Synthesis and Biological Activity of Embelin and its Derivatives: An Overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 396-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaojun Sheng ◽  
Siyuan Ge ◽  
Min Gao ◽  
Rongchao Jian ◽  
Xiaole Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Carbonyl Groups ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Embelia Ribes ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Ic50 Value ◽  
Apoptosis Protein

Embelin is a naturally occurring para-benzoquinone isolated from Embelia ribes (Burm. f.) of the Myrsinaceae family, and contains two carbonyl groups, a methine group and two hydroxyl groups. With embelin as the lead compound, more than one hundred derivatives have been reported. Embelin is well known for its ability to antagonize the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) with an IC50 value of 4.1 μM. The potential of embelin and its derivatives in the treatment of various cancers has been extensively studied. In addition, these compounds display a variety of other biological effects: antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and antifertility activity. This paper reviews the recent progress in the synthesis and biological activity of embelin and its derivatives. Their cellular mechanisms of action and prospects in the research and development of new drugs are also discussed.

Biological Activity of Trans-Membrane Anion Carriers

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (30) ◽  
pp. 3560-3576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Tosolini ◽  
Paolo Pengo ◽  
Paolo Tecilla
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Membrane Transport ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Structure Activity Relationship ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Activity Relationship ◽  
Anion Channels ◽  
Cellular Homeostasis ◽  
Structure Activity

Natural and synthetic anionophores promote the trans-membrane transport of anions such as chloride and bicarbonate. This process may alter cellular homeostasis with possible effects on internal ions concentration and pH levels triggering several and diverse biological effects. In this article, an overview of the recent results on the study of aniontransporters, mainly acting with a carrier-type mechanism, is given with emphasis on the structure/activity relationship and on their biological activity as antibiotic and anticancer agents and in the development of new drugs for treating conditions derived from dysregulation of natural anion channels.

scholarly journals Biological Effects of Propolis on Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 573
Author(s):  
Hamide Doğan ◽  
Sibel Silici ◽  
Ahmet Ata Ozcimen
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Bee Colony

Propolis is a special resin and wax material collected from the leaves and shells of trees, buds and shoots of plants by honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). In recent years, many researchers have studied the chemical composition, biological activity and pharmacological properties of propolis. The colour, odour and pharmacological properties of the propolis composition also vary as the composition changes depending on the plant, region, season and bee colony. Flavonoids, aromatic acids, phenolic acids and esters are the main compounds responsible for the biological activity of propolis. A number of studies have been conducted on the use of propolis or its active ingredients in the treatment of cancer. It has been observed that the use of propolis did not cause side effects according to in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Propolis should be extracted with different compounds for use in biological assays. The most commonly used compounds for extraction are ethanol, methanol, oil and water. A number of studies have been carried out showing the antitumor effect of propolis in cell culture and animal tests. The search for new drugs derived from natural products, which may function as chemotherapeutic agents and have low side effects, has increased in recent years. Combination with antioxidant therapy may improve the side effects of chemotherapy on leukocytes, liver and kidney, thus increasing the effect of chemotherapy with dose increase.

Overview of Cellular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways of Piceatannol

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Cao ◽  
Wanli Smith ◽  
Liang Yan ◽  
Lingbo Kong
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Cardio Protection ◽  
Therapeutic Mechanisms ◽  
Neuro Protection ◽  
Positive Results

Stilbenoids are a group of naturally occurring phenolic compounds found in various plant species. They share a common backbone structure known as stilbene. However, differences in the nature and position of substituents have made it possible to produce many derivatives. Piceatannol [PT], a hydroxylated derivative from resveratrol, exerts various biological activities ranging from cancer prevention, cardio- protection, neuro-protection, anti-diabetic, depigmentation and so on. Although positive results were obtained in most cell culture and animal studies, the relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms of cytokines and signaling pathway about their biological effects still unclear. Thus, in the current review, we focus on the latest findings of PT on cellular biology in order to better understand the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of PT among various diseases.

Flavonoids in adipose tissue inflammation and atherosclerosis: one arrow, two targets

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (12) ◽  
pp. 1403-1432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manal Muin Fardoun ◽  
Dina Maaliki ◽  
Nabil Halabi ◽  
Rabah Iratni ◽  
Alessandra Bitto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Adipose Tissue Inflammation ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Tissue Inflammation ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, in addition to beverages such as tea and coffee. Flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic agents for cardiovascular as well as metabolic diseases. Several studies corroborated an inverse relationship between flavonoid consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Flavonoids exert their anti-atherogenic effects by increasing nitric oxide (NO), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, flavonoids alleviate ATI by decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as by attenuating inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, flavonoids inhibit synthesis of fatty acids and promote their oxidation. In this review, we discuss the effect of the main classes of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones, on atherosclerosis and ATI. In addition, we dissect the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of action for these flavonoids. We conclude by supporting the potential benefit for flavonoids in the management or treatment of CVD; yet, we call for more robust clinical studies for safety and pharmacokinetic values.

