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Anticancer Compounds in Plants
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Anticancer Compounds in Plants

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2021) | Viewed by 49034

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Octavian Tudorel Olaru

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: anticancer research; pharmaceutical botany; pharmacognosy; alternative toxicology testing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Anticancer therapy involves the use of many compounds of herbal origin or structural analogs derived from them. Given the large number of plant species and an even greater number of compounds which can be extracted, the stage of knowledge in this field is constantly evolving.  Although many plant extracts have been evaluated for their anticancer activity, the responsible compounds for the biological activity are often less well-known or even unknown. Therefore, a Special Issue on anticancer compounds from plants is opportune and even imperative.

The aim of this Special Issue of Plants is to bring together the newest discoveries in order to contribute to the state-of-the-art in the field of anticancer agents of plant origin.  

I cordially invite authors to submit original articles and reviews that contribute to the development of new anticancer therapies. Thus, we expect papers regarding anticancer action of new naturally compounds, known plant extracts, and compounds with little-known or unknown activity, and on elucidating the mechanisms at the molecular level.

Dr. Octavian Tudorel Olaru
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Plant compounds
  • Plant extracts
  • Anticancer activity
  • Cancer therapy
  • Molecular mechanisms

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1955 KiB  
Article
Gallotannin-Enriched Fraction from Quercus infectoria Galls as an Antioxidant and Inhibitory Agent against Human Glioblastoma Multiforme
by Nur Alisa Kamarudin, Nik Nur Hakimah Nik Salleh and Suat Cheng Tan
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2581; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10122581 - 25 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2029
Abstract
In recent years, herbal medicine has experienced rapid development in the search for alternative anticancer compounds. Various phytochemicals present in Quercus infectoria (QI) galls have been reported to trigger cytotoxic effects on many types of cancer cells. However, a specific active constituent of [...] Read more.
In recent years, herbal medicine has experienced rapid development in the search for alternative anticancer compounds. Various phytochemicals present in Quercus infectoria (QI) galls have been reported to trigger cytotoxic effects on many types of cancer cells. However, a specific active constituent of QI galls with the potential to inhibit highly invasive stage IV malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is yet to be discovered. In this study, a two-phase system composed of aqueous soxhlet extraction and methanolic enrichment fractionation was employed to extract an anticancer compound, gallotannin, from the QI galls. This optimized two-phase system successfully generated a fraction (F4) with ~71% gallotannin, verified by the TLC and HPLC assays. Astoundingly, this fraction showed significantly higher (~1.15-fold) antioxidant activities compared to its crude extract, as well as to a commercial synthetic pure gallotannin. The F4 was also found to significantly suppress GBM cell growth, better than the synthetic pure gallotannin and the QI gall crude extract, probably related to its significantly higher antioxidant property. Moreover, the inhibitory effects exerted by the F4 treatment on GBM cells were comparable to the effects of two clinically used chemo-drugs (Temozolomide and Tamoxifen), indicating its high efficiency in combating human cancer. In conclusion, this study pioneered the development of an optimized extraction procedure for enriched yield of the natural gallotannin metabolite from the galls of the QI medicinal plant with high antioxidant potential and inhibitory effects on human GBM cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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11 pages, 2671 KiB  
Article
Purshia plicata Triggers and Regulates Proteins Related to Apoptosis in HeLa Cancer Cells
by Patricia Álvarez-Ortiz, Juan Ascacio-Valdés, Ileana Vera-Reyes, Cecilia Esparza-González, Raúl Rodríguez-Herrera, Mauricio Salinas-Santander, Mayela del Ángel-Martínez and Antonio Morlett-Chávez
