Cancer Studies

Buccal spray of standardized Berberis aristata extract causes tumour regression, chemoprotection and downregulation of inflammatory mediators in oral cancer hamster model.

Berberis aristata (BA) is a plant described in Ayurveda for treating oral conditions. Oral cancer (OC) is a serious health issue with high recurrence rates. This study explores the potential use of BA as a natural therapy for OC. By focusing on natural products, we aim to find safer treatment options for this aggressive disease. The research highlights the significance of incorporating traditional remedies into modern medicine to combat oral cancer and improve patient outcomes.

Tamane P, Mahadik K and Pokharkar V (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
PubMed:
37315644

Update on the treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced buccal mucositis: a systematic review.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy often lead to oral mucositis (OM), causing inflammation of the mouth lining. This condition can have serious repercussions, including difficulty eating and speaking, as well as increased susceptibility to infections. OM is a common problem among cancer patients, and finding effective treatments is crucial to improve their quality of life during treatment.

Wen S et al (2023).
Acta Odontol Latinoam.
PubMed:
37314054

Withaferin-A alleviates acute graft versus host disease without compromising graft versus leukemia effect.

Withaferin-A (WA), found in Ashwagandha, has anti-inflammatory properties. It was tested in a mouse model of acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) after stem cell transplants. The mice given WA had fewer symptoms and better survival than the control group. They also had better survival than those given the standard treatment. WA reduced inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. It also protected organs from damage. WA could be a useful treatment for aGvHD and should be studied in clinical trials.

Kumar Gupta S et al (2023).
Int Immunopharmacol.
PubMed:
37311352

β-asarone inhibits the migration, invasion, and EMT of bladder cancer through activating ER stress.

A study investigated the potential anticancer effects of β-asarone (β-as) on bladder cancer (BCa). β-as is a compound derived from Acorus calamus. Previous research has shown its efficacy against various human cancers. However, its impact on BCa remained unexplored. The results of the study shed light on the therapeutic potential of β-as in treating BCa, providing new avenues for cancer treatment and offering hope to patients.

Liu B et al (2023).
Cancer Med.
PubMed:
37306628

HPTLC Stability Indicating Analytical Method of Andrographolide and 5-fluorouracil with Network Pharmacology Analysis against Cancer.

Combining herbal drugs with chemotherapeutic drugs shows promise in reducing side effects and improving efficacy. One such herbal compound, Andrographolide, has been found to have anti-cancer properties. Researchers have developed a combination nanoformulation with Andrographolide and the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil to enhance oral absorption and bioavailability. This research highlights the potential for more effective and tolerable cancer treatments.

Malik Z et al (2023).
Comb Chem High Throughput Screen.
PubMed:
37303181

Cytotoxic and molecular evaluation of spilanthol obtained from Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen (jambu) in human gastric cancer cells.

A study investigated the anticancer activity of jambu, a plant found in the Brazilian Amazon. The hydroethanolic extract of jambu was obtained, and its active compound, spilanthol, was isolated. The extract and spilanthol both exhibited cytotoxicity against gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, molecular docking experiments revealed that spilanthol has inhibitory potential against JAK1 and JAK2 proteins. These findings suggest that jambu extract and spilanthol could be potential candidates for the treatment of gastric carcinoma.

Pinheiro MSDS et al (2023).
Nat Prod Res.
PubMed:
37300460

The Bioactive Properties of Carotenoids from Lipophilic Sea buckthorn Extract (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

This study examined the effects of saponified lipophilic berry extract (LSBE) on breast cancer cell lines. LSBE was found to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with a mean IC50 of 16 µM. It also demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, reducing ROS levels in both cell lines. Additionally, LSBE induced significant alterations in late-stage apoptotic cells. These findings suggest that the carotenoids in LSBE may have potential as nutraceuticals in breast cancer therapy. Further research should be conducted to explore this possibility.

Visan S et al (2023).
Molecules.
PubMed:
37298962

A novel nonreversible heat-induced low-molecular-weight gel based on naturally-occurring self-assembled fupenzic acid for tumor therapy.

Researchers have discovered a nonreversible heat-induced supramolecular gel, a gel that forms when heated, using a natural triterpenoid called fupenzic acid (FA) found in the roots of Rosa laevigata. What sets this gel apart is its unique nonreversible phase transition from liquid to gel. The entire gelation process was digitally recorded, and a mechanism for its formation was proposed through experimental methods and molecular dynamics simulation. The gel exhibited excellent injectability and stability, and it was found to have better anti-tumor activity and higher biosafety compared to its equivalent free-drug form. This opens up new possibilities for using natural product gelators in medicine.

Sun Z et al (2023).
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces.
PubMed:
37290198