Current Advances in the Biological Activity of Polysaccharides in Dendrobium with Intriguing Therapeutic Potential

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (14) ◽  
pp. 1663-1681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Ting Lee ◽  
Heng-Chun Kuo ◽  
Yung-Hsiang Chen ◽  
Ming-Yen Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
The Family ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

The polysaccharides in many plants are attracting worldwide attention because of their biological activities and medical properties, such as anti-viral, anti-oxidative, antichronic inflammation, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulation, and neuron-protective effects, as well as anti-tumor activity. Denodrobium species, a genus of the family orchidaceae, have been used as herbal medicines for hundreds of years in China due to their pharmacological effects. These effects include nourishing the Yin, supplementing the stomach, increasing body fluids, and clearing heat. Recently, numerous researchers have investigated possible active compounds in Denodrobium species, such as lectins, phenanthrenes, alkaloids, trigonopol A, and polysaccharides. Unlike those of other plants, the biological effects of polysaccharides in Dendrobium are a novel research field. In this review, we focus on these novel findings to give readers an overall picture of the intriguing therapeutic potential of polysaccharides in Dendrobium, especially those of the four commonly-used Denodrobium species: D. huoshanense, D. offininale, D. nobile, and D. chrysotoxum.

Naphthoquinone Derivatives Isolated from Plants: Recent Advances in Biological Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (19) ◽  
pp. 2019-2035
Author(s):  
Esmaeil Sheikh Ahmadi ◽  
Amir Tajbakhsh ◽  
Milad Iranshahy ◽  
Javad Asili ◽  
Nadine Kretschmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Anticancer Activity ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Phase Ii Clinical Trials ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
The Subject

Naturally occurring naphthoquinones (NQs) comprising highly reactive small molecules are the subject of increasing attention due to their promising biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, apoptosis-inducing activities, and especially anticancer activity. Lapachol, lapachone, and napabucasin belong to the NQs and are in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of many cancers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated overview on the biological activities of several new NQs isolated from different species of plants reported from January 2013 to January 2020, their potential therapeutic applications and their clinical significance.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Hydrazones and Derivatives: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 342-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana de Oliveira Carneiro Brum ◽  
Tanos Celmar Costa França ◽  
Steven R. LaPlante ◽  
José Daniel Figueroa Villar
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Medicinal Chemistry ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
New Drug ◽  
Cancer Inflammation

Hydrazones and their derivatives are very important compounds in medicinal chemistry due to their reported biological activity for the treatment of several diseases, like Alzheimer’s, cancer, inflammation, and leishmaniasis. However, most of the investigations on hydrazones available in literature today are directed to the synthesis of these molecules with little discussion available on their biological activities. With the purpose of bringing lights into this issue, we performed a revision of the literature and wrote this review based on some of the most current research reports of hydrazones and derivatives, making it clear that the synthesis of these molecules can lead to new drug prototypes. Our goal is to encourage more studies focused on the synthesis and evaluation of new hydrazones, as a contribution to the development of potential new drugs for the treatment of various diseases.

scholarly journals In Vivo and In Vitro Assays Evaluating the Biological Activity of Taurine, Glucose and Energetic Beverages

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 2198
Author(s):  
Marcos Mateo-Fernández ◽  
Fernando Valenzuela-Gómez ◽  
Rafael Font ◽  
Mercedes Del Río-Celestino ◽  
Tania Merinas-Amo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Repetitive Sequences ◽  
Energy Drinks ◽  
Red Bull

Taurine is one of the main ingredients used in energy drinks which are highly consumed in adolescents for their sugary taste and stimulating effect. With energy drinks becoming a worldwide phenomenon, the biological effects of these beverages must be evaluated in order to fully comprehend the potential impact of these products on the health due to the fact nutrition is closely related to science since the population consumes food to prevent certain diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of taurine, glucose, classic Red Bull® and sugar-free Red Bull® in order to check the food safety and the nutraceutical potential of these compounds, characterising different endpoints: (i) Toxicology, antitoxicology, genotoxicology and life expectancy assays were performed in the Drosophila melanogaster model organism; (ii) The in vitro chemopreventive activity of testing compounds was determined by assessing their cytotoxicity, the proapoptotic DNA-damage capability to induce internucleosomal fragmentation, the strand breaks activity and the modulator role on the methylation status of genomic repetitive sequences of HL-60 promyelocytic cells. Whereas none tested compounds showed toxic or genotoxic effect, all tested compounds exerted antitoxic and antigenotoxic activity in Drosophila. Glucose, classic Red Bull® and sugar-free Red Bull® were cytotoxic in HL-60 cell line. Classic Red Bull® induced DNA internucleosomal fragmentation although none of them exhibited DNA damage on human leukaemia cells. In conclusion, the tested compounds are safe on Drosophila melanogaster and classic Red Bull® could overall possess nutraceutical potential in the in vivo and in vitro model used in this study. Besides, taurine could holistically be one of the bioactive compounds responsible for the biological activity of classic Red Bull®.

scholarly journals Chemical constituents of Chaenomeles sinensis twigs and their biological activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 3078-3085
Author(s):  
Joon Min Cha ◽  
Dong Hyun Kim ◽  
Lalita Subedi ◽  
Zahra Khan ◽  
Sang Un Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
2D Nmr ◽  
Nmr Data ◽  
Chaenomeles Sinensis ◽  
Modified Mosher’S Method

A new megastigmane-type norsesquiterpenoid glycoside, chaemeloside (1), was isolated from the twigs of Chaenomeles sinensis together with 11 known phytochemicals through chromatographic methods. The chemical structure of the new isolate 1 was determined by conventional 1D and 2D NMR data analysis, ECD experiment, hydrolysis followed by a modified Mosher’s method, and LC–MS analysis. The characterized compounds’ biological effects including cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, antineuroinflammatory activity, and potential neurotrophic effect were evaluated.

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