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2559; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10122559 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1633
Abstract
Cervical cancer represents a public health problem, develops resistance to traditional therapies and cost-of-treatment is high. These disadvantages have led to the search for alternative bioactive-compound-based therapies. Said bioactive compounds include phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. The present study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Cervical cancer represents a public health problem, develops resistance to traditional therapies and cost-of-treatment is high. These disadvantages have led to the search for alternative bioactive-compound-based therapies. Said bioactive compounds include phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a P. plicata extract on the HeLa cell line. Viability and apoptosis assays were run on the two cell lines treated with the extract. The peptides, up- and down-expressed in both cell lines, were identified by PDQuest analysis software and high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). Our results show that a 500 mg/L treatment deregulated cell viability, with different apoptotic morphologies observed which are associated with the presence of bio-compounds, which up- and down-regulated the peptides. In conclusion, P. plicata regulates proteins associated with apoptosis in HeLa cancer cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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14 pages, 1874 KiB  
Article
Chemical and Biological Characterization of the Anticancer Potency of Salvia fruticosa in a Model of Human Malignant Melanoma
by Sotiris Kyriakou, Venetia Tragkola, Michael Plioukas, Ioannis Anestopoulos, Paschalina S. Chatzopoulou, Eirini Sarrou, Dimitrios T. Trafalis, Maria V. Deligiorgi, Rodrigo Franco, Aglaia Pappa and Mihalis I. Panayiotidis
Plants 2021, 10(11), 2472; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10112472 - 16 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2727
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Thus, the development of innovative therapeutic approaches is of great importance. Salvia fruticosa (SF) is known for its anticancer properties and in this context, we aimed [...] Read more.
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Thus, the development of innovative therapeutic approaches is of great importance. Salvia fruticosa (SF) is known for its anticancer properties and in this context, we aimed to investigate its potential anti-melanoma activity in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. Cytotoxicity was assessed through a colorimetric-based sulforhodamine-B (SRB) assay in primary malignant melanoma (A375), non-malignant melanoma epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and non-tumorigenic melanocyte neighbouring keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Among eight (8) different fractions of S. fruticosa extracts (SF1-SF8) tested, SF3 was found to possess significant cytotoxic activity against A375 cells, while A431 and HaCaT cells remained relatively resistant or exerted no cytotoxicity, respectively. In addition, the total phenolic (Folin–Ciocalteu assay) and total flavonoid content of SF extracts was estimated, whereas the antioxidant capacity was measured via the inhibition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation levels. Finally, apoptotic cell death was assessed by utilizing a commercially available kit for the activation of caspases - 3, - 8 and - 9. In conclusion, the anti-melanoma properties of SF3 involve the induction of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathway(s), as evidenced by the increased activity levels of caspases - 8, and - 9, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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15 pages, 39955 KiB  
Article
Antineoplastic Activity of Rhus trilobata Nutt. (Anacardiaceae) against Ovarian Cancer and Identification of Active Metabolites in This Pathology
by Luis Varela-Rodríguez, Blanca Sánchez-Ramírez, Erika Saenz-Pardo-Reyes, José Juan Ordaz-Ortiz, Rodrigo Daniel Castellanos-Mijangos, Verónica Ivonne Hernández-Ramírez, Carlos Martín Cerda-García-Rojas, Carmen González-Horta and Patricia Talamás-Rohana
Plants 2021, 10(10), 2074; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10102074 - 30 Sep 2021
Viewed by 2397
Abstract
Rhus trilobata (RHTR) is a medicinal plant with cytotoxic activity in different cancer cell lines. However, the active compounds in this plant against ovarian cancer are unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antineoplastic activity of RHTR and identify its active [...] Read more.
