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Proven the great potential of essential oils as anticancer agents, the current study intended to explore molecular mechanisms responsible for in vitro and in vivo anti-colon cancer efficacy of essential oil containing oleo-gum resin extract (RH) of Mesua ferrea . MTT cell viability studies showed that RH had broad spectrum cytotoxic activities. However, it induced more profound growth inhibitory effects towards two human colon cancer cell lines i.e. , HCT 116 and LIM1215 with an IC 50 values of 17.38 ± 0.92 and 18.86 ± 0.80 μg/mL respectively. RH induced relatively less toxicity in normal human colon fibroblasts i.e. , CCD-18co. Cell death studies conducted, revealed that RH induced characteristic morphological and biochemical changes in HCT 116. At protein level it down-regulated expression of multiple pro-survival proteins i.e. , survivin, xIAP, HSP27, HSP60 and HSP70 and up-regulated expression of ROS, caspase-3/7 and TRAIL-R2 in HCT 116. Furthermore, significant reduction in invasion, migration and colony formation potential was observed in HCT 116 treated with RH. Chemical characterization by GC–MS and HPLC methods revealed isoledene and elemene as one the major compounds. RH showed potent antitumor activity in xenograft model. Overall, these findings suggest that RH holds a promise to be further studied for cheap anti-colon cancer naturaceutical development.

This study describes UV-Visible (UV-Vis) performance of urea beads coated with banana peels bioplastics and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50). Both banana peels bioplastics and ENR-50 were used as coating materials to the urea beads. Three different type of salts which are NaCl, MgCl2 and MgSO4 with different concentrations was added to this coating materials to produce pores and later modify the release rate of urea. UV-Vis spectroscopy techniques was applied to study the performance of urea release rate. The results of 30 days release study indicate the performance of coating materials is depend on types and its salts concentration. The addition of 5 wt% of MgSO4 salt recorded lowest urea concentration at 3 mg/mL, followed by 15 wt% of NaCl at 4.4 mg/mL and 5 wt% of MgCl2 at 9 mg/mL respectively.

Aquilaria crassna is an Asian traditional plant with diverse Pharmaceutical and industrial properties. Different extraction methods affect the yield and functional activities of the plant products. The current study was designed to measure the performances of five extraction methods (supercritical-fluid extraction SFE, hydrodistillation, steamdistillation, n-hexane and ethanol) on agarwood samples. The stem bark extracts were subjected for anti-proliferative effect using common cancer cell lines (colorectal, pancreatic, prostate and breast). In addition, the scavenging activity was evaluated using two methods (diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The present of essential oils was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hydrodistillation and (SFE) extracts provided the highest yield with significant antioxidant and anticancer results.

The utilization of spent mushroom substrate as potential substrate for bioprotein production is being explored in this study. The objectives of this study were to screen three different types of fungi in bioprotein production from spent mushroom substrate and to optimize the process condition of the best fungi for production of bioprotein by using Design Expert Software. In this present study, screening of three different strains; Aspergillus terreus UniMAP AA-1, Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) and Phanerochaete chrysosporium (ATCC 24725), was done for bioprotein production by solid state fermentation process. P. chrysosporium produced the highest amount of protein on the sixth day, with the amount of 0.3951 mg/mL. Optimization of two parameters; substrate concentration and inoculum size for the selected fungi, P. chrysosporium was done conducted by Response Surface Methodology (RSM): Central Composite Design (CCD) to investigate optimal condition of bioprotein production. The optimum condition for P. chrysosporium to produce bioprotein using SMS was achieved at 60% of substrate concentration and 15% (w/v) of inoculum size with maximum protein concentration of 0.3812 mg/mL.

