Inhibition of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells via the delivery of curcuminoid WZ35 by Cu-based metal organic frameworks.

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a life-threatening disease that occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the lungs, leading to an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular failure, and ultimately death. HPH is a multifactorial disorder that involves multiple molecular pathways, making it a challenge for clinicians to identify effective therapies. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) play a crucial role in HPH pathogenesis by proliferating, resisting apoptosis, and promoting vascular remodelling. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, has shown potential as a therapeutic agent for HPH by reducing pulmonary vascular resistance, inhibiting vascular remodelling, and promoting apoptosis of PASMCs. Regulation of PASMCs could significantly inhibits HPH. However, curcumin has the disadvantages of poor solubility and low bioavailability, and its derivative WZ35 has better biosafety. Here, Cu-based metal organic frameworks (MOFCu ) was fabricated to encapsulate the curcumin analogue WZ35 (MOFCu @WZ35) for the inhibition of PASMCs proliferation. The authors found that the MOFCu @WZ35 could promote the death of PASMCs. Furthermore, the authors believed that this drug delivery system will effectively alleviate the HPH.

Curcuminoids Attenuate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Total RNA M6a Levels: In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is an unresolved medical problem with a high incidence. This study aims to analyze the novel molecular mechanism by which curcuminoids protect cardiomyocytes from IR injury. METHODS: A IR model In Vitro of rat cardiomyocytes H9c2 cells was structured. Curcumin (CUR) and its derivatives, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) treated H9c2 cells, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), oxidative stress and total RNA m6A levels of H9c2 cells were detected by using DCFH-DA stain, CCK-8, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342 stain, TMRM stain, ELISA and RTqPCR. FB23 was used in rescue experiments. RESULTS: IR significantly increased ROS production, decreased cell viability, and induced apoptosis, MMP loss, and oxidative stress. In addition, IR induced an increase in total RNA m6A levels and changes in m6A-related proteins expression. CUR (10 µM), DMC (10 µM) and BDMC (10 µM), significantly inhibited IR-induced ROS production, apoptosis, MMP loss and oxidative stress, and enhanced cell viability. Furthermore, CUR, DMC and BDMC altered the expression pattern of m6A-related proteins and reduced IR-induced total m6A levels. There was no significant difference in the effects of the three. CUR's protective effect was partially reduced by FB23. CONCLUSION: Curcuminoids attenuate myocardial IR injury by regulating total RNA m6A levels.

Rotational constriction of curcuminoids impacts 5-lipoxygenase and mPGES-1 inhibition and evokes a lipid mediator class switch in macrophages.

Polypharmacological targeting of lipid mediator networks offers potential for efficient and safe anti-inflammatory therapy. Because of the diversity of its biological targets, curcumin (1a) has been viewed as a privileged structure for bioactivity or, alternatively, as a pan-assay interference (PAIN) compound. Curcumin has actually few high-affinity targets, the most remarkable ones being 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES)-1. These enzymes are critical for the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandin (PG)E2, and previous structure-activity-relationship studies in this area have focused on the enolized 1,3-diketone motif, the alkyl-linker and the aryl-moieties, neglecting the rotational state of curcumin, which can adopt twisted conformations in solution and at target sites. To explore how the conformation of curcuminoids impacts 5-LOX and mPGES-1 inhibition, we have synthesized rotationally constrained analogues of the natural product and its pyrazole analogue by alkylation of the linker and/or of the ortho aromatic position(s). These modifications strongly impacted 5-LOX and mPGES-1 inhibition and their systematic analysis led to the identification of potent and selective 5-LOX (3b, IC50 = 0.038 µM, 44.7-fold selectivity over mPGES-1) and mPGES-1 inhibitors (2f, IC50 = 0.11 µM, 4.6-fold selectivity over 5-LOX). Molecular docking experiments suggest that the C2-methylated pyrazolocurcuminoid 3b targets an allosteric binding site at the interface between catalytic and regulatory 5-LOX domain, while the o, o'-dimethylated desmethoxycurcumin 2f likely binds between two monomers of the trimeric mPGES-1 structure. Both compounds trigger a lipid mediator class switch from pro-inflammatory leukotrienes to PG and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in activated human macrophages.

Physiologically relevant curcuminoids inhibit angiogenesis via VEGFR2 in human aortic endothelial cells.

