Search

Daucus carota L. ssp. carota (wild carrot) was recently shown to exhibit in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities [1, 2]. DCOE was chromatographed to yield F1 (pentane; 100%), F2 (pentane-diethyl ether; 50:50), F3 (diethyl ether; 100%) and F4 (chloroform-methanol; 93:7) fractions. The fractions were tested in vitro against several cancer cell lines and F1 was found to possess the highest activity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate its activity using the DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis model in mice. Skin papilloma were initiated by DMBA and promoted by TPA. F2 was administered to three experimental groups (10 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injections thirty min prior to TPA promotion for a period of 21 weeks. Papilloma incidence, yield, and volume were compared with those of a non-treated control group. Treatment with F2 caused an inhibition in papilloma incidence, being highest (50%) at a dose of 200 mg/kg at the end of the experiment (week 21). Also, there was a dose-dependent decrease in papilloma yield during the study period. Additionally, F2 treatment with the three doses significantly decreased the papilloma volume at weeks 15, 18 and 21 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, these findings clearly demonstrate that F2 has a remarkable antitumor activity against DMBA-TPA induced skin cancer and suggest the need for further studies to isolate the active chemotherapeutic agent.

The Cucurbita pepo L. (pumpkin) seeds are considered a snack food in most social gatherings in Lebanon and the Middle East. Many herbal combinations containing pumpkin seeds are used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Because the seeds are the most commonly consumed and not the seed oil, this study was carried out to examine the effects of pumpkin seeds on testosterone (3.57mg/kg body weight) induced BPH in rats (1). After achieving hyperplasia (30 days), treatment with pumpkin seeds (10, 20, 30 and 60% w/w of chow) or finasteride (5mg/kg body weight) was initiated for 12, 24, and 36 days. Results showed that pumpkin seeds exerted maximum inhibition (86.7, 98.0 and 98.4%) of hyperplasia at 30% w/w dose after 12, 24 and 36 days respectively. They were comparable to finasteride (78.1, 89.5 and 96.4%). There was no significant effect on weight gain in rats treated with testosterone and pumpkin seeds. Additionally, no significant effects were observed on levels of sGOT-AST enzyme and ALP, while slight increase was observed on sGPT-AST. The findings on prostatic hyperplasia were confirmed by histopathological studies where tissue showed abundant stoma between glandular cells and lack papillary projections into the lumen of the glands. In conclusion, pumpkin seeds inhibit prostate hyperplasia induced by testosterone, and improve the histology of the prostate

Nasturtium officinalis is a widely used edible plant in the Mediterranean region and well known for its medicinal value in folk medicine. The present study explores the effects of the water extract of N. officinalis upon rat blood lipid profile, glycemia, liver enzymes, gastric ulcer, inflammation and antioxidant activities. One month of aqueous plant extract intake (100, 250 and 500mg/kg body weight) via drinking water, showed no significant changes in the serum lipids and glucose level. Liver enzyme activities (AL T, ALP, AST) were not negatively affected thus assuring that the extract has no hepatotoxic effects over the study period. Doses of 100, 250, and 500mg/kg body weight exhibited substantial anti-inflammatory effects against carrageenan induced inflammation (60.0, 51.1 and 46.11%) compared to 73.33% for diclofenac [1]. Similar doses caused respectively 4.7, 51.5 and 57.1% anti-inflammatory effects against formalin induced inflammation [2]. For the anti-ulcerogenic activity, pre-treatment of fasted rats with100 and 250mg/kg body weight demonstrated significant protection (32.1% and 51% respectively) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, compared to 10mg/kg cimetidine (50.24%) and 3mg/kg omeprazole (47.81%)3. The extract also exhibited a strong scavenging activity against DPPH radicals (55%)4. In conclusion, our data demonstrates the beneficial anti-ulerogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Nasturtium officinalis.

Phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and anticancer activities of the methanolic, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Arum Palaestinum were evaluated. The highest phenolic (mg gallic acid equiv./g dry extract) and flavonoid (mg quercetin equiv./g dry extract) contents were observed in the methanolic (30. 9±0.2; 14.4±0.8), followed by chloroform (13.7±0.6; 11.9±0.9) and ethyl acetate (5.3±0.6; 8.5±0.8) extracts, respectively. The FRAP and DPPH antioxidant activities were highly correlated with the phenolic's and flavonoid's contents. The antiproliferative effects of the extracts were evaluated against the T cell lymphoblastic leukemia, Jurkat cells at 24 and 48 hr. Results showed a dose dependent reduction in cell proliferation, with more significance at 48 hrs. The IC50 values were (17.5±2.1µg/mL), (19.7±2.8µg/mL) and (23.3±2.8µg/mL) for ethyl acetate, methanol and chloroform extracts, respectively at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The present data suggests a lack of correlation between antioxidant and anticancer activities and further investigation is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action involved and to identify the active components.

The liver plays a major role in detoxifying and clearing xenobiotics that may lead to liver damage and hepatic dysfunction. The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activities of the chloroform-based fraction of wild carrot (Daucus carota L. ssp. carota; Apiacae) on CCl4-induced liver damage in BALB/c mice. Liver damage was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 at a dose of 1 ml/kg body weight. Animals were treated with different doses of the extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight). Serum and liver homogenate supernatants were analyzed for marker enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. Pretreated groups with chloroform-based fraction reduced significantly the serum levels of AST and ALT. It also reversed the CCl4-induced decrease in SOD, CAT and GST levels thereby reducing significantly hepatic damage. HPLC analysis revealed that the chloroform-based fraction was rich in polyphenolic compounds such as luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin and quercetin, which could be partially responsible for the hepatoprotective effect. The current results suggest that chloroform-based fraction possess strong hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver damage at all doses used

Herbal medicine, an aspect of folk medicine, is nowadays practiced extensively in the community and most often without control when it comes to third world countries. Sage (Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae), widely used in folk medicine [1], is one of the medicinal herbs commonly used in the Middle East. The present investigation explores and sheds light on possible medicinal effects of the aqueous extract of sage leaves upon lipemia, glycemia and gastric ulcer in rats. After one month of extract intake via drinking water (50, 200 and 500mg/kg body weight), the highest dose showed significant improvement in serum HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol, and glucose. All doses used caused significant decreases in stool water content indicating that the extract is a possible remedy for patients with diarrhea. Assessment of liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, LDH, ALP) revealed no hepatotoxic effects. Protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer [2] was investigated using 100 and 500mg/kg body weight doses. Results showed significant protection with both doses used. A maximum protection (46%) was observed at 100mg/kg body weight dose compared to the reference drug cimetidine (34%) at a dose of 10mg/kg body weight. The assessment of antibacterial activity against 11 bacterial hospital isolates using disk diffusion technique showed no potential in this respect. In conclusion, Salvia officinalis leaves water extract showed no liver toxicity, and exhibited a positive effect on lipemia, glycemia and gastric ulcer protection.

Wild carrot has been used in traditional medicine in Lebanon to treat several diseases. Recently, Daucus carota oil extract and its fractions, F1 (pentane; 100%), F2 (pentane-diethyl ether; 50:50), F3 (diethyl ether; 100%) and F4 (chloroform-methanol; 93:7), were shown to possess anticancer and antioxidant activities [1,2]. The present study aims to complete spectrum of the anticancer activity of the 4 fractions against three types of human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) cell lines HaCaT-II4 (non-invasive), HaCatT-A5 (invasive) and HaCaT (immortalized). Cells were treated with 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL of the fractions for 48h and cell survival was determined using WST-1 assay. The 4 fractions exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability, with F1 and F2 being more potent (p < 0.05) than F3 and F4. The immortalized HaCat cell line was more resistant to cytotoxicity compared with the two malignant counterparts (p < 0.05). The IC50 values of F1, F2, F3, and F4 fractions in the immortalized HaCat cells were respectively 34, 37, 50 and 45 µg/mL, which were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of HaCat-A5 cells with IC50 values of 26, 32, 38 and 36 µg/mL respectively and of HaCat-II4 cells with IC50 values of 26, 24, 39 and 34 µg/mL. In conclusion, the results show that F1 and F2 are more toxic to invasive and non-invasive HaCaT than the immortalized cells. Further studies are needed to isolate and characterize the biologically active compounds in F1 and F2.