Rhus trilobata (RHTR) is a medicinal plant with cytotoxic activity in different cancer cell lines. However, the active compounds in this plant against ovarian cancer are unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antineoplastic activity of RHTR and identify its active metabolites against ovarian cancer. The aqueous extract (AE) and an active fraction (AF02) purified on C18-cartridges/ethyl acetate decreased the viability of SKOV-3 cells at 50 and 38 μg/mL, respectively, compared with CHO-K1 (>50 μg/mL) in MTT assays and generated changes in the cell morphology with apoptosis induction in Hemacolor® and TUNEL assays (p ≤ 0.05, ANOVA). The metabolite profile of AF02 showed a higher abundance of flavonoid and lipid compounds compared with AE by UPLC-MSE. Gallic acid and myricetin were the most active compounds in RHTR against SKOV-3 cells at 50 and 166 μg/mL, respectively (p ≤ 0.05, ANOVA). Antineoplastic studies in Nu/Nu female mice with subcutaneous SKOV-3 cells xenotransplant revealed that 200 mg/kg/i.p. of AE and AF02 inhibited ovarian tumor lesions from 37.6% to 49% after 28 days (p ≤ 0.05, ANOVA). In conclusion, RHTR has antineoplastic activity against ovarian cancer through a cytostatic effect related to gallic acid and myricetin. Therefore, RHTR could be a complementary treatment for this pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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9 pages, 2193 KiB  
Article
Morusflavone, a New Therapeutic Candidate for Prostate Cancer by CYP17A1 Inhibition: Exhibited by Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation
by Sayed Aliul Hasan Abdi, Amena Ali, Shabihul Fatma Sayed, Mohamed Jawed Ahsan, Abu Tahir, Wasim Ahmad, Shatrunajay Shukla and Abuzer Ali
Plants 2021, 10(9), 1912; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10091912 - 14 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2340
Abstract
Morusflavone, a flavonoid from Morus alba L., was evaluated for its interactive ability and stability with CYP17A1, in comparison with abiraterone, which is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved CYP17A1 inhibitor. CYP17A1 inhibition is an important therapeutic target for prostate cancer. The CHAMM36 [...] Read more.
Morusflavone, a flavonoid from Morus alba L., was evaluated for its interactive ability and stability with CYP17A1, in comparison with abiraterone, which is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved CYP17A1 inhibitor. CYP17A1 inhibition is an important therapeutic target for prostate cancer. The CHAMM36 force field was used to perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in this study. The results show that Morusflavone has significant interactive ability and stability for CYP17A1, in comparison with abiraterone. The final interaction energies for the Morusflavone–CYP17A1 and abiraterone–CYP17A1 complexes were −246.252 KJ/mol and −207.86 KJ/mol, respectively. Since there are only limited therapeutic agents available, such as abiraterone, galeterone, and seviteronel, which are being developed for prostate cancer, information on any potent natural anticancer compounds, such as vinca alkaloids, for prostate cancer treatment is limited. The results of this study show that CYP17A1 inhibition by Morusflavone could be an important therapeutic target for prostate cancer. Further preclinical and clinical evaluations of the lead compound Morusflavone are required to evaluate whether it can serve as a potential inhibitor of CYP17A1, which will be a new hope for prostate cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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18 pages, 2651 KiB  
Article
Lepidium sativum Secondary Metabolites (Essential Oils): In Vitro and In Silico Studies on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines
by Shaimaa Nazir, Ahmed A. El-Sherif, Nour T. Abdel-Ghani, Mahmoud A. A. Ibrahim, Mohamed-Elamir F. Hegazy and Mohamed A. M. Atia
Plants 2021, 10(9), 1863; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10091863 - 09 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3475
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the greatest cause of cancer-related death in the world. Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds have been proven to possess extraordinary antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypothermic, and analgesic properties. In this study, in [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the greatest cause of cancer-related death in the world. Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds have been proven to possess extraordinary antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypothermic, and analgesic properties. In this study, in vitro cytotoxic efficiency evaluation of L. sativum fractions was performed against two hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HuH-7 and HEPG-2), and the expression of some apoptotic genes was explored. In addition, the chemical composition of a potent extract of L. sativum was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Then, molecular docking analysis was implemented to identify the potential targets of the L. sativum components’ most potent extract. Overall, the n-hexane extract was the most potent against the two HCC cell lines. Moreover, these cytotoxicity levels were supported by the significant downregulation of EGFR and BCL2 gene expression levels and the upregulation of SMAD3, BAX, and P53 expression levels in both HuH-7 and HEPG2 cell lines. Regarding L. sativum’s chemical composition, GC–MS analysis of the n-hexane extract led to the identification of thirty compounds, including, mainly, hydrocarbons and terpenoids, as well as other volatile compounds. Furthermore, the binding affinities and interactions of the n-hexane fraction’s major metabolites were predicted against EGFR and BCL2 molecular targets using the molecular docking technique. These findings reveal the potential use of L. Sativum in the management of HCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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17 pages, 7205 KiB  
Article
Molecular Engineering of Curcumin, an Active Constituent of Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) of the Family Zingiberaceae with Improved Antiproliferative Activity
by Amena Ali, Abuzer Ali, Abu Tahir, Md. Afroz Bakht, Salahuddin and Mohamed Jawed Ahsan
Plants 2021, 10(8), 1559; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10081559 - 29 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2795
Abstract
Cancer is the world’s second leading cause of death, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths and 19.3 million new cases in 2020. Curcumin analogs are gaining popularity as anticancer agents currently. We reported herein the isolation, molecular engineering, molecular docking, antiproliferative, and anti-epidermal [...] Read more.
