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Chinese Medicine Dec 2021The high incidence of breast cancer is the greastest threat to women' health all over the world. Among them, HER-2 positive breast cancer has the characteristics of high... (Review)
Review
The high incidence of breast cancer is the greastest threat to women' health all over the world. Among them, HER-2 positive breast cancer has the characteristics of high malignancy, easy recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a rich theoretical basis and clinical application for breast cancer. TCM believes that blood stasis syndrome is one of the important pathogenesis of breast formation and development. Taohong Siwu Decoction (TSHWD) is based on the "First Prescription of Gynecology" Siwu Decoction. It is widely used in various blood stasis and blood deficiency syndromes, mainly in gynecological blood stasis. Clinical studies have found that THSWD can treat breast cancer by reducing blood vessel and lymphangiogenesis with auxiliary chemotherapy. In this study, we aim to explore the material basis and mechanism of THSWD in the treatment of HER-2 positive breast cancer through literature review and network pharmacology studies. Through a literature review of the traditional application, chemical composition of Chinese herbal medicine of THSWD, as well as its clinical reports and pharmacological research on breast cancer treatment. Meanwhile, we conducted "component-pathway-target" network through network pharmacology reveals the main material basis, possible targets and pathways of THSWD in inhibiting HER-2 positive breast cancer. Literature review and network pharmacology research results had predicted that, baicalein, kaempferol, caffeic acid, amygdalin, quercetin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, catalpol, hydroxysafflor yellow A, paeoniflorin in THSWD are the main effective chemical composition. THSWD regulates 386 protein targets and 166 pathways related to breast cancer. The molecular mechanism is mainly to improve the microenvironment of tumor cells, regulate the process of tumor cell EMT, and inhibit tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. This study revealed the mechanism of action of THSWD in the treatment of HER-2 positive breast cancer through literature review and network pharmacology studies, providing a scientific basis for clinical application.
PubMed: 34857023
DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00539-7 -
Pharmacological Research Feb 2022The pathogenic hyper-inflammatory response has been revealed as the major cause of the severity and death of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Xuanfei Baidu...
The pathogenic hyper-inflammatory response has been revealed as the major cause of the severity and death of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Xuanfei Baidu Decoction (XFBD) as one of the "three medicines and three prescriptions" for the clinically effective treatment of COVID-19 in China, shows unique advantages in the control of symptomatic transition from moderate to severe disease states. However, the roles of XFBD to against hyper-inflammatory response and its mechanism remain unclear. Here, we established acute lung injury (ALI) model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), presenting a hyperinflammatory process to explore the pharmacodynamic effect and molecular mechanism of XFBD on ALI. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that XFBD inhibited the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α and iNOS activity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. In vivo, we confirmed that XFBD improved pulmonary injury via down-regulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α and IL1-β as well as macrophages and neutrophils infiltration in LPS-induced ALI mice. Mechanically, we revealed that XFBD treated LPS-induced acute lung injury through PD-1/IL17A pathway which regulates the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages. Additionally, one major compound from XFBD, i.e. glycyrrhizic acid, shows a high binding affinity with IL17A. In conclusion, we demonstrated the therapeutic effects of XFBD, which provides the immune foundations of XFBD and fatherly support its clinical applications.
Topics: Acute Lung Injury; Animals; COVID-19; Cell Line; China; Cytokines; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Interleukin-17; Leukocyte Count; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neutrophils; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; RAW 264.7 Cells; Signal Transduction; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 35033647
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106083 -
ELife Feb 2023Honeybees rely on their microbial gut symbionts to overcome a potent toxin found in pollen and nectar.
Honeybees rely on their microbial gut symbionts to overcome a potent toxin found in pollen and nectar.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Symbiosis; Plant Nectar; Pollen
PubMed: 36734377
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.85565 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2015Laetrile is the name for a semi-synthetic compound which is chemically related to amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside from the kernels of apricots and various other... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Laetrile is the name for a semi-synthetic compound which is chemically related to amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside from the kernels of apricots and various other species of the genus Prunus. Laetrile and amygdalin are promoted under various names for the treatment of cancer although there is no evidence for its efficacy. Due to possible cyanide poisoning, laetrile can be dangerous.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the alleged anti-cancer effect and possible adverse effects of laetrile and amygdalin.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases: CENTRAL (2014, Issue 9); MEDLINE (1951-2014); EMBASE (1980-2014); AMED; Scirus; CINAHL (all from 1982-2015); CAMbase (from 1998-2015); the MetaRegister; the National Research Register; and our own files. We examined reference lists of included studies and review articles and we contacted experts in the field for knowledge of additional studies. We did not impose any restrictions of timer or language.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We searched eight databases and two registers for studies testing laetrile or amygdalin for the treatment of cancer. Two review authors screened and assessed articles for inclusion criteria.
MAIN RESULTS
We located over 200 references, 63 were evaluated in the original review, 6 in the 2011 and none in this update. However, we did not identify any studies that met our inclusion criteria.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The claims that laetrile or amygdalin have beneficial effects for cancer patients are not currently supported by sound clinical data. There is a considerable risk of serious adverse effects from cyanide poisoning after laetrile or amygdalin, especially after oral ingestion. The risk-benefit balance of laetrile or amygdalin as a treatment for cancer is therefore unambiguously negative.
