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Pharmaceuticals
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Exploring Natural Products with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties
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Exploring Natural Products with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2024 | Viewed by 9166

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sikiru Olaitan Balogun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Health Sciences (FCS), Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados, MS, Brazil
Interests: ethnobotany; ethnopharmacology; anti-cancer; organoids models; anti-inflammatory
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Edson Lucas Dos Santos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Group on Biotechnology and Bioprospecting Applied to Metabolism (GEBBAM), Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados, MS, Brazil
Interests: antioxidants; cytotoxicity; antitumor action; cancer and prospection of bioactive molecules of natural and synthetic origin
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer remains the second foremost global cause of mortality. It is estimated that by 2030 cancer would lead to almost 13 million deaths worldwide.  Moreover, cancer therapies are constrained by the emergence of drug resistance and other associated challenges.  Undoubtedly, there is a need for new drugs which might involve combinations with natural compounds for better outcomes.  Since oxidation has been implicated in the progression and development of cancer, antioxidants have been suggested as one of the viable solutions in the treatment of cancer. This is because antioxidants play significant roles in the preservation of cellular integrity, and therefore, a crucial role in sustaining the homeostasis of the host immune system.

In this Special Issue, we welcome submissions of well-designed studies, relying on scientific methods and statistical analysis, that explore natural products—be it from plants, fungus, animals or other sources—which possess anticancer and antioxidant properties. 

Dr. Sikiru Olaitan Balogun
Dr. Edson Lucas Dos Santos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antioxidant
  • anticancer
  • neoplasms
  • natural products
  • cytotoxicity

