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Oleoresin of Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb. ex G. Don (DA) has been traditionally used for local medicinal applications. Several in vitro studies have indicated its pharmacological potential. However, the low water solubility hinders its use and development for pharmaceutical purposes. The study aimed to (1) formulate oil-in-water (o/w) Pickering emulsions of DA oleoresin and (2) demonstrate its activities in cancer cells. The Pickering emulsions were formulated using biocompatible carboxylated cellulose nanocrystal (cCNC) as an emulsifier. The optimized emulsion comprised 3% (F1) and 4% (v/v) (F2) of oleoresin in 1% cCNC and 0.1 M NaCl, which possessed homogeneity and physical stability compared with other formulations with uniform droplet size and low viscosity. The constituent analysis indicated the presence of the biomarker dipterocarpol in both F1 and F2. The pharmacological effects of the two emulsions were demonstrated in vitro against two cancer cell lines, HepG2 and HCT116. Both F1 and F2 suppressed cancer cell viability. The treated cells underwent apoptosis, as demonstrated by distinct nuclear morphological changes in DAPI-stained cells and Annexin V/PI-stained cells detected by flow cytometry. Our study highlights the prospect of Pickering emulsions for oleoresin, emphasizing enhanced stability and potential pharmacological advantages.

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are phospholipid bilayer vesicles released from cells, containing natural cargos. Microgreens of Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef were used in this study as the source of EVs. EVs were isolated by differential centrifugation. The physical properties were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy. The biological and chemical composition were studied by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, respectively. EVs had a median size of 227.17 and 234.90 ± 23.30 nm determined by electron microscopy and DLS, respectively with a polydispersity index of 0.293 ± 0.019. Electron microscopy indicated the intact morphology and confirmed the size. The FTIR spectra revealed that EVs are composed of proteins as the most abundant macromolecules. Using a curve-fitting analysis, β-pleated sheets were the predominant secondary structure. Notably, the micromolecular biomarkers were not detected. EVs exerted anti-cancer activity on HCT116 colon cancer over Vero normal cells with an IC50 of 448.98 µg/ml and a selectivity index of > 2.23. To conclude, EVs could be successfully prepared with a simple and effective isolation method to contain nano-sized macromolecules possessing anti-cancer activity.

Owing to the reputation of Kaempferia parviflora and the crucial role of oxidative stress on the disturbance of physical fitness, the effect of a functional drink containing K. parviflora extract (KP) on the physical fitness of healthy adult volunteers was assessed. Healthy male and female volunteers (19–60 years old) were randomly divided into placebo, KP90, and KP180 groups. All the subjects in KP90 and KP180 were directed to consume a functional drink containing K. parviflora extract at doses of 90 and 180 mg per serving per 80 mL, respectively. Parameters of physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition, together with changes in lactate, creatinine kinase, and oxidative stress markers were assessed before the intervention, and at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. The oxidative stress markers, creatine kinase, and lactate were also measured. Subjects who consumed the developed drink had increased VO2 max and improved performance in a timed shuttle run test and 5 min distance run, and exhibited decreased oxidative stress and lactate; therefore, K. parviflora extract can be successfully used for developing a KP drink to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and physical performance by improving oxidative stress and lactate.

The non-nutritional health benefits of sprouts are unconfirmed. Thus, nine sprout methanolic extracts were tested for phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity. The TPC, TCC, TFC, TAC, and TALC were measured. ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays were used to assess the antioxidant activity. HPLC detected gallic acid, vanillin, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin in the extracts. The sprout extracts contained six compounds, with caffeic acid being the most abundant. Gallic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin, and rutin were highest in soybean, black sesame, mustard, sunflower, white radish, and black sesame sprouts, respectively. Sunflower sprouts had the highest level of TCC while soybean sprouts had the highest level of TFC, Taiwanese morning glory had the highest level of TPC, mustard sprouts had the highest level of TALC, and black sesame sprouts had the highest level of TAC. Taiwanese morning glories scavenged the most DPPH and ABTS radicals. Colored and white radish sprouts had similar ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Antioxidation mechanisms varied by compound. Our findings demonstrated that sprouts have biological effects, and their short time for mass production offers an alternative food source for health benefits, and that they are useful for future research development of natural products and dietary supplements.