Cancer is the world’s second leading cause of death, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths and 19.3 million new cases in 2020. Curcumin analogs are gaining popularity as anticancer agents currently. We reported herein the isolation, molecular engineering, molecular docking, antiproliferative, and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) activities of curcumin analogs. Three curcumin analogs were prepared and docked against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), revealing efficient binding. Antiproliferative activity against 60 NCI cancer cell lines was assessed using National Cancer Institute (NCI US) protocols. The compound 3b,c demonstrated promising antiproliferative activity in single dose (at 10 µM) as well as five dose (0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10, and 100 µM). Compound 3c inhibited leukemia cancer panel better than other cancer panels with growth inhibition of 50% (GI50) values ranging from 1.48 to 2.73 µM, and the most promising inhibition with GI50 of 1.25 µM was observed against leukemia cell line SR, while the least inhibition was found against non-small lung cancer cell line NCI-H226 with GI50 value of 7.29 µM. Compounds 3b,c demonstrated superior antiproliferative activity than curcumin and gefitinib. In molecular docking, compound 3c had the most significant interaction with four H-bonds and three π–π stacking, and compound 3c was found to moderately inhibit EGFR. The curcumin analogs discovered in this study have the potential to accelerate the anticancer drug discovery program. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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11 pages, 1708 KiB  
Article
Essential Oil from Zingiber ottensii Induces Human Cervical Cancer Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits MAPK and PI3K/AKT Signaling Cascades
by Jirapak Ruttanapattanakul, Nitwara Wikan, Kittinan Chinda, Thanathorn Jearanaikulvanich, Napatsorn Krisanuruks, Muantep Muangcha, Siriporn Okonogi, Saranyapin Potikanond and Wutigri Nimlamool
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1419; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10071419 - 12 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3516
Abstract
Zingiber ottensii (ZO) is a local plant in Thailand and has been used as a Thai traditional therapy for many conditions. ZO has been reported to exhibit many pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer activity. Nevertheless, its anti-cancer effects explored at the signaling level have [...] Read more.
Zingiber ottensii (ZO) is a local plant in Thailand and has been used as a Thai traditional therapy for many conditions. ZO has been reported to exhibit many pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer activity. Nevertheless, its anti-cancer effects explored at the signaling level have not been elucidated in cervical cancer, which is one of the leading causes of fatality in females. We discovered that the essential oil of ZO significantly increased the apoptosis of human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) after 24 h of treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Our data also clearly demonstrated that ZO essential oil reduced IL-6 levels in the culture supernatants of the cancer cells. Moreover, Western blot analysis clearly verified that cells were induced to undergo apoptotic death via caspase activation upon treatment with ZO essential oil. Interestingly, immunofluorescence studies and Western blot analyses showed that ZO essential oil suppressed epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced pAkt and pERK1/2 signaling pathway activation. Together, our study demonstrates that ZO essential oil can reduce the proliferation and survival signaling of HeLa cervical cancer cells. Our study provides convincing data that ZO essential oil suppresses the growth and survival of cervical cancer cells, and it may be a potential choice for developing an anti-cancer agent for treating certain cervical cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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19 pages, 3065 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects of Acacia macrostachya
by Hamidou Têeda Ganamé, Yssouf Karanga, Issa Tapsoba, Mario Dicato, Marc F. Diederich, Claudia Cerella and Richard Wamtinga Sawadogo
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1353; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10071353 - 02 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2725
Abstract
Acacia macrostachya is used in Burkina Faso folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation and cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of this plant. The cytotoxic effects of root (dichloromethane B1 and methanol B2) [...] Read more.
Acacia macrostachya is used in Burkina Faso folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation and cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of this plant. The cytotoxic effects of root (dichloromethane B1 and methanol B2) and stem (dichloromethane B3 and methanol B4) bark extracts of A. macrostachya were assessed on chronic K562 and acute U937 myeloid leukemia cancer cells using trypan blue, Hoechst, and MitoTracker Red staining methods. The antioxidant content of extracts was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) methods. The root bark extracts B1 and B2 of A. macrostachya demonstrated higher cytotoxicity with IC50 values in a low µg/mL range on both U937 and K562 cells, while the stem bark B4 extract selectively affected U937 cells. Overall, healthy proliferating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (pPBMCs) were not or barely impacted in the range of concentrations cytotoxic to cancer cells. In addition, A. macrostachya exhibited significant antioxidant content with 646.06 and 428.08 µg ET/mg of extract for the B4 and B2 extracts, respectively. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids/steroids. The results of this study highlight the interest of A. macrostachya extracts for the isolation of anticancer molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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10 pages, 1643 KiB  
Article
Dehydroabietic Acid Is a Novel Survivin Inhibitor for Gastric Cancer
by Won-Jin Kim, Woong Kim, Jang-Mi Bae, Jungsoo Gim and Seok-Jun Kim
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1047; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10061047 - 22 May 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2050
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor with a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Nevertheless, anticancer drugs that can be used for gastric cancer treatment are limited. Therefore, it is important to develop targeted anticancer drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer. Dehydroabietic [...] Read more.
Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor with a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Nevertheless, anticancer drugs that can be used for gastric cancer treatment are limited. Therefore, it is important to develop targeted anticancer drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer. Dehydroabietic acid (DAA) is a diterpene found in tree pine. Previous studies have demonstrated that DAA inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. However, we did not know how DAA inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through apoptosis. In this study, we attempted to identify the genes that induce cell cycle arrest and cell death, as well as those which are altered by DAA treatment. DAA-regulated genes were screened using RNA-Seq and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis in AGS cells. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that the expression of survivin, an apoptosis inhibitor, was significantly reduced by DAA treatment. We also confirmed that DAA decreased survivin expression by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. In addition, the ability of DAA to inhibit survivin was compared to that of YM-155, a known survivin inhibitor. DAA was found to have a stronger inhibitory effect in comparison with YM-155. DAA also caused an increase in cleaved caspase-3, an apoptosis-activating protein. In conclusion, DAA is a potential anticancer agent for gastric cancer that inhibits survivin expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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10 pages, 33561 KiB  
Article
Sphagneticola Trilobata (L.) Pruski (Asteraceae) Methanol Extract Induces Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells through Suppression of BCR/ABL
by Hoang Thanh Chi, Nguyen Thi Lien Thuong and Bui Thi Kim Ly
Plants 2021, 10(5), 980; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10050980 - 14 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3277
Abstract
We will study the effects of the methanol extract of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski (Asteraceae) (MeST) on the growth of leukemia cells that may contain the BCR/ABL gene. This study also clarifies the mechanism of this effect on these cells. For this purpose, [...] Read more.