The ring-opening reaction of epoxide units in an epoxidized natural rubber/titania (ENR-50/TiO2) hybrid in the presence of acetic acid was studied using NMR techniques as well as FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal characteristics of the hybrid were evaluated using TG/DTG and DSC analyses. 1H NMR results suggest that 86.51% of the epoxide rings had opened in the hybrid, and the 13C NMR results revealed new peaks from the hybrid at δ 22.3, 34.8 and 72.2 ppm. 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC and COSY) techniques further confirmed these assignments. FTIR spectra showed a characteristic Ti-O-C peak at 1028 cm−1. The TG/DTG results showed four decomposition steps at 30-159, 229-325, 325-466 and 664-825 °C due to the presence of Ti moieties along with the mixture of polymer chains i.e., the ring-opened and intact epoxides of ENR-50, which also led to an increase in the Tg value of the hybrid (27.8 °C) compared with purified ENR-50 (-17.7 °C).

Considering the great potential of natural products as anticancer agents, the present study was designed to explore the molecular mechanisms responsible for anticancer activities of Mesua ferrea stem bark extract against human colorectal carcinoma. Based on MTT assay results, bioactive sub-fraction (SF-3) was selected for further studies using HCT 116 cells. Repeated column chromatography resulted in isolation of less active α-amyrin from SF-3, which was identified and characterized by GC-MS and HPLC methods. α-amyrin and betulinic acid contents of SF-3 were measured by HPLC methods. Fluorescent assays revealed characteristic apoptotic features, including cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation, and marked decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in SF-3 treated cells. In addition, increased levels of caspases-9 and -3/7 levels were also observed in SF-3 treated cells. SF-3 showed promising antimetastatic properties in multiple in vitro assays. Multi-pathway analysis revealed significant down-regulation of WNT, HIF-1α, and EGFR with simultaneous up-regulation of p53, Myc/Max, and TGF-β signalling pathways in SF-3 treated cells. In addition, promising growth inhibitory effects were observed in SF-3 treated HCT 116 tumour spheroids, which give a hint about in vivo antitumor efficacy of SF-3 phytoconstituents. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that anticancer effects of SF-3 towards colon cancer are through modulation of multiple molecular pathways.

The ring opening reaction of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) in the presence of potassium hydroxide/isopropanol solution was studied using NMR, and it's thermal characteristic was investigated using TG/DTG and DSC. 1H-NMR showed that 16.9% of epoxide units was ring-opened in treated ENR-50, which was also supported by quantitative FTIR spectroscopy. 13C-NMR proved the location of alkyl group (isopropyl) in the polymer chain of treated ENR-50. The attachment location of isopropyl occurred at both most (↑) and least (↓) hindered carbons of the epoxide. 2D-NMR was used to identify and scrutinize the triad assignment of treated ENR-50. The TG/DTG results presented three decomposition steps at 190-331, 331-521 and 521–706 °C due to the existence of mixtures of polymer chains i.e. ring-opened and intact epoxide of ENR-50, which also led to increase in Tg of treated ENR-50 at 13.2 °C compared with purified ENR-50 at −17.7 °C.

Earlier, a protein profile of Bufo asper skin secretion had been identified. The crud skin extract possessed antimicrobial activity against wide range of pathogenic bacteria. In the present communication, the anti-proliferative and apoptogenic properties of toad’s skin secretion (TSS) have been evaluated in colorectal cancer cell line. The anti-proliferative activity of TSS was tested over HCT 116 and CCD-18Co cells by MTT assay. Hoechst and rhodamine staining and caspases 3 and 7 were evaluated in order to verify cell death and apoptosis. TSS exhibited potent dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against human colorectal cancer cell line HCT 116 cells with an IC50 (15± 1.19 μg/mL). Conversely, the viability of normal colonic fibroblasts cell line CCD-18Co was much less affected by similar doses of TSS. Morphological studies by microscope on HCT 116 cells indicated certain events of apoptosis such as nuclear shrinkage, membrane blebbing and vacuolization of cells. This was further supported by activation of caspases 3 and 7. Considering the growing interest of developing naturally occurring host-defense peptides for new anticancer agents, data presented in this work strongly reinforce the validity of Bufo asper skin secretion as a rich source of new anticancer compounds.

