Litchi Seeds Research Articles

Evaluation of cosmetic efficacy of lychee seed fermentation liquid

BackgroundLychee seeds were fermented by three kinds of bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevillus and ganoderma lucidum mycelium), and two effective strains were selected by two indexes of activity content and antioxidant, so as to further verify whether lychee seeds have waste multiplication effect and can protect cells damaged by oxidation from anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and safety.ResultsThe contents of polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins in the solution fermented by Ganoderma lucidum mycelium did not increase, thus affecting the antioxidant capacity of the solution was far less than that of the water extract. The active content of the other two fermentation solutions was higher than that of the water extract, and the ability of scavenging free radicals of the two solutions increased with the increase of the volume fraction. At the cellular level, the two fermentation solutions showed repair effects on UVA-induced damaged cells. The contents of type I collagen (COL-1), total antioxidant capacity and ELN were increased, the contents of reactive oxygen species and MDA were decreased, and the expressions of inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-a, iNOS and COX-2 were decreased in HaCaT cells. From the gene level, the mRNA contents of IL-6, TNF-a, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and Bcl were significantly decreased. The test of chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (HTET CAM) showed that there was no bleeding and litchi seed fermentation liquid was not irritating.ConclusionsTherefore, two kinds of litchi seed fermentation can be used as natural plant raw materials for cosmetics, and have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging functions on skin, and also have good human safety.Graphical

Active bio-nanocomposites from litchi seed starch, tamarind kernel xyloglucan, and lignin nanoparticles to improve the shelf-life of banana (Musa acuminata)

Valorization of agricultural byproducts to biodegradable packaging films aids in reducing plastic dependency and addressing plastic perils. Herein, starch (LSS) from litchi seeds and xyloglucan (XG) from tamarind kernels were recovered, and composite films were developed. The XG addition strengthened the weak polymer networks of LSS and improved rheological, molecular, morphological, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties. The incorporation of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) into the LSS-XG network further increased the tensile strength (14.83 MPa), elastic modulus (0.41 GPa), and reduced surface wettability (80.07°), and water vapor permeability (5.63 ± 0.38 × 10−7 g m−1s−1Pa−1). The phenolic hydroxyls of LNPs imparted strong UV-shielding and free radical scavenging abilities to films. These attributes aided in preserving the quality of coated banana fruits with minimal weight loss and color change. Overall, this research highlights the potential transformation of underutilized abundant byproducts into sustainable active bio-nanocomposites for food packaging and shelf-life extension of fruits.

Systematic multistep extraction process for the total valorization of fiber fractions from fruit seeds

This study explores a systematic multistep extraction process to valorize various fruit seeds (mango, cherry, lemon, pumpkin, avocado, litchi, peach, and apricot) by fractionating and isolating different fiber components. A first mild treatment, i.e., a protease-assisted extraction, was employed to disaggregate the plant cell structure and isolate soluble fibers. Subsequently, the insoluble residue underwent extraction by hot acidic water to solubilize and separate the pectin fraction. The remaining solid material was finally subjected to hydrothermal treatment to recover recalcitrant hemicellulose. Cherry, lemon, and pumpkin seeds emerged as the most advantageous by-products overall, showing great extractable quantities of low molecular weight pectin, pectin oligosaccharides, arabinogalactans, xylan, and xylo-oligosaccharides (extraction yields up to 63% and 68% in the first and third step, respectively). Peach and apricot seeds yielded fiber extracts that were similar to each other but distinct for each fraction, suggesting potential applications in different food formulations, albeit with lower yields. The purity of the extracts increased with each stage, reaching 42.6% for soluble fibers, 67.3% for pectin, and 76.1% for hemicellulose. Mango, avocado, and litchi seeds were less suitable for this method but could be utilized for starch recovery. This cascade process effectively maximizes the utilization of fruit by-products, offering a scalable solution for the sustainable extraction of valuable fibers.

