Cranberry: A Promising Natural Source of Potential Nutraceuticals with Anticancer Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (14) ◽  
pp. 1672-1686
Author(s):  
Maria Mantzorou ◽  
Apostolos Zarros ◽  
Georgios Vasios ◽  
Stamatios Theocharis ◽  
Eleni Pavlidou ◽  
...  

Studies have shown that cranberry and its components may exert anticancer properties. The present study aims to critically summarise the existing experimental studies evaluating the potential effects of cranberry on cancer prevention and treatment. PubMed database was searched to identify relevant studies. Current in vitro studies have indicated that cranberry and/or its components may act as chemopreventive agents, diminishing the risk for cancer by inhibiting cells oxidation and inflammatory-related processes, while they may also exert chemotherapeutic effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis, inducing cell apoptosis and attenuating the ability of tumour cells to invade and metastasis. Limited in vivo studies have further documented potential anticancer activity. Cranberry could be considered as a conglomeration of potential effective anticancer druglike compounds.

Author(s):  
Aloisio Cunha de Carvalho ◽  
Leoni Villano Bonamin

Background: Several reviews about phytotherapy and homeopathy have been published in the last years, including Viscum album (VA.L). VA is a parasite plant whose extract has anti-cancer proprieties and is used alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy. Methods: We performed a systematic review about the in vivo and in vitro models described in the literature, including veterinary clinical trials. The literature was consulted from Pubmed database. Results: There are several kinds of pharmaceutical preparations about VA and their active principles used in experimental studies, lectin being frequently studied (alone or as an extract compound). More than 50% of available literature about VA is related to the lectin effects. On the other hand, the effects of viscotoxins are less studied. Among the in vivo experimental studies about VA and its compounds, the B16 murine melanoma is the most used model, followed by Ehrlich, Walker and Dalton tumors. The results point to the apoptotic effects, metastasis control and tumor regression. Some veterinary clinical studies about the use of VA in the treatment of sarcoid, fibrosarcoma and neuroblastoma are quoted in literature too, with interesting results. Considering the in vitro models, our review revealed that NALM6 leukemia cells, B16 melanoma and NC1-H460 lung carcinoma were the most studied tumor models, apoptosis signals being the most important findings. Only one study verified immunoglobulin and interleukin production. All consulted papers were related to phytotherapy preparations only. Conclusions: Although the literature about the anti-cancer activity of VA extract and its lectins is enough, there is a marked lack of information about viscotoxin activities and about the effects of homeopathic preparations of this plant on animal tumors and on in vitro cultivated tumor cells.


The role of vitamin D is implicated in carcinogenesis through numerous biological processes like induction of apoptosis, modulation of immune system inhibition of inflammation and cell proliferation and promotion of cell differentiation. Its use as additional adjuvant drug with cancer treatment may be novel combination for improved outcome of different cancers. Numerous preclinical, epidemiological and clinical studies support the role of vitamin D as an anticancer agent. Anticancer properties of vitamin D have been studied widely (both in vivo and in vitro) among various cancers and found to have promising results. There are considerable data that indicate synergistic potential of calcitriol and antitumor agents. Possible mechanisms for modulatory anticancer activity of vitamin D include its antiproliferative, prodifferentiating, and anti-angiogenic and apoptic properties. Calcitriol reduces invasiveness and metastatic potential of many cancer cells by inhibiting angiogenesis and regulating expression of the key molecules involved in invasion and metastasis. Anticancer activity of vitamin D is synergistic or additive with the antineoplastic actions of several drugs including cytotoxic chemotherapy agents like paclitaxel, docetaxel, platinum base compounds and mitoxantrone. Benefits of addition of vitamin D should be weighed against the risk of its toxicity.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 493
Author(s):  
Dimitrios T. Trafalis ◽  
Sofia Sagredou ◽  
Panayiotis Dalezis ◽  
Maria Voura ◽  
Stella Fountoulaki ◽  
...  

The fusion of 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole rings results in a class of heterocycles compounds with an extensive range of pharmacological properties. A series of 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles was synthesized and tested for its enzyme inhibition potential and anticancer activity. The results show that 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles display potent anticancer properties in vitro against a panel of cancer cells and in vivo efficacy in HT-29 human colon tumor xenograft in CB17 severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that KA25 and KA39 exhibit time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of Akt Ser-473 phosphorylation. Molecular modeling experiments indicated that 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles bind well to the ATP binding site in Akt1 and Akt2. The low acute toxicity combined with in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity render triazolo[3,4-b]thiadiazoles KA25, KA26, and KA39 promising cancer therapeutic agents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila Hussein ◽  
Mostafa Gouda ◽  
Harpal S. Buttar