We recently reported the antineovascularization effect of scopoletin on rat aorta and identified its potential anti-angiogenic activity. Scopoletin could be useful as a systemic chemotherapeutic agent against angiogenesis-dependent malignancies if its antitumorigenic activity is investigated and scientifically proven using a suitable human tumor xenograft model. In the present study, bioassay-guided (anti-angiogenesis) phytochemical investigation was conducted on Nicotiana glauca extract which led to the isolation of scopoletin. Further, anti-angiogenic activity of scopoletin was characterized using ex vivo, in vivo and in silico angiogenesis models. Finally, the antitumorigenic efficacy of scopoletin was studied in human colorectal tumor xenograft model using athymic nude mice. For the first time, an in vivo anticancer activity of scopoletin was reported and characterized using xenograft models. Scopoletin caused significant suppression of sprouting of microvessels in rat aortic explants with IC50 (median inhibitory concentration) 0.06μM. Scopoletin (100 and 200mg/kg) strongly inhibited (59.72 and 89.4%, respectively) vascularization in matrigel plugs implanted in nude mice. In the tumor xenograft model, scopoletin showed remarkable inhibition on tumor growth (34.2 and 94.7% at 100 and 200mg/kg, respectively). Tumor histology revealed drastic reduction of the extent of vascularization. Further, immunostaining of CD31 and NG2 receptors in the histological sections confirmed the antivascular effect of scopoletin in tumor vasculature. In computer modeling, scopoletin showed strong ligand affinity and binding energies toward the following angiogenic factors: protein kinase (ERK1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). These results suggest that the antitumor activity of scopoletin may be due to its strong anti-angiogenic effect, which may be mediated by its effective inhibition of ERK1, VEGF-A, and FGF-2.

Background : Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors which remains a rampant killer across the globe. Lack of early diagnosis and toxic drugs have failed to improve the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients, thus new agents that are safe, available and effective are urgently needed. Objective : The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Agarwood essential oils in the inhibition of metastasis and induction of apoptosis in the pancreatic cell line (MIA PaCa-2). Methods : Essential oils of Aquilaria crassna were obtained by hydrodistillation. Chemical characterization was analyzed using FTIR and GCMS. The effects of essential oils against three steps of metastases have been investigated, including cell proliferation, migration and clonogenicity. Hoechst and rhodamine assays confirmed the mechanism of pancreatic cancer cell death. Results : The results showed that essential oils exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against MIA PaCa-2 cells with an IC50 (11± 2.18 lg/ml). Cell migration was effectively inhibited at (10 lg/ml). Moreover, at a sub-toxic dose (5 lg/mL), essential oils obstructed the colony formation properties of MIA PaCa-2 significantly. The mechanism of cell death was determined due to the induction of nuclear condensation and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential in the cells. Interestingly, several active components were existed in the chemical profile of the essential oils extract such as b-Caryophyllene, 1-Phenanthrenecarboxylic acid, azulene, naphthalene and Cyclodecene. Conclusion : The present study elucidated for the first time the anti-pancreatic cancer properties of A. crassna essential oils, It can be concluded that the anticancer effects of the extract could be due to the synergistic effect of the biologically active phytoconstituents present in the essential oils. Keywords : Essential oils; Agarwood; Aquilaria crassna; Pancreatic cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most aggressive malignant solid tumors which remain a rampant killer across the world. Toxic drugs have failed to reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of CRC patients. In addition, adoption of cancer-causing behaviors has increased the globule burden of CRC. Inappropriate lifestyle such as, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and poor dirty components, all of which have been reported to aggravate the CRC incidence worldwide. In this regard, there is a growing awareness and increasing interest in cancer prevention approaches focusing on environmental and behavioral interventions, where specific carcinogenic factors implicated in cancer initiation, promotion and progression may be triggered. In this communication we report the role of life style patterns and nutritional components in the modulation of CRC, and discuss the possible biological mechanism which involve in CRC pathogenesis. The findings indicate that smoking and alcohol consumption release a wide range of carcinogenic compounds such as, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and acetaldehyde which can cause DNA damage and alter the function of tumor suppressor genes. Moreover, the link between obesity and CRC has been detected in several studies, whereby obesity induces insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, resulted in NF-κB and IGF-1 activation. In contrast, an inverse association between physical activity and cancer incidence has been constantly observed; the risk of CRC has been reduced 10-60% in the regular physical activity. With respect to nutritional components, compelling evidence indicates that avoidance of high intake of processed red meat, highly refined grains, starches, sugar and salt, and replacing them with poultry, fish, unrefined grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits are strongly associated with lower risks of CRC.

