Chemical constituents of Thai Piper ribesoides and their antiausterity activities against the PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line.

A methanolic extract of Thai Piper ribesoides showed preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under a nutrient-deprived condition, with a PC50 value of 24 µg/mL. Phytochemical investigation of this bio-active extract led to the isolation of six compounds (1-6), including two new polyoxygenated cyclohexane derivatives, named ribesoidones A and B (1 and 2). The structural elucidation of the new compounds was achieved by a combination of HREIMS, NMR, and circular dichroism spectroscopic analyses. Isolated compounds were tested for their antiausterity activity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line. Among these, compounds 1, 3, and 4 displayed potent preferential cytotoxic activity with PC50 values of 5.5-7.2 µM. Ribesoidone A (1) was also found to inhibit PANC-1 colony formation under normal nutrient-rich conditions.

Anti-Austerity Activity of Thai Medicinal Plants: Chemical Constituents and Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Activities of Kaempferia parviflora.

Human pancreatic tumor cells have an intrinsic ability to tolerate nutrition starvation and survive in the hypovascular tumor microenvironment, the phenomenon termed as "austerity". Searching for an agent that inhibits such tolerance to nutrient starvation and kills the pancreatic cancer cells preferentially in nutrient-starvation is a unique anti-austerity strategy in anti-cancer drug discovery. In this strategy, plant extracts and compounds are tested against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line under the conditions of nutrient-deprived medium (NDM) and nutrient-rich medium (DMEM), to discover the compounds that show selective cytotoxicity in NDM. Screening of twenty-five Thai indigenous medicinal plant extracts for their anti-austerity activity against the PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line in nutrient deprived medium (NDM) resulted in the identification of four active plants, Derris scandens, Boesenbergia pandurata, Citrus hystrix, and Kaempferia parviflora, with PC50 values 0.5-8.9 µg/mL. K. parviflora extract also inhibited PANC-1 cancer cell colony formation. Phytochemical investigation of K. parviflora extract led to the isolation of fourteen compounds, including two polyoxygenated cyclohexanes (1 and 2), eleven flavonoids (3-13), and ß-sitosterol (14). Stereochemical assignment of compound 1 was confirmed through X-ray analysis. All isolated compounds were tested for their preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 cells. Among them, 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone (3) displayed the most potent activity with a PC50 value of 0.8 µM. Mechanistically, it was found to induce apoptosis in PANC-1 cell death in NDM as evident by caspase cleavage. It was also found to inhibit PANC-1 cancer cell colony formation in DMEM. Therefore, compound 3 can be considered as a potential lead compound for the anticancer drug development based on the anti-austerity strategy.

Chemical constituents from Artemisia vulgaris and their antiausterity activities against the PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line.

The 70% ethanolic extract of Artemisia vulgaris showed preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under a nutrient-deprived condition with PC50 12.5 µg/mL. A phytochemical investigation of this extract yielded a new bicyclic [4:3:0] sesquiterpene named (+)-vulgaric acid (1), together with eight previously reported compounds. The structural elucidation of 1 was achieved by HRFABMS and NMR analysis. The absolute configuration of 1 was deduced by computational calculations of ECD data. All isolated compounds were tested for preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 cells, and apigenin (3) showed the strongest activity with PC50 30.7 µM.

Fragranone C: a new dihydrochalcone glucopyranoside from Anneslea fragrans twigs.

A phytochemical investigation of an ethanolic extract of Anneslea fragrans twigs collected from Thailand resulted in the discovery of a new dihydrochalcone glucopyranoside named fragranone C (1), together with six previously reported compounds. The structural elucidation of the new compound was achieved by HRFABMS, NMR spectroscopic analysis and acid hydrolysis.[Figure: see text].

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed attenuates memory impairment induced by scopolamine in mice via regulation of cholinergic dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Cholinergic dysfunction and oxidative stress are the most common causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Safflower seed contains various anti-oxidant and cholinergic improvement compounds, such as serotonin and its derivatives. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of a safflower seed extract on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in a mouse model. The safflower seed extract was orally administered at a dose of 100 mg kg-1 day-1, and then behavior tests (such as T-maze and novel object recognition tests) were conducted. Acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antioxidant enzymes in the brain were measured. In behavior tests, the novel route exploration and object recognition were improved by the administration of the safflower seed extract, which suggests that the safflower seed extract improves memory function in the scopolamine-treated mouse model. In addition, the safflower seed extract-administered group showed inhibition of the AChE activity and improved cholinergic dysfunction. Furthermore, the administration of the safflower seed extract resulted in lower ROS production and higher antioxidant enzyme levels as compared to the scopolamine-treated group, suggesting the protective role of the safflower seed extract against oxidative stress. The results of the present study suggest that the safflower seed extract improves scopolamine-induced memory deficits via the inhibition of cholinergic dysfunction and oxidative stress. Therefore, safflower seeds might become a promising agent for memory improvement in AD patients.