Topics: Amygdalin; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Humans; Neoplasms
PubMed: 25918920
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005476.pub4 -
Journal of Oral Biology and... 2023Amygdalin is known as a chemical compound derived from various fruits. The glycosides existing in this plant have been historically utilized as an anticancer agent. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Amygdalin is known as a chemical compound derived from various fruits. The glycosides existing in this plant have been historically utilized as an anticancer agent. This review presented an overview of amygdalin and its onco-immunity and other therapeutic medical applications.
METHOD
A literature search for studies relating to amygdalin and cancer treatment was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar. Combinations of the following terms were used in the search strategies: "amygdalin," "rhodanese," "cyanide," "cyanogenic," "hypothiocyanite," "mandelonitrile," "glucosides," "cancer," "apoptosis," and "cytotoxicity," combined with a cancer term such as "seed," "almond," or "apricot," "cancer + cell line, antiproliferation or inhibition," "BAX From the March 3, 1981 until the April 15, 2021, all of the English-language papers were evaluated based on the inclusion criteria. Publications included reviews, chapters from books, and original research papers.
RESULTS
The FDA prohibits Amygdalin from medical usage as an anticancer treatment due to a lack of proof of cure in cancer cases. When this natural-based compound is used with conditional chemotherapeutic medicines causes synergistic effects. Besides, amygdalin is used to manage asthma, improve the immune system, induce apoptosis in human renal fibroblasts, and inhibit hyperglycemia.
CONCLUSION
Various medical uses of amygdalin have been found such as managing asthma, improving the immune system, inducing apoptosis in human renal fibroblasts, and inhibiting hyperglycemia. More effective in vitro and review studies are required to elucidate the exact role of this herb in medical applications.
PubMed: 36618007
DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2022.12.010 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the provenance and properties, metabolism and toxicity, mechanism of action, physiological, and therapeutic roles... (Review)
Review
The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the provenance and properties, metabolism and toxicity, mechanism of action, physiological, and therapeutic roles of amygdalin-a molecule present in the seeds of apricot and other plants-with an emphasis on the action of amygdalin on reproductive processes, particularly in the female. Amygdalin influences physiological processes including female reproduction at various regulatory levels via extra- and intracellular signaling pathways regulating secretory activity, cell viability, steroidogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. On the other hand, while being metabolized in the body, amygdalin releases significant amounts of cyanide, which may lead to acute health hazard in those individuals who may be at risk. Despite some contradictions in the available data about benefits and toxic effects of amygdalin, its potential applicability at low doses may present a promising tool for regulation of various reproductive and other physiological processes including disease management primarily in cancer phytotherapy, animal production, medicine, and biotechnology. However, further research involving carefully designed dose-response studies is required to overcome the possible side effects of amygdalin and assure its safety as a therapeutic agent.
PubMed: 34577581
DOI: 10.3390/ph14090881 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2023In this study, isomerization conditions, cytotoxic activity, and stabilization of amygdalin from peach kernels were analyzed. Temperatures greater than 40 °C and pHs...
In this study, isomerization conditions, cytotoxic activity, and stabilization of amygdalin from peach kernels were analyzed. Temperatures greater than 40 °C and pHs above 9.0 resulted in a quickly increasing isomer ratio (L-amygdalin/D-amygdalin). At acidic pHs, isomerization was significantly inhibited, even at high temperature. Ethanol inhibited isomerization; the isomer rate decreased with the ethanol concentration increasing. The growth-inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells of D-amygdalin was diminished as the isomer ratio increased, indicating that isomerization reduces the pharmacological activity of D-amygdalin. Extracting amygdalin from peach kernels by ultrasonic power at 432 W and 40 °C in 80% ethanol resulted in a 1.76% yield of amygdalin with a 0.04 isomer ratio. Hydrogel beads prepared by 2% sodium alginate successfully encapsulated the amygdalin, and its encapsulation efficiency and drug loading rate reached 85.93% and 19.21%, respectively. The thermal stability of amygdalin encapsulated in hydrogel beads was significantly improved and reached a slow-release effect in in vitro digestion. This study provides guidance for the processing and storage of amygdalin.
Topics: Amygdalin; Prunus persica; Isomerism; Plant Extracts; Hydrogels
PubMed: 37299025
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114550 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2021Amygdalin (d-Mandelonitrile 6--β-d-glucosido-β-d-glucoside) is a natural cyanogenic glycoside occurring in the seeds of some edible plants, such as bitter almonds and... (Review)
Review
Amygdalin (d-Mandelonitrile 6--β-d-glucosido-β-d-glucoside) is a natural cyanogenic glycoside occurring in the seeds of some edible plants, such as bitter almonds and peaches. It is a medically interesting but controversial compound as it has anticancer activity on one hand and can be toxic via enzymatic degradation and production of hydrogen cyanide on the other hand. Despite numerous contributions on cancer cell lines, the clinical evidence for the anticancer activity of amygdalin is not fully confirmed. Moreover, high dose exposures to amygdalin can produce cyanide toxicity. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the sources, toxicity and anticancer properties of amygdalin, and analytical methods for its determination in plant seeds.
Topics: Amygdalin; Animals; Glycosides; Humans; Hydrogen Cyanide; Seeds
PubMed: 33924691
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082253