The present study reports a bioassay-guided isolation of β-caryophyllene from the essential oil of Aquilaria crassna. The structure of β-caryophyllene was confirmed using FT-IR, NMR and MS. The antimicrobial effect of β-caryophyllene was examined using human pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Its anti-oxidant properties were evaluated by DPPH and FRAP scavenging assays. The cytotoxicity of β-caryophyllene was tested against seven human cancer cell lines. The corresponding selectivity index was determined by testing its cytotoxicity on normal cells. The effects of β-caryophyllene were studied on a series of in vitro antitumor-promoting assays using colon cancer cells. Results showed that β-caryophyllene demonstrated selective antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC 3 ± 1.0 µM) and more pronounced anti-fungal activity than kanamycin. β-Caryophyllene also displayed strong antioxidant effects. Additionally, β-caryophyllene exhibited selective anti-proliferative effects against colorectal cancer cells (IC50 19 µM). The results also showed that β-caryophyllene induces apoptosis via nuclear condensation and fragmentation pathways including disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. Further, β-caryophyllene demonstrated potent inhibition against clonogenicity, migration, invasion and spheroid formation in colon cancer cells. These results prompt us to state that β-caryophyllene is the active principle responsible for the selective anticancer and antimicrobial activities of A. crassnia. β-Caryophyllene has great potential to be further developed as a promising chemotherapeutic agent against colorectal malignancies.

A structural study of ring opening reaction of purified epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with acetic acid was conducted using the NMR techniques and its thermal characteristic was evaluated with Thermal gravimetry/Differential Thermal Gravimetry (TG/DTG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses. 1H-NMR revealed that 19.56% of epoxide was ring-opened from the total amount of the epoxide unit in ENR-50 and this was supported by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. 13C-NMR suggests the fixation of alkyl (R) i.e., acetate group to the epoxide carbon via ester linkage and formation of hydroxyl groups in the polymer chains. The attachment location of R occurred at both most (↑) and least (↓) hindered carbons of the epoxide. The TG/DTG results of acid treated ENR-50 showed three decomposition steps at 235–338, 338–523, 523–627 °C due to the presence of the polymer chains mixture, i.e., ring-opened and intact epoxide of ENR-50. This increases the Tg value of acid treated ENR-50 at 24.6 °C as compared to purified ENR-50 at −17.7 °C. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44123.

