named cucurbalsaminane, were isolated from a methanol extract of Momordica balsamina. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and corroborated, for 1, by structure solution using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. A hypothetical biogenetic pathway for these compounds is proposed. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) modulation ability, using a mouse T-lymphoma MDR1-transfected cell model by the rhodamine-123 accumulation assay, and displayed potent multidrug resistance (MDR)-reversing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Mónico
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , Universidade de Lisboa , Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto , 1649-003 Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Cátia Ramalhete
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , Universidade de Lisboa , Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto , 1649-003 Lisbon , Portugal
- ATLÂNTICA - Escola Universitária de Ciências Empresariais, Saúde, Tecnologias e Engenharia , Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena, 2730-036 Barcarena, Oeiras , Portugal
| | - Vânia André
- Centro de Química Estrutural , Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa , Avenida Rovisco Pais , 1049-001 Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Gabriella Spengler
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Szeged , Dóm tér 10 , H-6720 Szeged , Hungary
| | - Silva Mulhovo
- Centro de Estudos Moçambicanos e de Etnociências, Faculdade de Ciências e Matemática , Universidade Pedagógica , 21402161 Maputo , Mozambique
| | - M Teresa Duarte
- Centro de Química Estrutural , Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa , Avenida Rovisco Pais , 1049-001 Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Maria-José U Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , Universidade de Lisboa , Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto , 1649-003 Lisbon , Portugal
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Abstract
Momordica trypsin inhibitors (TIs) such as those isolated from the seeds of the gấc fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis (MCoTI-I and MCoTI-II), are widely used as scaffolds for drug design studies. To more effectively exploit these molecules in the development of therapeutics, there is a need for wider discovery of the natural sequence diversity among TIs from other species in the Momordica subfamily. Here we report the discovery of the encoding gene and six TIs from the seeds of the spiny gourd, Momordica dioica, four of which possess novel sequences (Modi 1, 3, 5, and 6) and two (Modi 2 and 4) of which are known peptides (TI-14, TI-17) previously identified in Momordica subangulata. Modi 6 is an acyclic peptide featuring a pyrrolidone carboxylic acid modification, whereas the remaining five TIs are cyclic. All Modi peptides display similar overall structures and trypsin inhibitory activities. No toxicity was observed for these peptides when tested against cancer and insect cells. All Modi peptides were exceptionally stable over 24 h in human serum, indicating a dual strategy to stabilize the peptides in nature, either head-to-tail cyclization or N-pyrolation, which suggests these peptides might be excellent candidates as scaffolds for epitope stabilization in drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqiao Du
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Aaron G Poth
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
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10
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Perez JL, Jayaprakasha GK, Crosby K, Patil BS. Evaluation of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) cultivars grown in Texas and levels of various phytonutrients. J Sci Food Agric 2019; 99:379-390. [PMID: 29888551 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the USA, Momordica charantia is relatively unknown and is usually found in specialty markets. In the present study, cultivation of five bitter melon cultivars grown under field conditions in College Station (TX, USA), was evaluated. Additionally, ascorbic acid, amino acids and phenolic compounds were quantified from various cultivars grown in different years. RESULTS The yield of the first year of evaluation was comparable to other bitter melon growing regions, ranging from 9371.5 kg ha-1 for the Japanese Spindle cultivar to 20 839.1 kg ha-1 for the Hong Kong Green cultivar. Multivariate analysis suggests a strong correlation between yield and growth degree days, water use efficiency and organic matter, as well as an inverse correlation with the amount or precipitation during the growing season. The highest levels of total ascorbic acid were shown in the Japanese Spindle cultivar (162.97 mg 100 g-1 fresh fruit), whereas the lowest levels were expressed in the Hong Kong Green cultivar (42.69 mg 100 g-1 fresh fruit). The highest levels of total phenolics were consistently found the Indian White cultivar, in the range 10.6-12.5 mg g-1 catechin equivalents. Seven phenolics and organic acids were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Additionally, the highest levels of total amino acids were found in the Large Top cultivar. CONCLUSION The current 3-year field study demonstrates that it is feasible to grow bitter melon commercially in Texas with proper climatic and agronomic conditions. Bitter melon is a rich source for ascorbic acid, amino acids and phenolic compounds, which makes it a valuable food source with respect to improving human health. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Perez
- Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Kevin Crosby
- Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bhimanagouda S Patil
- Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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11
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Ramalhete C, Mulhovo S, Lage H, Ferreira MJU. Triterpenoids from Momordica balsamina with a Collateral Sensitivity Effect for Tackling Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Cells. Planta Med 2018; 84:1372-1379. [PMID: 29996165 DOI: 10.1055/a-0651-8141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The collateral sensitivity effect is among the most promising strategies for overcoming multidrug resistance in cancer. In this work, 28 cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (1: -28: ), previously isolated from the African medicinal plant Momordica balsamina and its derivatives, were evaluated for their collateral sensitivity effect on three different human cancer entities, gastric (EPG85-257), pancreatic (EPP85-181), and colon (HT-29), each with two different multidrug-resistant variants. One was selected for its resistance to daunorubicin (EPG85-257RDB, EPP85-181RDB, HT-29RDB) and the other was selected for its resistance to mitoxantrone (EPG85-257RNOV, EPP85-181RNOV, HT-29RNOV). On gastric cell lines, the best results were obtained for compounds 3: and 10: , which exhibited a collateral sensitivity effect together with high antiproliferative activity. In turn, on colon cancer cell lines, the best multidrug resistance-selective antiproliferative effects were observed for derivatives 11, 13: , and 15: , which showed collateral sensitivity effects against both resistant variants. Compounds 11: and 3: were also the most selective against the multidrug resistance pancreatic cells lines. Some compounds, such 6, 10, 11: and 15: , were previously found to be strong P-glycoprotein modulators, thus highlighting their potential as promising leads for overcoming multidrug resistance in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Ramalhete
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- ATLÂNTICA - Escola Universitária de Ciências Empresariais, Saúde, Tecnologias e Engenharia, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Silva Mulhovo
- Centro de Estudos Moçambicanos e de Etnociências, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Pedagogical University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Hermann Lage
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Charité, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Vivantes Clinics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria-José U Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Siboto A, Sibiya N, Khathi A, Ngubane P. The Effects of Momordica balsamina Methanolic Extract on Kidney Function in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats: Effects on Selected Metabolic Markers. J Diabetes Res 2018; 2018:7341242. [PMID: 30009183 PMCID: PMC6020477 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7341242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest that Momordica balsamina (intshungu) possesses hypoglycaemic effects. The effects of Momordica balsamina on diabetic complications such as DN, however, have not been established. Accordingly, this study seeks to investigate the effects of M. balsamina on kidney function in STZ-induced diabetic rats. METHODS Methanolic extracts (ME) of M. balsamina's leaves were used in this study. Short-term effects of M. balsamina methanolic extract on kidney function and MAP were studied in STZ-induced diabetic rats treated twice daily with M. balsamina methanolic extract (250 mg/kg), insulin (175 μg/kg, s.c.), and metformin (500 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. RESULTS M. balsamina methanolic extract significantly increased Na+ excretion outputs in STZ-induced diabetic rats by comparison to STZ-diabetic control rats. M. balsamina methanolic extract significantly increased GFR in STZ-diabetic rats with a concomitant decrease in creatinine concentration and also reduced kidney-to-body ratio, albumin excretion rate (AER), and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). M. balsamina methanolic extract significantly reduced MAP in STZ-diabetic animals by comparison with STZ-diabetic control animals. These results suggest that M. balsamina methanolic extract not only lowers blood glucose but also has beneficial effects on kidney function and blood pressure. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that M. balsamina may have beneficial effects on some processes that are associated with renal derangement in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelisiwe Siboto
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ntethelelo Sibiya
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Khathi
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Phikelelani Ngubane