Lycopus uniflorus, commonly known as bugleweed, is usually found near freshwater wetland and has a wide abundance in Lebanon. The plant has some folk use for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and reduction of inflammation. No studies were conducted on Lycopus uniflorus, but other species were reported to possess anti-allergic [1], anti-inflammatory [2], antihyperthyroidism [3], Yarnell and Abascal, 2006 E. Yarnell and K. Abascal, Botanical medicine for thyroid regulation, Alternative and Complementary Therapies (2006), pp. 107–112. Full Text via CrossRef | View Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus (2) antioxidant [4] and anticancer [5] activities. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential role of L. uniflorus water extract on inflammation and gastric ulcer in rat model. Pretreatment with the extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg BW by gastric gavage) produced a dose dependent protection against gastric ulcer induced by 60% ethanol. Results showed that 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg caused 20.87 and 80.10%, respectively, compared to 41.70% for cimetidine at 11.5mg/kg BW dose. The same doses were used to test for anti-inflammatory activity against edema induced in hind paw by carrageenan. Intra-peritoneal doses of 100 and 200mg/kg BW of the extract showed significant (p <0.05) anti-inflammatory activity when compared with the untreated control. The highest inhibition of edema development was achieved at 100mg/kg BW dose and the edema was decreased by 67% compared with diclofenac (60%) at 10mg/kg BW. No signs of toxicity were observed at used doses. Antioxidant activity was established using DPPH assay and the extract exhibited high DPPH radical scavenging activity (80.4%). The estimated total phenolic content was 228.5 GAE per gram. The results show that Lycopus uniflorus possesses a potential anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant activities.

Daucus carota, commonly known as wild carrot, is an annual or biannual herb confined to temperate regions of Europe, Asia and South Africa. In view of biochemical and pharmacological actions, it was shown that the plant has significant protective effects on inflammation and gastric ulcer without being harmful to different body functions [1]. The present study investigates the chemopreventive effects of Daucus carota oil extract upon skin papilloma initiated by 7,12,dimethylbenza-anthracene (DMBA) and promoted by 12-O-tetrad-ecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The extract was either applied topically to mouse skin at concentrations of 5, 50, 100% in acetone, or injected intraperitoneally at a concentration of 20% in saline, or given by gavage at 100% twice per week for 20 weeks, 20 minutes prior to each promotion treatment with TPA [2]. At week 20, the topically applied 100% extract delayed tumor appearance by 3-weeks, and inhibited tumor incidence and yield by 40 and 89% respectively. Topical application of 50% extract inhibited tumor incidence and yield by 30 and 83% respectively, while topical application of 5% extract inhibited tumor yield by 36%. Tumor volume was decreased by 99, 91 and 70% following topical treatments with 100, 50 and 5% oil extract respectively. Inraperitoneal treatment inhibited tumor yield by 43%, and decreased the tumor volume by 85% at week 20. Gavage treatment failed to inhibit the promotion of tumors but decreased tumor volume by 20%. The results suggest that Daucus carota oil extract has potent suppressive activity against tumor promotion in mouse skin, and can be an effective chemopreventive agent against skin cancer.

Cedrus libani ssp. libani (Pinaceae) is a plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. 2-Himachalene-7-ol, previously isolated from the plant, possesses in vitro anticancer activity [1]. The present study investigates the chemopreventive effects of 2-himachalene-7-ol on 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoyl phorobol-13-acetate (TPA) skin tumorigenesis model in mice. The stem xylem was extracted with hexane and the obtained oil was subjected to silica gel chromatography to isolate 2-himachalen-7-ol. Papilloma were initiated on shaved dorsal skin using DMBA and promoted twice weekly using TPA for 20 weeks [2]. Animal groups were treated once weekly with 2-himachalen-7-ol via different routes: gavage (50 mg/kg), intraperitoneally (IP 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg) or topically (0.2mL of 0.5, 1 or 2.5%). Tumor yield, and volume were compared with those of non-treated control and cisplatinum-treated groups (IP 2.5 mg/kg). Liver and kidney toxicity as well as body weight changes were also investigated. Data were analysed using ANOVA. At week 16 all animal groups treated with either 2-himachalen-7-ol or cisplatinum had relatively less papilloma number (0 – 52%) and volume (30 – 66%; p < 0.05). At week 20 the number of papilloma was highest in the cisplatinum and lowest in the 2-himachalen-7-ol IP 10 mg/kg groups. Inhibition of papilloma volume was maximal in the 2-himachalen-7-ol IP 25, IP 50 and gavage (48 – 52%; p < 0.01) followed by IP 10 and topical 2.5% (43%: p < 0.05) then cisplatinum (28%; NS) groups. The least gain in body weight was observed with the cisplatinum group. Liver enzymes (ALP, ALT and AST) were not affected in all treated groups; however creatinine and urea levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the cisplatinum group compared to control. In conclusion, 2-himachalen-7-ol has potent antitumor activity against DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis with relatively lower toxicity than commonly used chemotherapeutic drug