Background Orthosiphon stamineus is used traditionally to treat gout, arthritis, and inflammatory related conditions. The in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of the plant have been scientifically investigated. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the potential of the 50% ethanol extract of O. stamineus (EOS) to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Anti-arthritic activity was assessed using the in vitro heat denaturation test and the (FCA)-induced arthritis model. Efficacy was assessed by measurements of paw edema and granulation, X-ray radiography, fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), and histological evaluation. Levels of (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and (COX-1 and COX-2) were analyzed in vitro in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human macrophage (U937). TNF-α and IL-1 levels in the serum samples of arthritic rats were also measured using an ELISA kit. Results Treatment with EOS resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of paw edema in acute and chronic models of inflammation. It also inhibited significantly the production of TNF-α, IL-1 COX-1, and COX-2 in the LPS-stimulated U937 macrophages. EOS significantly suppressed FCA-induced paw edema as well as the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1. X-rays of the synovial joint of the hind leg showed considerable improvement in joint integrity and recovery of tibia-talus bones from degeneration and osteoporotic lesions. Histology of proximal interphalangeal joints of EOS-treated animals showed obvious protection of cartilage and soft tissue. Finally, FMT analysis strongly supported the anti-arthritic effect of EOS. EOS had high phenolic and total flavonoid content as well as strong antioxidant activity. Conclusions Results illustrated that the anti-arthritic properties of O. stamineus could be beneficial for prevention and management of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory disorders. Graphical abstract Illustration of the Anti- arthritis efficacy of Orthosiphon Stamineus standardized extract.

Background Aquilaria crassna has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat vomiting, rheumatism, asthma, and cough. Furthermore, earlier studies from our laboratory have revealed that the essential oil extract from agarwood inhibited colorectal carcinoma cells. Despite of the wide range of ethno-pharmacological uses of agarwood, its toxicity has not been previously evaluated through systematic toxicological studies. Therefore, the potential safety of essential oil extract and its in vivo anti-tumor activity had been investigated. Methods In the acute toxicity study, Swiss female mice were given a single dose of the essential oil extract at 2000 mg/kg/day orally and screened for two weeks after administration. Meanwhile, in the sub-chronic study, two different doses of the extract were administered for 28 days. Mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes, hematological and biochemical parameters, gross findings, organ weights, and histological parameters were monitored during the study. Other than that, in vivo anti-tumor study was assessed by using subcutaneous tumors model established in nude mice. Results The acute toxicity study showed that the LD50 of the extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the repeated dose for 28-day oral toxicity study, the administration of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of essential oil per body weight revealed insignificant difference in food and water intakes, bodyweight change, hematological and biochemical parameters, relative organ weights, gross findings or histopathology compared to the control group. Nevertheless, the essential oil extract, when supplemented to nude mice, caused significant growth inhibition of the subcutaneous tumor of HCT 116 colorectal carcinoma cells. Conclusion Collectively, the data obtained indicated that essential oil extract from agarwood might be a safe material, and this essential oil is suggested as a potential anti-colon cancer candidate.

We have recently reported that β-caryophyllene (BCP) can suppress metastasis of colon cancer, induce apoptosis, and inhibit a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Here, we report anti-inflammatory effect of BCP in the carrageenan-induced edema paw model, supported by molecular imaging using fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). A significant (p

