Search Results (14)

Kalanchoe pinnata is used in traditional medicine to treat cancer, as it contains flavonoids and phenols known to regulate key cellular processes associated with cancer. Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women globally, presents ongoing challenges in treatment. The discovery of m⁶A methylation and its regulation by methylosome proteins offers novel therapeutic avenues for cancer management. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and epitranscriptomic effects of an aqueous extract from K. pinnata on MCF-7 (luminal A) and HCC1937 (triple-negative) breast cancer cells. Cell lines were treated with the aqueous K. pinnata extract, characterized by HPLC, for 72 h, followed by an assessment of cytotoxicity and migration. The expression of methylosome components METTL3 and FTO was measured using RT-PCR. m⁶A global methylation was assessed via colorimetry, and molecular docking studies were conducted. The results indicated that only HCC1937 cells exhibited altered migration capacity. This change was correlated in silico with the inhibition of METTL3 by luteolin and quercetin, constituents of the aqueous extract. METTL3, a methyltransferase, was overexpressed by scratch stimuli but was downregulated following K. pinnata treatment in both MCF-7 and HCC1937 cells. The FTO demethylase was overexpressed in both cell lines. In silico analysis suggested an interaction between FTO and compounds such as gallic acid and myricetin. Additionally, m⁶A global methylation decreased in MCF-7 cells but increased in HCC1937 cells, potentially affecting cell migration. Our findings indicate that K. pinnata influences both METTL3 and FTO, altering m⁶A methylation in a cell-type-dependent manner, with HCC1937 cells being particularly sensitive. Further research is required to elucidate the complete molecular mechanism of K. pinnata’s aqueous extract in breast cancer treatment. Full article

Skin aging is accelerated by inflammation processes generated by oxidative stress and external factors such as UV radiation. Plants belonging to the genus Kalanchoe that are rich sources of antioxidants could potentially strengthen the skin barrier if used as ingredients in cosmetic formulations. However, their use is limited due to the contents of bufadienolides, known cardiotoxins. This study aimed to establish a semi-quantitative profile of bufadienolides in the juices of K. blossfeldiana, K. daigremontiana, and K. pinnata using UHPLC combined with charged aerosol detection (CAD) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS). Additionally, the study determined the ability of bufadienolides to penetrate the skin barrier using the Bronaugh Diffusion Cell Apparatus and Strat-M membrane. The study also assessed the ferric and molybdenum-reducing powers, as well as the radical scavenging capabilities of these plants juices using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) methods. The in vitro antihyaluronidase and antityrosinase activities and sun protection factor (SPF) were evaluated spectrophotometrically, indicating moderate capability to inhibit the skin enzymes, but low SPF protection for all analyzed juices. The semi-qualitative analysis demonstrated the presence of bufadienolides occurring in two juices from K. daigremontiana and K. pinnata, with the highest contents of 1,3,5-bersaldegenin-orthoacetate, bryophyllin-A/bryotoxin-C, bersaldegenin-acetate/bryophyllin-C, and diagremontianin. After passing through the skin model, no bufadienolide compounds were present in the subcutaneous filtrate. Antiradical and reduction assays revealed the antioxidant potential of K. blossfeldiana and K. pinnata. These results indicate that Kalanchoe juices have antiaging potential and appear safe for dermal applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bryophyllum spp. preparations are widely used in Anthroposophic Medicine, most often for mental and behavioral disorders, including anxiety. Studies in animals revealed various anxiolytic and neurosedative effects for Bryophyllum pinnatum. We set out to investigate the effectiveness of Bryophyllum 50% chewable tablets, a product registered without indication by means of notification in Switzerland, in the treatment of anxiety symptoms in psychiatric and psychosomatic patients. Methods: A total of 99 patients with anxiety symptoms were recruited from the waiting list for an inpatient stay at the hospital “Klinik Arlesheim”, Department of Psychiatry and Psychosomatics; of these, 54 completed the study and returned fully completed questionnaires. Patients were treated with Bryophyllum 50% chewable tablets (350 mg tablets, made from leaf press juice, 3 × 2 per day; Weleda AG Arlesheim, Switzerland) and filled out questionnaires at baseline and after two and three weeks of tablet intake. The primary endpoint of the study was the change in anxiety symptoms measured with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: A clinically relevant decrease in BAI score from baseline (27.4 ± 12.0) to after two (22.4 ± 12.1; p < 0.001) and three (20.6 ± 12.9; p < 0.001) weeks of treatment was observed. Additional improvements were observed in the secondary endpoints (including in depression, sleep quality, and stress); tolerability and compliance were very good. Conclusions: The results suggest that Bryophyllum 50% chewable tablets have beneficial effects on anxiety-related symptoms. Since the study design does not allow us to conclude causality between treatment and observed improvements, a randomized clinical trial is urgently needed. Full article

Bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) is a significant rice disease. Aqueous crude extracts of Kalanchoe pinnata were shown to induce rice resistance against the disease. This study aims at testing the disease-reducing effects of K. pinnata leaf extracts using the liquid–liquid extraction method with three different solvents (dichloromethane, methanol, and water). This serves as a basis to select appropriate extracts for effective disease control. Three concentrations (1, 1.5, and 2%) of each extract were tested using seed soaking. The extracts did not show adverse effects on seed germination and seedling growth. Methanol extracts showed significantly different effects compared to those of the untreated control. The involvement of induced resistance in the disease reduction was shown through activities of the four defense-related and antioxidant enzymes, i.e., peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). Using 1% methanol extract, activities of POX and CAT involved in hydrogen peroxide production in rice tissues increased 1–4 days after pathogen inoculation (DAI) and remained at high levels until 6 DAI. Activities of PPO and PAL involved in resistance signaling pathways significantly increased after pathogen inoculation. Activities of the four enzymes generally increased after pathogen inoculation and reached higher levels with extract applications. Full article

Kalanchoe pinnata is a species widely used in traditional medicine in Latin America and southern Africa. This species has been reported to have different activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic, the latter being related to its flavonoid content. The aim of this study was to contribute to the standardization of the aqueous extract of flowers from Kalanchoe pinnata. Purification of chemical markers was carried out by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). Stability tests under stress conditions were conducted for the extract by using the chromatographic profiles analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detection (UPLC-PDA) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole-time of flight–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS-QTOF), with quantification of flavonoids by a validated UPLC-PDA method. Physicochemical variables of the plant material were within the limits established by official guides. Thirteen flavonoids present in the extract were identified, the major compounds being quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-D-glucuronide, purified by CPC. A range of total flavonoids for the extract from 8–13% was determined. Finally, through stability tests, it was observed that the extract was stable in most conditions but evidenced moderate degradations upon acid and basic hydrolysis. Through qualitative and quantitative chemical characterizations, it was possible to chemically standardize the aqueous extract of flowers from K. pinnata, with a high content of flavonoids, under parameters required by the WHO and pharmacopoeias. Full article

Plants have been used as sources of medicine since ancient times. Natural products have been used extensively in Chinese, ayurvedic and folk medicine. In addition, a significant portion of the world’s population still utilizes herbal medicine. Diabetes is a common ailment affecting almost 463 million people in the world. However, current medications exert harmful after-effects on patients, while herbal medicines have fewer adverse effects. Plants possess secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, etc., which exert numerous beneficial effects on health. Extensive research has been conducted over the years investigating and proving the hypoglycemic potential of various plants. The present paper reviews 37 such plants that are rich in phytoconstituents that possess a variety of pharmacological activities and have been experimentally proven to possess potentially hypoglycemic properties in animal models: Ficus racemosa, Agremone mexicana, Bombax ceiba, Cajanus cajan, Coccinia cordifolia, Momordica charantia, Syzygium cumini, Neolamarckia cadamba, Mangifera indica, Cocos nucifera, Tamarindus indica, Punica granatum, Azadirachta indica, Costus speciosus, Moringa oleifera, Andrographis paniculata, Ficus benghalensis, Anacardium occidentale, Annona squamosa, Boerhaavia diffusa, Catharanthus roseus, Cocculus hirsutus, Ficus hispida, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia catappa, Amaranthus tricolor, Blumea lacera, Piper betle leaves, Achyranthes aspera, Kalanchoe pinnata, Nelumbo nucifera, Mikania cordata, Wedelia chinensis, Murraya koenigii, Aloe barbadensis, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Asparagus racemosus. These 37 plant extracts exhibit antidiabetic activities through different mechanisms, including α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, increases in glucose uptake and the stimulation of insulin secretion. Full article

