Cancer Studies

Pedunculoside inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and overcomes Gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer through regulating MAPK and Nrf2 pathways.

Researchers investigated the potential of Pedunculoside (PE) in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its resistance to Gefitinib, a common therapy. PE, derived from Ilex rotunda Thunb., has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and anti-tumor effects. The study aimed to understand the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanisms of PE. This research is significant as it may provide insights into new treatment options for NSCLC and combating Gefitinib resistance.

Fan Q et al (2023).
Phytomedicine.
PubMed:
37209605

Neuroprotective effect of herbal extracts inhibiting soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and cyclooxygenase (COX) against chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in mice.

Chemotherapy can cause memory and motor function deficits. This study tested the effectiveness of inhibitors of the enzyme sEH, known to reduce inflammation and improve memory, in an animal model of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment. The inhibitors successfully preserved cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. The herbal extract Mentat was also effective, and Lepidium meyenii less so. Overall, sEH inhibition shows promise in protecting against chemotherapy's adverse effects on the brain.

Kulkarni R et al (2023).
Biochem Biophys Res Commun.
PubMed:
37209564

Evaluation of potential inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase, pancreatic lipase, and cancer cell lines using raw leaves extracts of three fabaceae species.

This study looked at the biological potential and phytochemicals of three Methi species. They performed anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-lipase assays and found that one species had the highest inhibition percentage and cytotoxic potential against certain cell lines. They also identified several bioactive therapeutic compounds that could be useful in the pharmaceutical industry.

Fatima I et al (2023).
Heliyon.
PubMed:
37206037

Multitargeted molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies of flavonoids and volatile components from the peel of Citrus sinensis L. (Osbeck) against specific tumor protein markers.

In this study, researchers investigated the potential medicinal properties of flavonoids and volatile components from the peel of (L.) Osbeck, commonly known as the sweet orange. Their findings suggest that flavonoids have a higher probability of being effective against certain anti-cancer drug targets compared to volatile components. The compound chlorogenic acid showed the strongest binding affinity to important anti-cancer targets, indicating its therapeutic potential. These results highlight the importance of flavonoids from sweet oranges and call for further research to optimize their use in medical treatments.

Rajiv Gandhi G et al (2023).
J Biomol Struct Dyn.
PubMed:
37203996

Kaempferitrin, a major compound from ethanol extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides, exerts antitumour and hepatoprotective effects in the mice model of human liver cancer xenografts.

This study explores the potential of kaempferitrin, a compound found in Chenopodium ambrosioides, to inhibit tumor growth in liver cancer xenografts in mice. Researchers seek to determine both the antitumor effect and any potential toxicity associated with this compound. Understanding the effects and safety profile of kaempferitrin could lead to new treatments for liver cancer.

Su M et al (2023).
J Pharm Pharmacol.
PubMed:
37203217

Screening of promising chemotherapeutic candidates from plants against human adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (VIII): six new withanolides from Physalis philadelphica.

Scientists have discovered that extracts from Physalis pruinosa and P. philadelphica plants have powerful anti-proliferative effects on cells infected with human T-cell leukemia virus I (HTLV-I), which causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Further investigation into the compounds found in these plants led to the discovery of 13 withanolides, including six newly isolated compounds. One of these compounds, withaphysacarpin, demonstrated a comparable effectiveness to the chemotherapy drug etoposide in inhibiting the growth of ATL cells. This research suggests that withanolides could be potential candidates for the treatment of ATL.

Nakano D et al (2023).
J Nat Med.
PubMed:
37202653

Echinocystic acid induces the apoptosis, and inhibits the migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Echinocystic acid (EA), a natural compound found in Eclipta prostrata, has shown anticancer properties in previous studies. In this study, EA was tested on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The results showed that EA inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells, as well as induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Further analysis revealed that EA targeted the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Moreover, EA inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in NSCLC tumor xenografts in mice. These findings suggest that EA could be a potential therapeutic option for NSCLC.

Zhu D et al (2023).
Med Oncol.
PubMed:
37202561