Angiogenesis is a complex process encompassing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. While numerous studies describe that curcumin exerts antitumor properties (e.g., targeting angiogenesis), information regarding other dietary curcuminoids such as demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BisDMC) is scant. In this study, we evaluated the antiangiogenic activities of these three curcuminoids at physiological concentrations (0.1-5 µM) on endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis and the underlying associated mechanisms on human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Results showed that the individual compounds and a representative mixture inhibited the tubulogenic and migration capacity of endothelial cells dose-dependently, while sparing cell viability. Notably, DMC and BisDMC at 0.1 and 1 µM showed higher capacity than curcumin inhibiting tubulogenesis. These compounds also reduced phosphorylation of the VEGFR2 and the downstream ERK and Akt pathways in VEGF165-stimulated cells. In silico analysis showed that curcuminoids could bind the VEGFR2 antagonizing the VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. These findings suggest that physiologically concentrations of curcuminoids might counteract pro-angiogenic stimuli relevant to tumorigenic processes.

Novel cyclic C5-curcuminoids penetrating the blood-brain barrier: Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity against astrocytoma and neuroblastoma cells.

Novel series of cyclic C5-curcuminoids 17a-j and 19-22 were prepared as cytotoxic agents and evaluated against human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) or human grade IV astrocytoma (CCF-STTG1) cell lines in low (∼0.1 nM - 10 nM) concentrations. Among the tested 21 derivatives, 16 displayed potent antiproliferative activity with IC50 values in the low nanomolar to picomolar range (IC50 = 7.483-0.139 nM). Highly active compounds like N-monocarboxylic derivative 19b with IC50 = 0.139 nM value against neuroblastoma and N-alkyl substituted 11 with IC50 = 0.257 nM against astrocytoma proved some degree of selectivity toward non-cancerous astrocytes and kidney cells. This potent anticancer activity did not show a strong correlation with experimental logPTLC values, but the most potent antiproliferative molecules 11-13 and 19-22 are belonging to discrete subgroups of the cyclic C5-curcuminoids. Compounds 12, 17c and 19b were subjected to blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration studies, too. The BBB was revealed to be permeable for all of them but, as the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) values mirrored, in different ratios. Lower toxicity of 12, 17c and 19b was observed toward primary rat brain endothelial cells of the BBB model, which means they remained undamaged under 10 µM concentrations. Penetration depends, at least in part, on albumin binding of 12, 17c and 19b and the presence of monocarboxylic acid transporters in the case of 19b. Permeation through the BBB and albumin binding, we described here, is the first example of cyclic C5-curcuminoids as to our knowledge.

Evaluation of curcuminoids, physiological adaptation, and growth of Curcuma longa under water deficit and controlled temperature.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.; Zingiberaceae), an economically important crop and a major spice in Indian cuisine, produces natural yellow color (curcumin) as well as curcuminoids which are widely utilized in traditional and modern medicinal practices. During the turmeric culture, the fluctuations of precipitation and seasonal changes in the whole life cycle play a major role, especially water shortage and decreasing temperature (in winter season), leading to rhizome dormancy under extreme weather conditions. The objective of this investigation was to understand how the water deficit and reduced temperature affect turmeric growth, physiological adaptation, quantity, and quality of turmeric rhizomes. Four-month-old turmeric plants were subjected to four treatments, namely normal temperature and well-watered (RT-WW), or water-deficit (RT-WD) conditions in the greenhouse, 25 °C controlled temperature and well-watered (CT-WW), or water-deficit (CT-WD) conditions in glasshouse. Leaf osmotic potential considerably declined in 30 days CT-WD treatment, leading to chlorophyll degradation by 26.04%, diminution of maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) by 23.50%, photon yield of PSII (ΦPSII) by 29.01%, and reduction of net photosynthetic rate (Pn) by 89.39% over CT-WW (control). After 30 days water withholding, fresh- and dry-weights of rhizomes of turmeric plants grown under CT-WD declined by 30-50% when compared with RT-WW conditions. Subsequently, curcuminoid content was reduced by 40% over RT-WW plants (control), whereas transcriptional expression levels of curcuminoids-related genes (CURS1, CURS2, CURS3, and DCS) were upregulated in CT-WD conditions. In summary, the water withholding and controlled temperature (constant at 25 °C day/night) negatively affected turmeric plants as abiotic stresses tend to limit overall plant growth performances and curcuminoid yield.

Anti-Herbivore Activity of Oregonin, a Diarylheptanoid Found in Leaves and Bark of Red Alder (Alnus rubra).