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Birech Z, Mwangi PW, Bukachi F, Mandela KM. Application of Raman spectroscopy in type 2 diabetes screening in blood using leucine and isoleucine amino-acids as biomarkers and in comparative anti-diabetic drugs efficacy studies. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185130. [PMID: 28926628 PMCID: PMC5605051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is an irreversible condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Currently, there are no predictive biomarkers for this disease and the existing ones such as hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose are used only when diabetes symptoms are noticed. The objective of this work was first to explore the potential of leucine and isoleucine amino acids as diabetes type 2 biomarkers using their Raman spectroscopic signatures. Secondly, we wanted to explore whether Raman spectroscopy can be applied in comparative efficacy studies between commercially available anti-diabetic drug pioglitazone and the locally used anti-diabetic herbal extract Momordica spinosa (Gilg.)Chiov. Sprague Dawley (SD) rat’s blood was used and were pipetted onto Raman substrates prepared from conductive silver paste smeared glass slides. Prominent Raman bands associated with glucose (926, 1302, 1125 cm−1), leucine (1106, 1248, 1302, 1395 cm−1) and isolecucine (1108, 1248, 1437 and 1585 cm−1) were observed. The Raman bands centered at 1125 cm−1, 1395 cm−1 and 1437 cm−1 associated respectively to glucose, leucine and isoleucine were chosen as biomarker Raman peaks for diabetes type 2. These Raman bands displayed decreased intensities in blood from diabetic SD rats administered antidiabetic drugs pioglitazone and herbal extract Momordica spinosa (Gilg.)Chiov. The intensity decrease indicated reduced concentration levels of the respective biomarker molecules: glucose (1125 cm−1), leucine (1395 cm−1) and isoleucine (1437 cm−1) in blood. The results displayed the power and potential of Raman spectroscopy in rapid (10 seconds) diabetes and pre-diabetes screening in blood (human or rat’s) with not only glucose acting as a biomarker but also leucine and isoleucine amino-acids where intensities of respectively assigned bands act as references. It also showed that using Raman spectroscopic signatures of the chosen biomarkers, the method can be an alternative for performing comparative efficacy studies between known and new anti-diabetic drugs. Reports on use of Raman spectroscopy in type 2 diabetes mellitus screening with Raman bands associated with leucine and isoleucine molecules acting as reference is rare in literature. The use of Raman spectroscopy in pre-diabetes screening of blood for changes in levels of leucine and isoleucine amino acids is particularly interesting as once elevated levels are noticed, necessary interventions to prevent diabetes development can be initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zephania Birech
- Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail: (ZB); (KMM)
| | - Peter Waweru Mwangi
- Department of Medical Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Bukachi
- Department of Medical Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Keith Makori Mandela
- Department of Medical Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail: (ZB); (KMM)
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14
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Chuyen HV, Roach PD, Golding JB, Parks SE, Nguyen MH. Effects of four different drying methods on the carotenoid composition and antioxidant capacity of dried Gac peel. J Sci Food Agric 2017; 97:1656-1662. [PMID: 27435184 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) is a rich source of carotenoids for the manufacture of powder, oil and capsules for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses. Currently, only the aril of the Gac fruit is processed and the peel, similar to the other components, is discarded, although it contains high level of carotenoids, which could be extracted for commercial use. In the present study, four different drying methods (hot-air, vacuum, heat pump and freeze drying), different temperatures and drying times were investigated for producing dried Gac peel suitable for carotenoid extraction. RESULTS The drying methods and drying temperatures significantly affected the drying time, carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity of the dried Gac peel. Among the investigated drying methods, hot-air drying at 80 o C and vacuum drying at 50 o C produced dried Gac peel that exhibited the highest retention of carotenoids and the strongest antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSION Hot-air drying at 80 o C and vacuum drying at 50 o C are recommended for the drying of Gac peel. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang V Chuyen
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
- Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot, Daklak, Vietnam
| | - Paul D Roach
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - John B Golding
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - Sophie E Parks
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - Minh H Nguyen
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
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15
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Ajji PK, Walder K, Puri M. Functional Analysis of a Type-I Ribosome Inactivating Protein Balsamin from Momordica balsamina with Anti-Microbial and DNase Activity. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2016; 71:265-71. [PMID: 27319013 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-016-0555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) have received considerable attention in biomedical research because of their unique activities towards tumor and virus-infected cells. We extracted balsamin, a type-I RIP, from Momordica balsamina. In the present study, a detailed investigation on DNase activity, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity was conducted using purified balsamin. DNase-like activity of balsamin towards plasmid DNA was pH, incubation time and temperature dependent. Moreover, the presence of Mg(2+) (10-50 mM) influenced the DNA cleavage activity. Balsamin also demonstrated reducing power and a capacity to scavenge free radicals in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, the protein exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli, which suggests potential utility of balsamin as a nutraceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder Kaur Ajji
- Bioprocessing Laboratory, Centre for Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Life and Environment Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, 3220, Victoria, Australia
- Metabolic Research Unit, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, 75 Pigdons Road, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Metabolic Research Unit, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, 75 Pigdons Road, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Munish Puri
- Bioprocessing Laboratory, Centre for Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Life and Environment Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, 3220, Victoria, Australia.
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Ramalhete C, Mulhovo S, Molnar J, Ferreira MJU. Triterpenoids from Momordica balsamina: Reversal of ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistance. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:5061-5067. [PMID: 27591010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability as P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) modulators of thirty (1-30) triterpenoids of the cucurbitane-type was evaluated on human L5178 mouse T-lymphoma cell line transfected with the human MDR1 gene, through the rhodamine-123 exclusion assay. Compounds (1-26, and 29, 30) were previously obtained from the African medicinal plant Momordica balsamina, through both isolation (1-15) and molecular derivatization (16-26 and 29, 30). Compounds 27-28 are two new karavilagenin C (34) derivatives having succinic acid moieties. Apart from 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11, most of the isolated compounds (1-15) displayed strong MDR reversing activity in a dose-dependent mode, exhibiting a many-fold activity when compared with verapamil, used as positive control. At the lowest concentration tested, compounds 2 and 7 were the most active. However, a decrease of activity was found for the acyl derivatives (16-30). In a chemosensitivity assay, the MDR reversing activity of some of the most active compounds (1-3, 5, 7, 12-15) was further assessed on the same cell model. All the tested compounds, excepting 15, corroborated the results of the transport assay, revealing to synergistically interact with doxorubicin. Structure-activity relationship studies, taking into account previous results, showed that different substitution patterns, at both the tetracyclic nucleus and the side chain, play important role in ABCB1 reversal activity. An optimal lipophilicity was also recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Ramalhete
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Silva Mulhovo
- Centro de Estudos Moçambicanos e de Etnociências, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Pedagogical University, 21402161 Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Joseph Molnar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 10, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Maria-José U Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Fan R, Cheng RR, Zhu HT, Wang D, Yang CR, Xua M, Zhang YJ. Two New Oleanane-type Triterpenoids from Methanolyzed Saponins of Momordica cochinchinensis. Nat Prod Commun 2016; 11:725-728. [PMID: 27534102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Two new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins (1 and 2) were isolated from the methanolyzed total saponins of the seeds of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng, together with 16 known compounds (3-18). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic, including 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectrometric, methanolysis and LC-MS analysis. All the isolates were tested for their cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7721, PANC-1, A-549, and SW-480) and the glucose uptake activity. The known compound 6 exhibited toxic effects against HL-60 with an IC50 value of 18.1 μM, while 10 showed cytotoxicity against SMMC-7721 and A-549 cell lines, with IC50 values of 34.4 and 32.8 μM, respectively. In addition, the new compound 2 showed glucose uptake activity with a glucose consumption value of 0.29 μM at 10 μM concentration.
