Dandelion Root and Lemongrass Extracts Induce Apoptosis, Enhance Chemotherapeutic Efficacy, and Reduce Tumour Xenograft Growth In Vivo in Prostate Cancer

Many conventional chemotherapies have indicated side effects due to a lack of treatment specificity and are thus not suitable for long-term usage. Natural health products are well-tolerated and safe for consumption, and some have pharmaceutical uses particularly for their anticancer effects. We have previously reported the anticancer efficacy of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extracts. However, their efficacy on prostate cancer and their interactions with standard chemotherapeutics have not been studied to determine if they will be suitable for adjuvant therapies. If successful, these extracts could potentially be used in conjunction with chemotherapeutics to minimize the risk of drug-related toxicity and enhance the efficacy of the treatment. We have demonstrated that both dandelion root extract (DRE) and lemongrass extract (LGE) exhibit selective anticancer activity. Importantly, DRE and LGE addition to the chemotherapeutics taxol and mitoxantrone was determined to enhance the induction of apoptosis when compared to individual chemotherapy treatment alone. Further, DRE and LGE were able to significantly reduce the tumour burden in prostate cancer xenograft models when administered orally, while also being well-tolerated. Thus, the implementation of these well-tolerated extracts in adjuvant therapies could be a selective and efficacious approach to prostate cancer treatment.

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MTA1-Dependent Anticancer Activity of Gnetin C in Prostate Cancer

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11092096 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2096 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Avinash Kumar ◽

Kshiti Dholakia ◽

Gabriela Sikorska ◽

Luis A. Martinez ◽

Anait S. Levenson

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Intraepithelial Neoplasia ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Tumor Aggressiveness ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Anticancer Efficacy ◽

Anticancer Effects ◽

And Migration

The overexpression of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) in prostate cancer (PCa) contributes to tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. We have reported the inhibition of MTA1 by resveratrol and its potent analog pterostilbene in vitro and in vivo. We have demonstrated that pterostilbene treatment blocks the progression of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma in mouse models by inhibiting MTA1 expression and signaling. In the current study, we investigated the MTA1 targeted anticancer effects of Gnetin C, a resveratrol dimer, in comparison with resveratrol and pterostilbene. Using DU145 and PC3M PCa cells, we found that Gnetin C downregulates MTA1 more potently than resveratrol and pterostilbene. Further, Gnetin C demonstrated significant MTA1-mediated inhibitory effect on cell viability, colony formation, and migration, while showing a more potent induction of cell death than resveratrol or pterostilbene. In addition, we identified Gnetin C-induced substantial ETS2 (erythroblastosis E26 transformation-specific 2) downregulation, which is not only MTA1-dependent, but is also independent of MTA1 as a possible mechanism for the superior anticancer efficacy of Gnetin C in PCa. Together, these findings underscore the importance of novel potent resveratrol dimer, Gnetin C, as a clinically promising agent for the future development of chemopreventive and possibly combinatorial therapeutic approaches in PCa.

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Hispidulin inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion by promoting autophagy via regulation of PPARγ activation in prostate cancer cells and xenograft models

Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1093/bbb/zbaa108 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yuanyuan Wang ◽

Shanqi Guo ◽

Yingjie Jia ◽

Xiaoyu Yu ◽

Ruiyu Mou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Flavonoid Compound ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Prostate Cancer Cells ◽

Invasion And Migration ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Anticancer Properties ◽

Xenograft Models ◽

And Migration

ABSTRACT Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the important factors of cancer deaths especially in the western countries. Hispidulin (4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone) is a phenolic flavonoid compound proved to possess anticancer properties, but its effects on PCa are left to be released. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects and the relative mechanisms of Hispidulin on PCa development. Hispidulin administration inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration, while accelerated apoptosis in Du145 and VCaP cells, which was accompanied by PPARγ activation and autophagy enhancement. The beneficial effects of Hispidulin could be diminished by PPARγ inhibition. Besides, Hispidulin administration suppressed PCa tumorigenicity in Xenograft models, indicating the anticancer properties in vivo. Therefore, our work revealed that the anticancer properties of Hispidulin might be conferred by its activation on PPARγ and autophagy.

