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Artykuł ma charakter empiryczny. W oparciu o badanie treści logo jednostek samorządu terytorialnego (JST) autorzy porównują znaki, by w konsekwencji wskazać specyfikę tożsamości wizualnej miast, gmin i powiatów dwóch województw – wielkopolskiego i śląskiego. Punktem wyjścia rozważań są teorie marketingu i brandingu terytorialnego, które poszukują zrozumienia znaczenia promocji w budowaniu tożsamości miejsca. Dla potrzeb badań dokonano analizy treści zidentyfikowanych w procesie badawczym logo gmin, miast i powiatów – 122 w województwie wielkopolskim oraz 104 w województwie śląskim. Badana próba równa się badanej populacji. Do analizy wykorzystano typologię opracowaną przez autorów, by następnie zastosować analizę porównawczą. W podsumowaniu autorzy wnioskują o tożsamości wizualnej województw jako marek terytorialnych.

Developing a coherent and comprehensive brand of a country is of vital importance for a destination in the contemporary global world. There seems to be a recognizable gap in the literature regarding the application of visual signs practiced in country branding. The subject of the study: The research identifies the logos of the European Union countries used in place branding. The purpose of the study is the exploration of the logo content from the senders’ perspective, i.e., the structures and organizations responsible for the country branding. There are many reasons why logos are used in place branding practice. The authors decided to focus on the logo as a form of controlled and projected message communicated via media and ICT. Cognitive gap: The research conducted so far has focused on the reception of logos by the recipients. The presented research attempts to examine the visual message contained in logos from the senders’ perspective. Research methods and data collection techniques: The content analysis method was used to study the visual identity of the countries. The authors collected logos and scrutinised them using Beyrow and Vogt as well as Mollerup’s taxonomy. The results of the study illustrate how governmental institutions, which are responsible for country branding, portray countries using visual identity on the Internet, social media, and their own media.

The year 2020 is filledby new economic, social and environmental phenomena related to COVID-19 and its consequences. The global coronavirus pandemic affects every industry and all aspects of people’s lives. Therefore, one of the many questions researchers raise, are changes in the methods of communication between organizations and stakeholders resulting from this global epidemic. The first purpose of the presented research is to get knowledge about public relations activities practiced during the crises of the 21st century, with particular emphasis on the coronavirus pandemic. The second goal is to test the suitability of James Grunig’s models during the pandemic crisis. The authors accept the thesis that the global crises that characterize the first years of the 21st century and the role of social media make it necessary to use models of PR practice different than those experienced in the 20th century. Hence, the research attempts to answer the following research questions: 1. How has the public relations model been changed in Polish companies during the pandemic? 2. Has crisis management dominated the activities of PR specialists? 3. How does new media hinder or, on the contrary – facilitate the implementation of PR tasks during a pandemic? The Delphi research was used as the research method. The Delphi method aims to aggregate the opinions of a diverse group of experts. It allows to carry out researches without the need to meet respondents directly, which is essential during a pandemic. Experts were selected from the members of the Polish Public Relations Association. The overall conclusion of the analysis emphases that the pandemic has been changing PR practice models as it has forced the online communication that is especially exposed to fake news and hate speech content.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an option in advanced peritoneal sarcomatosis. Nevertheless, CRS and HIPEC are not successful in all patients. An enhancement of HIPEC using photodynamic therapy might be beneficial. Therefore, a combination of the photosensitizer Hypericin (HYP) with HIPEC was evaluated in an animal model. Procedure: An established HIPEC animal model for rhabdomyosarcoma (NOD/LtSz-scid IL2Rγnullmice, n=80) was used. All groups received HYP (100 µg/200 µl) intraperitoneally with and without cisplatin-based (30 or 60 mg/m2) HIPEC (37 or 42 °C, for 60 min) (five groups, each n=16). Tumor dissemination was documented visually and by using HYP-based fluorescence guidance. HYP-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) of the tumor was performed. Finally, tissue samples were evaluated regarding proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (TUNEL). Results: HYP uptake even in smallest tumor nodes (< 1 mm) was found. HYP-based fluorescence guidance allowed a better tumor detection in comparison to visual inspection. Immunohistochemistry revealed HYP penetration across the tumor surface. HYP-based PDT without HIPEC induced marginal apoptotic effects at the tumor surface. Combining HYP with HIPEC revealed cisplatin concentration dependent decrease in proliferation capacity and induction of apoptosis across determined cell layers of the tumor surfaces. Conclusion: HYP as fluorescent photosensitizer offers an intraoperative diagnostic advantage detecting intraperitoneal tumor dissemination. The combination of HYP and cisplatin-based HIPEC was feasible in vivo showing enhanced effects on tumor proliferation and apoptosis induction across the tumor surface. Further studies combining HYP and HIPEC will follow to establish a clinical application.