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Zhao LM, Sun GG, Han LN, Liu LH, Ren FZ, Li L, Ma M, Shan BE. P-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde Induces B16-F1 Melanoma Cell Differentiation via the RhoA-MAPK Signaling Pathway. Cell Physiol Biochem 2016; 38:2247-60. [PMID: 27188168 DOI: 10.1159/000445580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Due to its antitumor and gastroprotective properties, cochinchina momordica seed (CMS), has been widely used to treat cancer patients in Asia. Our previous reports have shown that CMS is able to induce the differentiation of B16-F1 melanoma cells. However, its functional component and mechanism remain unclear and are addressed in this study. METHODS AND RESULTS CMSP (p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde isolated from CMS) inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of B16-F1 cells both in vivo and in vitro. CMSP also induced the differentiation of B16-F1 cells, as characterized by dendrite-like outgrowth, increased melanogenesis and enhanced tyrosinase activity. Furthermore, CMSP treatment reduced the level of malignant markers of melanoma, specifically S-100B and melanoma-derived growth regulatory protein precursor (MIA), in a concentration-dependent manner. According to a western blot analysis, B16-F1 cells treated with CMSP exhibited a sustained increase in p-P38 and decreased activities of ERK and JNK. Our data further indicated that the downregulation of GTP-RhoA, which was mediated by increased cAMP release, was involved in CMSP-induced changes in MAPK, while LPA (Lysophosphatidic acid) partially reversed CMSP-induced B16 cell differentiation. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that CMSP-induced differentiation of B16F1 cells may occur through the RhoA-MAPK axis, which suggests a new potential strategy for melanoma treatment.
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Marella S, Maddirela DR, Kumar EGTV, Tilak TK, Badri KR, Chippada A. Mcy protein, a potential antidiabetic agent: evaluation of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and antioxidant status. Int J Biol Macromol 2016; 86:481-8. [PMID: 26826289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to elucidate the long-term effects of anti-hyperglycemic active principle, Mcy protein (MCP), isolated from the fruits of Momordica cymbalaria on carbohydrate metabolism and oxidative stress in experimental diabetic rats. We used streptozotocin induced diabetic rats for the current studies. Our studies showed that MCP (2.5mg/kg.b.w) treatment significantly normalized the deranged activities of critical carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bis phosphatase. In addition MCP showed inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase and aldose reductase enzymes in in vitro assays. Further MCP treatment improved the antioxidant defensive mechanism by preventing deleterious oxidative products of cellular metabolism, which initiates the lipid peroxidation and by normalizing the antioxidant enzyme (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) activities. Additional structural studies using circular dichroism spectroscopy indicate that MCP contains majorly α-helix. Our findings suggest MCP regulates blood glucose and better manage diabetes mellitus associated complications by regulating carbohydrate metabolism and by protecting from the deleterious effects of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saritha Marella
- Department of Biochemistry, S.V. University, Tirupati 517502, India
| | | | - E G T V Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, S.V. University, Tirupati 517502, India; Department of Endocrinology, SVIMS, Tirupati 517502, India
| | | | | | - Apparao Chippada
- Department of Biochemistry, S.V. University, Tirupati 517502, India.
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Swamy MK, Akhtar MS, Mohanty SK, Sinniah UR. Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using fruit extract of Momordica cymbalaria and assessment of their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2015; 151:939-944. [PMID: 26186612 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Plant mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has been considered as green route and a reliable technique for the synthesis of nanoparticles due to its eco-friendly approach. In this study, we report a simple and eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using methanolic Momordica cymbalaria fruit extract as reducing agent. The fruit extract of M. cymbalaria exposed to AgNO3 solution showed the change in color from green to light yellow at room temperature within 1h of incubation confirms the synthesis of AgNPs. UV-vis spectra analysis revealed that the synthesized AgNPs had a sharp surface plasmon resonance at around 450 nm, while, the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed distinctive peaks indices to the crystalline planes of the face centered cubic silver. The Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis results confirmed the presence of spherical shaped AgNPs by a huge disparity in the particle size distribution with an average size of 15.5 nm. The synthesized AgNPs showed strong antibacterial activity against all the tested multidrug resistant human pathogenic bacterial strains and also exhibited highest free radical scavenging activity (74.2%) compared to fruit extract (60.4%). Moreover, both fruit extract and the synthesized AgNPs showed the cytotoxicity towards Rat L6 skeletal muscle cell line at different concentrations, but the highest inhibition percentage was recorded for AgNPs at concentration of 100 μg/ml.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallappa Kumara Swamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Padmashree Institute of Management and Sciences, Kommagatta, Bangalore 560060, India; Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Purta Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Sayeed Akhtar
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Universiti Purta Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Sudipta Kumar Mohanty
- Department of Biotechnology, Padmashree Institute of Management and Sciences, Kommagatta, Bangalore 560060, India
| | - Uma Rani Sinniah
- Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Purta Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Aliya F, Begum H, Reddy MT, Sivaraj N, Pandravada SR, Narshimulu G. Correlation and path coefficient analysis of quantitative characters in spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.). Pak J Biol Sci 2015; 17:659-66. [PMID: 26030998 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2014.659.666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fifty genotypes of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) were evaluated in a randomized block design with two replications at the Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India during kharif, 2012. Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out to study the character association and contribution, respectively for twelve quantitative characters namely vine length (m), number of stems per plant, days to first female flower appearance, first female flowering node, days to first fruit harvest, days to last fruit harvest, fruiting period (days), fruit length (cm), fruit width (cm), fruit weight (g), number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant (kg) for identification of the potential selection indices. Correlation and path coefficient analyses revealed that fruiting period and number of fruits per plant not only had positively significant correlation with fruit yield but also had positively high direct effect on it and are regarded as the main determinants of fruit yield. Days to first fruit harvest had positively moderate direct effect on fruit yield and its association was negatively significant, days to last fruit harvest had negatively high direct effect on fruit yield and its association was significant positively, hence restricted simultaneous selection can be made for days to first fruit harvest and days to last fruit harvest. The improvement in fruit yield can be effective if selection is based on days to first fruit harvest, days to last fruit harvest, fruiting period and number of fruits per plant.
