Assessment of the Effects of Structural Modification of Gastrodia elata Polysaccharide on Anti-Breast Cancer Activity Using Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation.

In this study, researchers investigated different modifications of a polysaccharide derived from the "Tian Ma" plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance its anti-breast cancer activity. By analyzing the physicochemical properties and structure of the modified polysaccharides, they found that the modifications improved solubility and anti-breast cancer activity while decreasing the size of the polysaccharides. They also discovered that one of the modifications allowed for better uptake of the polysaccharide by breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that structural modifications can enhance the therapeutic potential of polysaccharides and provide a starting point for further research in this area.

Liu X et al (2023).

Molecules.

DOI:

10.3390/molecules28124669

PubMed:

37375222

GC-MS Analysis, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Methanolic Extract: In Vitro and In Silico Studies.

A study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of various extracts from three medicinal plants (A, B, and C) against pathogenic bacteria. The methanol extract from plant A exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy against all tested bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. Additionally, a combination of plant A and a certain antibiotic showed promising results. Furthermore, plant A showed potential anticancer activity against colon cancer cells. Analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive components in the methanol extract. Molecular docking suggested that these components could inhibit the tested substances, offering potential applications in the treatment of infections and colon cancer. Overall, the methanol extract from plant A shows promise as a natural therapy for treating infections.

Sehim AE et al (2023).

Microorganisms.

DOI:

10.3390/microorganisms11061601

PubMed:

37375103

Anti-Cancer Potential of Edible/Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer.

Gariboldi MB et al (2023).

Int J Mol Sci.

DOI:

10.3390/ijms241210120

PubMed:

37373268

Waste Citrus limon Leaves as Source of Essential Oil Rich in Limonene and Citral: Chemical Characterization, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties, and Effects on Cancer Cell Viability.

This study explored the chemical composition, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of lemon leaf essential oil (LLEO) from plants in Sardinia, Italy. The main components of the LLEO were limonene, geranial, and neral. LLEO exhibited antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains and yeasts. It also showed strong radical scavenging ability. In cell viability experiments, LLEO significantly reduced viability in cancer cells, while higher concentrations affected normal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. LLEO also displayed a pro-oxidant effect in cancer cells. This research highlights the potential benefits of lemon leaf essential oil for various applications in health and wellness.

Petretto GL et al (2023).

Antioxidants (Basel).

DOI:

10.3390/antiox12061238

PubMed:

37371968

Macrophage Cell Membrane Coating on Piperine-Loaded MIL-100(Fe) Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Treatment.

Researchers have developed a new approach for treating breast cancer using a compound called piperine (PIP). PIP has shown promise as a chemotherapeutic agent, but its toxicity has limited its use. To overcome this, the researchers created a nanotechnology-based treatment by encapsulating PIP within an organic metal-organic framework (MOF) called MIL-100(Fe). They further enhanced the treatment by coating the MOFs with macrophage membranes (MM) to improve immune system evasion. Through laboratory experiments, the researchers confirmed the successful synthesis of MM@PIP@MIL-100(Fe) nanoparticles and demonstrated their increased cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells compared to free PIP. This innovative approach shows potential for effective breast cancer therapy and warrants further exploration and optimization.

Quijia CR et al (2023).

J Funct Biomater.

DOI:

10.3390/jfb14060319

PubMed:

37367283

Exploring the Mechanism of Brucea Javanica against Ovarian Cancer based on Network Pharmacology and the Influence of Luteolin on the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

Researchers studied the Chinese herbal medicine Brucea javanica for ovarian cancer treatment. Its effectiveness and mechanism were unknown, but if proven effective, it could offer new treatment options for this frequently diagnosed cancer.

Zhu J et al (2023).

Comb Chem High Throughput Screen.

DOI:

10.2174/1386207326666230627114111

PubMed:

37366364

A polysaccharide from Inula japonica showing in vivo antitumor activity by interacting with TLR-4, PD-1, and VEGF.

Researchers have purified a polysaccharide (IJP70-1) from Inula japonica flowers, a traditional medicinal plant. IJP70-1, with a molecular weight of 1.019 × 10 Da, has a unique structure composed of various sugar units. Studies using zebrafish models showed that IJP70-1 has promising antitumor activity. Interestingly, this activity is not due to direct toxicity, but rather through activating the immune system and inhibiting angiogenesis by interacting with specific proteins. These findings suggest that IJP70-1 has the potential to be developed into an effective anticancer agent.

Wang X et al (2023).

Int J Biol Macromol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125555

PubMed:

37364807

The cytotoxicity effect of 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene from Heterotheca inuloides and semisynthetic cadalenes derivates towards breast cancer cells: involvement of oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis.

A traditional Mexican remedy, known for its anticancer properties, has been found to contain cadinane-type sesquiterpenes like 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene, which have shown cytotoxic effects. However, the exact mechanism of action and regulation of these agents on tumor cells remains unknown. In this study, the cytotoxic activity and mechanism of action of 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene and two semi-synthetic cadinanes derivatives were investigated for the first time on breast cancer cells. This research aims to shed light on the potential of these compounds in fighting breast cancer.

Mendoza-Fuentes A et al (2023).

PeerJ.

DOI:

10.7717/peerj.15586

PubMed:

37361049