Advanced stages of pediatric alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMA) are associated with an unfavorable outcome at established therapeutic strategies, accentuating the need for novel treatment options. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hypericin (HYP) has shown strong cytotoxic effects in two-dimensional (2D) cell culture. In order to more accurately mimic in vivo tissue architecture and better predict pharmaceutical response, the aim of this study was to establish a spheroid culture model by which PDT efficacy could be assessed in a three-dimensional (3D) context.3D multicellular tumor spheroids were generated using various scaffold-based and scaffold-free techniques. On two reproducible methods, HYP-PDT was performed varying spheroid sizes, photosensitizer concentrations, and illumination times. The ability for HYP uptake within the spheroid was analyzed assessing the substrate's autofluorescence. Antitumorigenic treatment effects were evaluated investigating cell viability, spheroid morphology, proliferative activity, and induction of apoptosis.Magnetic spheroid printing and orbital shaking methods were established as reproducible culturing systems producing uniform spheroids. Within assessed incubation times, HYP showed good penetration depth in spheroids containing 50,000 cells. PDT was causing metabolic and molecular impairment of RMA cells, resulting in viability decrease, reduction of cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis.Assessing HYP-based PDT in a 3D culture model, we were able to gain an insight on how parameters like photosensitizer, oxygen, and light distribution contribute to the phototoxic effect. Compared to 2D cell culture, a higher treatment resistance was detected, which can be related to spheroid structure and mechanisms of intercellular communication, signal transduction, and gene expression.

Purpose - Heuristics and biases are simplifying strategies that people (in the analysed issue - negotiators) use in the decision-making process, even when they can take advantage of supporting tools (e.g. Negotiation Support System), which will allow them to make the optimal choice [Wachowicz, 2006]. Many empirical studies have found that decision makers use heuristics and are biased [Bateman, Zeithaml, 1989; Jackson, Dutton, 1988; Kahneman et al. 1982; Zajac, Bazerman, 1991]. Therefore, the question should be asked: are negotiators, as managers (whose decisions were examined), instead of consciously and intentionally used tools supporting decision-making during negotiations, subject to heuristics and cognitive errors? As the consequence of this general question one may ask the specific research questions: (1) What heuristics do the negotiators undergo? (2) How do heuristics influence the decision-making process? (3) How can heuristics and biases impact be minimized by taking advantage of negotiation support tools?Research methods - The article is a review of psychological, sociological and management sciences theories, concepts and empirical researches on heuristics and biases. The review was made according to the following categories: (a) theories that recognize the inevitability of heuristics in the decision-making process, (b) theories that attempt to identify opportunities to minimize or even reduce the impact of heuristics on decisions, and (c) those that offer alternative solutions. Results - The summary highlights those heuristics which might occur in the decision-making process in the pre-negotiation phase. Originality/value - There is no research exploring the role of specific heuristics and biases in particular stages of negotiations. Article received on 06 January 2020, accepted on 20 April 2020. Research carried out as part of a research project No. 2016/21/B/HS4/01583 “Support for bilateral negotiations, taking into account heuristic thinking and cognitive limitations of negotiators” (Agreement No. UMO-2016/21/B/ HS4/01583).

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a sphingolipid with second messenger properties, is a main regulator of various cellular processes including lymphocyte cell trafficking, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and survival. High S1P concentrations and deficiencies in S1P degradation have been associated with cancer cell progression, their directed chemoattraction and promotion of chemo-resistance mechanism. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane localized enzyme sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SGPL1) has a key role in prevention of S1P overstimulation in tumor cells by its irreversible S1P degradation activity. In this paper we demonstrated a SGPL1 overexpression and mislocalization in pediatric alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMA) cells. Moreover, a homozygous point mutation from A to G at position 321 in the coding sequence was obvious, which interferes with the S1P degradation activity and correct localization in the ER-membrane. By complementation with the native SGPL1 variant, the ER localization was restored in RMA cells. More importantly, the SGPL1 restauration prevents the S1P induced migration and colony formation of RMA cells, significantly. This observation opens new highways for the treatment of pediatric RMA by gene therapeutic SGPL1 renewal and recommends the detection of specific SGPL1 mutations as pathological, molecular metastasis marker.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been established as a novel treatment approach for peritoneal sarcomatosis. Despite promising clinical reports, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding optimal drug usage and local effects. Therefore, we intended to establish a murine animal model for further evaluation. Procedure: Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cells were xenotransplanted into NOD/LtSz-scid IL2Rγnullmice (n=100). The mice received a continuous intraperitoneal lavage with isotonic saline solution as control- or with cisplatin (30 or 60 mg/m2) as treatment group for 60 minutes at 37 or 42 °C (6 subgroups, each n=16). Tumor spread was documented by an adapted peritoneal cancer index and MRI (n=4). Tumor and tissue samples, harvested at the end of the perfusion, were evaluated regarding morphology, proliferation and apoptosis (H&E-, Ki-67-, Cleaved Caspase 3-staining, TUNEL-assay). Results: Extensive peritoneal sarcomatosis in over 91% of the cases was observed. HIPEC was feasible without acute side effects. Ki-67 staining revealed concentration- or temperature-dependent effects of cisplatin-based HIPEC on the tumors. While Cleaved Caspase-3 showed only sporadic apoptotic effects. TUNEL-assay detected concentration- or temperature-dependent apoptotic effects at the outer tumor surface. MRI scans confirmed the observed tumor dissemination. Conclusion: This is the first animal model for evaluation of HIPEC in pediatric RMS in mice. Cisplatin-based HIPEC had early effects on the proliferation whereas circumscribed apoptotic effects could be detected at the tumor surface. This model allows further insights on the possible efficiency of HIPEC in RMS. Further studies using other drug combinations and treatment will follow.

The starting point of the presented research is the theory of destination marketing, in which the concept of destination branding is the key element. Destination branding models include the idea of visual brand identity, which includes the logo as a crucial element. Since the 1980s, the concept of sustainable development has shaped the society and global economy, including tourism. Tourists are increasingly guided by the analysis of the tourist area in terms of the importance of nature and the possibility of spending free time responsibly. They look for a sustainable tourist offer. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate the tourist offers of Polish territorial units in terms of visual message&mdash, logo and its content, and to examine whether they comprise design components that reveal the sustainable development of the destination. The research method was content analysis of promotional signs. Sustainable development in tourism focuses on three pillars: nature, responsible tourist activity, and the historical remains protected in a sustainable way. The authors search for such images in the logos. In the conclusion, the authors summarize that elements of nature and historical heritage are strongly present in the logos, which does not mean that the tourist offer is a balanced offer.

Background Prevention of metastatic invasion is one of the main challenges in the treatment of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Still the therapeutic options are limited. Therefore, an anti-tumor screening was initiated focusing on the anti-metastatic and anti-invasion properties of selected medicinal plant extracts and phytoestrogens, already known to be effective in the prevention and treatment of different cancer entities. Methods Treatment effects were first evaluated by cell viability, migration, invasion, and colony forming assays on the alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cell line RH-30 in comparison with healthy primary cells. Results Initial anti-tumor screenings of all substances analyzed in this study, identified the plant extract of Vincetoxicum arnottianum (VSM) as the most promising candidate, harboring the highest anti-metastatic potential. Those significant anti-motility properties were proven by a reduced ability for migration (60%), invasion (99%) and colony formation (61%) under 48 h exposure to 25 μg/ml VSM. The restricted motility features were due to an induction of the stabilization of the cytoskeleton – actin fibers were 2.5-fold longer and were spanning the entire cell. Decreased proliferation (PCNA, AMT, GCSH) and altered metastasis (e. g. SGPL1, CXCR4, stathmin) marker expression on transcript and protein level confirmed the significant lowered tumorigenicity under VSM treatment. Finally, significant alterations in the cell metabolism were detected for 25 metabolites, with levels of uracil, N-acetyl serine and propanoyl phosphate harboring the greatest alterations. Compared to the conventional therapy with cisplatin, VSM treated cells demonstrated a similar metabolic shutdown of the primary cell metabolism. Primary control cells were not affected by the VSM treatment. Conclusions This study revealed the VSM root extract as a potential, new migrastatic drug candidate for the putative treatment of pediatric alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with actin filament stabilizing properties and accompanied by a marginal effect on the vitality of primary cells. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03299-x.