Abstract: Cancer is a global multifactorial disease consisting of over 200 types of cancers. It is well recognized that primary prevention is an effective way to fight cancers by using natural polyphenolic anticancer foods, vegetables and fruits, avoiding exposure to carcinogenic environment, smoking cessation, and through lifestyle modifications. The present review provides up to date information on the effects and functions of pomegranate juice and its bioactive components on the most widespread six cancer types. Pomegranate contains important polyphenolic compounds such as ellagitannins and punicalagin, with strong antioxidant ability for scavenging free radicals and producing metal-chelates in the biological tissues. The in vitro and in vivo studies suggests that antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties of pomegranate constitute have major antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities for regulating gene expression, modulating cellular mechanisms, and limiting the ability of cancers to metastasize. A limited number of clinical studies have suggested that pomegranate ingredients have the potential for the prevention and treatment of cancer, especially colorectal and prostate cancer. In cancer therapy, it remains a clinical dilemma to hit the right target without inducing side effects. The costly anticancer chemotherapies are often associated with drug resistance and serious side effects in vital organs, and noncancerous neighboring cells. It appears that the pomegranate based phytotherapies would be affordable and cost-effective for next generation non-pharmacologic anticancer remedies with lesser side effects. However, well-designed, randomized, double-blind, and multi-center studies are needed to establish the long-term safety, efficacy and dose schedules for orally deliverable pomegranate formulations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 612-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaodong Zhang ◽  
Guwei Ji ◽  
Sheng Han ◽  
Zicheng Shao ◽  
Zefa Lu ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Aberrant expression of Tip60 is associated with progression in many cancers. However, the role of Tip60 in cancer progression remains contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance, biological functions and underlying mechanisms of Tip60 deregulation in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) for the first time. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) were carried out to measure Tip60 expression in CCA tissues and cell lines. Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used for survival analysis. In vitro, cell proliferation was evaluated by flow cytometry and CCK-8, colony formation, and EDU assays. Migration/ invasion was evaluated by trans-well assays. Phosphokinase array was used to confirm the dominant signal regulated by Tip60. Tumor growth and metastasis were demonstrated in vivo using a mouse model. Results: Tip60 was notably downregulated in CCA tissues, which was associated with greater tumor size, venous invasion, and TNM stage. Down-regulation of Tip60 was associated with tumor progression and poorer survival in CCA patients. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Tip60 suppressed growth and metastasis throughout the progression of CCA. We further identified the PI3K/AKT pathway as a dominant signal of Tip60 and suggested that Tip60 regulated CCA cell proliferation and metastasis via PT3K-AKT pathway. Pearson analysis revealed that PTEN was positively correlated with the Tip60 level in CCA tissues. Conclusion: Tip60, as a tumor suppressor in CCA via the PI3K/AKT pathway, might be a promising therapeutic target or prognostic marker for CCA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1743
Author(s):  
Solmaz Rahmani Barouji ◽  
Amir Saber ◽  
Mohammadali Torbati ◽  
Seyyed Mohammad Bagher Fazljou ◽  
Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi

raditional medicine (TM) that developed over the years within various societies consists of medical experimental knowledge and practices, which apply natural methods and compounds for general wellness and healing. Moomiaii as a pale-brown to blackish-brown natural exudate is one of the natural compounds in traditional medicine that has been used over 3000 years in many countries of the world especially in India, China, Russia, Iran, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan. We reviewed all English-language studies about Moomiaii that we accessed them. In traditional medicine, many beneficial activities have been attributed to Moomiaii and to its main constituents, Humic acid and Fulvic acid, which are widely used to prevent and treatment of different diseases. Some modern scientific investigations showed that Moomiaii as a safe dietary supplement can be beneficial in various health complications. Even though the beneficial effects of Moomiaii have been confirmed in traditional and modern medicine, it seems that additional in-vitro/in-vivo studies and comprehensive clinical trials are necessary to explain the whole mechanisms of action and to determine the effective doses in various diseases. We discuss and clarify the claimed health beneficial effects of Moomiaii in some wide-spread diseases regarding its anti-ulcerogenic, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, antioxidative and anticancer properties. [GMJ.2020;9:e1743]


