Nutrients

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15 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methanolic Extract of the Nutritional Plant (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Exhibits Anticancer Activity by Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Colorectal Cancer Cells

by Stefano Bianchini, Federica Bovio, Stefano Negri, Leonardo Bisson, Anna Lisa Piccinelli, Luca Rastrelli, Matilde Forcella and Paola Fusi

Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3742; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213742 - 31 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Diospyros kaki, the most widely cultivated species of persimmon, has been long used in traditional medicine since its leaves’ extracts contain high amounts of flavonoids and terpenoids, endowed with several beneficial effects. However, its anticancer activity towards colorectal cancer (CRC) has [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Diospyros kaki, the most widely cultivated species of persimmon, has been long used in traditional medicine since its leaves’ extracts contain high amounts of flavonoids and terpenoids, endowed with several beneficial effects. However, its anticancer activity towards colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been investigated in depth. Methods: The effect of a methanolic extract of D. kaki leaves, rich in kaempferol and quercetin derivatives, have been evaluated on an E705 CRC cell line, representative of most CRC patients, and on SW480 cells, carrying a KRAS-activating mutation. Results: This extract is effective in reducing tumor cells’ viability without affecting the healthy mucosa cell line CCD 841. In fact, Western blot experiments showed its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by increasing oxidative stress and disrupting mitochondrial functionality, as shown by reactive oxygen species measurement and Seahorse analysis. Conclusions: With the aim of increasing healthspan, as well as the substantial societal and macroeconomic costs associated with cancer, our results could pave the way to a role for D. kaki extract in both CRC treatment and prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)

18 pages, 15413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into Osteogenesis Induced by Crude Brassicaceae Seeds Extracts: A Role for Glucosinolates

by Laura Gambari, Eleonora Pagnotta, Luisa Ugolini, Laura Righetti, Emanuela Amore, Brunella Grigolo, Giuseppe Filardo and Francesco Grassi

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3457; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203457 - 12 Oct 2024

Viewed by 692

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Crude extracts from the Brassica genus have recently emerged as promising phytochemicals for preventing bone loss. While the most documented evidence suggests that their general biological activity is due to glucosinolates’ (GLSs’) hydrolysis products, the direct activity of GLSs is beginning [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Crude extracts from the Brassica genus have recently emerged as promising phytochemicals for preventing bone loss. While the most documented evidence suggests that their general biological activity is due to glucosinolates’ (GLSs’) hydrolysis products, the direct activity of GLSs is beginning to be uncovered. However, the contribution of GLSs to the bone-sparing activity of crude Brassicaceae extracts has seldom been addressed. Here, we aimed to gain insights into this gap by studying in the same in vitro model of human osteogenesis the effect of two Brassica seed extracts (Eruca sativa and Lepidium sativum) obtained from defatted seed meals, comparing them to the isolated GLSs most represented in their composition, glucoerucin (GER) and glucotropaeolin (GTL), for Eruca sativa and Lepidium sativum, respectively. Methods: Osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) was assessed by alizarin red staining assay and real-time PCR, respectively, evaluating mineral apposition and mRNA expression of specific osteogenic genes. Results: Both Brassica extracts and GLSs increased the osteogenic differentiation, indicating that the stimulating effect of Brassica extracts can be at least partially attributed to GLSs. Moreover, these data extend previous evidence of the effect of unhydrolyzed glucoraphanin (GRA) on osteogenesis to other types of GLSs: GER and GTL. Notably, E. sativa extract and GTL induced higher osteogenic stimulation than Lepidium sativum extract and GER, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, this study expands the knowledge on the possible application of Brassica-derived bioactive molecules as natural alternatives for the prevention and treatment of bone-loss pathologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)

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26 pages, 32576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aquilaria crassna Extract Exerts Neuroprotective Effect against Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Toxicity in Human SH-SY5Y Cells: An RNA-Seq-Based Transcriptome Analysis

by Nattaporn Pattarachotanant, Suporn Sukjamnong, Panthakarn Rangsinth, Kamonwan Chaikhong, Chanin Sillapachaiyaporn, George Pak-Heng Leung, Valerie W. Hu, Tewarit Sarachana, Siriporn Chuchawankul, Tewin Tencomnao and Anchalee Prasansuklab

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2727; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162727 - 16 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1373

Abstract

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is known to inhibit neurodifferentiation and induce neurodegeneration. Agarwood or Aquilaria crassna (AC), a plant with health-promoting properties, may counteract the neurotoxic effects of B[a]P by promoting neuronal growth and survival. This study investigated the protective effect of AC leaf ethanolic [...] Read more.