Protective Effects of Serotonin and its Derivatives, N-Feruloylserotonin and N-(p-Coumaroyl) Serotonin, Against Cisplatin-Induced Renal Damage in Mice.

This study examined whether serotonin and two of its derivatives, N -feruloylserotonin and N -( p -coumaroyl) serotonin, have a renoprotective effect in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. Cisplatin (20 mg/kg body weight) was administered by intraperitoneal injection to male BALB/c mice that had received oral serotonin, N -feruloylserotonin or N -( p -coumaroyl) serotonin (7.5 mg/kg body weight per day) during the preceding 2 days. At 3 days after the cisplatin injection, serum and renal biochemical factors, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis-related protein expression were evaluated, and histological examinations were performed. Cisplatin caused reduction in body weight and an increase in kidney weight; however, N -( p -coumaroyl) serotonin and N -feruloylserotonin attenuated these effects. Moreover, the serotonin derivatives significantly decreased serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. They also significantly reduced the level of reactive oxygen species and upregulated the expression of glutathione peroxidase in the kidney. Furthermore, the serotonin derivatives improved the abnormal expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases activation-dependent inflammation- and apoptosis-related protein and caused less renal damage. These results provide important evidence that N -( p -coumaroyl) serotonin and N -feruloylserotonin exert a pleiotropic effect on several parameters related to oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. The derivatives also have a renoprotective effect in cisplatin-treated mice; however, this effect is higher with N -( p -coumaroyl) serotonin.

Safflower seed extract synergizes the therapeutic effect of cisplatin and reduces cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells and RKO-transplanted mice.

Safflower seed is effective against oxidative stress, mediating the activation of the apoptotic signaling pathway in the renal tissues of cisplatin-treated mice. The anticancer activity of safflower in various cancer cell lines has also been reported. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential synergistic anticancer effects of the co-treatment of safflower seed extracts and cisplatin in RKO cells and in BALB/c mice bearing RKO cell-derived human colorectal tumors. In the cellular system, RKO cells were treated with safflower seed extract in the presence or absence of cisplatin for 48 h and the cytotoxicity was evaluated by using microscopy. In the in vivo system, mice were injected with RKO cells and subsequently orally administered 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight safflower seed extract plus cisplatin-treated or untreated mice for 3 days to examine the inhibitory effect on the tumor. Treatment with safflower seed extract or cisplain to RKO cells resulted in a greater cell death than in with untreated cells. In the RKO cells co-treated with both safflower seed extract and cisplatin, greater cell damage was observed. In addition, mice co-administered safflower seed extract and cisplatin had lower concentrations of serum creatinine, which were indicative of less damage to the kidney, and had a lower solid tumor mass and higher expression of the caspase-3 protein. The results showed that safflower seed extract was highly toxic to RKO cells and inhibited tumor growth in cisplatin-treated mice through renoprotective effects.

Mechanism of Action of Magnesium Lithospermate B against Aging and Obesity-Induced ER Stress, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammsome Formation in the Liver.

Magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) is the biologically active compound of the water-soluble fraction of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Magnesium lithospermate B exhibits various biological functions, including antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects. However, its beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and related signaling pathways in the liver need to be elucidated. Our previous study reported that MLB is a PPARß/δ agonist in fibroblasts. Because insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory effects of PPARß/δ has been reported in the liver, we investigated whether MLB has a beneficial effect on insulin-, ER stress- and inflammasome-related signaling in the livers of aging and obese animal models. Western blotting and protein-ligand docking simulation showed that MLB activated PPARß/δ and improved glucose tolerance in the livers of aging and obese animal models. MLB supplementation ameliorated aging or obesity-induced disruption of insulin signaling in the liver. Consistently, aging and obesity-induced increase in the protein levels of a gluconeogenic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was decreased by MLB. When molecular signaling pathways related to insulin signaling were examined in the liver, MLB supplementation suppressed ER stress- and inflammasome-related signaling molecules induced by aging and obesity. These results suggest that MLB may improve insulin resistance in the liver at least partially by suppressing ER stress and inflammasome formation in aging and obese animal models.

Magnesium Lithospermate B from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Ameliorates Aging-Induced Renal Inflammation and Senescence via NADPH Oxidase-Mediated Reactive Oxygen Generation.

The present study was conducted to examine whether magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) extracted from Salviae miltiorrhizae radix was renoprotective in pathways related to age-related oxidative stress in aged rats. Magnesium lithospermate B was orally administered at a dose of 2- or 8-mg/kg body weight for 16 consecutive days, and the effects were compared with those of vehicle in old and young rats. Magnesium lithospermate B administration to old rats ameliorated renal oxidative stress through reduction of reactive oxygen species. The old rats exhibited a dysregulation of the expression of proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, and MLB administration significantly reduced the protein expression of major subunits of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox4 and p22phox ), phospho-p38, nuclear factor-kappa B p65, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. In addition, MLB-treated old rats showed lower levels of senescence-related proteins such as p16, ADP-ribosylation factor 6, p53, and p21 through effects on the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Magnesium lithospermate B administration also significantly attenuated the age-related increase in serum urea nitrogen, reflecting renal dysfunction, up-regulated podocyte structural proteins, and reduced renal structural injury. Our results provide important evidence that MLB reduces the renal damage of oxidative stress in old rats. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Loquat leaf extract enhances myogenic differentiation, improves muscle function and attenuates muscle loss in aged rats.