The virulence of Candida albicans is dependent upon fitness attributes as well as virulence factors. These attributes include robust stress responses and metabolic flexibility. The assimilation of carbon sources is important for growth and essential for the establishment of infections by C. albicans. Previous studies showed that the C. albicans ICL1 genes, which encode the glyoxylate cycle enzymes isocitratelyase are required for growth on non-fermentable carbon sources such as lactate and oleic acid and were repressed by 2% glucose. In contrast to S. cerevsiae, the enzyme CaIcl1 was not destabilised by glucose, resulting with its metabolite remaining at high levels. Further glucose addition has caused CaIcl1 to lose its signal and mechanisms that trigger destabilization in response to glucose. Another purpose of this study was to test the stability of the Icl1 enzyme in response to the dietary sugars, fructose, and galactose. In the present study, the ICL1 mRNAs expression was quantified using Quantitative Real Time PCR, whereby the stability of protein was measured and quantified using Western blot and phosphoimager, and the replacing and cloning of ICL1 ORF by gene recombination and ubiquitin binding was conducted via co-immuno-precipitation. Following an analogous experimental approach, the analysis was repeated using S. cerevisiaeas a control. Both galactose and fructose were found to trigger the degradation of the ICL1 transcript in C. albicans. The Icl1 enzyme was stable following galactose addition but was degraded in response to fructose. C. albicans Icl1 (CaIcl1) was also subjected to fructose-accelerated degradation when expressed in S. cerevisiae, indicating that, although it lacks a ubiquitination site, CaIcl1 is sensitive to fructose-accelerated protein degradation. The addition of an ubiquitination site to CaIcl1 resulted in this enzyme becoming sensitive to galactose-accelerated degradation and increases its rate of degradation in the presence of fructose. It can be concluded that ubiquitin-independent pathways of fructose-accelerated enzyme degradation exist in C. albicans.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Tephrosia apollinea (Delile) DC (Leguminosae) has been used in folk medicine in Arabian countries to treat inflammatory disorders. The plant has been described to treat swelling, bone fracture, bronchitis, cough, earache and wounds. Aim of the study the current study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of the major active phytoconstituent of T. apollinea and elucidate the mechanisms by which it inhibits inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Material and methods The compound, (-)-pseudosemiglabrin (SSG) was isolated as a major component from the aerial parts of T. apollinea using column chromatography techniques. Sub-chronic in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of SSG was assessed using cotton pellet granuloma assay in SD rats and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured, whereas, tail flick assay was performed to assess the analgesic effect of SSG. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of SSG were confirmed by measuring the levels of IL-1, TNF-α, and NO in vitro using human macrophage cell lines (U937). In addition COX inhibition assay was also conducted in cells-free system. In silico study was performed to dock SSG in cyclooxygenase enzymes and opioid receptor to predict its structure-activity and molecular mechanism. Results SSG displayed potential inhibition of granuloma tissue in rats and significantly (P in vivo as well as human macrophages. Further investigation revealed that, SSG selectively inhibited COX-2 by 60% with negligible effect on COX-1. The selectivity of SSG towards COX-2 was confirmed in silico wherein, SSG demonstrated significant binding affinity with binding energy (−9.42 kcal/mol). The binding found to be through covalent energy with Ser-530 amino acid residue of the active pocket of COX-2. SSG was found to prolong the flick tail time in mice by two folds. Further computational studies reveal that SSG binds to opioid receptor (µ-OR) through Ile-144 and Thr-218 with affinity two folds compared to the reference compounds, codeine and aspirin. Conclusion In the present study the major phytoconstituent (−)-pseudosemiglabrin (SSG) from the aerial parts of T. apollinea demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting of granuloma tissue in rats and prolonging the tail flick time in mice. Investigation of levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in SSG-treated rats and human macrophages demonstrated that SSG significantly inhibited TNF-α and IL-1. Also SSG showed selective inhibitory effect towards COX-2. In silico study exhibited pronounced binding affinity between SSG and µ-opioid receptor better than that of codeine and aspirin. The obtained results justify the use of aerial parts of T. apollinea to treat various inflammatory diseases and indicate that (−)-pseudosemiglabrin has a great potential to be further developed as a promising anti-inflammatory drug.