Objective: To evaluate antibacterial activity and the bioactive compounds of 50% hydroethanolic extract of Alpinia zerumbet (A. zerumbet) rhizomes. Methods: Eight reference microbial strains including two Gram-positive bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212)] and six Gram-negative bacteria [Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATTC 700603), Proteus mirabilis (DMST 8212), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Vellore. (ATCC 15611), Shigella flexneri (ATCC 12022) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853)], were used to test antimicrobial susceptibility by the broth microdilution method. Bioactive compounds were analyzed by using HPLC. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration values of A. zerumbet extract were 8 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Shigella flexneri and 16 mg/mL for Enterococcus faecalis and the other four Gram-negative bacilli. HPLC chromatograms revealed that the A. zerumbet extract contained hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. Conclusions: The constituents of A. zerumbet rhizomes could be a potential source of antibacterial compounds, warranting further study of A. zerumbet extract.

Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb. ex G. Don is widely found in Southeast Asia. Its oleo-resin has reportedly been used in biodiesel production. Two different biodiesel production processes produce resinous byproducts, namely degumming (DG) and distillation (DT). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified sesquiterpenes and triterpenes in oleo-resin, DG, and DT; and long-chain hydrocarbons in oleo-resin. High-performance liquid chromatography detected dipterocarpol as a marker compound, with the highest to lowest amounts detected in DG, DT, and oleo-resin, respectively. Oleo-resin, DG, and DT exerted more cytotoxicity than dipterocarpol, and melphalan, a chemotherapeutic drug. Oleo-resin, DG, and DT exerted cytotoxicity to a different degree in T cell leukemia (Jurkat), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, while the highest selectivity was found in the Jurkat cells compared to the non-cancer Vero cells. Dipterocarpol exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and the lowest cytotoxicity in Jurkat cells. Oleo-resin, DG, and DT induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells. In oleo-resin, DG, and DT, dipterocarpol and other compounds may act in synergy leading to cytotoxicity and an apoptosis-inducing effect. Oleo-resin, DG, and DT could be potential sources for anticancer agents. Dipterocarpol could serve as a biomarker for follow ups on the anticancer activity of a sample from D. alatus.

The cassava root is an important global agro-industrial crop that yields cassava leaf as a left-over co-product of interest for further development as a sustainable resource of health and cosmeceutical active compounds. This work aimed to investigate the cosmeceutical potential and chemical composition of an ethanolic cassava leaf extract (BM). rutin, apigenin, and kaempferol were found to be major constituents via HPLC-DAD UV analysis. Interestingly, the multiple beneficial bioactivities of BM for cosmeceutical applications were manifested in a dose-dependent manner, including anti-oxidation in a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, anti-melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells, collagen synthesis enhancement in human fibroblasts, and anti-adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, the potential of the collagen synthesis enhancement of BM and rutin was significant when compared to ascorbic acid. Additionally, a UV filter property comparable to BEMT with characteristics of board spectral absorption and constant high absorptivity throughout all UV wavelength ranges was exhibited by UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis. In conclusion, the cassava leaf was found to be a potential natural cosmeceutical active agent with multiple cosmeceutical-related bioactivities with respect to a substantial composition of bioactive flavonols. These obtained data will support and encourage the further study and development of cassava leaves as potential economic and sustainable sources of bioactive agents for health and cosmeceutical applications.