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Leevutinun P, Krisadaphong P, Petsom A. Clinical evaluation of Gac extract (Momordica cochinchinensis) in an antiwrinkle cream formulation. J Cosmet Sci 2015; 66:175-187. [PMID: 26454905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant and antityrosinase activities of Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) extract and to clinically evaluate a Gac-containing antiwrinkle cream formulation. Gac extract exhibited higher antioxidant activity than vitamin C or E, as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, 41.25 ± 0.34 mg TEAC/ml extract), 2, 2'-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothialine-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS, 47.70 ± 0.18 mg TEAC/ml extract), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 105.03 ± 2.326 mg TEAC/ml extract) scavenging. The antioxidant activity of Gac extract was 5.85- and 11.75-fold higher than that of vitamin E in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The FRAP assay indicated that the antioxidant activity of Gac extract was 2.91-fold higher than that of vitamin C. Gac extract also exhibited high tyrosinase inhibition (62.83% ± 1.99%). The tyrosinase inhibition activity of Gac extract was 1.51- and 2.06-fold greater than that of vitamins C and E, respectively. The safety and efficacy of the formulated Gac extract cream as an antiwrinkle agent and its promotion of skin moisturization and smoothness were investigated. Evaluation of acute skin tolerance indicated nonirritating properties. A clinical study revealed increases in cutaneous hydration. Average roughness was decreased, while smoothness was increased. Skin overlook analysis indicated skin roughness relief. These results indicate that the formulated Gac extract product is an effective antiwrinkle cream.
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Maoka T, Yamano Y, Wada A, Etho T, Terada Y, Tokuda H, Nishino H. Oxidative metabolites of lycopene and γ-carotene in gac (Momordica cochinchinensis). J Agric Food Chem 2015; 63:1622-1630. [PMID: 25633727 DOI: 10.1021/jf505008d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Three new oxidative metabolites of lycopenes, (erythro)-lycopene-5,6-diol, (threo)-lycopene-5,6-diol, and 1,16-dehydro-2,6-cyclolycopene-5-ol B, and four new oxidative metabolites of γ-carotenes, 2',6'-cyclo-γ-carotene-1',5'-diol A, 2',6'-cyclo-γ-carotene-1',5'-diol B, (erythro)-γ-carotene-5,6-diol, and (threo)-γ-carotene-5,6-diol, were isolated as minor components from the aril of gac, Momordica cochinchinensis. These structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data, and some of them were compared to the structures of synthetic samples. Furthermore, the oxidative metabolic conversion pathways of lycopene and γ-carotene were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Maoka
- Research Institute for Production Development , 15 Shimogamo-morimoto-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0805, Japan
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Reinwarth M, Avrutina O, Fabritz S, Kolmar H. Fragmentation follows structure: top-down mass spectrometry elucidates the topology of engineered cystine-knot miniproteins. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108626. [PMID: 25303319 PMCID: PMC4193770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades the field of pharmaceutically relevant peptides has enormously expanded. Among them, several peptide families exist that contain three or more disulfide bonds. In this context, elucidation of the disulfide patterns is extremely important as these motifs are often prerequisites for folding, stability, and activity. An example of this structure-determining pattern is a cystine knot which comprises three constrained disulfide bonds and represents a core element in a vast number of mechanically interlocked peptidic structures possessing different biological activities. Herein, we present our studies on disulfide pattern determination and structure elucidation of cystine-knot miniproteins derived from Momordica cochinchinensis peptide MCoTI-II, which act as potent inhibitors of human matriptase-1. A top-down mass spectrometric analysis of the oxidised and bioactive peptides is described. Following the detailed sequencing of the peptide backbone, interpretation of the MS(3) spectra allowed for the verification of the knotted topology of the examined miniproteins. Moreover, we found that the fragmentation pattern depends on the knottin's folding state, hence, tertiary structure, which to our knowledge has not been described for a top-down MS approach before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Reinwarth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Olga Avrutina
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
- * E-mail: (SF); (HK)
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Koneri RB, Samaddar S, Ramaiah CT. Antidiabetic activity of a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl. Indian J Exp Biol 2014; 52:46-52. [PMID: 24624483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Glucose uptake by isolated diaphragms of both diabetic, following streptozotocin administration, and non-diabetic animals increased in presence of an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin isolated from the roots of M. cymbalaria. Insulin release was augmented by the presence of the saponin of M. cymbalaria (1 mg/mL) in rat insulinoma cell line (RIN-5F) preexposed to adrenaline (5 microM) and nifedipine (50 microM). Pancreatic histology also indicated considerable quantitative increase in beta-cells (75%) when treated with the saponin. The results suggest that the saponin of M. cymbalaria possesses potential antidiabetic activity with respect to insulin secretion, which may be attributed to modulation of calcium channel, and beta-cell rejuvenation.
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Hsieh CH, Chen GC, Chen PH, Wu TF, Chao PM. Altered white adipose tissue protein profile in C57BL/6J mice displaying delipidative, inflammatory, and browning characteristics after bitter melon seed oil treatment. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72917. [PMID: 24039822 PMCID: PMC3765199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We have previously shown that bitter melon seed oil (BMSO), which is rich in cis-9, trans-11, trans-13 conjugated linolenic acid, is more potent than soybean oil in attenuating body fat deposition in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. The aim of this study was to obtain a comprehensive insight into how white adipose tissue (WAT) is affected by BMSO administration and to explore the underlying mechanisms of the anti-adiposity effect of BMSO. Methods and Results A proteomic approach was used to identify proteins differentially expressed in the WAT of mice fed diets with or without BMSO for 11 wks. The WAT was also analyzed histologically for morphological changes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (pH 4–7) revealed 32 spots showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in intensity in BMSO-treated mice and 30 of these were shown to code for 23 proteins (15 increased and 8 decreased expression; >2-fold change). Combined with histological evidence of macrophage infiltration and brown adipocyte recruitment, the proteomic and immunoblotting data showed that the WAT in mice subjected to long-term high dose BMSO administration was characterized by reduced caveolae formation, increased ROS insult, tissue remodeling/repair, mitochondria uncoupling, and stabilization of the actin cytoskeleton, this last change being putatively related to an increased inflammatory response. Conclusion The anti-adiposity effect of BMSO is associated with WAT delipidation, inflammation, and browning. Some novel proteins participating in these processes were identified. In addition, the BMSO-mediated WAT browning may account for the increased inflammation without causing adverse metabolic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gou-Chun Chen
- Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Chen
- Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Feng Wu
- Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (TFW); (PMC)
| | - Pei-Min Chao
- Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (TFW); (PMC)
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Kaur M, Deep G, Jain AK, Raina K, Agarwal C, Wempe MF, Agarwal R. Bitter melon juice activates cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase causing apoptotic death of human pancreatic carcinoma cells. Carcinogenesis 2013; 34:1585-92. [PMID: 23475945 PMCID: PMC3697895 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgt081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognosis of pancreatic cancer is extremely poor, suggesting critical needs for additional drugs to improve disease outcome. In this study, we examined efficacy and associated mechanism of a novel agent bitter melon juice (BMJ) against pancreatic carcinoma cells both in culture and nude mice. BMJ anticancer efficacy was analyzed in human pancreatic carcinoma BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, AsPC-1 and Capan-2 cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, cell death enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and annexin/propidium iodide assays. BMJ effect on apoptosis regulators was assessed by immunoblotting. In vivo BMJ efficacy was evaluated against MiaPaCa-2 tumors in nude mice, and xenograft was analyzed for biomarkers by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results showed that BMJ (2-5% v/v) decreases cell viability in all four pancreatic carcinoma cell lines by inducing strong apoptotic death. At molecular level, BMJ caused caspases activation, altered expression of Bcl-2 family members and cytochrome-c release into the cytosol. Additionally, BMJ decreased survivin and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein but increased p21, CHOP and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38) levels. Importantly, BMJ activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a biomarker for cellular energy status, and an AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) reversed BMJ-induced caspase-3 activation suggesting activated AMPK involvement in BMJ-induced apoptosis. In vivo, oral administration of lyophilized BMJ (5mg in 100 µl water/day/mouse) for 6 weeks inhibited MiaPaCa-2 tumor xenograft growth by 60% (P < 0.01) without noticeable toxicity in nude mice. IHC analyses of MiaPaCa-2 xenografts showed that BMJ also inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis and activates AMPK in vivo. Overall, BMJ exerts strong anticancer efficacy against human pancreatic carcinoma cells, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its clinical usefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjinder Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Gagan Deep
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anil K. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Komal Raina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael F. Wempe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Ma J, Krynitsky AJ, Grundel E, Rader JI. Quantitative determination of cucurbitane-type triterpenes and triterpene glycosides in dietary supplements containing bitter melon (Momordica charantia) by HPLC-MS/MS. J AOAC Int 2013; 95:1597-608. [PMID: 23451374 DOI: 10.5740/jaoacint.11-511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as bitter melon, is widely cultivated in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is a common food staple; its fruits, leaves, seeds, stems, and roots also have a long history of use in traditional medicine. In the United States, dietary supplements labeled as containing bitter melon can be purchased over-the-counter and from Internet suppliers. Currently, no quantitative analytical method is available for monitoring the content of cucurbitane-type triterpenes and triterpene glycosides, the major constituents of bitter melon, in such supplements. We investigated the use of HPLC-electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS for the quantitative determination of such compounds in dietary supplements containing bitter melon. Values for each compound obtained from external calibration were compared with those obtained from the method of standard additions to address matrix effects associated with ESI. In addition, the cucurbitane-type triterpene and triterpene glycoside contents of two dietary supplements determined by the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method with standard additions were compared with those measured by an HPLC method with evaporative light scattering detection, which was recently developed for quantification of such compounds in dried fruits of M. charantia. The contents of five cucurbitane-type triterpenes and triterpene glycosides in 10 dietary supplements were measured using the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method with standard additions. The total contents of the five compounds ranged from 17 to 3464 microg/serving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Regulatory Science, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy, College Park, MD 20740, USA.
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Acquaviva R, Di Giacomo C, Vanella L, Santangelo R, Sorrenti V, Barbagallo I, Genovese C, Mastrojeni S, Ragusa S, Iauk L. Antioxidant activity of extracts of Momordica foetida Schumach. et Thonn. Molecules 2013; 18:3241-9. [PMID: 23486103 PMCID: PMC6269981 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18033241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Momordica foetida Schumach. et Thonn. (Cucurbitaceae) is a perennial climbing herb with tendrils, found in swampy areas in Central Uganda. Antidiabetic and antilipogenic activities were reported for some Momordica species, however the mechanism of action is still unknown. Oxidative stress may represent an important pathogenic mechanism in obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. The present study evaluated free radical scavenging capacity of different concentrations of aqueous, methanolic and dichloromethane leaf extracts of Momordica foetida Schumach. et Thonn. and the ability of these extracts to inhibit in vitro plasma lipid peroxidation; in addition, healthy human adipose mesenchymal stem cell cultures were used in order to test the hypothesis that these extracts may affect adipocyte differentiation. Results obtained in this study suggested that aqueous extract might be useful in preventing metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Acquaviva
- Department of Drug Science—Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Claudia Di Giacomo
- Department of Drug Science—Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug Science—Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Rosa Santangelo
- Author to home correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-095-738-4115; Fax: +39-095-738-4220
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug Science—Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Department of Drug Science—Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Carlo Genovese
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Silvana Mastrojeni
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ragusa
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Liliana Iauk
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy
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Chan LY, He W, Tan N, Zeng G, Craik DJ, Daly NL. A new family of cystine knot peptides from the seeds of Momordica cochinchinensis. Peptides 2013; 39:29-35. [PMID: 23127518 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Momordica cochinchinensis, a Cucurbitaceae plant commonly found in Southeast Asia, has the unusual property of containing both acyclic and backbone-cyclized trypsin inhibitors with inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) motifs. In the current study we have shown that M. cochinchinensis also contains another family of acyclic ICK peptides. We recently reported two novel peptides from M. cochinchinensis but have now discovered four additional peptides (MCo-3-MCo-6) with related sequences. Together these peptides form a novel family of M. cochinchinensis ICK peptides (MCo-ICK) that do not have sequence homology with other known peptides and are not potent trypsin inhibitors. Otherwise these new peptides MCo-3 to MCo-6 were evaluated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, and cytotoxic activity against the cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. But these peptides were not active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Ramalhete C, Magalhães LG, Rodrigues V, Mulhovo S, Da Silva Filho AA, Ferreira MJU. In vitro schistosomicidal activity of balsaminol F and karavilagenin C. Planta Med 2012; 78:1912-7. [PMID: 23096257 DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1327832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Five cucurbitane-type triterpenes (1-5), previously isolated from the African medicinal plant Momordica balsamina, along with five ester derivatives (6-10) of karavilagenin C (2), were evaluated for their potential schistosomicidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. The natural compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the methanol extract of the aerial parts of M. balsamina. In a preliminary study, a significant schistosomicidal activity was observed for both the crude methanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction. The compounds responsible for the activity were found to be balsaminol F (1) and karavilagenin C (2) with LC50 values of 14.7 ± 1.5 and 28.9 ± 1.8 µM, respectively, after 24 h of incubation (positive control praziquantel, LC₅₀ = 1.2 ± 0.1 µM). Both compounds (1, 2), at 10-50 µM, induced significant reductions in the motor activity of the worms and significantly decreased the egg production. Furthermore, they were able (at 10-100 µM) to separate the adult worm pairs into male and female after 24 h. Compounds 3-5, bearing a sugar moiety as a substituent, and the acylated derivatives of karavilagenin C (6-10) were inactive, suggesting that the presence of free hydroxyl groups in the tetracyclic skeleton might be important for the activity. A correlation between activity and the molecular volume/weight of compounds was also found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Ramalhete
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences-iMed.UL, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Liao YW, Chen CR, Kuo YH, Hsu JL, Shih WL, Cheng HL, Huang TC, Chang CI. Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the fruit pulp of Momordica charantia. Nat Prod Commun 2012; 7:1575-1578. [PMID: 23413554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Three new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, 5beta,19-epoxy-23(R)-methoxycucurbita-6,24-dien-3beta-ol (1), 5beta,19-epoxy-23(S)-methoxycucurbita-6,24-dien-3beta-ol (2), and 3beta-hydroxy-23(R)-methoxycucurbita-6,24-dien-5beta,19-olide (3), were isolated from the fruit pulp of Momordica charantia. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and EI-MS studies. Compound 1 exhibited cytotoxic activity against the SK-Hep 1 cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Wen Liao
- Department of Food Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
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Pitchakarn P, Suzuki S, Ogawa K, Pompimon W, Takahashi S, Asamoto M, Limtrakul P, Shirai T. Kuguacin J, a triterpeniod from Momordica charantia leaf, modulates the progression of androgen-independent human prostate cancer cell line, PC3. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:840-7. [PMID: 22266361 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we focused on the in vitro effects of Kuguacin J (KuJ), a purified component of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) leaf extract (BMLE), on the androgen-independent human prostate cancer cell line PC3 and the in vivo effect of dietary BMLE on prostate carcinogenesis using a PC3-xenograph model. KuJ exerted a strong growth-inhibitory effect on PC3 cells. Growth inhibition was mainly through G1-arrest: KuJ markedly decreased the levels of cyclins (D1 and E), cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk2 and Cdk4) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Interestingly, KuJ also dramatically decreased the levels of survivin expressed by PC3 cells. In addition, KuJ exerted anti-invasive effects on PC3 cells, significantly inhibiting migration and invasion: KuJ inhibited secretion of the active forms of MMP-2, MMP-9 and uPA by PC3 cells. In addition, KuJ treatment significantly decreased the expression of membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) by PC3 cells. In vivo, 1% and 5% BMLE in the diet resulted in 63% and 57% inhibition of PC3 xenograft growth without adverse effect on host body weight. Our results suggest that KuJ is a promising new candidate chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornsiri Pitchakarn
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Ozaslan M. A comparison of Fumaria parviflora Lam. and Momordica balsamina Linn. hepatoprotection. Pak J Biol Sci 2011; 14:1034-1035. [PMID: 22514883 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2011.1034.1035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Ozaslan
- Department of Biology, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Sone Y, Moon JK, Mai TT, Thu NN, Asano E, Yamaguchi K, Otsuka Y, Shibamoto T. Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities and total phenolic content of extracts obtained from plants grown in Vietnam. J Sci Food Agric 2011; 91:2259-2264. [PMID: 21547923 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicinal plants have been used to treat various diseases since ancient times. Their specific activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, have been studied intensively. In particular, plants grown in Vietnam have attracted considerable attention among food chemists as ideal sources of natural medicinal chemicals. RESULTS The methanol extracts from three edible Vietnamese-grown plants, Tram, Voi and Gac, tested with the DPPH assay showed antioxidant activities of 91.7 ± 0.4, 63.4 ± 0.7 and 3.7 ± 0.1% respectively. The malonaldehyde/gas chromatography assay also revealed strong antioxidant activity in Tram and Voi at a level of 25 µg mL(-1) (95.5 ± 0.3 and 78.5 ± 1.4% respectively). These results were confirmed by the thiobarbituric acid assay. The antioxidant activities correlated positively with the level of total phenolics in all plants. Tram exhibited dose response-related lipoxygenase-inhibitory activity, with values of 74.2 ± 3.1% at 5 µg mL(-1) , 62.0 ± 0% at 0.5 µg mL(-1) and 3.0 ± 1.5% at 0.05 µg mL(-1) . Conversely, Voi and Gac showed negative anti-lipoxygenase activity. CONCLUSION The antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities and total phenolic contents of the three edible plants grown in Vietnam revealed that they are good sources of supplements for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Sone
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Di R, Huang MT, Ho CT. Anti-inflammatory activities of mogrosides from Momordica grosvenori in murine macrophages and a murine ear edema model. J Agric Food Chem 2011; 59:7474-7481. [PMID: 21631112 DOI: 10.1021/jf201207m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Momordica grosvenori (Luo Han Guo), grown primarily in Guangxi province in China, has been traditionally used for thousands of years by the Chinese to make hot drinks for the treatment of sore throat and the removal of phlegm. The natural noncaloric sweetening triterpenoid glycosides (mogrosides) contained in the M. grosvenori fruits are also antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, and helpful in preventing diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of mogrosides in both murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and a murine ear edema model. The results indicate that mogrosides can inhibit inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells by down-regulating the expression of key inflammatory genes iNOS, COX-2, and IL-6 and up-regulating some inflammation protective genes such as PARP1, BCL2l1, TRP53, and MAPK9. Similarly, in the murine ear edema model, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation was inhibited by mogrosides by down-regulating COX-2 and IL-6 and up-regulating PARP1, BCL2l1, TRP53, MAPK9, and PPARδ gene expression. This study shows that the anticancer and antidiabetic effects of M. grosvenori may result in part from its anti-inflammatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Di
- Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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Meng LY, Liu HR, Shen Y, Yu YQ, Tao X. Cochinchina momordica seed extract induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2011; 12:3483-3488. [PMID: 22471502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cochinchina momordica seeds are a kind of traditional Chinese herb. In this study, anticancer activity and underlying mechanisms were investigated with an extract using human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. The survival rate was reduced in a concentration- and time-dependent manner as assessed by MTT assay. After incubation for 48 h, typical apoptotic morphological changes were observed by Hoechst 33258 dye assay. Flow cytometry revealed that the treatment obviously induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, western blotting demonstrated downregulation of protein expression of PI3K, Akt, NF-kB, Bcl-2, Cdk1 and cyclin B1, whereas Bax and caspase-3 were upregulated. Our results suggest that the extract induced cell cycle G2/M arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells by decreasing PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, we propose that ECMS has potential as a breast cancer chemotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yi Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Liu XR, Deng ZY, Fan YW, Li J, Liu ZH. [Mineral elements analysis of Momordica charantiap seeds by ICP-AES and fatty acid profile identification of seed oil by GC-MS]. Guang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi 2010; 30:2265-2268. [PMID: 20939353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, a special kind of Momordica charantia seeds produced in Hai Nan was selected and analyzed. Firstly, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES) was used to determine the mineral elements. It was clear that the contents of K, Mg and P are the highest in the seeds; Cr and Zn takes up to 5.65% and 45.45% high, especially, which are rare in plant foods. These minerals, especially Cr and Zn might have a complex effect on those proteins or polysaccharides and form a stronger anticipation of hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and cholesterol. Secondly, seed oil was extracted by supercritical CO2 extraction with a yield ratio of 36.89, and the fatty acids were treated by methylation in alkaline process and purified by thin-layer chromatography, then analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) identification. The saturated fatty acids (SFA) take up 36.712, and mainly are stearic acid; monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) is only 3.33% which is dominantly linoleic acid (LA); Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) accounted for 59.96%, and the alpha-eleostearic acid takes up 54.26% as the main fatty acids in all. The plentiful alpha-eleostearic acid leads to strong effects of inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, lowering blood fat, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and preventing cardiovascular diseases, and so on. Knowing clearly the mineral elements distribution and identifying the composition of fatty acid, especially the main fatty acids in the oil, are both of great guiding importance to further exploit the clinical and edible value in Momordica charantiap seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-ru Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