A main characteristic of aging is the debilitating, progressive and generalized impairment of biological functions, resulting in an increased vulnerability to disease and death. Skeletal muscle comprises approximately 40% of the human body; thus, it is the most abundant tissue. At the age of 30 onwards, 0.5­1% of human muscle mass is lost each year, with a marked acceleration in the rate of decline after the age of 65. Thus, novel strategies that effectively attenuate skeletal muscle loss and enhance muscle function are required to improve the quality of life of older subjects. The aim of the present study was to determine whether loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaf extract (LE) can prevent the loss of skeletal muscle function in aged rats. Young (5-month-old) and aged (18­19-month-old) rats were fed LE (50 mg/kg/day) for 35 days and the changes in muscle mass and strength were evaluated. The age­associated loss of grip strength was attenuated, and muscle mass and muscle creatine kinase (CK) activity were enhanced following the administration of LE. Histochemical analysis also revealed that LE abrogated the age­associated decrease in cross­sectional area (CSA) and decreased the amount of connective tissue in the muscle of aged rats. To investigate the mode of action of LE, C2C12 murine myoblasts were used to evaluate the myogenic potential of LE. The expression levels of myogenic proteins (MyoD and myogenin) and functional myosin heavy chain (MyHC) were measured by western blot analysis. LE enhanced MyoD, myogenin and MyHC expression. The changes in the expression of myogenic genes corresponded with an increase in the activity of CK, a myogenic differentiation marker. Finally, LE activated the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which is involved in muscle protein synthesis during myogenesis. These findings suggest that LE attenuates sarcopenia by promoting myogenic differentiation and subsequently promoting muscle protein synthesis.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) extract prevents dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy by inhibiting the muscle degradation pathway in Sprague Dawley rats.

In the Orient, loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) extract (LE) is widely used in teas, food and folk medicines. The leaves of the loquat tree have been used for generations to treat chronic bronchitis, coughs, phlegm production, high fever and gastroenteric disorders. One of the major active components of loquat leaves is ursolic acid, which was recently investigated in the context of preventing muscle atrophy. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of LE on dexamethasone­induced muscle atrophy in rats. Daily intraperitoneal injections of dexamethasone caused muscle atrophy and evidence of muscle atrophy prevention by LE was demonstrated using various assays. In particular, dexamethasone­induced grip strength loss was alleviated by LE and the increase in serum creatine kinase activity, a surrogate marker of muscle damage, caused by dexamethasone injection was reduced by LE. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation demonstrated that dexamethasone markedly increased the protein expression levels of muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1), which causes the ubiquitination and degradation of myosin heavy chain (MyHC), and decreased the protein expression levels of MyHC as well as increased the ubiquitinated MyHC to MyHC ratio. However, LE reduced the dexamethasone­induced protein expression levels of MuRF1 and ubiquitinated MyHC. Additional experiments revealed that LE supplementation inhibited the nuclear translocation of FoxO1 induced by dexamethasone. These findings suggested that LE prevented dexamethasone­induced muscle atrophy by regulating the FoxO1 transcription factor and subsequently the expression of MuRF1.

Cytotoxic effects of solvent-extracted active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge on human cancer cell lines.

Herbal extracts and dietary supplements may be extracted from the medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine, and are used increasingly commonly worldwide for their benefits to health and quality of life. Thus, ensuring that they are safe for human consumption is a critical issue for the preparation of plant extracts as dietary supplements. The present study investigated extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza), traditionally used in Asian countries to treat a variety of conditions, as a dietary supplement or as an ingredient in functional foods. Dried S. miltiorrhiza root was extracted with various solvents and under varying extraction conditions, and the effects of the extracts on the viability of five human cancer cell lines were compared. Extracts obtained using 100% ethanol and 100% acetone as solvents exhibited more potent effects compared with extracts obtained using 70 and 30% aqueous ethanol. Furthermore, the active components of S. miltiorrhiza ethanol extracts, known as tanshinones, were investigated. Dihydrotanshinone I was observed to exhibit a higher cytotoxic potential compared with the other tanshinones in the majority of the examined cell lines. Conversely, cryptotanshinone exhibited weak anti-cancer activity. In summary, the results of the present study suggest that the active components obtained from an ethanol extract of S. miltiorrhiza possess the potential to be used as ingredients in functional and health care foods that may be used to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer.