Berberine in combination with cisplatin suppresses breast cancer cell growth through induction of DNA breaks and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis.
Authors: Zhao Y, Jing Z, Li Y, Mao W
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from medicinal plants such as Hydrastis canadensis, Berberis aristata and Coptis chinensis. BBR displays a number of beneficial roles in the treatment of various types of cancers, yet the precise mechanisms of its action remain unclear. Cisplatin is an effective cancer chemotherapeutic agent and functions by generating DNA damage, promoting DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis; however, its efficacy is challenged by the resistance of tumor cells in clinical application. The aim of the present s...
Source: Oncology Reports - May 15, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Oncol Rep Source Type: research
Antimicrobial activity of conventional and plant-extract disinfectant solutions on microbial biofilms on a maxillofacial polymer surface
Conclusions Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the cleaning protocols with different disinfectant solutions produced a significant reduction in the viability of C albicans and S aureus biofilms on the silicone polymer. Washing with water and neutral soap was the most effective protocol against both microorganisms. (Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry)
Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry - February 26, 2016 Category: Dentistry Source Type: research
(-)-β-hydrastine suppresses the proliferation and invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting PAK4 kinase activity.
Authors: Guo B, Li X, Song S, Chen M, Cheng M, Zhao D, Li F
Abstract
(-)-β-hydrastine is one of the main active components of the medicinal plant, Hydrastis canadensis, which is used in many dietary supplements intended to enhance the immune system. However, whether (-)-β-hydrastine affects the tumor signaling pathway remains unexplored. In the present study, we found that (-)-β-hydrastine inhibited the kinase activity of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), which is involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal reorganization, cell proliferation, gene transcription, oncogenic transformation and cell invasion....
Source: Oncology Reports - January 30, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Oncol Rep Source Type: research
Comparison of conventional and plant-extract disinfectant solutions on the hardness and color stability of a maxillofacial elastomer after artificial aging
Conclusion The hardness of MDX4-4210 after the experimental procedure was considered clinically acceptable for facial prostheses. All groups showed clinically unacceptable color alterations regardless of the disinfecting solution. (Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry)
Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry - November 21, 2015 Category: Dentistry Source Type: research
Ultra-highly diluted plant extracts of Hydrastis canadensis and Marsdenia condurango induce epigenetic modifications and alter gene expression profiles in HeLa cells in vitro
Conclusion HDs triggered epigenetic modifications and alterations in microarray gene expression profiles of many genes associated with carcinogenesis in HeLa cells in vitro. (Source: Journal of Integrative Medicine)
Source: Journal of Integrative Medicine - November 21, 2015 Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research
Clinically Relevant Pharmacokinetic Herb-drug Interactions in Antiretroviral Therapy.
Abstract
For healthcare professionals, the volume of literature available on herb-drug interactions often makes it difficult to separate experimental/potential interactions from those deemed clinically relevant. There is a need for concise and conclusive information to guide pharmacotherapy in HIV/AIDS. In this review, the bases for potential interaction of medicinal herbs with specific antiretroviral drugs are presented, and several botanicals are discussed for which clinically relevant interactions in humans are established. Such studies have provided, in most cases, sufficient ground to warrant the avoi...
Source: Current Drug Metabolism - November 2, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Fasinua PS, Gurley BJ, Walker LA Tags: Curr Drug Metab Source Type: research
Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic Diversity of Ranunculaceae Medicinal Compounds.
Abstract
The wide-reaching distributed angiosperm family Ranunculaceae has approximately 2200 species in around 60 genera. Chemical components of this family include several representative groups: benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA), ranunculin, triterpenoid saponin and diterpene alkaloid, etc. Their extensive clinical utility has been validated by traditional uses of thousands of years and current evidence-based medicine studies. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) studies of plant-based natural products are an indispensable part of comprehensive medicinal plant exploration, which could facilitate co...
Source: Current Drug Metabolism - August 3, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Hao DC, Ge GB, Xiao PG, Wang P, Yang L Tags: Curr Drug Metab Source Type: research
An ex vivo approach to botanical–drug interactions: A proof of concept study
Conclusions Data from conventional buffer-based in vitro studies were less predictive than the ex vivo assessments. Thus, this novel ex vivo approach may be more effective at predicting clinically relevant BDIs than conventional in vitro methods. Graphical abstract (Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology)
Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology - February 21, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research
Application of UPLC-QTOF-MS in MS(E) mode for the rapid and precise identification of alkaloids in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
Abstract
Here, we describe a new application of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry operating in MS(E) mode (UPLC-QTOF-MS(E)) for the sensitive, fast, and effective characterization of alkaloids in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). This approach allowed identification of alkaloids using a cyclic low and high collision energy spectral acquisition mode providing simultaneous accurate precursor and fragment ion mass information. A total of 45 compounds were separated and 40 of them characterized including one new compound...
Source: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - January 4, 2014 Category: Chemistry Authors: Le PM, McCooeye M, Windust A Tags: Anal Bioanal Chem Source Type: research
The use of dietary supplements and their association with blood pressure in a large Midwestern cohort
Conclusions:
These results should not be interpreted as causal, nor can the direction of the association be assumed to be correct because the temporality of the association is unknown. We hope the observed significant associations will foster future research to evaluate blood pressure effects of dietary supplements. (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - November 28, 2013 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Catherine McCartyRichard BergCarla RottscheitRichard Dart Source Type: research
Inhibition of CYP1 by berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine: Selectivity, kinetic characterization, and molecular modeling.
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (P450, CYP) 1 family plays a primary role in the detoxification and bioactivation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Human CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 exhibit differential substrate specificity and tissue distribution. Berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine are protoberberine alkaloids present in several medicinal herbs, such as Coptis chinensis (Huang-Lian) and goldenseal. These protoberberines inhibited CYP1A1.1- and CYP1B1.1-catalyzed 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) activities, whereas CYP1A2.1 activity was barely affected. Kinetic analysis revealed that berberine nonc...
Source: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology - July 22, 2013 Category: Toxicology Authors: Lo SN, Chang YP, Tsai KC, Chang CY, Wu TS, Ueng YF Tags: Toxicol Appl Pharmacol Source Type: research