A filamentous, Gram-positive, spore forming aerobic bacterium was isolated from olive oil contaminated soil (Al Koura, Lebanon) on rhodamine agar plates at 60 °C. The isolate, HRK-1 produced large quantities of an extracellular thermostable lipase which degrades olive oil. It was primarily classified as a Thermoactinomyces sp. due to the filamentous structure of its cells that bear one spore each on an un-branched sporophore, the resistance of its spores to boiling, utilisation of sucrose as a carbon source and production of dark pigments. The isolate grew optimally at a temperature of 60 °C, a pH of 7.3 and an orbital shaking of 250 rpm. It showed an efficient olive oil degrading ability. No traces of triolein were detected after a 36-h cultivation. A concentration of 10 % [v/v] olive oil did not inhibit its growth. Lipase production was constitutive, and did not depend on the presence of olive oil. The optimum concentration of olive oil for lipase activity was 1 % [v/v], and the activity was not enhanced at higher concentrations, but on the contrary, a decrease in enzyme activity was recorded. The lipase of HRK-1 was preliminarily characterised in the crude cell-free supernatant with a specific activity of 0.14 U/mg. It has an optimum activity at 60 °C and a pH of 8.0. This lipolytic enzyme showed resistance to boiling and to a wide range of metallic ions and inhibitors. The formation of this heat-stable lipase started in the early exponential growth phase, while a maximum extracellular enzyme activity was detected at the end of the decline phase, when most of the cells appeared as spherical spores. The exceptionally high activity of lipase (2.37 U/ml) produced by HRK-1 measured in the cell free supernatant clearly indicated the commercial importance of this isolate, especially after it showed great stability at elevated temperatures.

Cedrus libani is among the oldest Cedrus species in the Mediterranean region. Its essential oil has been utilized in folk medicine in Lebanon and was recently shown to possess antileukemic activity [1]. The current study aims to isolate and characterize the major compound responsible for anticancer activity. Cedrus wood (100 g) was extracted with hexane using a soxhlet apparatus to obtain 2.4 g of crude oil. The oil (1 g) was then eluted with 9:1 hexane:ethyl acetate using a silica gel-based column to yield 2-himchalene-7-ol as a white crystalline solid (125 mg, 0.3%). The identity of the sesquiterpene was determined by GC-MS, 13C NMR and X-ray Crystallography. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that 2-himachalene-7ol has been isolated from the wood of Cedrus libani. 2-Himachalene-7-ol was then tested against brain cancer cells (SF) and colon cancer cells (Caco-2) at doses ranging between 1 and 25 ug/mL using a WST kit. Results showed a remarkable anti-proliferative effect with IC50 values ranging between 5 – 7 ug/mL and IC99 values ranging between 11 – 13 ug/mL. In conclusion, the anticancer effect of the Cedrus Libani essential oil could be attributed to its major constituent, 2-himachalene-7-ol.

Daucus carota L. ssp. carota is a part of the folk medicine in Lebanon where it is used to enhance immunity and protect against many ailments among which are inflammation, gastric ulcer, and diabetes. Earlier we reported anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activities of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the wild carrot umbels.1 Additionally, the aqueous extract of D.carota was found to possess anticancer activity against human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells2, while the oil extract exhibited chemopreventive effect against chemically induced skin cancer.3 The present study investigates the anticancer effects of the aqueous extract of D. carota umbels on DMBA-induced skin cancer in mice. The extract was administered to animals via either gavage or intraperitoneal routes for 20 weeks. Significant antitumor effects were observed with the intraperitoneal (250mg/kg body weight) mode of treatment, where the percentage of papilloma incidence, yield and volume were reduced by 28, 23 and 86.4% respectively. Gavage treatment failed to inhibit tumor incidence, yield and volume. Intraperitoneal treatment decreased hyperplasia and dermal infiltration with an increase in the level of hyperkeratosis. These findings demonstrate that Daucus carota aqueous extract possesses anti-tumor activity against DMBA-induced skin cancer.