Plants synthesize a wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites to defend against pests and pathogens. Red alder (Alnus rubra) bark, root, and leaf extract have a long history of use in traditional medicine and hygiene. Diarylheptanoids, especially oregonin ((5S)-1,7-bis(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(ß-D-xylopyranosyloxy)-heptan-3-one), have been identified as major bioactive constituents. Diarylheptanoids have become a focus of research following reports of their antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-cancer activities. Recent data suggest that high oregonin concentration is associated with resistance of red alder leaves to western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) defoliation. Here we test effects of this compound directly on leaf-eating insects. Purified oregonin was examined in insect choice and toxicity tests using lepidopteran caterpillars. The compound exhibited significant anti-feedant activity against cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), white-marked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma), fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), and M. californicum at concentrations corresponding to oregonin content of the most resistant alder clones in previous experiments. Toxicity tests were carried out with cabbage looper larvae only, but no contact or ingested toxicity was detected. Our results suggest that oregonin at levels found in red alder leaves early in the growing season may contribute to protecting red alder from leaf-eating insects.

Comparative study of binding interactions between three organometallic rhodium(III) complexes with curcuminoid ligands and human serum albumin.

Organometallic rhodium(III) complexes with curcuminoid ligands attracted considerable attention in biological-related fields and the variation of curcuminoid ligands may regulate the biological activity of these organometallic rhodium(III) complexes. To deeply evaluate the biological influences of these complexes, the binding interactions between three rhodium(III) complexes with curcuminoid ligands and human serum albumin (HSA) were comparably investigated by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The results suggested that the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA was quenched by three complexes through static fluorescence quenching mode. Three complexes bonded with Sudlow's site I of HSA to form ground-state compounds under the binding forces of van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonds formation, and protonation. Finally, the native conformational structure and the thermal stability of HSA were all changed. Space steric hindrance of complexes took part in the differences of the fluorescence quenching processes, and the chemical polarity of the complexes played a vital role in the variations of the structure and biological activity of HSA. These results illustrated the molecular interactions between protein and organometallic rhodium(III) complexes with curcuminoid ligands, offering new insight about the prospective applications of analogical rhodium(III) complexes in biomedicine areas.

Neuraminidase inhibitory diarylheptanoids from Alpinia officinarum: In vitro and molecular docking studies.

Diarylheptanoids, known to be rich in the Zingiberaceae family, have been reported to have various pharmacological activities including neuraminidase (NA) inhibitory activity. In this study, to analyze the correlation between NA and diarylheptanoid, A. officinarum, belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, was selected as a natural resource. Four new compounds along with 26 known diarylheptanoids from the rhizomes of A. officinarum were isolated using various chromatographic techniques. The Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) was performed to discover putative binding ligand and corresponding binding conformation of the isolated compounds. Among the isolated compounds, 10 compounds showed stable binding energy levels in NA. Five of these 10 potential hits showed the potent inhibitory activity through in vitro NA enzyme assay. Moreover, it can be deduced that hydrogen-bonding formation between carbonyl group of active diarylheptanoids and arginine 555 and arginine 615 of NA allowed for the most stable binding between the enzyme and docked compounds.

Galeon: A Biologically Active Molecule with In Silico Metabolite Prediction, In Vitro Metabolic Profiling in Rat Liver Microsomes, and In Silico Binding Mechanisms with CYP450 Isoforms.

Galeon, a natural cyclic-diarylheptanoid (CDH), which was first isolated from Myrica gale L., is known to have potent cytotoxicity against A549 cell lines, anti-tubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, chemo-preventive potential, and moderate topoisomerase inhibitory activity. Here, in silico metabolism and toxicity prediction of galeon by CYP450, in vitro metabolic profiling study in rat liver microsomes (RLMs), and molecular interactions of galeon-CYP450 isoforms were performed. An in silico metabolic prediction study showed demethyl and mono-hydroxy galeon were the metabolites with the highest predictability. Among the predicted metabolites, mono-hydroxy galeon was found to have plausible toxicities such as skin sensitization, thyroid toxicity, chromosome damage, and carcinogenicity. An in vitro metabolism study of galeon, incubated in RLMs, revealed eighteen Phase-I metabolites, nine methoxylamine, and three glutathione conjugates. Identification of possible metabolites and confirmation of their structures were carried out using ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry. In silico docking analysis of galeon demonstrated significant interactions with active site residues of almost all CYP450 isoforms.

The role of curcumin/curcuminoids during gastric cancer chemotherapy: A systematic review of non-clinical study.