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is known to inhibit neurodifferentiation and induce neurodegeneration. Agarwood or Aquilaria crassna (AC), a plant with health-promoting properties, may counteract the neurotoxic effects of B[a]P by promoting neuronal growth and survival. This study investigated the protective effect of AC leaf ethanolic extract (ACEE) on the B[a]P-induced impairment of neuronal differentiation. A transcriptomic analysis identified the canonical pathway, the biological network, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that are changed in response to neuronal differentiation and neurogenesis. Several genes, including CXCR4, ENPP2, GAP43, GFRA2, NELL2, NFASC, NSG2, NGB, BASP1, and NEUROD1, in B[a]P-treated SH-SY5Y cells were up-regulated after treatment with ACEE. Notably, a Western blot analysis further confirmed that ACEE increased the protein levels of GAP43 and neuroglobin. B[a]P treatment led to decreased phosphorylation of Akt and increased phosphorylation of ERK in SH-SY5Y cells; however, ACEE was able to reverse these effects. Clionasterol and lupenone were identified in ACEE. Molecular docking showed that these two phytochemicals had significant interactions with CXCR4, GDNF family receptor alpha (GFRA), and retinoid X receptors (RXRs). In conclusion, ACEE may be a potential alternative medicine for the prevention of impaired neuronal differentiation and neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)

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18 pages, 5312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Strategy for Glioblastoma Treatment by Natural Bioactive Molecules Showed a Highly Effective Anti-Cancer Potential

by Alessandro Giammona, Mauro Commisso, Marcella Bonanomi, Sofia Remedia, Linda Avesani, Danilo Porro, Daniela Gaglio, Gloria Bertoli and Alessia Lo Dico

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2389; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152389 - 23 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1226

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a severe form of brain tumor that has a high fatality rate. It grows aggressively and most of the time results in resistance to traditional treatments like chemo- and radiotherapy and surgery. Biodiversity, beyond representing a big resource for [...] Read more.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a severe form of brain tumor that has a high fatality rate. It grows aggressively and most of the time results in resistance to traditional treatments like chemo- and radiotherapy and surgery. Biodiversity, beyond representing a big resource for human well-being, provides several natural compounds that have shown great potential as anticancer drugs. Many of them are being extensively researched and significantly slow GBM progression by reducing the proliferation rate, migration, and inflammation and also by modulating oxidative stress. Here, the use of some natural compounds, such as Allium lusitanicum, Succisa pratensis, and Dianthus superbus, was explored to tackle GBM; they showed their impact on cell number reduction, which was partially given by cell cycle quiescence. Furthermore, a reduced cell migration ability was reported, accomplished by morphological cytoskeleton changes, which even highlighted a mesenchymal–epithelial transition. Furthermore, metabolic studies showed an induced cell oxidative stress modulation and a massive metabolic rearrangement. Therefore, a new therapeutic option was suggested to overcome the limitations of conventional treatments and thereby improve patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)

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11 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Nasal Solution Incorporating Resveratrol and Carboxymethyl-Β-Glucan in Preschool Non-Atopic Children with Wheezing

by Cristiana Indolfi, Costanza Mignini, Francesco Valitutti, Ilaria Bizzarri, Giulio Dinardo, Angela Klain, Michele Miraglia del Giudice and Giuseppe Di Cara

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2197; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142197 - 10 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1080

Abstract

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) account for more than 80% of wheezing episodes in children with a high incidence of hospitalization in preschool age. Most children with symptoms of wheezing during an URTI are usually non-atopic. As the majority of wheezing episodes resulting [...] Read more.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) account for more than 80% of wheezing episodes in children with a high incidence of hospitalization in preschool age. Most children with symptoms of wheezing during an URTI are usually non-atopic. As the majority of wheezing episodes resulting from URTI are attributed to viral triggers, several studies have suggested the potential anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of resveratrol. This study aims to identify the effect of resveratrol for pediatric non-atopic patients with recurrent wheezing triggered by URTIs. We conducted a prospective single-blind study to assess the effectiveness of a short course of nasal solutions incorporating resveratrol and carboxymethyl-β-glucan, administered for 7 days at the onset of URTIs, compared to standard nasal lavage with 0.9% saline solution. A total of 19 patients entered the active group, 20 patients were assigned to the placebo group. The comparison of overall wheezing days (p < 0.001), mean wheezing days per month (p < 0.01), and wheezing episodes per patient (p < 0.001) in the two groups showed a significant reduction in the group receiving resveratrol compared with the placebo group, with less hospital access (p < 0.001) and oral corticosteroid administration (p < 0.01). Our findings seem to suggest that, in non-atopic children with recurrent wheezing secondary to URTIs, nasal resveratrol could be effective to prevent or reduce the occurrence of wheezing, when started from the onset of upper airway symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)

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24 pages, 9472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phyto-Photodynamic Therapy of Prostate Cancer Cells Mediated by Yemenite ‘Etrog’ Leave Extracts

by Efrat Hochma, Paul Ben Ishai, Michael A. Firer and Refael Minnes

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121820 - 10 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1084

Abstract

Cancer therapy, from malignant tumor inhibition to cellular eradication treatment, remains a challenge, especially regarding reduced side effects and low energy consumption during treatment. Hence, phytochemicals as cytotoxic sensitizers or photosensitizers deserve special attention. The dark and photo-response of Yemenite ‘Etrog’ leaf extracts [...] Read more.