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1988 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Effects of Senna rugosa Leaf and Root Extracts on Human Leukemia Cell Lines
by Cintia Miranda dos Santos, Debora da Silva Baldivia, David Tsuyoshi Hiramatsu de Castro, José Tarciso de Giffoni Carvalho, Alex Santos Oliveira, Paola dos Santos da Rocha, Jaqueline Ferreira Campos, Sikiru Olaitan Balogun, Caio Fernando Ramalho de Oliveira, Denise Brentan da Silva, Carlos Alexandre Carollo, Kely de Picoli Souza and Edson Lucas dos Santos
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(8), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17080974 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1109
Abstract
Senna rugosa is a species found in the Cerrado and used in folk medicine as a vermifuge and in the treatment of poisonous snakebites accidents. In this work, we identified the main secondary metabolites present in ethanolic extracts of the leaves (ELSR) and [...] Read more.
Senna rugosa is a species found in the Cerrado and used in folk medicine as a vermifuge and in the treatment of poisonous snakebites accidents. In this work, we identified the main secondary metabolites present in ethanolic extracts of the leaves (ELSR) and roots (ERSR) of S. rugosa and evaluated the potential cytoprotective effect against cellular macromolecular damage, as well as the cytotoxic properties of the extracts on the K562 and Jurkat leukemic cell lines. The identification of metabolites was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activities were investigated by direct ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical scavenging methods, protection against oxidative damage in proteins, and DNA. Cytotoxic properties were investigated against healthy cells, isolated from human peripheral blood (PBMC) and leukemic cell lines. The leaf extracts contained catechin, rutin, epigallocatechin derivatives, kaempferol glycosides, luteolin, and dimeric and trimeric procyanidins, while the root extract profile showed obtusichromoneside derivatives, 2-methoxystypandrone, stilbene derivatives, naphthopyranones, and flavanone derivatives. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 4.86 ± 0.51 μg/mL and 8.33 ± 0.90 μg/mL in the ABTS assay for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. Furthermore, in the DPPH• assay, the IC50 was 19.98 ± 1.96 μg/mL for ELSR and 13.37 ± 1.05 μg/mL for ERSR. The extracts protected macromolecules against oxidative damage at concentrations of 5 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity test against leukemic strains was observed after 24 and 48 h of treatment. After 48 h, results against the K562 cell line demonstrate an IC50 of 242.54 ± 2.38 μg/mL and 223.00 ± 2.34 μg/mL for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. While against the Jurkat cell line, these extracts showed an IC50 of 171.45 ± 2.25 μg/mL and 189.30 ± 2.27 μg/mL, respectively. The results pertaining to PBMC viability demonstrated that the extracts showed selectivity for the leukemic cell lines. Together, our results reveal that the leaves and roots of S. rugosa have completely distinct and complex chemical compositions and expand their significant pharmacological potential in oxidative stress and leukemia conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Natural Products with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties)
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19 pages, 8332 KiB  
Article
Antimycobacterial and Anticancer Properties of Myrtus communis Leaf Extract
by Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, Lamis Ahmad Memish, Serag Eldin Elbehairi, Nasreena Bashir, Faris Saif Masoud, Ali A. Shati, Mohammad Y. Alfaifi, Ahmad M. Alamri, Sultan Ahmad Alkahtani and Irfan Ahmad
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(7), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17070872 - 2 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1039
Abstract
Background: Plant-derived products or extracts are widely used in folk/traditional medicine to treat several infections, ailments, or disorders. A well-known medicinal herb, Myrtus communis is an evergreen fragrant plant native to the Mediterranean region that has been used for ages in traditional medicine [...] Read more.
Background: Plant-derived products or extracts are widely used in folk/traditional medicine to treat several infections, ailments, or disorders. A well-known medicinal herb, Myrtus communis is an evergreen fragrant plant native to the Mediterranean region that has been used for ages in traditional medicine around the world. Materials and methods: The microplate alamarBlue assay and the well diffusion method were used to evaluate the zone of inhibition and MIC, respectively. The double-disc diffusion method was used to investigate the synergy between antibiotics and the extract. The crystal violet method was used to investigate biofilm development. The SulphoRhodamine-B assay and DNA flow cytometry were used to investigate the proliferation and subsequent distribution of cells among different phases of the cell cycle. The apoptotic and necrotic phases of the cancer cells were examined using flow cytometry in conjunction with Annexin V-FITC/PI labeling. Using the IBM SPSS statistical program, a one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test was employed for statistical analysis. Results: The ethanolic leaf extract of M. communis showed a strong growth inhibition effect (zone of inhibition: 20.3 ± 1.1–26.3 ± 2.5 mm, MIC: 4.88–312.5 µg/mL, and MBC: 39.07–1250 μg/mL) against several rapidly growing and slow-growing mycobacterial strains in a dose-dependent manner. Damage to the cell wall of bacterial cells was determined to be the cause of the antimycobacterial action. The extract inhibited biofilm formation (MBIC of 9.7 µg/mL) and eradicated already-formed mature and ultra-mature biofilms of M. smegmatis, with MBEC values of 78 µg/mL and 156 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the extract exhibited potent anticancer effects against diverse cancer cell lines of the breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2), cervix (HeLa), and colon (HCT116) (IC50 for HCT116: 83 ± 2.5, HepG2: 53.3 ± 0.6, MCF-7: 41.5 ± 0.6, and HeLa: 33.3 ± 3.6) by apoptosis after arresting the cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Conclusions: These results suggest that M. communis leaf extract is a potential source of secondary metabolites that could be further developed as potential anticancer and antimycobacterial agents to treat diverse types of cancers and mycobacterial infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Natural Products with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties)
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21 pages, 9858 KiB  
Article
Chemopreventive Potential of Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Extract against Colon and Liver Cancer Using a Dual-Organ Rat Carcinogenesis Model
by Chonikarn Singai, Pornsiri Pitchakarn, Sirinya Taya, Warunyoo Phannasorn, Rawiwan Wongpoomchai and Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(7), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17070818 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 824
Abstract
Humans are frequently exposed to various carcinogens capable of inducing cancer in multiple organs. Phyllanthus emblica (P. emblica) is known for its strong antioxidant properties and potential in cancer prevention. However, its effectiveness against combined carcinogens remains relatively unexplored. This study [...] Read more.
Humans are frequently exposed to various carcinogens capable of inducing cancer in multiple organs. Phyllanthus emblica (P. emblica) is known for its strong antioxidant properties and potential in cancer prevention. However, its effectiveness against combined carcinogens remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to assess the chemopreventive potential of the ethanolic extract of P. emblica fruits against preneoplastic lesions in the liver and colon using a rat model. Rats were administered with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) to induce hepato- and colon carcinogenesis, respectively. The ethanolic extract of P. emblica fruit at 100 and 500 mg/kg bw significantly reduced the number of preneoplastic lesions in the liver by 74.7% and 55.6%, respectively, and in the colon by 39.2% and 40.8%, respectively. Similarly, the extract decreased the size of preneoplastic lesions in the liver by 75.2% (100 mg/kg bw) and 70.6% (500 mg/kg bw). Furthermore, the extract significantly reduced the cell proliferation marker in the liver by 70.3% (100 mg/kg bw) and 61.54% (500 mg/kg bw), and in the colon by 62.7% (100 mg/kg bw) and 60.5% (500 mg/kg bw). The ethanolic extract also enhanced liver antioxidant enzyme activities and demonstrated free radical scavenging in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Additionally, the dichloromethane fraction of P. emblica showed significant cancer prevention potential by reducing intracellular ROS and NO production by 61.7% and 35.4%, respectively, in RAW 264.7 macrophages. It also exhibited antimutagenic effects with a reduction of 54.0% against aflatoxin B1 and 52.3% against 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline-induced mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium. Finally, this study highlights the chemopreventive activity of P. emblica fruit extract against the initiation of early-stage carcinogenic lesions in the liver and colon in rats treated with dual carcinogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Natural Products with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties)
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0 pages, 2496 KiB  
Article
Regulatory Effect of Ficus carica Latex on Cell Cycle Progression in Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Insights from Gene Expression Analysis
by Muharrem Okan Cakir, Ugur Bilge, Arshia Ghanbari and G. Hossein Ashrafi
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(12), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16121723 - 12 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1632
Abstract
Cervical cancer presents a significant global health concern with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) identified as the main cause of this cancer. Although current treatment methods for cervical cancer can eliminate lesions, preventing metastatic spread and minimizing tissue damage remain a major challenge. Therefore, [...] Read more.
Cervical cancer presents a significant global health concern with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) identified as the main cause of this cancer. Although current treatment methods for cervical cancer can eliminate lesions, preventing metastatic spread and minimizing tissue damage remain a major challenge. Therefore, the development of a safer and innovative therapeutic approach is of the utmost importance. Natural products like fig latex, derived from the Ficus carica tree, have demonstrated promising anti-cancer properties when tested on cervical cancer cell lines. However, the specific mechanisms by which fig latex exerts its effects are still unknown. In this study, we conducted RNA-Seq analysis to explore how fig latex may counteract carcinogenesis in HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines, namely, CaSki (HPV type 16-positive) and HeLa (HPV type 18-positive). Our results from this investigation indicate that fig latex influences the expression of genes associated with the development and progression of cervical cancer, including pathways related to “Nonsense-Mediated Decay (NMD)”, “Cell Cycle regulation”, “Transcriptional Regulation by TP53”, and “Apoptotic Process”. This selective impact of fig latex on cancer-related pathways suggests a potential novel therapeutic approach for HPV-related cervical cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Natural Products with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties)
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Review