We will study the effects of the methanol extract of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski (Asteraceae) (MeST) on the growth of leukemia cells that may contain the BCR/ABL gene. This study also clarifies the mechanism of this effect on these cells. For this purpose, the cells harboring wild-type BCR/ABL, imatinib-resistant BCR/ABL (K562 and TCCYT315I), or Ba/F3 cells transfected with wild-type or mutant BCR/ABL genes were used. The results showed that MeST effectively inhibited the viability of leukemia cells in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. The effect of MeST seems to be more sensitive in the cells that carry imatinib-resistant BCR/ABL (especially the T315I BCR/ABL mutation) than those with wild-type BCR/ABL. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the death caused by MeST is apoptosis and the treatment with MeST could suppress the expression of BCR/ABL, subsequently altering the downstream cascade of BCR/ABL such as AKT and MAPK signaling. In conclusion, MeST has been able to suppress the growth of leukemia cells harboring BCR/ABL. The mechanism of the anti-leukemic effect of MeST on cells harboring imatinib-resistant BCR/ABL mutations could be due to the disruption of the BCR/ABL oncoprotein signaling cascade. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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16 pages, 1652 KiB  
Article
Different Cannabis sativa Extraction Methods Result in Different Biological Activities against a Colon Cancer Cell Line and Healthy Colon Cells
by Jan Rožanc, Petra Kotnik, Marko Milojević, Lidija Gradišnik, Maša Knez Hrnčič, Željko Knez and Uroš Maver
Plants 2021, 10(3), 566; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10030566 - 17 Mar 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8529
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest medicinal plants used by humans, containing hundreds of bioactive compounds. The biological effects and interplay of these compounds are far from fully understood, although the plant’s therapeutic effects are beyond doubt. Extraction methods for these compounds [...] Read more.
Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest medicinal plants used by humans, containing hundreds of bioactive compounds. The biological effects and interplay of these compounds are far from fully understood, although the plant’s therapeutic effects are beyond doubt. Extraction methods for these compounds are becoming an integral part of modern Cannabis-based medicine. Still, little is known about how different methods affect the final composition of Cannabis extracts and thus, their therapeutic effects. In this study, different extraction methods were tested, namely maceration, Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and supercritical CO2 extraction methods. The obtained extracts were evaluated for their cannabinoid content, antioxidant properties, and in vitro bioactivity on human colon cancer and healthy colon cells. Our data suggest that Cannabis extracts, when properly prepared, can significantly decrease cancer cell viability while protecting healthy cells from cytotoxic effects. However, post-processing of extracts poses a significant limitation in predicting therapeutic response based on the composition of the crude extract, as it affects not only the actual amounts of the respective cannabinoids but also their relative ratio to the primary extracts. These effects must be carefully considered in the future preparations of new therapeutic extracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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12 pages, 1254 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxicity of Ficus Crocata Extract on Cervical Cancer Cells and Protective Effect against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in HaCaT Non-Tumor Cells
by Brenda De la Cruz-Concepción, Mónica Espinoza-Rojo, Patricia Álvarez-Fitz, Berenice Illades-Aguiar, Macdiel Acevedo-Quiroz, Ana E. Zacapala-Gómez, Napoleón Navarro-Tito, Hilda Jiménez-Wences, Francisco I. Torres-Rojas and Miguel A. Mendoza-Catalán
Plants 2021, 10(1), 183; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10010183 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3515
Abstract
Oxidative stress causes several chronic diseases including cancer. Some chemotherapeutic agents are not selective against tumor cells, causing oxidative stress in non-tumor cells. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of acetone extract of Ficus crocata(Miq.) Mart. ex Miq. (F. crocata) [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress causes several chronic diseases including cancer. Some chemotherapeutic agents are not selective against tumor cells, causing oxidative stress in non-tumor cells. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of acetone extract of Ficus crocata(Miq.) Mart. ex Miq. (F. crocata) leaves (Ace-EFc) on cervical cancer cells, as well as its protective effect on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced lipoperoxidation and cytotoxicity in non-tumor HaCaT cells. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH and ABTS radicals. Cell viability and lipoperoxidation were determined with MTT and 1-methyl-2-phenylindole assays, respectively. A model of H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage in HaCaT cells was established. HaCaT cells were exposed to the extract before or after exposure to H2O2, and oxidative damage and cell viability were evaluated. Ace-EFc inhibited the DPPH and ABTS radicals and showed a cytotoxic effect on SiHa and HeLa cells. Furthermore, the extract treatment had a protective effect on hydrogen peroxide-induced lipoperoxidation and cytotoxicity, avoiding the increase in MalonDiAldehyde (MDA) levels and the decrease in cell viability (p < 0.001). These results suggest that the metabolites of F. crocata leaves possess antioxidant and cytoprotective activity against oxidative damage. Thus, they could be useful for protecting cells from conditions that cause oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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Review