The principal objective of the article is to examine responsibility as a value helping to enhance the ability of organisation to deal with highly institutionalised environment in which it operates, and which has an impact on the decoupling process. The authors put forward a hypothesis that the development of the sphere of responsibility may support to deal with the complexity of organisation and its environment. To verify the hypothesis the review of literature was undertaken as the research method. Decoupling process is neither good nor bad although it bears ethical dilemmas. The results of the literature examination let to make the conclusion that responsibility is a value that allows organization to solve dilemmas resulting from the complexity and controversy of the decoupling phenomenon. The authors propose to concentrate on the individuals managing and co-forming the organisation in the light of responsibility.

The purpose of the research is the empirical verification of the authors’ hypothesis that the logo or City Visual Identity System (CVIS) is the indicator of marketing and branding orientation of a particular self-government. The first objective of the article is to present an empirical base for city logo examination taking into account the visual signs of Polish towns used in promotional activities. The second objective is to analyse the content of logo. To reach the objectives the authors examined 335 cities’ logo in Poland using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. During the research 211 (63%) of the cities surveyed used the logo in promotional practice. The study confirms the hypothesis that the city’s logo can be used as a preliminary indicator of the local government’s marketing orientation. The content analysis indicates that marketing activities are based primarily on resources (Ger. Substanz) of cities, not on products offered. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/bm.2020.590

Objectives: This article aims to provide a theoretical analysis of communication in public institutions with regard to ethical values and norms. More specifically, the objective is to try to understand how ethics is anchored in communication systems in organizations acting on behalf and for the community. Research Design & Methods: The paradigm which the authors refer to is the social communication theory, theories of professional ethics and writings of management specialists who work in the field of organisational communication. Findings: While exploring the literature in the said fields, the authors draw analytical conclusions regarding values and norms which should (normative approach) characterise the system of internal and external communication in public institutions, undertaking an attempt to build a theoretical model at the same time. Implications / Recommendations: The analysis shows that the values and norms necessary for public institutions to operate properly are connected primarily with the need for all groups of stakeholders focused around this process to co-operate. Contribution / Value Added: The authors try to organise the values and norms typical for communication systems in public institutions into a model.

Since it is known that cancer cells exhibit a preference for increased glycine consumption, the respective glycine metabolizing enzymes are in focus of many research projects. However, no cancer associated studies are available for the Glycine Cleavage System Protein H (GCSH) to date. Our initial analysis revealed a GCSH-overexpression of the protein-coding transcript variant 1 (Tv1) in breast cancer cells and tissue. Furthermore, a shorter (391 bp) transcript variant (Tv*) was amplified with an increased expression in healthy breast cells and a decreased expression in breast cancer samples. The Tv1/Tv* transcript ratio is 1.0 in healthy cells on average, and between 5–10 in breast cancer cells. Thus, a GCSH-equilibrium at the transcript level is likely conceivable for optimal glycine degradation. A possible regulative role of Tv* was proven by Tv1-Tv*-RNA-binding and overexpression studies which consequently led to serious physiological alterations: decreased metabolic activity, release of the lactate dehydrogenase, increased extracellular acidification, and finally necrosis as a result of impaired plasma membranes. In contrast, Tv1-overexpression led to an additional increase in cellular vitality of the tumor cells, primarily due to the acceleration of the mitochondrial glycine decarboxylation activity. Ultimately, we provide the first evidence of a sensitive GCSH-antisense regulation which determines cancerous cell viability.