Objective: To investigate biomolecular alteration of sesamol on human lung adenocarcinoma (SK-LU-1) cells compared with cisplatin using Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR). Methods: Cytotoxicity of sesamol was investigated against SK-LU-1 cells by using neutral red. DNA fragmentation and the cell cycle analysis were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry, respectively. The FTIR microscopy technique was applied to explore the changes in cellular biochemical compositions in cells treated with sesamol that the biochemical and biological assays cannot cover. The alkylating property was determined by 4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine assay. Results: Sesamol and cisplatin exerted an antiproliferative effect at 48 h with respective IC50 values of 2.7 and 0.07 mM. Both induced apoptosis by causing DNA damage and accumulation of cell populations at sub-G1. FTIR microscopy and Principle Component Analysis clearly discriminated the sesamol- and cisplatin-treated cells from the untreated cells or control. A significant increase of total lipid content was found in cisplatin-treated cells. Conformational changes in the proteins secondary structure from the α -helix to the β -sheet were found in both sesamol- and cisplatin-treated cells, as well as significant reductions in relative DNA content of both compared to the control were observed, suggesting DNA damage. A shift in the peak position of DNA region provides insight on the DNA interactions. Conclusions: The non-alkylating effect of sesamol based on the nitrobenzyl pyridine assay delineates the non-covalent binding mode of sesamol on DNA. Hydrogen bonding is the binding mode of sesamol on DNA, while for cisplatin it was covalent and hydrogen bonding.

Sesame seeds are rich in lignan content and have been well-known for their health benefits. Unlike the other sesame lignan compounds (i.e., sesamin and sesamol), the study of the pharmacological activity of sesamolin has not been explored widely. This review, therefore, summarizes the information related to sesamolin’s pharmacological activities, and the mechanism of action. Moreover, the influence of its physicochemical properties on pharmacological activity is also discussed. Sesamolin possessed neuroprotective activity against hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in neuron cells by reducing the ROS and inhibiting apoptosis. In skin cancer, sesamolin exhibited antimelanogenesis by affecting the expression of the melanogenic enzymes. The anticancer activity of sesamolin based on antiproliferation and inhibition of migration was demonstrated in human colon cancer cells. In addition, treatment with sesamolin could stimulate immune cells to enhance the cytolytic activity to kill Burkitt’s lymphoma cells. However, the toxicity and safety of sesamolin have not been reported. And there is also less information on the experimental study in vivo. The limited aqueous solubility of sesamolin becomes the main problem, which affects its pharmacological activity in the in vitro experiment and clinical efficacy. Therefore, solubility enhancement is needed for further investigation and determination of its pharmacological activity profiles. Since there are fewer reports studying this issue, it could become a future prospective research opportunity.

Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum (Kurz) Gogelein (CP) is an indigenous plant found mainly in southeast Asia. Several in vitro studies have confirmed its activity against hepatocellular carcinoma; however, in vivo studies of the effect of CP on liver cancer are needed. This study investigated the effect of CP on early-stage hepatocarcinogenesis in rat liver when using diethylnitrosamine (DEN) as a carcinogen. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect (a) upregulation of glutathione S-transferase placental (GST-P) positive foci, (b) the proliferating cell nuclear antigen PCNA, and (c) apoptotic cells in the liver as indicators of early-stage carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical parameters were observed in rats given CP orally following DEN injection. Rats given DEN presented overexpression of GST-P positive foci, PCNA, and apoptotic cells, indicating the formation of cancerous tissues, and these effects were diminished by CP treatment. CP thus inhibited hepatocarcinogenic effects in an animal model. These results could help plan further in vivo studies and support the use of CP to prevent processes that promote the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma in humans.

Objectives: To evaluate the concentration differences of sulforaphene and sulforaphane at various ages and in different parts of Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus with respect to their potential cancer preventive effect on HCT116 colon cancer cells. Methods: FTIR–ATR and GC–MS were used to characterize the isothiocyanates in the plant extracts followed by HPLC for quantification. Antiproliferation and apoptosis induction were determined by using MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: The respective rank of anticancer activity of Raphanus sativus were as follows: vegetative (3 week)