AIMS: Chemotherapy is an effective therapeutic modality which is commonly used for battling various cancers. However, several side effects induced by chemotherapeutic drugs would limit their clinical use. The present systematic review aims to evaluate the role of curcumin/curcuminoids co-administration during gastric cancer chemotherapy. METHODS: This systematic review was done according to PRISMA guidelines and a full systematic search in the electronic databases up to May 2020 using search terms in the titles and abstracts for the identification of relevant literature. 279 articles were found in electronic databases and 175 articles screened by title and abstract. Finally, 13 articles were included in this systematic review according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. KEY FINDINGS: The findings indicated that gastric cancer chemotherapy induces cytotoxicity effects in various ways including a decrease of cell viability, colony formation, metastasis, tumor growth, and weight, as well as elevation of apoptosis pathway, oxidative stress pathway compared to the control group. Co-administration of curcumin/curcuminoids with chemotherapy synergistically increased the effects of anti-cancer chemotherapy compared to the group solo treated with chemotherapeutic agents. Also, in chemoresistance gastric cancer cells, co-administration of curcumin reduced chemoresistance mainly through the reduction of NF-κB activation and elevation of apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE: According to the findings, the use of curcumin/curcuminoids during gastric cancer chemotherapy has chemosensitizing effects, and also it can reduce chemoresistance in gastric cancer.

A novel predict-verify strategy for targeted metabolomics: Comparison of the curcuminoids between crude and fermented turmeric.

Curcuminoids are the major bioactive constituents of turmeric, the application of which are limited by the poor bioavailability. In this study, turmeric was fermented by the Monascus purpureus and Eurotium cristatum fungi to enhance its bioavailability. To explore the variations in the curcuminoids contents in fermented turmeric, a targeted predict-verify strategy was established. For targeted analysis of curcuminoids, a compound library containing all possible curcuminoids based on their structural skeleton was predicted and built for targeted scanning. Then, the MS data were automatically matched with the predicted library to verify the corresponding curcuminoids. As a result, 115 curcuminoids (48 novel compounds and 14 compounds reported in turmeric for the first time) were fully characterized in crude and fermented turmeric. Among these curcuminoids, 31 were newly generated in fermented turmeric. The established predict-verify strategy allows for an efficient and automatic metabolomic analysis to screen for curcuminoids with potentially better bioavailability.

Influence of side-chain changes on histone deacetylase inhibitory and cytotoxicity activities of curcuminoid derivatives.

Using curcuminoids as lead compounds, fifty-nine curcuminoid derivatives with different side chains at the phenolic moiety were synthesized. All compounds were investigated for their histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory activities. The potent pan-HDAC inhibitors were further tested against three human cancer cell lines including Hela, HCT116 and MCF-7 with MTT-based assay. The bisethylamide 4z and the mono-sec-butyl derivative 5j manifested good antiproliferative activities against HCT116 cancer cells with the IC50 values as 14.60 ± 1.19 µg/mL and 7.33 ± 0.98 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking study of both compounds with Class I HDACs revealed that the compounds might bind tightly to the binding pocket of HDAC2. These findings suggested that these compounds can be putative candidates for the development of anticancer drugs via inhibiting HDACs.

The Effect of Formulation of Curcuminoids on Their Metabolism by Human Colonic Microbiota.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is the only edible plant recognized as a dietary source of curcuminoids, among which curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bis-demethoxycurcumin (Bis-DMC) are the most representative ones. Curcumin shows a very low systemic bioavailability and for this reason, several technologies have been adopted to improve it. These technologies generally improve curcuminoid absorption in the small intestine, however, no data are available about the effect of curcuminoid formulation on colonic biotransformation. The present study aims at investigating the human colonic metabolism of curcuminoids, prepared with two different technologies, using an in vitro model. Unformulated curcuminoid and lecithin-curcuminoid botanical extracts were fermented using an in vitro fecal model and colonic catabolites were identified and quantified by uHPLC-MSn. Native compounds, mainly curcumin, DMC and bis-DMC, were metabolized by colonic microbiota within the 24-h incubation. The degradation of curcuminoids led to the formation of specific curcuminoid metabolites, among which higher concentrations of bis(demethyl)-tetrahydrocurcumin and bis(demethyl)-hexahydrocurcumin were found after lecithin-extract fermentation compared to the concentration detected after unformulated extract. In conclusion, both curcumin-based botanical extracts can be considered important sources of curcuminoids, although the lecithin-formulated extract led to a higher production of curcuminoid catabolites. Moreover, a new curcuminoid catabolite, namely bis(demethyl)-hexahydrocurcumin, has been putatively identified, opening new perspectives in the investigation of curcuminoid bioavailability and their potential metabolite bioactivity.

Chemical markers' knockout coupled with UHPLC-HRMS-based metabolomics reveals anti-cancer integration effects of the curcuminoids of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on lung cancer cell line.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L, Zingiberaceae) rhizomes exhibit versatile biological activities including the significant anti-cancer property. As an herbal medicine, the therapeutic effects of turmeric may be expressed by multi-components which have complicated integration effects on multi-targets. Therefore, having previously found three A549 cell-binding curcuminoids (curcumin, Cur; demethoxycurcumin, DMcur; bisdemethoxycurcumin, BMcur) from turmeric, studies were undertaken in this paper to determine the anti-cancer mechanism and integration effects of these curcuminoids by using chemical markers' knockout and UHPLC-LTQ Orbitrap MS-based metabolomics. Four curcuminoid-containing fractions including a mixture of 3 cell-binding curcuminoids (CE), and three individual curcuminoids with natural proportion in turmeric were prepared by chemical markers' knockout method. CE, Cur, DMcur and BMcur fractions showed significant anti-cancer activity on A549 cells. The activities of CE, Cur and BMcur fractions were comparative with the turmeric crude extract (TcE). In the metabolomics study, CE and three individual curcuminoid fractions changed the expression of 25 metabolites in A549 cells, which were involved in glycerophospholipid catabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism, etc. Among them, glycerophospholipid catabolism was disordered greatly in CE group, while sphingolipid metabolism was suggested to be closely related to DMcur and BMcur activity. Furthermore, the metabolomics data showed that three curcuminoids existed synergistic and antagonistic actions and the use of multi-curcuminoids is more powerful than use of single curcuminoid on the metabolic alterations of A549 cells.

New Taste-Active 3-( O-ß-d-Glucosyl)-2-oxoindole-3-acetic Acids and Diarylheptanoids in Cimiciato-Infected Hazelnuts.

Activity-guided fractionation in combination with sensory analytics, LC-TOF-MS, and 1D/2D-NMR spectroscopy enabled the identification of the bitter tasting diarylheptanoids asadanin, giffonin P, and the previously not reported ( E)-7,9,10,13-tetrahydroxy-1,7-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)hept-9-en-11-one and 4,12,16-trihydroxy-2-oxatricyclo[13.3.1.13,7]-nonadeca-1(18),3,5,7(20),8,15,17-heptaen as well as the yet unknown astringent compounds 2-(3-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-yl) acetic acid 3- O-6'-galactopyranosyl-2″-(2″oxoindolin-3″yl) acetate and 3-( O-ß-d-glycosyl) dioxindole-3-acetic acid in Cimiciato-infected hazelnuts exhibiting a bitter off-taste. Quantitative LC-MS/MS studies, followed by dose/activity considerations confirmed for the first time asadanin to be the key contributor to the bitter taste of Cimiciato-infected hazelnuts. Furthermore, quantitative studies demonstrated that neither the physical damage alone nor a general microbial infection is able to initiate a stress-induced asadanin generation, but most likely either specific Cimiciato-specific microorganisms associated with the bugs or specific chemical stimulants in the bugs' saliva is the cause triggering asadanin biosynthesis. Finally, also germination was found for the first time to activate diarylheptanoid biosynthesis, resulting in higher contents of bitter tasting phytochemicals and development of the bitter off-taste.

Label-free proteomic analysis to characterize ginger from China and Ghana.

Ginger is a popular spice used in food and beverages. In this study, we sought to characterize and differentiate ginger samples of Ghana and China origin using label-free proteomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses. As result, a total of 180 proteins significantly changed between the ginger samples from both studied countries. Among them, 17 proteins were specifically identified in the Chinese ginger, while 23 proteins were only identified in the Ghanaian ginger. Function and bioinformatics analyses indicated that changes in carbon metabolism, secondary metabolites biosyntheses, citrate acid cycle, and amino acids biosyntheses-related pathways contributed to the differences. These results were confirmed through the identification of 14 significantly changed metabolites including diarylheptanoids and gingerols. Importantly, change tendencies of these metabolites corresponded to changes in abundance of the protein enzymes involved in their syntheses. These results suggest that changes in metabolism-related protein enzymes are responsible for the intraspecies difference of the ginger samples.