Communication and communication systems are topics widely discussed in the literature of the subject. However, the analysis of the specific subjects of this study as courts, is so far a subject that is rarely discussed in empirical research as well as in a debate at the level of communication theory. The paper presents the results of survey research on internal communication in district and regional courts in the context of trust building. The study assumes that there is a relationship between communication on a given project tasks, communication on project management and non‑formal communication, and confidence in the public institution and its management. The results of the research clearly showed the existing relationship between satisfaction coming from the proper communication, and the level of employee trust in the court as a place of work.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a sphingolipid with second messenger properties, is a main regulator of various cellular processes including lymphocyte cell trafficking, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and survival. High S1P concentrations and deficiencies in S1P degradation have been associated with cancer cell progression, their directed chemoattraction and promotion of chemo-resistance mechanism. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane localized enzyme sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SGPL1) has a key role in prevention of S1P overstimulation in tumor cells by its irreversible S1P degradation activity. In this paper we demonstrated a SGPL1 overexpression and mislocalization in pediatric alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMA) cells. Moreover, a homozygous point mutation from A to G at position 321 in the coding sequence was obvious, which interferes with the S1P degradation activity and correct localization in the ER-membrane. By complementation with the native SGPL1 variant, the ER localization was restored in RMA cells. More importantly, the SGPL1 restauration prevents the S1P induced migration and colony formation of RMA cells, significantly. This observation opens new highways for the treatment of pediatric RMA by gene therapeutic SGPL1 renewal and recommends the detection of specific SGPL1 mutations as pathological, molecular metastasis marker.

Background Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMA) is a highly malignant soft tissue tumor in children with poor prognosis and failure of established therapies in advanced stages. Therefore, novel treatment options are required. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been found useful for the treatment of different tumor entities and might represent such a novel treatment option. A major limitation of PDT remains the restriction to superficial tumor cell layers as illumination with light is essential for the generation of reactive oxygen species. Current research focusses on the development of modified Hypericin (HYP)-based photosensitizers, as well as combining PDT and targeted internal radiotherapy with 131I, to generate an additive anti-tumor effect. Methods A standardized protocol for in vitro Hypericin-PDT was established in RMA cells. The anti-tumor properties of this photosensitizer were analyzed on molecular and metabolic levels. Changes in cell morphology were visualized using bright field-, fluorescence- and scanning-electron microscopy. Iodinated Hypericin derivatives with both radioactive and non-radioactive isotopes 131I/127I were employed to establish a targeted radionuclide therapy and investigate the potential of a combined treatment with PDT. Results In vitro photodynamic treatment with Hypericin showed a strong anti-tumor efficiency with favorable cellular uptake and compromised cancer cells on metabolic and molecular levels. Iodination of the photosensitizer did not impair the photosensitizer´s properties. Targeted radiotherapy with 131I-HYP led to distinct reductions of tumor viability. A simultaneously performed PDT leads to a reduction of cell viability that begins earlier in time. However, an additive enhancement of the cell viability was not observed in the selected dose range. Conclusion In this in vitro study, we got a first insight of a possible potential of Hypericin for the treatment of pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. By coupling with radioiodine, we developed a novel approach for a combined anti-tumor treatment. The in vitro experiments lay the foundation for further in vivo experiments, which are needed to study the effects of a sequential administration of 131I-HYP and HYP.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Berberis orthobotrys (BORM) is a medical plant with a long history in traditional usage for the treatment of wounds, cancer, gastrointestinal malady and several other diseases. Our previous studies identified the endemic Pakistani plant Berberis orthobotrys Bien. ex Aitch. as promising source for the treatment of breast cancer and osteosarcoma. Aim of the study The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of 26 plant derived extracts and compounds including the methanolic root extract of Berberis orthobotrys (BORM) on pediatric alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMA), which is known to develop drug resistance, metastatic invasion and potential tumor progression. Materials and methods The main anti-tumor activity of BORM was verified by focusing on morphological, cell structural and metabolic alterations via metabolic profiling, cell viability measurements, flow cytometry, western blotting and diverse microscopy-based methods using the human RMA cell line Rh30. Results Exposure of 25 µg/ml BORM exerts an influence on the cell stability, the degradation of oncosomes as well as the shutdown of the metabolic activity of RMA cells, primarily by downregulation of the energy metabolism. Therefore glycyl-aspartic acid and N-acetyl serine decreased moderately, and uracil increased intracellularly. On healthy, non-transformed muscle cells BORM revealed very low metabolic alterations and nearly no cytotoxic impact. Furthermore, BORM is also capable to reduce Rh30 cell migration (~50%) and proliferation (induced G2/M cycle arrest) as well as to initiate apoptosis confirmed by reduced Bcl-2, Bax and PCNA expression and induced PARP-1 cleavage. Conclusions The study provides the first evidence, that BORM treatment is effective against RMA cells with low side effects on healthy cells.