Objective: To investigate the antimelanogenesis properties of three sesame compounds-sesamol, sesamin and sesamolin via two stages of melanin synthesis vis-à-vis sunscreen function and enzyme inhibition in melanoma cell line in order to search for alternative depigmenting agents. Methods: Antimelanogenic effects of sesame lignans were assessed in SK-MEL2 compared with the reference depigmenting agents, kojic acid and β-arbutin, in order to evaluate: (a) the sunscreen function of sesamol, sesamin and sesamolin by measurement of UV absorbtion property; (b) the inhibition of tyrosinase activity through mushroom and cellular tyrosinase; and (c) the effect on melanin content and melanogenic protein expression (tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2) by Western blot analysis; and (d) the toxicity of sesamol, sesamin and sesamolin to cells using cell cytotoxicity assay. Results: The results showed that sesamin, sesamolin and sesamol exerted satisfiable sunscreen function by absorbed UVB at 290 nm. Sesamol exhibited the highest inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity, but lipophilic sesamolin exhibited the highest cellular tyrosinase inhibition (IC50 of 1.6 μM) followed by sesamin, sesamol, and kojic acid, respectively. The order from high to low inhibition of melanin pigment was detected in the SK-MEL2 treated with sesamolin, sesamin, sesamol, kojic acid, and β-arbutin, respectively. Sesamolin and sesamin successfully inhibited cellular tyrosinase activity and respectively decreased TRP-1/TRP-2 (36%/15%) and TRP-1 levels (16%), thereby inhibiting melanogenesis via antityrosinase activity. No cytotoxicity to SK-MEL2 or Vero (normal) cell lines was observed at the lignan concentrations that exerted an antimelanogenic effect. Conclusions: Three sesame lignans prevent melanin synthesis through 2 stages: (a) by blocking melanin-induction and (b) by interrupting melanogenic enzyme production. This study provides evidence that sesamol, sesamin and sesamolin are potential for antimelanogenesis agents.

The bioactive compounds of Raphanus sativus var. caudatus Alef and their respective cytotoxicity were identified from (a) 2 crude water and dichloromethane extracts and (b) 5 serially partitioned extracts using dichloromethane. Then, using a bioassay-guided cytotoxicity assay, the extracts were tested against the colon cancer cell line HCT116. Among 2 crude extracts and 5 fractions, the dichloromethane crude extract possessed the greatest in vitro cytotoxicity against HCT116. The dichloromethane crude extract was subjected to flash column liquid chromatography. Only 4 fractions and unfractionated extract were chosen for further analysis by high accuracy mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QToF-MS/MS). Six glucosinolates, 13 isothiocyanates, 5 indoles, 4 flavonoids, 2 alkaloids, 2 thiocyanates, 1 oxazolidine, and 1 dialkyl disulphide were identified. Two compounds were detected for the first time—isoalliin and butyl 1-(methylthio)propyl disulphide. Several constituents with anti-cancer activity were identified. This information could inform guidelines for quality control of standard plant extracts for further product development.

Objective: To analyze two isothiocyanates (sulforaphene and sulforaphane) and their antiproliferative effect of 11 indigenous cruciferous vegetables. Methods: Phytoconstituents identification was conducted by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer techniques. The antiproliferation was evaluated in colon cancer cell line HCT116 by MTT assay. Results: Isothiocyanate identification by high performance liquid chromatography showed that broccoli, cabbage, “Khi-Hood” (Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef) and Chinese radish contained isothiocyanates sulforaphane. Sulforaphene and sulforaphane in broccoli, cabbage and “Khi-Hood” were characterized by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. Antiproliferation screening by MTT assay found that the potent plants which possessed IC50 below 50 μg/mL were cabbage and “Khi-Hood”, while the others had low antiproliferation with IC50 higher than 50 μg/mL. Difference in antiproliferation was probably due to difference existed phytochemical constituents in each plant. “Khi-Hood” possessed the highest antiproliferation against HCT116 with the lowest IC50 at (9.42 ± 0.46) μg/mL. The IC50 of chemotherapeutic drug (mitomycin C) was (19.12 ± 1.00) μg/mL, while both melphalan and 5-fluorouracil possessed the IC50 value higher than 50 μg/mL. Conclusions: Commonly consumed cruciferous vegetables exerted varied antiproliferation and isothiocyanate contents. High isothiocyanate content in “Khi-Hood” was contributed to high antiproliferation. Among 11 plants studied, “Khi-Hood” could be an alternative chemopreventive diet.