Determination of α-methylenecyclopropylglycine in Shahi and China litchi cultivars at three different maturity stages: A quantitative study using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

This study presents the contents of α-methylenecyclopropylglycine, a potentially toxic amino acid, in the peel, pulp and seed fractions of two well-known litchi varieties, namely Shahi and China, over a span of three harvest-seasons. For analysing α-methylenecyclopropylglycine, an LC-MS/MS-based method was validated. The method-accuracies fell within 75–110 % (RSD, <15 %) at 0.1 mg/kg (LOQ) and higher levels. A comparative evaluation of the results in peel, pulp and seed at 30 days before harvest (DBH), 15-DBH, and edible-ripe stage revealed that α-methylenecyclopropylglycine content increased as the litchi seeds grew towards maturity, regardless of the cultivar. In arils, at maturity, the concentration of α-methylenecyclopropylglycine ranged from not-detected to 11.7 μg/g dry weight. The Shahi cultivar showed slightly higher α-methylenecyclopropylglycine content in comparison to China litchi. This paper presents the first known analysis of combined seasonal data on different fruit components at various growth stages for the two chosen litchi cultivars grown in India.

Total flavonoids of litchi Seed alleviates schistosomiasis liver fibrosis in mice by suppressing hepatic stellate cells activation and modulating the gut microbiomes

Infection with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) is an important zoonotic parasitic disease that causes liver fibrosis in both human and domestic animals. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a crucial phase in the development of liver fibrosis, and inhibiting their activation can alleviate this progression. Total flavonoids of litchi seed (TFL) is a naturally extracted drug, and modern pharmacological studies have shown its anti-fibrotic and liver-protective effects. However, the role of TFL in schistosomiasis liver fibrosis is still unclear. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of TFL on liver fibrosis in S. japonicum infected mice and explored its potential mechanisms. Animal study results showed that TFL significantly reduced the levels of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of S. japonicum infected mice. TFL reduced the spleen index of mice and markedly improved the pathological changes in liver tissues induced by S. japonicum infection, decreasing the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen I and Collagen III protein in liver tissues. In vitro studies indicated that TFL also inhibited the activation of HCSs induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and reduced the levels of α-SMA. Gut microbes metagenomics study revealed that the composition, abundance, and functions of the mice gut microbiomes changed significantly after S. japonicum infection, and TLF treatment reversed these changes. Therefore, our study indicated that TFL alleviated granulomatous lesions and improved S. japonicum induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the activation of HSCs and by improving the gut microbiomes.

Natural Diabetes Treatment with Litchi Seeds Extract In Vivo

Background: Diabetes mellitus imposes a substantial health and economic cost on societies. Novel antidiabetic medicines are necessary because the present therapies have impoverished safety and effectiveness. Traditional medicines often make use of medicinal plants, which are considered to be excellent choices. Objective: The aim of the research to investigating the potential anti-diabetic activities of extracts from Litchi chinensis seeds (LCS). Methods: The extract was prepared using an aqueous solvent and 80% ethanol. It was subsequently used in laboratory settings to investigate primary alpha amylase inhibition, with acarbose serving as the reference standard. The extract was then administered in vivo to observe the effects on STZ-mediated diabetes rats. The induction of diabetes in Long-Evans rats was achieved by administering a solitary intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dosage of 80 mg/kg. the hydroethanolic extract of litchi seed were used at different concentrations (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) to treat rats with diabetes. The finding analyzed various biochemical and histological parameters in diabetic rats over a period of 28 day, using established protocols. Results: The results showed significant improvements in plasma glucose (p &lt; 0.001) and considerable increased in body weight (p &lt; 0.0001). The LCS extract (200 mg/kg BW) showed significant ameliorative effects on glycemic markers, lipid profile, and renal functioning. Additionally, histopathological studies reveals that LCS can potentially reduce renal inflammation as well as hepatic tissue damage. Conclusions: The findings indicate that hydroethanolic litchi seed extracts may have potential therapeutic benefits in managing diabetes and reducing lipid levels.