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Delphinidin and Its Glycosides’ War on Cancer: Preclinical Perspectives

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms222111500 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (21) ◽

pp. 11500

Author(s):

Anshul Sharma ◽

Hyo-Kyoung Choi ◽

Yeon-Kye Kim ◽

Hae-Jeung Lee

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Future Research ◽

Natural Health Products ◽

Cell Protection ◽

Anticancer Properties ◽

Dietary Antioxidant ◽

Health Products ◽

Antioxidant Supplements

Until now, several studies have looked at the issue of anthocyanin and cancer, namely the preventive and inhibitory effects of anthocyanins, as well as the underlying molecular processes. However, no targeted review is available regarding the anticarcinogenic effects of delphinidin and its glycosides on various cancers and their plausible molecular mechanisms. Considerable evidence shows significant anticancer properties of delphinidin-rich preparations and delphinidin alone both in vitro and in vivo. This review covers the in vitro and preclinical implications of delphinidin-mediated cell protection and cancer prevention; thus, we strongly recommend that delphinidin-rich preparations be further investigated as potential functional food, dietary antioxidant supplements, and natural health products targeting specific chronic diseases, including cancer. In addition to in vitro investigations, future research should focus on more animal and human studies to determine the true potential of delphinidin.

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Therapeutic Potential of Gnetin C in Prostate Cancer: A Pre-Clinical Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12123631 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (12) ◽

pp. 3631

Author(s):

Ketaki Gadkari ◽

Urvi Kolhatkar ◽

Rutu Hemani ◽

Gisella Campanelli ◽

Qing Cai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Tumor Progression ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Inhibitory Effects ◽

Antitumor Effects ◽

Anticancer Effects ◽

Potent Inhibition ◽

Avian Erythroblastosis Virus

Natural stilbenes have gained significant attention in the scientific community owing to their potential anticancer effects against prostate cancer. We recently reported that Gnetin C, a resveratrol (Res) dimer, demonstrated more potent inhibition of metastasis-associated protein 1/v-ets avian erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 2 (MTA1/ETS2) axis in prostate cancer cell lines than other stilbenes. In this study, we investigated in vivo antitumor effects of Gnetin C in two doses (50 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) using PC3M-Luc subcutaneous xenografts and compared these to Res and pterostilbene (Pter). We found that while vehicle-treated mice revealed rapid tumor progression, compounds-treated mice showed noticeable delay in tumor growth. Gnetin C in 50 mg/kg dose demonstrated the most potent tumor inhibitory effects. Gnetin C in 25 mg/kg dose exhibited tumor inhibitory effects comparable with Pter in 50 mg/kg dose. Consistent with the effective antitumor effects, Gnetin C-treated tumors showed reduced mitotic activity and angiogenesis and a significant increase in apoptosis compared to all the other groups. The data suggest that Gnetin C is more potent in slowing tumor progression in prostate cancer xenografts than Res or Pter. Taken together, we demonstrated, for the first time, that Gnetin C is a lead compound among stilbenes for effectively blocking prostate cancer progression in vivo.

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In vitro and In vivo Anticancer Effects of the Novel Vitamin E Ether Analogue RRR-α-Tocopheryloxybutyl Sulfonic Acid in Prostate Cancer

Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-1087 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 898-906 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jing Ni ◽

Tiejun Mai ◽

See-Tong Pang ◽

Imranul Haque ◽

Kaohsing Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Vitamin E ◽

Sulfonic Acid ◽

The Novel ◽

Anticancer Effects

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XP-828L (Dermylex), a new whey protein extract with potential benefit for mild to moderate psoriasisThis article is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue (part 1 of 2) on the Safety and Efficacy of Natural Health Products.

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1139/y07-084 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 85 (9) ◽

pp. 943-951 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Réjean Drouin ◽

Éric Lamiot ◽

Kim Cantin ◽

Sylvie F. Gauthier ◽

Yves Pouliot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Whey Protein ◽

Mechanism Of Action ◽

Natural Health Products ◽

Concomitant Treatment ◽

Natural Health ◽

Protein Extract ◽

Murine Splenocytes ◽

Health Products

Natural health products (NHPs) or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are commonly used to prevent disorders or support the usual treatments of many diseases. XP-828L, a whey protein extract, has demonstrated potential benefits for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. The aim of this study was to analyze further clinical data that demonstrated the clinical benefits and safety of the XP-828L in patients with psoriasis and the potential mechanism of action of this product in vitro. Oral administration (2.5 g, twice a day, over 112 days) of XP-828L in 42 human subjects with mild to moderate psoriasis improved their PGA scores (physician’s global assessment). Moreover, no significant changes in haematology or hepatic and renal parameters were observed throughout the study period, indicating the safety of the product. In vitro experiments showed that XP-828L decreased the proliferation of concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated murine splenocytes and their production of interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ. Although the in vivo mechanism of action of XP-828L remains unknown, XP-828L represents an NHP to be used as an alternative or concomitant treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis and potentially for other immune-mediated diseases.