Black (cv. BGR) and white (cv. RD6) glutinous rice sprouts from fertilizer- and pesticide-free farm in Khon Kaen province, Thailand were investigated for antioxidation and antiproliferative activity. Three different ages of rice sprouts were collected and prepared as the extract. BGR exerted higher antioxidant capacity than RD6 based on total phenolic (TPC) and total anthocyanin contents (TAC), DPPH, and FRAP assays. BGR at 10–15 days contained the highest TPC (29.72 ± 1.42 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and reducing power (2.22 ± 0.014 mmole FeSO4/g extract). BGR at 20–25 days contained the highest TAC (0.86 ± 0.096 equivalence of cyanidin-3-glucoside/g extract) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 231.09 ± 12.99 μg/mL). Antiproliferative activity of the extracts was evaluated in the human T-lymphocyte (Jurkat), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), colorectal carcinoma (HCT116), melanoma (SK-MEL-2) and noncancerous cells (Vero) by neutral red assay. BGR showed the most selective antiproliferation against Jurkat cells, by inducing apoptosis, and caspase 3/7 activity. BGR at 200 μg/mL from all ages significantly decreased ROS using DCFH-DA and increased endogenous glutathione levels in Jurkat cells compared to the control (p < 0.05). The higher antiproliferation of BGR than RD6 was via its antioxidation capacity and attributed to its higher phenolic and anthocyanin contents. BGR sprout is a potential source of biologically active substances good for wellness and health benefits.

To assess the presence and absence of mycoplasma contamination in cell culture, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy, coupled with multivariate analysis, was deployed to determine the biomolecular changes in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HepG2, before and after mycoplasma contamination. The contaminated HepG2 cells were treated with antibiotic BM-Cyclin to decontaminate the mycoplasma, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then performed to confirm the presence or the absence of mycoplasma contamination. The contaminated and decontaminated HepG2 cells were analyzed by FTIR microspectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA) and peak integral area analysis. The results showed that the FTIR spectra of contaminated HepG2 cells demonstrated the alteration in the IR spectra corresponding to the lipid, protein, and nucleic acid regions. PCA analysis distinguished the spectral differences between the groups of mycoplasma-contaminated and -decontaminated cells. The PCA loading plots suggest that lipid and protein are the main contributed molecules for the difference between these two cell groups. Peak integral area analysis illustrated the increase of lipid and nucleic acid and the decrease of protein contents in the contaminated HepG2 cells. FTIR microspectroscopy is, therefore, proven to be a potential tool for assessing mycoplasma removal by monitoring biomolecular alterations in cell culture.

Lindernia crustacea (L.) F. Muell. var. crustacean or “Ya Kap Hoi: YKH” was misunderstood as “Ya Yad Nam Kang” and cancer curative. This study aimed to investigate anticancer activity by the analysis of chemical constituent in extracts and in vitro screening of biological activities of the extract in several aspects such as cancer cell lines cytotoxic activity, immune cell proliferating activity, reducing power activity, alkylation activity. The HPLC analysis showed the absence of plumbagin peak observed in the HPLC chromatograms of both YKH aqueous and YKH ethanolic extracts. The YKH ethanolic extract yielded more chemical constituents than that of the YKH aqueous extract. The YKH aqueous extract was inactive against all cancer cells tested. Interestingly, YKH ethanolic extract caused cancer cell death in HCT116 colon cancer, HepG2 liver cancer, and Jurkat leukemic cancer cell lines in the concentration dependent manner. The following IC50 concentrations of the YKH ethanolic extract that possessed 50 % cell death after 24 h exposure in HCT116, HepG2, and Jurkat cell line were 195.4 ± 12, 171.7 ± 8.7, and 48.8 ± 5.7 µg/mL, respectively. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of YKH showed high antioxidant activity based on reducing power activity but did not have alkylation activity. At high concentration (250 µg/mL), YKH ethanolic extract can inhibit immune cells proliferation activity more than the YKH aqueous extract. An unexpected but critical outcome of our studies was the finding that anticancer activity is promised by selecting the plant extraction solvent with less polarity. Potential anticancer constituents were extracted from YKH using ethanol and these constituents cannot be found in aqueous solution of YKH.

The bioactive components and biological activities were superior for green (unripe) jujube fruit (as pulp and seed) compared to the ripe fruit. Compared to the properties of ripe pulp, the green pulp of each variety possessed higher phenolic contents, DPPH scavenging activity, and FRAP value. The anti-glycation properties of the jujube samples ranged between 52 and 72%, depending on the ripening stage and variety. Phenolic content was positively correlated with antioxidant and anti-glycation activities, but not with total flavonoid content. Green jujube pulp possessed greater anti-glycation than the ripe jujube pulp in all varieties studied. The water extracts of Bombay and Taiwan jujubes caused moderate Jurkat leukemic cell deaths but with low apoptosis induction effects. This study provides practical information about how best to take advantage of the bioactive compounds and health implications of the jujube as a potential source for functional and nutritive applications.

Sesamol is effective against melanoma cells with less damage to normal cells. The underlying selective cytotoxicity of sesamol in melanoma vs. non-cancerous cells is undefined. Melanoma cells differ from normal cells by over-expression of the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1). We sought to clarify the transport mechanism on selective cytotoxicity of sesamol in melanoma cells. A human melanoma cell line (SK-MEL-2) and African monkey epithelial cell line (Vero) were used to study the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of sesamol. The intracellular concentration of sesamol was quantified by UV-HPLC. The cytotoxicity was determined by neutral red uptake assay. Sesamol showed a higher distribution volume and uptake clearance in SK-MEL-2 than Vero cells. Sesamol was distributed by both carrier-mediated and passive transport by having greater carrier-mediated transport into SK-MEL-2 cells than Vero cells. Higher mRNA expression and function of LAT1 over LAT2 were evident in SK-MEL-2 cells compared to Vero cells. Sesamol uptake and sesamol cytotoxicity were inhibited by the LAT1 inhibitor, suggesting LAT1 had a role in sesamol transport and its bioactivity in melanoma. The LAT1-mediated transport of sesamol is indicative of how it engages cytotoxicity in melanoma cells with promising therapeutic benefits.

The intracellular drug concentration is needed for determination of target exposure at the site of action regarding its pharmacological action and adverse effects. Sesamol is an antiproliferative molecule from Sesamum indicum with promising health benefits. We present a method for measuring the intracellular sesamol content using reverse-phase HPLC with a UV diode array in melanoma cells. Sesamol was completely resolved by isocratic elution (4.152 ± 0.008 min) with methanol/water (70%, v/v) through a 30 °C, 5-µm C-18 column and detection at 297 nm. The present assay offers high sensitivity, fast elution, and an accurate and linear nominal concentration range of 10−1000 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9972). The % accuracy of the sesamol quality control sample was −3.36% to 1.50% (bias) with a 0.84% to 5.28% relative standard deviation (RSD), representing high repeatability and high reproducibility. The % recovery was 94.80% to 99.29%, which determined that there was no loss of sesamol content during the sample preparation. The validated method was applied to monitor intracellular sesamol concentration after treatment from 5 min to 24 h. The remaining intracellular sesamol content was correlated with its antiproliferative effect (R2 = 0.9483). In conclusion, this assay demonstrated low manipulation, quick elution, and high sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and recovery, and it was successfully applied to the quantification of sesamol in target cells.