Making long-term decisions and developing successful policy is always a challenge for a governing body. Within the framework of causal mapping, we evolved a model for the problem of creating and reinforcing a city&rsquo, s image. Then, the model was enhanced into a quantitative form and processed with a novel approach: the extended form of the Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge System (WINGS). A real-life case study of the city of Katowice showed that the presented approach can be helpful for city authorities. It reinforces the understanding of the problem, facilitates choosing policy options, and supports sustainable city development.

Trazodone and its metabolite, m-chlorophenylpiperazine (CPP) prolonged significantly thiopentone-induced sleep in mice. Neither trazodone, nor CPP changed the cerebral concentrations of thiopentone. As cyproheptadine by itself did not affect thiopentone sleep and did not antagonize the effect of CPP, the effect of trazodone and CPP seems to be independent of their respective 5-HT-antagonistic and 5-HT-agonistic properties.

Pharmacokinetics of imipramine (IMI) and its active metabolite, desipramine (DMI) was studied in rats after administration of a single dose of 10 mg/kg IMI, or after chronic administration of this dose once or twice a day for 14 days. The elimination curves of IMI and DMI from the blood and brain show that both the whole body and the brain behave as multi-compartment systems. Maximum concentrations of IMI and DMI in blood and brain appear at the same time, indicating rapid metabolism of IMI; the concentrations were significantly higher in the brain than in the blood. After the chronic treatment the maximum blood and cerebral levels of IMI and DMI were not much higher than after a single dose, but the elimination was slowed down. Brain concentration of IMI and DMI and brain IMI/DMI concentration ratio do not parallel those in the blood. After a prolonged treatment, once or twice a day, desipramine in the brain is present for the whole period between injections at concentrations sufficient to inhibit the noradrenaline uptake. If the drug is given twice a day, in addition to DMI also IMI is present for the whole time at concentration which may inhibit also serotonin uptake.

Background The medicinal plants Vincetoxicum arnottianum (VSM), Berberis orthobotrys (BORM), Onosma hispida (OHRM and OHAM) and Caccinia macranthera (CMM) are used traditionally in Pakistan and around the world for the treatment of various diseases including cancer, dermal infections, uterine tumor, wounds etc. The present study focuses on the investigation of the selected Pakistani plants for their potential as anticancer agents on human bone and breast cancer cell lines in comparison with non-tumorigenic control cells. Methods The antitumor evaluation was carried out on human bone (MG-63, Saos-2) and breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, BT-20) in contrast to non-tumorigenic control cells (POB, MCF-12A) via cell viability measurements, cell cycle analysis, Annexin V/PI staining, microscopy based methods as well as migration/invasion determination, metabolic live cell monitoring and western blotting. Results After the first initial screening of the plant extracts, two extracts (BORM, VSM) revealed the highest potential with regard to its antitumor activity. Both extracts caused a significant reduction of cell viability in the breast and bone cancer cells in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of VSM is achieved primarily by inducing a G2/M arrest in the cell cycle and the stabilization of the actin stress fibers leading to reduced cell motility. By contrast BORM’s cytotoxic properties were caused through the lysosomal-mediated cell death pathway indicated by an upregulation of Bcl-2 expression. Conclusions The antitumor evaluation of certain medicinal plants presented in this study identified the methanolic root extract of Berberis orthobotrys and the methanolic extract of Vincetoxicum arnottianum as promising sources for exhibiting the antitumor activity. Therefore, the indigenous use of the herbal remedies for the treatment of cancer and cancer-related diseases has a scientific basis. Moreover, the present study provides a base for phytochemical investigation of the plant extracts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1215-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.