Diarylheptanoids from Alnus viridis ssp. viridis and Alnus glutinosa: Modulation of Quorum Sensing Activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Diarylheptanoids from the barks of Alnus viridis ssp. viridis (green alder) and Alnus glutinosa (black alder) were explored for anti-quorum sensing activity. Chemicals with anti-quorum sensing activity have recently been examined for antimicrobial applications. The anti-quorum sensing activity of the selected diarylheptanoids was determined using two biosensors, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Although all of the investigated compounds negatively influenced the motility of P. aeruginosa PAO1, four were able to inhibit biofilm formation of this human opportunistic pathogen for 40-70 %. Three of the diarylheptanoids (3, 4, and 5) negatively influenced the biosynthesis of pyocyanin, which is under the control of quorum sensing. Platyphyllenone (7) and hirsutenone (5) were able to inhibit the biosynthesis of violacein in C. violaceum CV026, with 5 being able to inhibit the synthesis of both biopigments. Only one of the tested diarylheptanoids (1) was shown to significantly decrease the production of acyl homoserine lactones (AHL) in P. aeruginosa PAO1, more specifically, production of the long chain N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-l-HSL. On the other side, four diarylheptanoids (2-5) significantly reduced the synthesis of 2-alkyl-4-quinolones, part of the P. aeruginosa quinolone-mediated signaling system. To properly assess therapeutic potential of these compounds, their in vitro antiproliferative effect on normal human lung fibroblasts was determined, with doses affecting cell proliferation between 10 and 100 µg/mL. This study confirms that the barks of green and black alders are rich source of phytochemicals with a wide range of biological activities that could further be exploited as natural agents against bacterial contaminations and infections.

Effects of Vehicles and Enhancers on the Skin Permeation of Phytoestrogenic Diarylheptanoids from Curcuma comosa.

Curcuma comosa (C. comosa) is widely used in traditional medicine as a dietary supplement for health promotion in postmenopausal women in Thailand. It contains several diarylheptanoids, which are considered to be a novel class of phytoestrogens. However, the diarylheptanoids isolated from the plant rhizome are shown to have low oral bioavailability and faster elimination characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the permeation behavior of the active compounds of diarylheptanoids. The effects of binary vehicle systems and permeation enhancers on diarylheptanoids permeation and accumulation within the skin were studied using side-by-side diffusion cells through the porcine ear skin. Among the tested binary vehicle systems, the ethanol/water vehicle appeared to be the most effective system for diarylheptanoids permeation with the highest flux and shortest lag time. The presence of transcutol in the vehicle system significantly increased diarylheptanoid's permeation and accumulation within the skin in a concentration-dependent manner. Although the presence of terpenes in formulation decreased the flux of diarylheptanoids, it raised the amount of diarylheptanoids retained within the skin substantially. Based on the feasibility of diarylheptanoid permeation, C. comosa extract should be further developed into an effective transdermal product for health benefits and hormone replacement therapy.

Diarylheptanoid-myricanone isolated from ethanolic extract of Myrica cerifera shows anticancer effects on HeLa and PC3 cell lines: signalling pathway and drug-DNA interaction.

OBJECTIVE: To test if myricanone (C21H24O5), a cyclic diarylheptanoid, has anticancer effects on two different cancer cell lines HeLa and PC3. The present study was conducted with a note on the drug-DNA interaction and apoptotic signalling pathway. METHODS: Several studies like cytotoxicity, nuclear damage, annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI)-labelled apoptotic assay and cell cycle arrest, immunoblot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used following standard protocols. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy was also done to evaluate whether myricanone effectively interacted with DNA to bring about conformational changes that could strongly inhibit the cancer cell proliferation. RESULTS: Myricanone showed a greater cytotoxic effect on PC3 cells than on HeLa cells. Myricanone promoted G0/G1 arrest in HeLa cells and S phase arrest in PC3 cells. Nuclear condensation and annexin V-FITC/PI studies revealed that myricanone promoted apoptotic cell death. CD spectroscopic data indicated that myricanone had an interaction with calf thymus DNA that changed DNA structural conformation. RT-PCR and immunoblot studies revealed that myricanone activated the apoptotic signalling cascades through down-regulation of transcription factors like nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) (p65), and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3); cell cycle regulators like cyclin D1, and survivin and other signal proteins like Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3. CONCLUSION: Myricanone induced apoptosis in both types of cancer cells by triggering caspase activation, and suppression of cell proliferation by down-regulation of NF-κB and STAT3 signalling cascades, which makes it a suitable candidate for possible use in the formulation of therapeutic agent for combating cancer.