Physicochemical and Morphological Properties of Litchi Seed Starch Oxidized by Different Levels of Sodium Hypochlorite

AbstractNon‐conventional starch sources have emerged as an interest due to their inherent physicochemical properties similar to conventional starches. This study aimed to enhance the value of non‐conventional litchi seed starch by employing anoxidizing process using different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)(0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5%). The carbonyl and carboxyl content of oxidized starch was in the range of (0.019 – 0.323%) and (0.044 – 0.425%) showing an increase with the increasing concentration of NaOCl. The native and oxidized starches were further characterized for their functional and structural properties. The amylose content of native starch was 21.52% which was reduced to (19.34 – 13.43%) upon oxidation. The water and oil absorption capacities increased with theoxidation level. The swelling power(g/g) and solubility (g/100g) for native starch were 16.17 and 16.20 and 9.5 and 31.40 for modified starch. The oxidized starch produced clearer pastes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed surface erosion and cavities in oxidized starch granulesat higher concentrations. The oxidized starch showed higher relative crystallinity. FTIR was further used to assess structural changes in starches. Therefore, it can be concluded that oxidation significantly altered the characteristics of litchi seed starch, expanding its potential applications in various industries.

Effects of Flavonoid and Saponins on Protecting HaCaT Cells and Ameliorating Ultraviolet Radiation B/Ultraviolet Radiation A-Induced Skin Photoaging

The skin serves as a natural barrier in the human body, protecting against pathogenic microorganisms and ultraviolet radiation (UV). Skin photoaging is a physiological stress reaction characterized by skin relaxation, dryness, abnormal pigmentation, and increased wrinkles due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The search and development of natural products that can effectively prevent skin photoaging have gained significant attention. We established the photoaging model by subjecting HaCaT cells and ICR mice to UVB+UBA irradiation. We employed CCK8 to assess the impact of Totol Flavonoid of Lichi Seed (TFLS) and Lychee Seed Saponins (LSS) on cell viability. We evaluated the effects of TFLS and LSS on apoptosis using flow cytometry. We utilized SIRT-IN-1 inhibitor to suppress the activity of SIRT1 and examined the mechanism by which TFLS and LSS alleviate UV-induced photoaging damage in cells and mice. We assessed skin inflammation in photoaging ICR mice through HE staining. We evaluated changes in collagen fibers and glia in the skin of photoaging ICR mice using Masson staining. We employed TUNEL staining to evaluate the apoptosis of skin cells in photoaging ICR mice. We extracted nucleic acid using nano-magnetic beads and detected the expression of SIRT1, TGF-β1, and Smad3 in HaCaT cells and mouse skin tissues using qPCR and WB. The study results demonstrate the protective effect of TFLS and LSS against UV-induced photoaging in HaCaT cells and ICR mouse skin, mitigating the damage caused by UV exposure. The mechanism underlying the attenuation of UV-induced photoaging by TFLS and LSS may involve activation of the SIRT1-TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Extraction,modification and characterization of native litchi seed (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) starch.

Litchi seeds, owing to their high starch content, have the potential to serve as a valuable non-conventional source of starch with versatile applications. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of native litchi seed and its modification using citric acid. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal combination of independent variables; extraction temperature (30 - 60 ° C) and extraction time (4-20hours) for the attainment of maximum starch yield (%). Starch was then chemically modified with citric acid concentrations of 20 and 40% to investigate its effect on physicochemical, morphological, and functional properties. The second-order polynomial model effectively described the experimental data, demonstrating a satisfactory fit for the observed results. The optimized condition with the highest starch recovery (212.4 g Kg-1 ) was found to have an extraction temperature of 30° C and an extraction time of 11 hours. It was observed that with an increase in concentration of citric acid has resulted in a decrease in amylose content, swelling power, and solubility, while the water absorption capacity of modified starch increased. The SEM micrographs showed that citric acid modification resulted in surface irregularities, while the shape and size of granules remain unaffected. Not much difference has been observed in the XRD pattern of modified starch except for the decrease in intensities of peaks. An effect on the thermal properties of modified starch was also reported. Results obtained from the study reveal that extraction temperature and extraction time are critical factors, exerting a significant effect on the extraction yield of starch. Furthermore, modified starches with improved functional properties can serve as novel and versatile source of starch in various food and non-food sectors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Optimization of Ethanolic Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants from Lychee and Longan Seeds Using Response Surface Methodology.

Lychee seeds (LS) and longan seeds (LoS) are excellent sources of phenolic compounds (PCs) with strong antioxidant activity (AOA). The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions regarding extraction yield (EY), extractable phenolic compound (EPC), and AOA from LS and LoS using surface response methodology (RSM). Solvent concentration, extraction temperature, time, and solid to liquid ratio were optimized using RSM. Increasing the solid to solvent ratio from 1:05 to 1:40 (w/v), increased EY for LoS, however, EY did not change from 1:20 to 1:40 for LS. Solid-liquid ratio 1:20 was chosen for this study. Increasing the quantity of solvent leads to higher EPC and FRAP. The results showed that LoS exhibited higher AOA than LS measured as DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, respectively. Ethanol concentrations and temperatures significantly (p < 0.05) affect EY, EPC, and AOA. The results (R2 > 0.85) demonstrated a good fit to the suggested models and a strong correlation between the extraction conditions and the phenolic antioxidant responses. The ethanol concentrations of 41 and 53%, temperatures of 51 and 58 °C, and the corresponding times of 139 and 220 min were the optimal conditions that maximized the EY, EPC, and AOA from LS and LoS.

Litchi seed biowaste-derived activated carbon supporting matrix for efficient symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors

Litchi seeds are biowaste produced in 3.5 million tons annually worldwide that take more than two years to decompose naturally. Therefore, it is necessary to find a way to transform it into a high-value material. Activated carbon (AC) is one promising candidate, as it is an essential energy storage material for supercapacitors and batteries. As a sustainable source, litchi seed is used raw material for AC based on “waste to wealth.” Supercapacitors require both high energy and power density. As AC delivers low energy density, tailoring the properties of AC to enhance its electrochemical performance is a primary goal of this study. A 3D carbon composite (ARC) was synthesized as a negative electrode by combining 1D multiwalled carbon nanotubes and 2D reduced graphene oxide sheets with 3D AC as a supporting matrix, yielding a specific capacitance of 320 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in a 6 M KOH. A positive electrode of zinc cobalt sulfide on AC (ZCS@AC) was synthesized hydrothermally by decorating 3D AC supporting matrix with 0D ZCS particles, producing a capacity of 303.3 C g−1. An asymmetric supercapacitor, ZCS@AC//ARC, was fabricated to give a high energy density of 43.7 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 11.2 kW kg−1 in KOH. A symmetric supercapacitor, ARC//ARC, was fabricated with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-tetrafluoroborate electrolyte, delivering an excellent energy density of 72.2 Wh kg−1 and a remarkable power density of 17.5 kW kg−1. This study may be used to apply a natural waste litchi seed to energy storage materials, especially for high-performance customized supercapacitors.

Utilization of CO2 activated litchi seed biochar for the fabrication of supercapacitor electrodes

Biochar prepared from litchi seeds was investigated for the fabrication of supercapacitor electrodes. The specific capacitance of 190 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density was achieved in symmetric supercapacitor fabricated using biochar obtained at 700 °C. Upon activation using CO2, the capacitance was significantly enhanced, reaching up to 493 F g−1. Moreover, the charge-discharge cyclic stability of the activated biochar supercapacitor was well maintained with capacitance retention above 90% after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The energy and power density of the aqueous symmetric supercapacitor prepared using activated biochar were 24.6 Wh kg−1 and 0.6 kW kg−1, respectively. Physicochemical analysis of activated biochar using BET, XRD, Raman, TEM, and XPS revealed a high surface area, hierarchical porous structure, and heteroatom rich functionalities responsible for its excellent charge storage behaviour.

Visualizing the distribution of flavonoids in litchi (Litchi chinenis) seeds through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging.

Flavonoids are one of the most important bioactive components in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) seeds and have broad-spectrum antiviral and antitumor activities. Litchi seeds have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce apoptosis, particularly effective against breast and liver cancers. Elucidating the distribution of flavonoids is important for understanding their physiological and biochemical functions and facilitating their efficient extraction and utilization. However, the spatial distribution patterns and expression states of flavonoids in litchi seeds remain unclear. Herein, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) was used for in situ detection and imaging of the distribution of flavonoids in litchi seed tissue sections for the first time. Fifteen flavonoid ion signals, including liquiritigenin, apigenin, naringenin, luteolin, dihydrokaempferol, daidzein, quercetin, taxifolin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, myricetin, catechin, quercetin 3-β-d-glucoside, baicalin, and rutin, were successfully detected and imaged in situ through MALDI-MSI in the positive ion mode using 2-mercaptobenzothiazole as a matrix. The results clearly showed the heterogeneous distribution of flavonoids, indicating the potential of litchi seeds for flavonoid compound extraction. MALDI-MS-based multi-imaging enhanced the visualization of spatial distribution and expression states of flavonoids. Thus, apart from improving our understanding of the spatial distribution of flavonoids in litchi seeds, our findings also facilitate the development of MALDI-MSI-based metabolomics as a novel effective molecular imaging tool for evaluating the spatial distribution of endogenous compounds.

Total flavonoids of Litchi seed attenuate stem cell-like properties in breast cancer by regulating Notch3 signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBreast cancer has been the most commonly-diagnosed cancer worldwide, and the treatment and prognosis of which are often limited by breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Litchi seeds have shown good anti-cancer activity in various cancers including prostate cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. However, the activity and underlying mechanism of Litchi seeds against BCSCs remain unknown. Aim of the studyTo investigate the activity and mechanism of total flavonoids of litchi seed (TFLS) against BCSCs in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methodsTwo orthotopic xenograft mouse models were established using HCC1806 cells pretreated or untreated with TFLS to determine whether TFLS could target BCSCs in vivo. Mammosphere formation and flow cytometry assays were employed to evaluate the effect of TFLS on BCSCs in vitro. The underlying mechanism was investigated using RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence experiments. ResultsTFLS could significantly inhibit the viability of HCC1806, MCF-7 and HCC1937 cells in vitro and suppress the growth of HCC1806 cells in vivo. TFLS attenuated stem cell-like properties of breast cancer through reducing the percentage of CD44+CD24-/low cells, inhibiting the mammospheres formation and down-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of cancer stem cells related markers (Oct4, Nanog, Sox2) in MCF-7 and HCC1806 cells. Meanwhile, TFLS suppressed the tumor-initiating ability of BCSCs via reducing the percentage of CD44+CD24-/low cells in tumor and lowering tumor incidence rate in orthotopic xenograft mice. In addition, TFLS treatments restricted the expression and nuclear translocation of Notch3, subsequently down-regulated Hes1 and Runx2 expressions. ConclusionsTFLS could suppress the growth of breast cancer and eliminate breast cancer stem cells by inhibiting the Notch3 signaling pathway.

The correlation between nutritional and health potential and antioxidant properties of raw edible oils from cultivated and wild plants

SummaryThe nutritional properties and health potential of oils from 15 various cultivated and wild plants were investigated on the basis of the fatty acids profiles, total carotenoids and tocopherols content, antioxidant properties and health potential indexes such as atherogenicity index (AI). The oil contents of the plants varied between 0.9 g/100 g for lychee seeds and 29.7 g/100 g for borage seeds. The tocopherol content in oils ranged from 0.31 (lingonberry fruits) to 226.23 mg/100 g (hawthorn pulp), carotenoids ranged from 0.36 (borage seeds) to 14.22 mg/100 g (blackcurrant seeds). In four oils (raspberry seed, strawberry seed, lingonberry fruits, blackcurrant seeds) the PUFA contents contributed over 70% of the total fatty acids (FA), which was associated with the best values health potential indexes. It was found that TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) can be an indirect measure of the levels of carotenoids and tocopherols in oils. Additionally, a positive correlation between the level of carotenoids and the FA n‐3 was demonstrated. Determining such relationships may facilitate research into new sources of valuable edible oils useful for the production of functional foods, dietary supplements and cosmetics.

Lychee seed-derived microporous carbon for high-performance sodium-sulfur batteries

Sodium-sulfur (Na–S) batteries are regarded as one of the promising next-generation energy storage systems; while being more cost-effective than lithium-sulfur batteries, Na–S batteries also suffer from the shuttle effect. Different strategies to tackle the long-chain polysulfide product shuttling issue have been proposed, mainly focusing on sulfur product confinement with costly materials and complex methods. Seeking high-performance and low-cost electrode material precursors is of great importance to promoting Na–S battery applications. We present a high specific surface area microporous carbon framework synthesized from degradable biowaste, namely lychee seeds, with a facile room-temperature etching process. Unlike the traditional dissolution-precipitation mechanism, a quasi-solid-state route takes place with the help of micropore (0.48 nm) confinement, preventing the formation of long-chain polysulfides for excellent electrochemical performance. The obtained Na–S battery exhibits an outstanding initial reversible discharge specific capacity of 1395 mAh g−1 at 0.2C and still maintains a high capacity of 518 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1.0C. The lychee seed-derived microporous carbon provides insights into sustainable and scalable host fabrication for high-performance sulfur-based batteries.

Hierarchically Porous Carbon from Lychee Seed as Cathode Host for Fast‐Charging and High Area Capacity Li–Se Batteries

Selenium cathodes are expected to become next‐generation energy storage materials due to their high electronic conductivity and volumetric capacity. However, their commercial applications are hindered by polyselenides dissolution and low Se utilization. Herein, a biomass compound, namely lychee seed, is used as a sustainable precursor to design hierarchically porous carbon by a single‐step carbonization activation method. With a unique hierarchical porous structure, the lychee seed–derived activated carbon (LSDAC) used to encapsulate selenium delivers a reversible capacity of 446 mA h g−1 at 2 C and 291 mA h g−1 at 5 C after 1000 cycles. The Se/LSDAC electrodes show the most favorable fast‐charging and good cycling behavior compared to the previously reported biomass‐based carbon materials. By increasing the Se area loading to 9.5 mg cm−2, the Se/LSDAC cathode maintains an areal capacity of 3.7 mA h cm−2 (3.2 mA cm−2 areal current density) after 80 cycles. High Se loading and economical and fast‐charging cathode designs in Li–Se batteries are inspired.

Statement of Retraction: Litchi Seed Aqueous Extracts play a role in suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and migration in breast cancer cells

This article refers to:RETRACTED ARTICLE: Litchi Seed Aqueous Extracts play a role in suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and migration in breast cancer cells

Phyto-chemistry and therapeutic potential of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): An age-old ingredient in traditional medicine

The litchi ( Litchi chinensis sonn.), long been used in traditional medicine, has been endowed by nature with myriad biological properties that makes it a potential crop for healing various sufferings of mankind. Different bioactive compounds like flavonoids and anthocyanins have been reported from pulp as well as the non-edible tissues such as pericarp, seed, flowers and leaves which possess strong free radical scavenging activities and can be used as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant and anti-cancerous agents. Potential role of litchi seed extracts in preventing type 2 diabetes has been suggested in recent studies. Some components identified from litchi seeds are claimed to possess anti-cancer properties mainly against lung, liver, pulmonary and cervical cancer. Leaf extracts of litchi possess significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities. An innovative formulation, oligonol-L, derived from fruits of litchi is reported to possess chemo-preventive and chemo-protective potential against photo-injuries such as skin photo-ageing and cancer. Thus, it could be implied that litchi tree is studded with more blissful properties than hitherto conceded. However, an intensive research is paramount to unveil the exact mechanism of action of the active components in order to exploit the preventive and therapeutic potentials of this crop. The main objective of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the pharmacological activities of litchi reported till date and suggest future investigations required to exploit the neutraceutical properties of this potential plant.

Total Flavonoids of Litchi Seed Attenuate Prostate Cancer Progression Via Inhibiting AKT/mTOR and NF-kB Signaling Pathways.

Litchi seeds have been traditionally used in Chinese herbal formula for urologic neoplasms including prostate cancer (PCa). However, the effective components of Litchi seeds and the mechanisms of their actions on PCa cell growth and metastasis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of the Total Flavonoid of Litchi Seed (TFLS) in PCa PC3 and DU145 cell lines. We found that TFLS significantly inhibited the PCa cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and prevented cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, we observed that TFLS upregulated the expression of epithelial biomarker E-cadherin and downregulated mesenchymal biomarker Vimentin. TFLS also increased the expression of cleaved-PRAP and Bax, and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 in both PC3 and DU145 cells. Besides, TFLS inhibited AKT signaling pathway by reducing the phosphorylation of AKT and activities of downstream signal transducers including mTOR, IκBα and NF-kB. Finally, TFLS treated mice exhibited a significant decrease in tumor size without toxicity in major organs in vivo. These results indicated that TFLS could suppress PCa cell growth in vivo and inhibit PCa cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro through induction of apoptosis and phenotypic reversal of EMT, which may be achieved by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, our data provide new insights into the role of TFLS as a novel potent anti-cancer agent for the treatment of PCa.