Are chemical compounds in medical mushrooms potent against colorectal cancer carcinogenesis and antimicrobial growth?

After cardiovascular diseases, cancer is the second main cause of death globally. Mushrooms have been demonstrated to contain amalgamation with properties capable of inhibiting carcinogenesis and microbial growth, principally secondary metabolites such as quinolones, steroids, terpenes, anthraquinones, and benzoic acid derivatives among others. This study aimed to substantiate their potency concerning colon cancer carcinogenesis and antimicrobial growth. A systematic search of important literature was performed considering all the articles published until April 2022. Screening was performed by searching the BMC Springer, Elsevier, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, and MEDLINE databases. In addition, Google Scholar was used to supplement information. Titles and abstracts that matched the established criteria were selected for full-text article scrutiny and subsequently used in the updated present review. Bioactive compounds present in medicinal mushrooms such as ascorbic acid, organic acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, glycosides, phenols, linoleic acid, grifolin, and tocopherols among other compounds play a key role in suppressing the proliferation of cancerous cells and selectively act as antibacterial and antifungal agents. These metabolites actively scavenge oxygen free radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and nitrite radicals that would otherwise increase the risks of the growth and development of cancerous cells. Mushrooms' bioactive compounds and metabolites actively inhibit nuclear factor-kappa activation, protein kinase B processes, and ultimately the expression of Cyclooxygenases 2 in cancerous cells. Medicinal mushrooms should be considered as alternative natural chemo-preventive agents in the global fight against colon cancer and the evolution of drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, as they exhibit robust potency. They have not been reported to exhibit adverse harmful effects compared to synthetic chemotherapies, yet they have been reported to demonstrate significant beneficial effects.

Regulatory activities of Warbugia ugandensis ethanolic extracts on colorectal cancer-specific genome expression dose-dependently.

The evaluation of natural biomass sources is a promising strategy in accelerating the development of novel anti-cancer medications. Our study aimed to evaluate the activity of W. ugandensis ethanolic roots and stems extracts on the expression of five targeted genes (COX-2, CASPS-9, Bcl-xL, Bcl2 and 5-LOX) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (Caco-2). Plant extracts were obtained using serial exhaustive extraction and dissolved in Dimethyl sulfoxide appropriately for bioassay. Caco-2 cell lines were passaged, treated with plant extracts at varying concentrations and their RNA's isolated for evaluation. Our unique study reports on W. ugandensis as efficient natural inhibitors of CRC growth, by directly linking its phytoconstituents to; downregulation of COX-2, 5-LOX, Bcl-xL, Bcl2 and upregulation of CASPS9 genes dose-dependently. We present W. ugandensis ethanolic roots and stems extracts as promising natural inhibitors for CRC carcinogenesis and recommend in vivo and subsequent clinical trials, with substantial clinical effects postulated. We further suggest studies on identification and characterization of the specific metabolites in W. ugandensis involved in the modulatory mechanisms, resulting to inhibition of CRC growth and possible metastases.

Modulatory Properties of Aloe secundiflora's Methanolic Extracts on Targeted Genes in Colorectal Cancer Management.

Colon tumors have a very complicated and poorly understood pathogenesis. Plant-based organic compounds might provide a novel source for cancer treatment with a sufficient novel mode of action. The objective of this study was to analyze and evaluate the efficacy of Aloe secundiflora's (AS) methanolic extracts on the expression of CASPS9, 5-LOX, Bcl2, Bcl-xL, and COX-2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) management. Caco-2 cell lines were used in the experimental study. In the serial exhaustive extraction (SEE) method, methanol was utilized as the extraction solvent. Upon treatment of CASPS9 with the methanolic extracts, the expression of the genes was progressively upregulated, thus, dose-dependently increasing the rate of apoptosis. On the other hand, the expressions of 5-LOX, Bcl2, and Bcl-xL were variably downregulated in a dose-dependent manner. This is a unique novel study that evaluated the effects of AS methanolic extracts in vitro on CRC cell lines using different dosage concentrations. We, therefore, recommend the utilization of AS and the application of methanol as the extraction solvent of choice for maximum modulatory benefits in CRC management. In addition, we suggest research on the specific metabolites in AS involved in the modulatory pathways that suppress the development of CRC and potential metastases.

The antioxidant potential of different edible and medicinal mushrooms.

