Cancer In Traditional Medicine Research Articles

Modulation of cellular metabolism and alleviation of bacterial dysbiosis by Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in non-small cell lung cancer treatment

BackgroundNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly prevalent and fatal form of lung cancer. In China, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi in Chinese), derived from the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx. (Ranunculaceae, Aconitum), is extensively prescribed to treat cancer in traditional medicine and clinical practice. However, the precise mechanism by which Fuzi treats NSCLC remains unknown. PurposeThis article aims to assess the efficacy of Fuzi against NSCLC and elucidate its underlying mechanism. MethodsMarker ingredients of Fuzi decoction were quantified using UPLC-TSQ-MS. The effectiveness of Fuzi on NSCLC was evaluated using a xenograft mouse model. Subsequently, a comprehensive approach involving network pharmacology, serum metabolomics, and 16S rDNA sequencing was employed to investigate the anti-NSCLC mechanism of Fuzi. ResultsPharmacological evaluation revealed significant tumour growth inhibition by Fuzi, accompanied by minimal toxicity. Network pharmacology identified 29 active Fuzi compounds influencing HIF-1, PI3K/Akt signalling, and central carbon metabolism in NSCLC. Integrating untargeted serum metabolomics highlighted 30 differential metabolites enriched in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Targeted serum metabolomics confirmed elevated glucose content and reduced levels of pyruvate, lactate, citrate, α-ketoglutarate, succinate, fumarate, and malate following Fuzi administration. Furthermore, 16S rDNA sequencing assay showed that Fuzi ameliorated the dysbiosis after tumorigenesis, decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria, and increased that of Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes. PICRUSt analysis revealed that Fuzi modulated the pentose phosphate pathway of the gut microbiota. Spearman correlation showed that Proteobacteria and Escherichia_Shigella accelerated the TCA cycle, whereas Bacteroidota, Bacteroides, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group suppressed the TCA cycle. ConclusionsThis study firstly introduces a novel NSCLC mechanism involving Fuzi, encompassing energy metabolism and intestinal flora. It clarifies the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in treating NSCLC and modulating the TCA cycle. Moreover, these findings offer valuable insights for clinical practices and future research of Fuzi against NSCLC.

Characteristics of the Cytotoxicity of Taraxacum mongolicum and Taraxacum formosanum in Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease that has been clinically divided into three main subtypes: estrogen receptor (ER)- and progesterone receptor (PR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER 2)-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). With its high metastatic potential and resistance to endocrine therapy, HER 2-targeted therapy, and chemotherapy, TNBC represents an enormous clinical challenge. The genus Taraxacum is used to treat breast cancer in traditional medicine. Here, we applied aqueous extracts from two Taraxacum species, T. mongolicum and T. formosanum, to compare their potential antitumor effects against three human breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (ER−, PR−, and HER2−), ZR-75-1 (ER+, PR+/−, and HER2−), and MCF-7 (ER+, PR+, and HER2−). Our results show that T. mongolicum exerted cytotoxic effects against MDA-MB-231 cells, including the induction of apoptosis, the reduction of cell proliferation, the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and/or the downregulation of the oxygen consumption rate. Both T. mongolicum and T. formosanum decreased cell migration and colony formation in the three cell-lines and exerted suppressive effects on MCF-7 cell proliferation based on metabolic activity and BrdU incorporation, but an enhanced proliferation of ZR-75-1 cells based on BrdU incorporation. T. formosanum induced ribotoxic stress in MDA-MB-231and ZR-75-1 cells; T. mongolicum did not. In summary, these findings suggest that T. mongolicum showed greater cytotoxicity against all three tested breast cancer cell lines, especially the TNBC MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry andBiological Activities of Agaricus blazei murrill: A Comprehensive Review

Agaricus blazei murrill is an important medicinal and edible mushroom species, widely cultivated in Japan and native to Brazil. Different in vivo and in vitro studies describe its ant mutagenic and immunomodulatory properties however, it is not still clear that what chemical substances and biological pathways are responsible for these properties. It is assumed that the polysaccharides phytocomplex may be responsible for the antitumor and immunostimulant activities, through an opsonizing biochemical pathway. A. blazei is used to cure dermatitis, hepatitis, diabetes, therosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and cancer in traditional medicine. The present review provides a comprehensive review on traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of A. blazei.

GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds from Melastomastrum capitatum (Vahl) Fern. leaf methanol extract: An anticancer plant

Abstract Traditional and herbal medicines are the most and easily available health care remedy in most African countries. The use of medicinal plants began centuries due to their accessibility. Melastomastrum capitatum is a plant use in Mambila plateau in Taraba State, Nigeria for treating many diseases notably ovarian cancer in traditional medicine. Decoction of leaf of the plant is mostly used in this case. This study was carried out in order to determine the bioactive compounds present in the leaf methanol extract of M. capitatum by using the GC–MS machine. Eight hundred gram of powdered leaves was extracted in methanol using Soxhlet apparatus and concentrated in vacuo in a rotary evaporator. The crude extract was purified in a silica gel filled column chromatography. Fractions were grouped based on their TLC similar profiles into six, and analyzed in an Agilent 7890A GC system coupled with a 5975C VL mass spectrum detector. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of the following phyto-compounds: Methyl tetradecanoate (Z; 242.3975, RT: 14.171; 1.93%), 9-dodeoenoic acid methyl ester E (Z; 296.495, RT: 16.853, 1.01%), Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (Z; 270.45, RT: 17.475; 86.31%), 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (Z; 294.479, RT: 20.514; 100.00%), Methyl stearate (Z; 298.504, RT: 20.989; 7.66%) and Methyl 18-nonadecanoate (Z;326.557, RT: 24.500; 0.71%). These compounds are the first isolated compounds from the leaf, and unarguably play very crucial roles in the health care system especially in cancer treatment and other diseases. The study showed that the presence of these compounds in the leaves of M. capitatum might be responsible for its biological activities in traditional medicine. It is therefore a possible important plant of medical and pharmaceutical importance from which drug can be discovered.

Anticancer activity of saponin isolated from Albizia lebbeck using various in vitro models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAlbizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (Family: Mimosaceae) is commonly known as Sirisha in Sanskrit. The leaves and pods of A. lebbeck were claimed to be used against cancer in traditional medicine. Previous studies using bark, leaves, seeds and pods of A. lebbeck showed cytotoxic activity against hepatic, colon, larynx, cervical and breast cancer cell lines. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the anticancer activity of saponin rich fraction of Albizia lebbeck by using various in vitro models. Materials and methodsAlbiziasaponins (A-E) are oleanene triterpene presents in Albizia lebbeck were used for in silico studies. In silico testing of albiziasaponins for structure based pharmacological activity prediction using PASS Online software and docking with Autodock tool and Autodock Vina revels it's anticancer and apoptogenic potential. Antiproliferative activity of saponin rich fraction of A. lebbeck was performed using MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by MTT assay methods. Anti-angiogenic property of saponin rich fraction of A. lebbeck was evaluated in in vitro shell less chick embryo cultures with different concentrations (0.1 µg/ml, 0.5 µg/ml, and 1 µg/ml) by using ImageJ software. In vitro cultured lymphocytes chromosomal aberration assay was performed to determine the physical integrity of chromosomes in cells and effect of saponin rich fraction of A. lebbeck on cell cycle. Apoptogenic potential was evaluated using Caspases-3 and Caspase-8 ELISA assay in MCF-7 cells. ResultsResult of MTT assay showed IC50 of saponin rich fraction of A. lebbeck at 1 μg/ml in MCF-7 cells. Treatment with saponin rich fraction of A. lebbeck significantly (p < 0.05) reduced angiogenic parameters. Significant chromosomal aberrations (hypodiploid, hyperdiploid, ring, premature separation, Dicentric fragments, Acentric fragment, chromatid break, and chromosomal gap) were observed in saponin rich fraction of A. lebbeck treated groups. Treatment with saponin rich fraction of A. lebbeck increased levels of Caspases-3 (optical density of 0.24 at 450 nm) and Caspase-8 (optical density of 0.31 at 450 nm) as compared to staurosporine (optical density of 2.47 and 2.65 for caspases-3 and -8 respectively at 450 nm). ConclusionIn our study, saponin rich fraction of A. lebbeck showed antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and apoptogenic potential using various in-vitro models. It also found to increase chromosomal aberration and thereby may affect cell cycle.