Background Balanite aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, is a plant with extensive medicinal properties. Its stem bark is traditionally known for its spasmolytic and antiepileptic properties and used to treat yellow fever, jaundice and syphilis. Angiogenesis (sprouting of new blood vessels) is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. The goal of this study is investigate the antiangiogenic, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity as well as antitumor in vivo properties of B. aegyptiaca stem bark extracts. Method The dried powder of stem bark was extracted sequentially with n-hexane, chloroform, methanol and water. Rat aorta ring assay (RARA) was used as a platform to screen for antiangiogenic affect. The most active extract was subjected to further confirmatory antiangiogenic tests i.e. cell migration, tube formation and VEGF inhibition and finally evaluated for its in vivo antitumor efficacy in nude mice. The cytotoxicity of extracts on four cancer cell lines (HCT-116, K562, U937 and MCF-7) and one normal cells line (HUVEC) was evaluated. To assess the antioxidant activity screening, four methods were used, (DPPH•) and ABTS radical scavenging activity, as well as total flavonoids and phenolic contents. Results Methanol extract of B. aegyptiaca stem bark (MBA) showed the highest antiangiogenic, antioxidant and anticancer properties. It was found selectively cytotoxic to leukemia cell lines as well as breast cancer cell line MCF-7. (MBA) thus exhibited antiangiogenic in ex-vivo rat aorta ring model; it was found to excel its antiangiogenic effect via inhibition of the key growth factor (VEGF) as well as to halt HUVEC cell migration and tube formation, furthermore animals bearing colon cancer treated with (MBA) showed significant reduction in tumor growth. Conclusion Different extracts of B. aegyptiaca stem bark showed various anticancer and antiangiogenic properties. MBA demonstrated potent antiangiogenic, antioxidant and antitumor in vivo. The outcome of this study suggests the potential of stem bark of the B. aegyptiaca for developing chemotherapeutic agent against solid tumor as well as leukemia.

Background: Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell division caused by dysregulation of cell proliferation. Therefore, agents that impair cancer cell proliferation could have potential therapeutic value. Higher plants are considered to be a good source of anticancer agents, and several clinically tested chemotherapeutic agents have been isolated from plants or derived from constituents of plant origin. Methods: In the present study, a prenylated flavone (isoglabratephrin) was isolated from aerial parts of Tephrosia apollinea using a bioassay-guided technique. Chemical structure of the isolated compound was elucidated using spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, and LC-MC), elemental analysis and confirmed by using single crystal X-ray analysis. The antiproliferative effect of isoglabratephrin was tested using three human cancer cell lines (prostate (PC3), pancreatic (PANC-1), and colon (HCT-116) and one normal cell line (human fibroblast). Results: Isoglabratephrin displayed selective inhibitory activity against proliferation of PC3 and PANC-1 cells with median inhibitory concentration values of 20.4 and 26.6 μg/ml, respectively. Isoglabratephrin demonstrated proapoptotic features, as it induced chromatin dissolution, nuclear condensation, and fragmentation. It also disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential in the treated cancer cells. Conclusion: Isoglabratephrin could be a new lead to treat human prostate (PC3) and pancreatic (PANC-1) malignancies.

Aquilaria crassna (agarwood) has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat vomiting, rheumatism, asthma, cough and inflammation. Despite the wide range of ethno-pharmacological use of agarwood, its anti-angiogenic effect has not previously been evaluated through systematic studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prepare essential oils extracts from the stem bark of A. crassna native to Malaysia, and determine their anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activities. Stem bark samples were extracted with 80% ethanol and hydrodistillation methods. The resulting essential oils from both extraction approaches were subjected for cytotoxic activity using four cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. Hydrodistilled essential oils displayed significant cytotoxic effect against HCT 116 cells with the lowest IC50 value calculated (28.0 ± 1.5 μg/mL). Furthermore, we have investigated the effect of hydrodistilled essential oils (active extract) on angiogenesis in vitro and ex vivo, and found that essential oils directly inhibited tube formation after plating endothelial cells on matrigel. In addition, essential oils caused significant inhibition of microvessels outgrowth of rat aortic ring assay in a dose-dependent manner (P

Desert truffles are seasonal and important edible fungi that grow wild in many countries around the world. Truffles are natural food sources that have significant compositions. In this work, the antioxidant, chemical composition, anticancer, and antiangiogenesis properties of the Terfezia claveryi truffle were investigated. Solvent extractions of the T. claveryi were evaluated for antioxidant activities using (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods). The extracts cytotoxicity on the cancer cell lines (HT29, MCF-7, PC3 and U-87 MG) was determined by MTT assay, while the anti-angiogenic efficacy was tested using ex-vivo assay. All extracts showed moderate anticancer activities against all cancer cells (p