Kalanchoe species are succulents occurring in tropical regions. They have many biological and pharmacological properties. In this study, the cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of water and dichloromethane Kalanchoe fractions obtained from ethanol extracts of three Kalanchoe species—K. daigremontiana, K. pinnata, and K. blossfeldiana were estimated. The cytotoxic effect was assessed on human cancer cell lines—ovarian SKOV-3, cervical HeLa, breast MCF-7, and melanoma A375—by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The antimicrobial activity was estimated on selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains and on Candida albicans. The phytochemical analysis of selected Kalanchoe extracts was conducted by LC-QTOF-MS. The obtained results showed that the water fraction of K. blossfeldiana was active both on the tested cancer cells (IC₅₀ values were 28.28 ± 2.76 and 32.51 ± 0.69 µg/mL on HeLa and SKOV-3, respectively) and bacteria strains (MIC values were 16 and 32 µg/mL on S. epidermidis and S. aureus, respectively). The water fraction of K. pinnata also had a significant effect on S. epidermidis and S. aureus, with MIC values of 32 and 64 µg/mL, respectively. The water fraction of K. blossfeldiana triggered a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in the SKOV-3 and HeLa cells. This fraction did not significantly increase cellular oxidative stress level. The DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that the water fraction of K. blossfeldiana had a strong antioxidant effect (IC₅₀ was 9.44 ± 0.06 and 3.17 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively). The phytochemical analysis of the extracts of K. blossfeldiana and K. pinnata revealed the presence of at least 218 main components. The most frequently occurring were flavonol glycosides (31 metabolites), phenylpropanoids (13 metabolites), gallic acid derivatives (13 compounds), benzoic acid derived compounds (14 metabolites), and acyclic alcohol glycosides (16 compounds). In addition, proanthocyanidins were detected mainly in K. blossfeldiana. The study indicates that the water fraction of K. blossfeldiana has significant biological potential and can be further investigated towards anticancer and antimicrobial application. Full article

With healthcare costs rising, many affected by ailments are turning to alternative medicine for treatment. More people are choosing to complement their pharmacological regimen with dietary supplements from natural products. In this study, the compound composition of Kalanchoe Pinnata (K. pinnata) and the effects of combined preparations of K. pinnata and metformin on antioxidant activity in human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMMs) and human diabetic skeletal muscle myoblasts (DHSMMs) were investigated. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography fusion orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-OT-FTMS) identified biologically active flavanols in K. pinnata. The main compounds identified in locally grown K. pinnata were quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and avicularin. Antioxidant results indicated that a combinatorial preparation of K. pinnata with metformin may modulate antioxidant responses by increasing the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase and increasing levels of reduced glutathione. A combination of 50 μM and 150 μg/mL of metformin and K. pinnata, respectively, resulted in a significant increase in reduced glutathione levels in non-diabetic and diabetic human skeletal muscle myoblasts and H₂O_2-stress-induced human skeletal muscle myoblasts. Additionally, a K. pinnata treatment (400 µg/mL) alone significantly increased catalase (CAT) activity for non-diabetic and diabetic human skeletal muscle myoblasts and a H₂O_2-stress-induced human skeletal muscle myoblast cell line, while significantly lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, the treatment options were more effective at promoting cell viability after 24 h versus 72 h and did not promote cell viability after 72 h in H₂O₂-stress-induced HSMM cells. These treatment options show promise for treating oxidative-stress-mediated pathophysiological complications associated with type II diabetes. Full article

Cancer is a global public health problem that is related to different environmental and lifestyle factors. Although the combination of screening, prevention, and treatment of cancer has resulted in increased patient survival, conventional treatments sometimes have therapeutic limitations such as resistance to drugs or severe side effects. Oriental culture includes herbal medicine as a complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This study aimed to identify the bioactive ingredients in Kalanchoe pinnata, a succulent herb with ethnomedical applications for several diseases, including cancer, and reveal its anticancer mechanisms through a molecular approach. The herb contains gallic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, quercitrin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, bersaldegenin, bryophyllin a, bryophyllin c, bryophynol, bryophyllol and bryophollone, stigmasterol, campesterol, and other elements. Its phytochemicals participate in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, angiogenesis, metastasis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. They have the potential to act as epigenetic drugs by reverting the acquired epigenetic changes associated with tumor resistance to therapy—such as the promoter methylation of suppressor genes, inhibition of DNMT1 and DNMT3b activity, and HDAC regulation—through methylation, thereby regulating the expression of genes involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Nrf2/Keap1, MEK/ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. All of the data support the use of K. pinnata as an adjuvant in cancer treatment. Full article

The genus Kalanchoe, mostly indigenous from Madagascar and Tropical Africa, is widely traded for ornamental value. In this study, we provided an updated list of wild and cultivated Kalanchoe taxa in Ecuador; we analyzed the temporal–spatial pattern of their records, and we categorized the invasion status for each taxon and its environment preferences. The records of any taxa belonging to this genus were compiled from an extensive search using various information sources. Our results confirmed the presence of 16 taxa of Kalanchoe in the country. Seven species and a hybrid were detected in the wild. Kalanchoe densiflora, K. laxiflora, K. pinnata, K. tubiflora, and K. ×houghtonii were categorized as invasive. We detected invasive records of some of these plants in protected areas. Almost all taxa had at least one record as cultivated, suggesting that the invasion pathway is ornamental trade. Kalanchoe pinnata individuals in the wild were recorded in the four biogeographic regions of Ecuador, which could be associated with the wide range of precipitations and temperatures in which the species may dwell. Our study highlights the importance of reducing the ornamental value and limiting the use of Kalanchoe taxa with invasive potential in horticulture and promoting, instead, the use of indigenous species. Full article