Seven compounds, carbazole alkaloids (heptaphylline, 7-methoxyheptaphylline, 7-methoxymukonal) and coumarins (clausarin, dentatin, nordentatin, and xanthoxyletin), were isolated from the root bark of Clausena harmandiana. Antioxidation, cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction were evaluated in vitro. Results showed that clausarin exerted the highest DPPH radical scavenging and 7-methoxymukonal had the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power. In contrary, dentatin was the least DPPH radical scavenger, and heptaphylline was the least reducing antioxidant power. The isolated compounds showed different cytotoxicity. The hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) was generally more sensitive to the isolated compounds than lung cancer (SK-LU-1), colon cancer (HCT-116), and noncancerous (Vero) cell lines, respectively. Clausarin possessed the highest cytotoxicity selectively against cancer cell lines tested. 7-Methoxymukonal and 7-methoxyheptaphylline exhibited less cytotoxicity only in HepG2 cells and were inactive in the SK-LU-1 and HCT116 cells. Despite xantoxyletin possessing low antioxidant and low cytotoxic activity, it induced the highest apoptosis percentage with the lowest necrosis percentage of HepG2 cells after 24 h. In conclusion, xantoxyletin primarily show potential anticancer activity. The root bark of C. harmandiana is a good source of bioactive compounds or the lead for the development of new pharmaceutical agent.

Dipterocarpus alatus (Dipterocarpaceae) is a medicinal plant whose use is well known for the treatment of genito-urinary diseases. However, there is no report of its cytotoxic potential. In this study, the chemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts of the leaves, bark, twigs and oleo-resin from D. alatus are investigated. Cytotoxicity was measured by the neutral red (NR) assay against HCT116, SKLU1, SK-MEL2, SiHa and U937 cancer cell lines and antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Leaf, bark and twig extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than oleo-resin, with bark extract showing the highest antioxidant activity and the highest total phenolic content. All samples showed more cytotoxic activity against the U937 cell line than HCT116, SKLU1, SK-MEL2 and SiHa cells with oleo-resin being more cytotoxic than melphalan against U937 cells. Chemical composition analysis of oleo-resin by GC-MS showed that the major components were sesquiterpenes, namely α-gurjunene (30.31%), (-)-isoledene (13.69%), alloaromadendrene (3.28%), β-caryophyllene (3.14%), γ-gurjunene (3.14%) and spathulenol (1.11%). The cytotoxic activity of oleo-resin can be attributed to the sesquiterpene content, whereas the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of leaf, bark and twig extracts correlated to total phenolic content.

The cancer preventive effect of Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef (Thai rat-tailed radish) extract was evaluated against the HCT116 colon cancer cell line. HPLC and GC–MS were used to identify the phytoconstituents in Thai rat-tailed radish extract. Thai rat-tailed radish extract showed high cytotoxicity against HCT116 with an IC50 at 9.42 ± 0.46 μg/ml. Apoptosis induced by Thai rat-tailed radish extract was confirmed (a) by DAPI staining which demonstrated nuclei morphological changes, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation and (b) by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. GC–MS analysis of Thai rat-tailed radish extract revealed two isothiocyanates; sulforaphane and sulforaphene, whose cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction effect were evident, giving Thai rat-tailed radish extract its anticancer attributes. This is the first report on the cancer preventive effect of Thai rat-tailed radish extract against HCT116 colon cancer cell line, through apoptosis induction.

We investigated the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of free and bound phenolics from 12 available Thai edible flowers which have long been consumed as vegetable and used as ingredients in cooking. Cassia siamea showed the highest value of total phenolic content (TPC) (88 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight). Tagetes erecta had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) (68.9 mg RE/g dry weight). Antigonon leptopus and T. erecta had the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value (62.0 and 60 mmolFeSO4/g 100 dry weight). Major phenolic acids identified in these analyses were gallic acid, ferulic acid and sinapic acid, while predominant flavonoids were quercetin and rutin. The results of this study showed that soluble as well as bound fractions of edible flowers are rich sources of phenolic compounds with antioxidant, DPPH radical-scavenging activity and reducing power. This study has provided useful information for screening edible flowers as potential sources of bioactive components with high antioxidant properties that may be of interest to consumers and public health workers.