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helinor J. Johnston ◽  
William Mueller ◽  
Susanne Steinle ◽  
Sotiris Vardoulakis ◽  
Kraichat Tantrakarnapa ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose of Review A large body of epidemiological evidence demonstrates that exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Many epidemiology studies have investigated the health effects of PM in Europe and North America and focussed on traffic derived PM. However, elevated levels of PM are a global problem and the impacts of other sources of PM on health should be assessed. Biomass burning can increase PM levels in urban and rural indoor and outdoor environments in developed and developing countries. We aim to identify whether the health effects of traffic and biomass burning derived PM are similar by performing a narrative literature review. We focus on Thailand as haze episodes from agricultural biomass burning can substantially increase PM levels. Recent Findings Existing epidemiology, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that biomass burning derived PM elicits toxicity via stimulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and genotoxicity. Thus, it is likely to cause similar adverse health outcomes to traffic PM, which causes toxicity via similar mechanisms. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding whether traffic or biomass burning derived PM is most hazardous. Also, there is evidence that PM released from different biomass sources varies in its toxic potency. Summary We recommend that epidemiology studies are performed in Thailand to better understand the impacts of PM emitted from specific biomass sources (e.g. agricultural burning). Further, experimental studies should assess the toxicity of PM emitted from more diverse biomass sources. This will fill knowledge gaps and inform evidence-based interventions that protect human health.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Zahmatkesh, PhD ◽  
Mehri Kadkhodaee, PharmD, PhD ◽  
Ali Salarian, MD, PhD student ◽  
Behjat Seifi, PhD ◽  
Soheila Adeli, PhD

Background: Opioids produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are highly reactive molecules that damage cells and tissues, and are suggested to contribute to the opioid use disorders. Thus, antioxidant supplementation might improve the disturbance in redox (oxidation-reduction) homeostasis. However, randomized trials on antioxidant therapy have not shown beneficial effects.Objectives: The purpose of this review is to shed lights on the oxidative changes resulting from opioid use and to highlight the unanswered questions regarding oxidative profile in an effort to provide a comprehensive view of different aspects of an efficient antioxidant therapy in clinical settings.Methods: The studies were identified and gathered from the PubMed database over the past 16 years (2000-2016). Our search results were limited to articles in English, both animals and human and in vitro and in vivo studies. A total of 50 full text articles were reviewed and summarized.Results: Opioids elevate the level of ROS and decrease the function of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. They increase the risk of vitamin deficiency and modify gene expression of target cells through ROS production. The effects of opioids on their target cells are exerted through different way and various mechanisms.Conclusion: Opioids modulate the redox homeostasis; therefore, understanding the profile of oxidative changes in individuals with opioid use disorder could be of significant benefits in the clinical setting, to help with selection of an efficient antioxidant therapy and diminishing oxidative damage.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 205-205
Author(s):  
Thomas Nelius ◽  
Courtney Jarvis ◽  
Dalia Martinez-Marin ◽  
Stephanie Filleur

205 Background: Docetaxel/DTX and cabazitaxel/CBZ have shown promise in the treatment of metastatic Castration-Refractory Prostate Cancer/mCPRC however, comparative studies are missing. Toxicities of these drugs are significant, urging the need to modify taxane regimens. Recently, low-dose metronomic/LDM treatments using conventional chemotherapeutic drugs have shown benefits in CPRC in improving the effect of anti-angiogenic agents. Previously, we have demonstrated that LDM-DTX in combination with PEDF curbs significantly CRPC growth, limits metastases formation and prolongs survival in vivo. In this study, we intended to compare the cytotoxic effect of CBZ and DTX on CRPC cells in vitro and CL1 tumors in vivo. Methods: PC3, DU145 cell lines were from ATCC.CL1 cells were obtained from androgen-deprived LNCaP cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by crystal violet staining and cell cycle analyses. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed on CL1 cells/RAW264.7 macrophages co-cultures treated with PEDF and increasing doses of taxanes. For the in vivo studies, CL1 cells were engineered to stably express the DsRed Express protein +/- PEDF. PEDF anti-tumor effects were assessed on s.c. xenografts treated with DTX (5mg/kg ip ev. 4 day) as reference, CBZ (5mg/kg ip ev. 4 days, 1mg/kg for 10 days, 0.5mg/kg q.a.d. and 0.1mg/kg daily) or placebo. Results: CBZ limits cell proliferation with a greater efficacy than DTX in all CRPC cell lines tested. DU145 presented the largest difference. High doses of taxane blocked tumor cells in mitosis, whereas LDM increased the SubG1 population. This effect was significantly higher in DU145 cells treated with CBZ. In vivo, 5mg/kg CBZ delayed tumor growth more efficiently than 5mg/kg DTX. PEDF/5mg/kg CBZ markedly delayed tumor growth compared to all treatments. Finally, engulfment of tumor cells by macrophages was higher in combined treatments suggesting an inflammation-related process. Conclusions: CBZ is more efficient than DTX both in vitro and in vivo.The data also reinforce PEDF as a promising anti-neoplasic agent in combination with LDM taxane chemotherapies.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document