Few species in the Kalanchoë genus form plantlets on their leaf margins as an asexual reproduction strategy. The limited molecular studies on plantlet formation show that an organogenesis ortholog, SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM) and embryogenesis genes, such as LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) and FUSCA3 are recruited during plantlet formation. To understand the mechanisms of two Kalanchoë plantlet-forming species with different modes of plantlet formation, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed. Differentially expressed genes between the developmental stages were clustered in K. daigremontiana (Raym.-Hamet and H. Perrier) and K. pinnata (Lam. Pers.), respectively. Of these gene clusters, GO terms that may be involved in plantlet formation of both species, such as signaling, response to wounding, reproduction, regulation of hormone level, and response to karrikin were overrepresented. Compared with the common GO terms, there were more unique GO terms overrepresented during the plantlet formation of each species. A more in-depth investigation is required to understand how these pathways are participating in plantlet formation. Nonetheless, this transcriptome analysis is presented as a reliable basis for future studies on plantlet formation and development in two Kalanchoë plantlet-forming species. Full article

Massive blood loss is still a great challenge for modern medicine. To stop the hemorrhage during the surgery or after injury apart from suturing or electrocoagulation, the most efficient method of hemostasis restoration is the use of hemostatic agents. Although there are numerous products on the market, there is still a need for biomaterials that are capable of fast and efficient bleeding management without affecting wound closure or embolism. Chitosan is known for its hemostatic activity; however, its quite poor mechanical properties and heterogenous chemical composition still needs some improvements to become superior compared to biological adhesives. The following study deals with the preparation and evaluation of chitosan-derived natural biomaterials containing Kalanchoe pinnata extract with the potential application as a blood-clotting agent. The materials were obtained under microwave-assisted conditions in two different forms (granules/dressing), whose chemical structure and morphology were studied. Their antioxidant properties have been proven. The chitosan-derived hemostatic agents exhibited superior blood sorption abilities and lack of cytotoxicity to L929 mouse fibroblasts. The study also showed the differences in biological properties depending on their preparation method. The potential mechanism of action was proposed as well as their potential in hemostasis revival. Full article

Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata are used interchangeably in traditional medicine for treating peptic ulcers and inflammatory problems. In this context, this study aims to characterize the chemical constituents and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the leaf juices of the two species in acute gastric lesions models. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer (UHPLC-MS) were performed for chemical characterization. Wistar rats were pre-treated orally with leaf juices (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) or ranitidine (50 mg/kg). The peaks observed in the chromatogram of K. brasiliensis showed similar mass spectra to flavonoid glycosides derived from patuletin and eupafolin, while K. pinnata showed mass spectra similar to compounds derived from quercetin, patuletin, eupafolin and kaempferol. K. brasiliensis at all doses and K. pinnata at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the lesions in the ethanol induction model. In the indomethacin induction model, both species showed significant results at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Also, the pre-treatment with leaf juices increased the antioxidant defense system, glutathione (GSH), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly decreased. Treatment with leaf juices led to the upregulation of zone occludes-1 (ZO-1) and the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and factor nuclear-κβ transcription (NF-κB-p65), while also showing a cytoprotective effect and maintaining mucus production. These findings show that the leaf juices of the two species showed gastroprotective effects on ethanol and gastric indomethacin injury which were a consequence of gastric inflammation suppression, antioxidant activity and the maintenance of cytoprotective defenses and mucosal structure architecture. Full article

To develop a new antioxidant, antibacterial and natural cosmetic ingredient without cytotoxicity to skin cells, bioactive molecules contained in Kalanchoe pinnata leaf methanolic extract were targeted using semi-preparative HPLC fractionation linked to biological activity tests. Chromatographic effluent was collected at the column outlet into a 96 deep-well microplate, filling successively all the wells. After freeze-drying, the microplate was ready to use for different biological tests such as antimicrobial activity on microorganisms, skin cell viability and antioxidant activity on human keratinocyte cells. The injection of only 2.64 mg of crude extract into the HPLC system reveals a good correlation between the chromatographic peaks and the different biological activities. One fraction is mainly of interest since good antibacterial and antioxidant activities without cytotoxicity are observed. The analysis of this fraction using mass spectrometry allows the identification of glycoside derivatives of quercetin, isorhamnetin and kaempferol. Thus, a correlation between biological activity and the presence of these flavonoids is obtained. This screening method allows a rapid fractionation associated with a biological activity evaluation and a first molecular identification, saving time by limiting sample treatments and solvent consumption. Full article