Mushroom consumption has grown extraordinarily owing to their high nutritional value, desirable taste, and aroma. Mushrooms continue generating lots of interest chiefly in their consumption as food, as a cure for different ailments, as well as important goods for commerce throughout the globe owing to their dietary, antioxidant, and therapeutic values. Higher Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes mushrooms have different properties with anticancer and immunological potential. They as well provide vital health benefits and display a wide-ranging continuum of pharmacological effects. The antioxidant activity of different mushrooms was reviewed for different radicals including DPPH, ABTS, OH, Nitrite, metals, and lipid peroxidation. The present review presents pharmacological activities of different species of edible and medicinal mushrooms. This review provides tangible evidence that these mushrooms are an excellent source of natural constituents and antioxidants with potential application in pharmaceuticals and in treating and managing different diseases.

Medicinal plants with anti-colorectal cancer bioactive compounds: Potential game-changers in colorectal cancer management.

Development and identification of molecular compounds capable of killing or inhibiting transformed cells promoting carcinogenesis without inducing toxic effects to the normal cells are of utmost significance. A systematic review was conducted in screening for important literature was extensively performed by searching the Web of Science, Ovid, BMC Springer, Elsevier, Embase, and MEDLINE databases for optimum selectivity. Google Scholar was also used to supplement information. Pharmacotherapeutic biomolecules active against colon cancer carcinogenesis in Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana (bananas), Punica granatum L (pomegranate), Glycine max (Soybean), Brassica oleracea L var. italica Plenck (Broccoli), and Hibiscus rosa-sinesis and Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) were evaluated. Signaling pathways like phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (AKT), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) correlate the mediation of COX-2 expression. Increased levels of COX-2 are correlated with the occurrence and progression of colon cancer. Natural antioxidants in herbal plants including polyphenols and carotenoids inhibit the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and thereby preventing the initiation of oxidizing chain reactions. These bioactive compounds should be considered an important dietary supplement.

An empirical assessment of the factors influencing acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine uptake between Kenyan and Hungarian residing populations: A cross-sectional study.

The development of effective, safe, and acceptable vaccines is a long process. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy continues to elicit mixed reactions among different quarters despite numerous evidence of their effectiveness. This study aimed to determine the availability and acceptance rates of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, among Kenyan and Hungarian residing populations and the underlying reasons contributing to the hesitancy of uptake. A non-probability, snowball sampling design was employed, and a survey questionnaire tool link was expeditiously disseminated. Data were carefully analyzed descriptively. Demographic variables, COVID-19 awareness, possible exposure, reasons associated with hesitancy in taking up a vaccine, choice of a vaccine, and availability of vaccines among other important variables were tested to explore their associations with vaccine acceptance rates between the two distinct countries. A total of 1960 participants were successfully enrolled in the research study, while 67 participants were excluded based on the inclusion criterion set. There was, however, no significant difference in COVID-19 public awareness between the Kenyan and Hungarian-residing participants, p = 0.300. Of the respondents, 62.4% were willing and ready to receive vaccines against COVID-19 disease. There was a significant difference (p = 0.014) between the Kenyan and Hungarian-residing respondents concerning vaccine uptake and acceptance rates. The vaccine acceptance rates in Hungary were higher than in Kenya, with mean = 0.27, SD = 0.446, S. E = 0.045 for the Hungarian population sample and mean = 0.40, SD = 0.492, S. E = 0.026, for the Kenyan sample respectively. Concerning gender and vaccine acceptance, there was a notable significant difference between males and females, p = 0.001, where the mean for males and females were 0.29 and 0.46 respectively. Acceptance rates among males were higher than among females. The functions of One-Way ANOVA and Chi-square were used to establish any significant differences and associations between means and variables respectively. Concerns regarding the safety, efficacy, and accuracy of information about the developed vaccines are significant factors that must be promptly addressed, to arrest crises revolving around COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, especially in Kenya and among females in both populations, where acceptance rates were lower. Expansion of the screening program to incorporate antibody (serology) tests, is also highly recommended in the present circumstance. Equitable distribution of vaccines globally should be encouraged and promoted to adequately cover low- and middle-income countries. To enhance effective combat on vaccination hesitancy and apprehension in different countries, mitigation techniques unique to those countries must be adopted.

The medicinal properties of Cassia fistula L: A review.

Medicinal plant species contain vast and unexploited riches of chemical substances with high medical potential making these plant species valuable as biomedicine sources. Cassia fistula L is an important medicinal plant used in many traditional medicinal systems including Ayurveda and Chinese Traditional Medicine. It is a deciduous medium sized tree with elongated and rod-shaped fruits having pulp and have bright yellow flowers, earning the name 'Yellow Shower'. The present review provides a version of updated information on its botanical description and pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, hepatoprotective among other activities. Pharmacological reviews on medicinal plants will provide valuable information; thus, Cassia fistula L can provide important discoveries of valuable bioactive natural products facilitating in developing novel pharmaceuticals products.