Water extract of Semecarpus parvifolia Thw. leaves inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis on HEp-2 cells

BackgroundSemecarpus parvifolia Thw is used as an ingredient of poly herbal decoctions to treat cancer in traditional medicine. The present study aims to investigate the antiproliferative activity on HEp 2 cells by the water extract of S. parvifolia leaves and to evaluate potential mechanisms.MethodsThe plant extract was exposed to S. parvifolia for 24 hours and antiproliferative activity was quantified by Sulforhodamine B (SRB), 3-(4, 5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Morphological changes were observed after staining cells with ethidium bromide/acridine orange (EB/AO) and Giemsa dye. Comet assay was performed to evaluate the DNA damage. The toxicity of the plant extract was determined by brine shrimp lethality assay.ResultsS. parvifolia leaves reduced the cell proliferation in a dose and time dependent manner. A two fold increase in NO level was observed at higher concentrations. Morphological changes characteristic to apoptosis were observed in light microscopy, Giemsa and EB/AO stained cells. Fragmented DNA further confirmed its capacity to induce apoptosis. No lethality was observed with brine shrimps.ConclusionThe results suggest that Semecarpus parvifolia Thw induces apoptosis in HEp-2 cells through a NO dependent pathway.

Understanding cancer and its treatment in Thai traditional medicine: An ethnopharmacological-anthropological investigation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThai traditional medicine (TTM) is widely practiced in Thailand and continues to gain importance in cancer management, but little is known about the TTM practitioners’ emic concepts and practice. Aim of the studyWith this study we firstly aim to document the practice of cancer treatment and prevention by TTM practitioners and, secondly, to evaluate how such traditional concepts and practices are correlated with biomedical ones. This in turn can form the basis for developing novel strategies for designing pharmacological experiments and longer term strategies to develop TTM practice. MethodsSemi-structured interviews with 33 TTM practitioners were performed in five provinces in different regions of Thailand. The following information were recorded; basic information of informants, descriptions of cancer (mareng in Thai), causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Plants used in the treatment and prevention of mareng were also collected. ResultsUsing an in depth ethnographic approach four representative case studies to assist in a better understanding of the characteristics of mareng, its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are reported here. Five characteristics of mareng – waste accumulation (khong sia), chronic illnesses (krasai), inflammation (kan aksep), bad blood (luead) and lymph (namlueang), and the imbalance of four basic elements (dhātu si) – have been identified. Explanatory models of cancer in TTM were linked with biomedical concepts and relevant pharmacological actions. Traditional uses and available scientific evidence of medicinal plants mentioned in the case studies for the treatment or prevention of mareng are presented and discussed. ConclusionHere for the first time five main characteristics of cancer based on Thai traditional medical concepts are analysed. Our findings are relevant not only for the planning of clinical studies or pharmacological experiment in the search for novel compounds for cancer treatment and prevention, but also for the integration of Thai traditional medicine in cancer care.

Study and comparison of nutritional measures of cancer in traditional medicine with modern medicine school

Study and comparison of nutritional measures of cancer in traditional medicine with modern medicine school

Cancer in traditional medicine of Iran: prevention and treatment

Cancer in traditional medicine of Iran: prevention and treatment

Chemical composition and antiproliferative activity of Acalypha californica

Acalypha californica Benth., is a plant in the northwestern region from Mexico, commonly known as “cancer herb” and used in traditional medicine for treating cancer. In the present study we have investigated the antiproliferative activity of methanolic extract of A. californica and its fractions in cancer cell lines and phytochemical analysis and mechanism of apoptosis of the fractions with antiproliferative activity. The antiproliferative activity of methanol extract and its fractions of solvents were evaluated by MTT assay against the M12.Ak.C3.F6, RAW 264.7, HeLa and L929 cell lines. Active fractions were fractionated by molecular exclusion chromatography, HPLC and MPLC. The identification of compounds was performed by NMR and FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MS analysis. Apoptotic mechanism was analyzed by flow cytometry, determining the reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1) and the activity of caspases 3, 8 and 9. Cell viability assays showed that the hexane fraction of the methanol extract of the plant has significant effects against cancer lines RAW 264.7 (IC50=52.08±1.06μg/mL) and HeLa (IC50=46.77±1.09μg/mL), the residual fraction showed a selective effect on cell lines M12.Ak.C3.F6 (IC50=59.90±1.05μg/mL), RAW 264.7 (IC50=58.93±1.26μg/mL) and HeLa (IC50=50.11±1.135μg/mL) compared to the control cell line L929 (IC50=100.00±1.09μg/mL). The chemical characterization of the active fractions allowed the identification of β-sitosterol and stigmasterol in hexane fraction and some phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids in the residual fraction. The methanol extract and hexane fraction reduces mitochondrial membrane potential significantly and activates caspases 3, 8 and 9. Because of the antiproliferative activity observed, our results provide a rational basis for the use of extracts of A. californica in treating various types of cancer in traditional medicine from Mexico. The extracts induce apoptosis via activation of caspases.

Iridoid content and biological activities of Veronica cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia and V. cymbalaria

Context: The genus Veronica L. (Plantaginaceae) is represented by 79 species, 26 of which are endemic in Turkey. Some Veronica species are used for the treatment of different inflammatory diseases and cancer in traditional medicine. In addition, chemotaxonomy of the genus is important for the reclassification of the family Plantaginaceae after different phylogenetic studies.Objective: Veronica cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia D. Don and V. cymbalaria Bodard were studied from the view point of iridoid glucosides which are known as chemotaxonomical markers for this genus. Radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities of the extracts were also determined in this study.Material and methods: Major compounds, isolated from iridoid fractions of V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia were used as the standard compounds for HPLC after determination of their structures, and investigated for their presence in iridoid fractions of V. cymbalaria. Additionally, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and SO radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities against three cancer and a noncancerous cell lines of both extract were also tested using the MTT method.Results: While aucubin, catalpol, verproside, amphicoside, verminoside, and veronicoside were obtained from V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia, two more iridoid glucosides, 6-O-veratroylcatalposide and 6-O-isovanilloylcatalpol, were isolated from V. cymbalaria. Comparing both species, V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia showed stronger radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities than V. cymbalaria.Discussion: Our results demonstrated that the iridoid contents of both species were very close to each other confirming to the chemotaxonomic studies on Veronica species and their different bioactivity range make the plants interesting from the view point of natural drug discovery research.

Antiproliferative Activity of Plant Extracts Used Against Cancer in Traditional Medicine

Forty four extracts from sixteen plants used traditionally as anticancer agents were evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against Hep-2, MCF-7, and Vero cell lines. Plants were fractionated using ethanol, methanol, chloroform, n-hexane, distilled water, and butanol. The antiproliferative activity was measured by MTT assay. TLC was used to identify active fractions. The apoptotic activity of active fractions was determined using TUNEL colorimetric assay. 20 of these extracts demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against one or more of the cell lines. These extracts were prepared from Ononis hirta, Inula viscosa, Salvia pinardi, Verbascum sinaiticum and Ononis sicula. Methanol fractions of Ononis hirta (aerial parts) and Inula viscosa (flowers) were the most active fractions against MCF-7 cells with IC50 of 27.96 and 15.78 μg/ml respectively and they were less toxic against other cell lines. Other extracts showed lower activity against cancer cell lines. TLC analysis showed the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids in active plants while alkaloids were detected in Ononis hirta (aerial parts) extracts. Ononis hirta (aerial parts) and Inula viscosa (flowers) extracts exerted their antiproliferative activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Further studies are necessary for detailed chemical characterization and more extensive biological evaluation of the most active ingredients.