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26 pages, 1792 KiB  
Review
Plant Metabolomics: The Future of Anticancer Drug Discovery
by Ranin Dabbousy, Mohamad Rima, Rabih Roufayel, Mohamad Rahal, Christian Legros, Jean-Marc Sabatier and Ziad Fajloun
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101307 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 570
Abstract
Drug development from medicinal plants constitutes an important strategy for finding natural anticancer therapies. While several plant secondary metabolites with potential antitumor activities have been identified, well-defined mechanisms of action remained uncovered. In fact, studies of medicinal plants have often focused on the [...] Read more.
Drug development from medicinal plants constitutes an important strategy for finding natural anticancer therapies. While several plant secondary metabolites with potential antitumor activities have been identified, well-defined mechanisms of action remained uncovered. In fact, studies of medicinal plants have often focused on the genome, transcriptome, and proteome, dismissing the relevance of the metabolome for discovering effective plant-based drugs. Metabolomics has gained huge interest in cancer research as it facilitates the identification of potential anticancer metabolites and uncovers the metabolomic alterations that occur in cancer cells in response to treatment. This holds great promise for investigating the mode of action of target metabolites. Although metabolomics has made significant contributions to drug discovery, research in this area is still ongoing. In this review, we emphasize the significance of plant metabolomics in anticancer research, which continues to be a potential technique for the development of anticancer drugs in spite of all the challenges encountered. As well, we provide insights into the essential elements required for performing effective metabolomics analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Natural Products with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties)
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47 pages, 6532 KiB  
Review
Harnessing the Power of Polyphenols: A New Frontier in Disease Prevention and Therapy
by Mohamed El Oirdi
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060692 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2027
Abstract
There are a wide variety of phytochemicals collectively known as polyphenols. Their structural diversity results in a broad range of characteristics and biological effects. Polyphenols can be found in a variety of foods and drinks, including fruits, cereals, tea, and coffee. Studies both [...] Read more.
There are a wide variety of phytochemicals collectively known as polyphenols. Their structural diversity results in a broad range of characteristics and biological effects. Polyphenols can be found in a variety of foods and drinks, including fruits, cereals, tea, and coffee. Studies both in vitro and in vivo, as well as clinical trials, have shown that they possess potent antioxidant activities, numerous therapeutic effects, and health advantages. Dietary polyphenols have demonstrated the potential to prevent many health problems, including obesity, atherosclerosis, high blood sugar, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and neurological diseases. In this paper, the protective effects of polyphenols and the mechanisms behind them are investigated in detail, citing the most recent available literature. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the role of polyphenols in preventing and managing chronic diseases. The cited publications are derived from in vitro, in vivo, and human-based studies and clinical trials. A more complete understanding of these naturally occurring metabolites will pave the way for the development of novel polyphenol-rich diet and drug development programs. This, in turn, provides further evidence of their health benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Natural Products with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties)
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