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Kang JM, Kim N, Kim B, Kim JH, Lee BY, Park JH, Lee MK, Lee HS, Kim JS, Jung HC, Song IS. Enhancement of gastric ulcer healing and angiogenesis by cochinchina Momordica seed extract in rats. J Korean Med Sci 2010; 25:875-81. [PMID: 20514308 PMCID: PMC2877244 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2010.25.6.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cochinchina momordica seed is the dried ripe seed of Momordica cochinchinensis, a perennial vine. The antiulcer effect of an extract from cochinchina momordica seeds (SK-MS10) was evaluated in a rat model of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers were produced by subserosal injection of acetic acid. SK-MS10 (200 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered orally once per day for 14 days after the acetic acid injection. The stomach was removed and the ulcer size measured at day 7 and 14 of the treatment. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, the microvasculature density (MVD) adjacent to the ulcer margin was examined by immunohistochemistry. The treatment with SK-MS10 for 7 and 14 days significantly accelerated ulcer healing and increased the expression of mRNA (at day 7) as well as VEGF protein (at day 14) compared to the vehicle-treated rats. The MVD for factor VIII was also higher in the SK-MS10 treatment group compared to the vehicle-treated rats; however, these differences were not statistically significant. These results suggest that SK-MS10 treatment accelerates the healing of gastric ulcers via upregulation of VEGF and angiogenesis in an acetic acid rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Mook Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nayoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | | | - Joo-Hyon Kim
- Life Science R&D Center, SK Chemicals, Suwon, Korea
| | | | - Ji Hyun Park
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Kyoung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Seung Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Joo Sung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Chae Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Sung Song
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Rajasekhar MD, Badri KR, Vinay Kumar K, Babu KR, Fatima SS, Sampath Kumar MT, Appa Rao C. Isolation and characterization of a novel antihyperglycemic protein from the fruits of Momordica cymbalaria. J Ethnopharmacol 2010; 128:58-62. [PMID: 20038451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2008] [Revised: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY A new antihyperglycemic protein was identified in the aqueous extract of fruits of Momordica cymbalaria by bioassay-guided fractionation. The study was aimed at isolation and characterization of this protein. MATERIALS AND METHODS The active principle was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulphate precipitation, gel filtration column chromatography on Sephadex G-50 followed by reverse phase HPLC. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was identified and compared in the protein data bank. Optimum dose and route of administration of the active principle was determined in STZ induced diabetic rats. RESULTS A 17kDa protein with an isoelectric point of 5.0 was identified as the active principle of antidiabetic action present in the aqueous extract of fruits of MC. It is named as M.Cy protein and found to be a novel protein by comparing its N-terminal amino acid sequence with those in the protein data bank. It did not produce any hypoglycemia in either normal or diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that 'M.Cy protein', present in the fruits of Momordica cymbalaria is an effective antihyperglycemic active principle in STZ induced diabetic rats at a dose of 2.5mg/kg b.w.
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Zhou Y, Zheng Y, Ebersole J, Huang CF. Insulin secretion stimulating effects of mogroside V and fruit extract of luo han kuo (Siraitia grosvenori Swingle) fruit extract. Yao Xue Xue Bao 2009; 44:1252-1257. [PMID: 21351724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Luo han kuo fruit (Siraitia grosvenori Swingle), a fruit native to China, has been used as a natural sweetening agent for centuries and has been reported to be beneficial for diabetic population. However, limited research has been conducted to elucidate the relationship between the sweetening action and biological parameters that may be related to potential health benefits of LHK fruit (Luo Han Kuo fruit). The present study examined the effect of LHK fruit and its chemical components on insulin secretion using an in vitro cell model system. Mogroside V is the most abundant and the sweetest chemical component among the mogrosides in LHK fruit. The experimental data demonstrated that the crude LHK extract stimulated the secretion of insulin in pancreatic beta cells; furthermore, pure mogroside V isolated from LHK fruit also exhibited a significant activity in stimulating insulin secretion by the beta cells, which could partially be responsible for the insulin secretion activity of LHK fruit and fruit extract. The current study supports that LHK fruit/extract has the potential to be natural sweetener with a low glycemic index, and that mogroside V, possible other related mogrosides, can provide a positive health impact on stimulating insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- College of Life Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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42
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Ramalhete C, Mansoor TA, Mulhovo S, Molnár J, Ferreira MJU. Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the African plant Momordica balsamina. J Nat Prod 2009; 72:2009-13. [PMID: 19795842 DOI: 10.1021/np900457u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Momordica balsamina led to the isolation of five new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (1-5) and two known analogues (6, 7). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR experiments (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY). The new compounds feature unusual oxidation patterns in the cucurbitane skeleton, such as at C-29 (1-3) and C-12 (4, 5). Compounds 1-4, 6, and 7 were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), using the MTT assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Ramalhete
- iMed-UL, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1600-083 Lisboa, Portugal
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Spengler G, Ramalhete C, Martins M, Martins A, Serly J, Viveiros M, Molnár J, Duarte N, Mulhovo S, Ferreira MJU, Amaral L. Evaluation of cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from Momordica balsamina on P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) by flow cytometry and real-time fluorometry. Anticancer Res 2009; 29:3989-3993. [PMID: 19846941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cells become refractory to chemotherapy as a consequence of their overexpressing ABC transporters that extrude not only the therapeutic agent but other unrelated compounds such as chemotoxins and biocides before they can reach their intended targets. A compound that can inhibit the activity of these transporters may find use as an adjunct to chemotherapy that had been rendered ineffective. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four curcubitane-type triterpenes isolated from Momordica balsamina Linn. (Cucurbitaceae), a plant from Mozambique were evaluated for their inhibition of the ABC transporter P-glycoprotein coded by the human ABCB1 gene transfected into mouse lymphoma cells. The evaluation was conducted by flow cytometry using rhodamine 123 and real-time fluorometry assessing accumulation of ethidium bromide (EB) on a real-time basis. RESULTS Among the compounds isolated, the most active was 7-methoxycucurbita-5,24-diene-3beta,23(R)-diol, which inhibited the efflux of ethidium bromide (EB) and rhodamine 123 from the ABCB1-transfected mouse lymphoma cell. CONCLUSION Real-time fluorometry replicated the flow cytometric results with significant advantages for the evaluation of efflux pump inhibitors. The substitution of side groups on the cucurbitane skeleton appears to be significant in the inhibition of ABCB1 activity.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/biosynthesis
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/genetics
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Flow Cytometry
- Fluorometry
- Glycosides/chemistry
- Glycosides/pharmacology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/metabolism
- Mice
- Momordica/chemistry
- Terpenes/chemistry
- Terpenes/pharmacology
- Transfection
- Triterpenes/chemistry
- Triterpenes/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Spengler
- Unit of Mycobacteriology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 96, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
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Chan LY, Wang CKL, Major JM, Greenwood KP, Lewis RJ, Craik DJ, Daly NL. Isolation and characterization of peptides from Momordica cochinchinensis seeds. J Nat Prod 2009; 72:1453-8. [PMID: 19711988 DOI: 10.1021/np900174n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The plant Momordica cochinchinensis has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. A range of bioactive molecules have been isolated from this plant, including peptides, which are the focus of this study. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two novel peptides, MCoCC-1 and MCoCC-2, containing 33 and 32 amino acids, respectively, which are toxic against three cancer cell lines. The two peptides are highly homologous to one another, but show no sequence similarity to known peptides. Elucidation of the three-dimensional structure of MCoCC-1 suggests the presence of a cystine knot motif, also found in a family of trypsin inhibitor peptides from this plant. However, unlike its structural counterparts, MCoCC-1 does not inhibit trypsin. MCoCC-1 has a well-defined structure, characterized mainly by a triple-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet, but unlike the majority of cystine knot proteins MCoCC-1 contains a disordered loop presumably as a result of flexibility in a localized region of the molecule. Of the cell lines tested, MCoCC-1 is the most toxic against a human melanoma cell line (MM96L) and is nonhemolytic to human erythrocytes. The role of these peptides within the plant remains to be determined.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Erythrocytes/drug effects