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22 pages, 728 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review of Potential Anticancerous Activities of Erythrina senegalensis DC (Fabaceae)
by Souleymane Fofana, Moussa Ouédraogo, Rafaèle Calvo Esposito, Windbedema Prisca Ouedraogo, Cédric Delporte, Pierre Van Antwerpen, Véronique Mathieu and Innocent Pierre Guissou
Plants 2022, 11(1), 19; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants11010019 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3617
Abstract
The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the substances isolated from the African medicinal plant Erythrina senegalensis, focusing on compounds harboring activities against cancer models detailed in depth herein at both in vitro and in vivo preclinical [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the substances isolated from the African medicinal plant Erythrina senegalensis, focusing on compounds harboring activities against cancer models detailed in depth herein at both in vitro and in vivo preclinical levels. The review was conducted through Pubmed and Google Scholar. Nineteen out of the forty-two secondary metabolites isolated to date from E. senegalensis displayed interesting in vitro and/or in vivo antitumor activities. They belonged to alkaloid (Erysodine), triterpenes (Erythrodiol, maniladiol, oleanolic acid), prenylated isoflavonoids (senegalensin, erysenegalensein E, erysenegalensein M, alpinumisoflavone, derrone, warangalone), flavonoids (erythrisenegalone, senegalensein, lupinifolin, carpachromene) and pterocarpans (erybraedine A, erybraedine C, phaseollin). Among the isoflavonoids called “erysenegalensein”, only erysenealenseins E and M have been tested for their anticancerous properties and turned out to be cytotoxic. Although the stem bark is the most frequently used part of the plant, all pterocarpans were isolated from roots and all alkaloids from seeds. The mechanisms of action of its metabolites include apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and mitophagy via the modulation of cytoplasmic proteins, miRNA and enzymes involved in critical pathways deregulated in cancer. Alpinumisoflavone and oleanolic acid were studied in a broad spectrum of cancer models both in vitro and in preclinical models in vivo with promising results. Other metabolites, including carpachromen, phaseollin, erybraedin A, erysenegalensein M and maniladiol need to be further investigated, as they display potent in vitro effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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14 pages, 984 KiB  
Review
Anticancer Potential of Natural Bark Products—A Review
by Ema Burlacu and Corneliu Tanase
Plants 2021, 10(9), 1895; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10091895 - 13 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2474
Abstract
Cell biology, plant-based extracts, structural chemistry, and laboratory in vitro or in vivo experiments are the principal aspects or interfaces that can contribute to discovering new possibilities in cancer therapy and to developing improved chemotherapeutics. Forestry residues can be used for their wealthy [...] Read more.
Cell biology, plant-based extracts, structural chemistry, and laboratory in vitro or in vivo experiments are the principal aspects or interfaces that can contribute to discovering new possibilities in cancer therapy and to developing improved chemotherapeutics. Forestry residues can be used for their wealthy resource in polyphenols and other phytoconstituents known for anticancer properties. This review is designed to bring together information on the in vitro or in vivo anticancer potential of woody vascular plants especially the bark extracts (BE) and biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles (BMN) using bark extracts. Type of extracts, main phytoconstituents found in extracts responsible for the anticancer activity, and targeted cancerous cell lines were followed. The literature data were collected via Clarivate Analytics, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Academic (2011–2021). The search terms were: bark extracts, metallic nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, anticancer, cytotoxic activity, antiproliferative effect, and antimetastatic potential in vitro and in vivo. All of the search terms listed above were used in different combinations. The literature data highlight the efficaciousness of the BE and BMN as anticancer agents in in vitro experiments and showed the mechanism of action and their advantage of nontoxicity on normal cells. In vitro testing has shown promising results of the BE and BMN effect on different cancer cell lines. In vivo testing is lacking and more data is necessary for drug development on animal models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Compounds in Plants)
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