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Studies on antihypertensive and antispasmodic activities of Andropogon muricatus Retz.This article is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue (part 1 of 2) on the Safety and Efficacy of Natural Health Products.

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1139/y07-079 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 85 (9) ◽

pp. 911-917 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Anwar H. Gilani ◽

Abdul J. Shah ◽

Khalid H. Janbaz ◽

Shahida P. Ahmed ◽

Muhammad N. Ghayur

Keyword(s):

Calcium Channel ◽

Rabbit Aorta ◽

Natural Health Products ◽

Response Curves ◽

Medicinal Uses ◽

Health Products ◽

Rabbit Jejunum ◽

The Right

The aqueous-methanolic crude extract of Andropogon muricatus (Am.Cr) was investigated pharmacologically to determine some of its medicinal uses in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. A series of in vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate dose-dependent effects of Am.Cr on mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac and vascular contractions, and to further investigate the potential mechanism of action. Intravenous administration of Am.Cr (10–50 mg/kg) caused a fall (18%–56%) in MAP in normotensive rats under anesthesia. When tested in isolated guinea pig atria, Am.Cr (0.03–5.0 mg/mL) exhibited a cardiodepressant effect on the rate and force of spontaneous contractions. In isolated rabbit aorta, Am.Cr caused inhibition of K+ (80 mmol/L)-induced contractions at a lower concentration than of phenylephrine. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Am.Cr (0.01–0.10 mg/mL) caused relaxation of spontaneous and high K+ (80 mmol/L)-induced contractions, suggesting that the spasmolytic effect is mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB activity was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Am.Cr (0.03–0.1 mg/mL) shifted the Ca2+ dose–response curves to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. These data indicate that the blood pressure-lowering and spasmolytic effects of Am.Cr are mediated possibly through a calcium channel blocking activity. Phytochemical screening of Am.Cr revealed the presence of phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenes, which may be responsible for the observed vasodilator, cardiodepressant, and antispasmodic activities. This study shows potential with respect to its medicinal use in cardiovascular and gut disorders.

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Enriched pharmacokinetic behavior and antitumor efficacy of thymoquinone by liposomal delivery

Nanomedicine ◽

10.2217/nnm-2020-0470 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. 641-656

Author(s):

Hari Krishnareddy Rachamalla ◽

Santanu Bhattacharya ◽

Ajaz Ahmad ◽

Kathyayani Sridharan ◽

Vijay Sagar Madamsetty ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Tumor ◽

Tumor Model ◽

Volume Of Distribution ◽

Liposomal Formulation ◽

Ethanol Injection ◽

Anticancer Efficacy ◽

Anticancer Effects ◽

Systemic Bioavailability ◽

Pharmacokinetic Behavior

Background: Thymoquinone (TQ) has potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer effects but its clinical use is limited by its low solubility, poor bioavailability and rapid clearance. Aim: To enhance systemic bioavailability and tumor-specific toxicity of TQ. Materials & methods: Cationic liposomal formulation of TQ (D1T) was prepared via ethanol injection method and their physicochemical properties, anticancer effects in orthotopic xenograft pancreatic tumor model and pharmacokinetic behavior of D1T relative to TQ were evaluated. Results: D1T showed prominent inhibition of pancreatic tumor progression, significantly greater in vivo absorption, approximately 1.5-fold higher plasma concentration, higher bioavailability, reduced volume of distribution and improved clearance relative to TQ. Conclusion: Encapsulation of TQ in cationic liposomal formulation enhanced its bioavailability and anticancer efficacy against xenograft pancreatic tumor.

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The Use of Natural Health Products Especially Papaya Leaf Extract and Dandelion Root Extract in Previously Untreated Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Case Reports in Hematology ◽

10.1155/2018/7267920 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-3 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Leena T. Rahmat ◽

Lloyd E. Damon

Keyword(s):

Leaf Extract ◽

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽

Hematological Parameters ◽

Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia ◽

Root Extract ◽

Natural Health Products ◽

Natural Health ◽

Health Products ◽

Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hematopoietic disorder which shares clinical and morphological features of myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Conventional therapeutic options include hydroxyurea, hypomethylating agents, and systemic chemotherapy, which are all palliative measures and are associated with potential side effects. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is the only curative option. Natural health products such as papaya leaf extract and dandelion root extract have been shown to demonstrate anticancer activity in preclinical and clinical studies, respectively. We present a case study of a 76-year-old male with previously untreated CMML, whose hematological parameters remained stable and whose bone marrow blast counts vastly improved while taking papaya leaf extract and dandelion root extract.

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