- Hemolysis/drug effects
- Humans
- Momordica/chemistry
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
- Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/isolation & purification
- Peptides/pharmacology
- Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry
- Peptides, Cyclic/isolation & purification
- Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology
- Plants, Medicinal/chemistry
- Seeds/chemistry
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Trypsin Inhibitors/chemistry
- Vietnam
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Y Chan
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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Liu SX, Fu ZP, Mu RM, Hu ZB, Wang FJ, Wang XR. Expression and characterization of Momordica Chanrantia anti-hyperglycaemic peptide in Escherichia coli. Mol Biol Rep 2009; 37:1781-6. [PMID: 19585270 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-009-9609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A nucleic acid sequence MC, encoding Momordica Chanrantia anti-hyperglycaemic peptide MC6 (accession: AAX06814) synthesized according to Escherichia coli preferred codons, was cloned and expressed in E. coli. Recombinant protein pQE8-MC (about 3.5 kDa) was purified and analyzed by 20% SDS-PAGE and western blot. It revealed that the expressed pQE8-MC had good solubility in aqueous media. An HPLC assay was used to confirm the expression of pQE8-MC. Subsequent pharmacological activity assay revealed a significant hypoglycemic effect of low dose treatments of pQE8-MC on male kunming mice. Four hours after an intravenous tail injection, the blood sugar levels of mice treated with pQE8-MC saline solution A3 (1 mg/kg BW) decreased greatly (P < 0.01) relative to the levels of a control group. This suggests that pQE8-MC, expressed in bioengineered E. coli, has a similar hypoglycemic function to the natural protein MC6 from M. Chanrantia. These results reveal the possibility of using bio-engineered bacteria as an anti-diabetic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Xiu Liu
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Urban Eco-Planning & Design Researching Center, Fudan University, 200433, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Pramod K, Deval RG, Ramachandra SS. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of tubers of Momordica tuberosa Cogn. against CCl4 induced liver injury in rats. Indian J Exp Biol 2008; 46:510-513. [PMID: 18807754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Hydro alcoholic extract of tubers of M. tuberosa was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver damage in rats. Pretreatment with 70% ethanolic extract of M. tuberosa reversed CCl4 induced elevation of levels of serum biomarkers to near normal levels, suggesting that the tubers of M. tuberosa possess hepatoprotective property and this property may be attributed to the antioxidant property of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Pramod
- Department of Pharmacognosy, V.L. College of Pharmacy, Raichur, 584 103, India.
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Flyman MV, Afolayan AJ. Proximate and mineral composition of the leaves of Momordica balsamina L.: an under-utilized wild vegetable in Botswana. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2008; 58:419-23. [PMID: 17710585 DOI: 10.1080/09637480701253417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Proximate and mineral analyses were conducted on the leaves of Momordica balsamina L., an under-utilized wild vegetable in Botswana. The protein, fibre, fat and ash contents were 288, 37, 54 and 127 g/kg, respectively. Potassium was the most abundant mineral at 27.05 g/kg, followed by magnesium (3.82 g/kg), phosphorus (3.24 g/kg), calcium (2.22 g/kg) and sodium (0.06 g/kg). Other minerals were zinc (0.39 g/kg), manganese (0.15 g/kg) and iron (0.14 g/kg). Compared with cabbage, lettuce and spinach, this wild vegetable contained more protein and fat, while the fibre content was less. Among the minerals analysed, the leaves of M. balsamina had higher values than those reported for the exotic vegetables, except for sodium. The wild vegetable could be promoted as a protein supplement for cereal-based diets in poor rural communities, while its high potassium content could be utilized for the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. The relatively high concentrations of zinc, iron and manganese could contribute towards combating the problem of micronutrient deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Flyman
- Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
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Jain A, Soni M, Deb L, Jain A, Rout SP, Gupta VB, Krishna KL. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Momordica dioica Roxb. leaves. J Ethnopharmacol 2008; 115:61-66. [PMID: 17983713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2006] [Revised: 08/25/2007] [Accepted: 09/06/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In present study, the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Momordica dioica Roxb. leaves were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in rats. The extracts at dose of 200mg/kg were administered orally once daily. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP) and total bilirubin were restored towards normalization significantly by the extracts. Silymarin was used as standard reference and exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced haptotoxicity in rats. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections. The results of this study strongly indicate that Momordica dioica Roxb. leaves have potent hepatoprotective action against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in rats. Ethanolic extract was found more potent hepatoprotective. Meanwhile, in vivo antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities were also screened which were positive for both ethanolic and aqueous extracts. This study suggests that possible mechanism of this activity may be due to free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities which may be due to the presence of flavonoids in the extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijeet Jain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, BRNSS-CRC-SIRO, B R Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mandsaur 458001, MP, India.
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Yang XW, Zhang JY, Xu W. [Biotransformation of mogroside III by human intestinal bacteria]. Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2007; 39:657-662. [PMID: 18087563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the biotransformation of mogroside III, one of the main chemical constituent in the fruits of Momordica grosvenori Swingle, by the crude enzymes of human intestinal bacteria, and determine the structure of biotransformation products and provide scientific basis for absorption evaluation of primary mogroside III in human intestine. METHODS The mogroside III was incubated with crude enzymes of human intestinal bacteria under the anaerobic environment and 37 degrees C condition to transform mogroside III. The biotransformation products were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, and structurally determined by infra-red (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry and mass spectroscopy (MS) techniques. RESULTS Mogroside III was converted to mogroside II(A1) and mogrol by successive deglycosylation at C-3 of the glucosyl group and C-24 of the gentiobiosyl group. CONCLUSION The human intestinal bacteria showed potent ability to transform mogroside III to release secondary glycoside mogroside II(A1) and aglycone mogrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Wei Yang
- Department of Natural Medicines, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing 100083, China.
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Bai LH, Ma XJ, Mo CM, Shi L, Feng SX, Jiang XJ. [Study on quantitative assessment of Siraitia grosvenorii germplasms by general index]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2007; 32:2482-2484. [PMID: 18330237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a weight-marking method and evaluate Siraitia grosvenorii germplasms. METHOD The characters of 21 kinds of S. grosvenorii germplasms in the field and the lab were analyzed, seven important characters were selected to weight the marks. A general evaluation index was made and used to evaluate S. grosvenorii germplasms. RESULT The evaluation result of 21 kinds of S. grosvenorii germplasms by the weight-marking method was consistent with production practice. Meanwhile, the new variety Yongqing No. 1 and major cultivars were the superior germplasms. CONCLUSION A rational technique system of evaluating S. grosvenorii germplasms was established, and the superior germplasms were selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Hua Bai
- Institute of Medical Plant, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100094, China
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