Cancer therapy, from malignant tumor inhibition to cellular eradication treatment, remains a challenge, especially regarding reduced side effects and low energy consumption during treatment. Hence, phytochemicals as cytotoxic sensitizers or photosensitizers deserve special attention. The dark and photo-response of Yemenite ‘Etrog’ leaf extracts applied to prostate PC3 cancer cells is reported here. An XTT cell viability assay along with light microscope observations revealed pronounced cytotoxic activity of the extract for long exposure times of 72 h upon concentrations of 175 μg/mL and 87.5 μg/mL, while phototoxic effect was obtained even at low concentration of 10.93 μg/mL and a short introduction period of 1.5 h. For the longest time incubation of 72 h and for the highest extract concentration of 175 μg/mL, relative cell survival decreased by up to 60% (below the IC₅₀). In combined phyto-photodynamic therapy, a reduction of 63% compared to unirradiated controls was obtained. The concentration of extract in cells versus the accumulation time was inversely related to fluorescence emission intensity readings. Extracellular ROS production was also shown. Based on an ATR-FTIR analysis of the powdered leaves and their liquid ethanolic extract, biochemical fingerprints of both polar and non-polar phyto-constituents were identified, thereby suggesting their implementation as phyto-medicine and phyto-photomedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research

31 pages, 1497 KiB

Open AccessReview

Whole Plant Extracts for Neurocognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review of Neuropsychological and Preclinical Studies

by Alessandro Piva, Giulia Benvegnù, Stefano Negri, Mauro Commisso, Sofia Ceccato, Linda Avesani, Flavia Guzzo and Cristiano Chiamulera

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3156; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183156 - 18 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1035

Abstract

The incidence of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease, characterized by a progressive cognitive decline, is rising worldwide. Despite the considerable efforts to unveil the neuropsychological bases of these diseases, there is still an unmet medical need for effective therapies against cognitive [...] Read more.

The incidence of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease, characterized by a progressive cognitive decline, is rising worldwide. Despite the considerable efforts to unveil the neuropsychological bases of these diseases, there is still an unmet medical need for effective therapies against cognitive deficits. In recent years, increasing laboratory evidence indicates the potential of phytotherapy as an integrative aid to improve cognitive functions. In this review, we describe the data of plant whole extracts or single compounds’ efficacy on validated preclinical models and neuropsychological tests, aiming to correlate brain mechanisms underlying rodent behavioral responses to human findings. After a search of the literature, the overview was limited to the following plants: Dioscorea batatas, Ginkgo biloba, Melissa officinalis, Nigella sativa, Olea europaea, Panax ginseng, Punica granatum, and Vitis vinifera. Results showed significant improvements in different cognitive functions, such as learning and memory or visuospatial abilities, in both humans and rodents. However, despite promising laboratory evidence, clinical translation has been dampened by a limited pharmacological characterization of the single bioactive components of the herbal products. Depicting the contribution of the single phytochemicals to the phytocomplex’s pharmacological efficacy could enable the comprehension of their potential synergistic activity, leading to phytotherapy inclusion in the existing therapeutic package against cognitive decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)

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29 pages, 1223 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploiting Natural Niches with Neuroprotective Properties: A Comprehensive Review

by Hind Moukham, Alessia Lambiase, Giovanni Davide Barone, Farida Tripodi and Paola Coccetti

Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091298 - 26 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2770

Abstract

Natural products from mushrooms, plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria have been intensively explored and studied for their preventive or therapeutic potential. Among age-related pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases) represent a worldwide health and social problem. Since several pathological mechanisms are [...] Read more.

Natural products from mushrooms, plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria have been intensively explored and studied for their preventive or therapeutic potential. Among age-related pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases) represent a worldwide health and social problem. Since several pathological mechanisms are associated with neurodegeneration, promising strategies against neurodegenerative diseases are aimed to target multiple processes. These approaches usually avoid premature cell death and the loss of function of damaged neurons. This review focuses attention on the preventive and therapeutic potential of several compounds derived from natural sources, which could be exploited for their neuroprotective effect. Curcumin, resveratrol, ergothioneine, and phycocyanin are presented as examples of successful approaches, with a special focus on possible strategies to improve their delivery to the brain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Ingredients in Plants Related to Human Health)

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