Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus, and some research provides its activity to treat breast cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the anticancer activity of Vernonia amygdalina Delile leaves fractions on 4T1 breast cancer cells. Analysis of phytochemical compounds were carried out with LC-MS/MS. Cytotoxic activity was determined using the MTT method in the 4T1 cell line. Apoptosis, the cell cycle, and PI3K and mTOR profiles were analyzed with flow cytometry. The phytochemicals found were diterpene (ingenol-3-angelate) and some phenolics (chlorogenic acid and 4-methoxycinnamic acid), flavonoids (apigetrin, apigenin, luteolin, diosmetin, baicalin, rhoifolin, and scutellarin), and coumarines (7-hydroxycoumarine, 4-methylumbelliferone, and 4-methylumbelliferyl glucuronide). The results of the MTT assay showed that the IC50 values n-hexane fraction, ethylacetate fraction (EAF), and ethanol fractions were 1,860.54 ± 93.11, 25.04 ± 0.36, and 1,940.84 ± 96.37 μg/mL, respectively. EAF induced early and late apoptosis, inhibited cell cycle progression on the G2/M phase, and inhibited PI3K and mTOR expression. The EAF of Vernonia amygdalina Delile leaves showed anticancer activity on 4T1 breast cancer cells through induction of apoptosis, enhanced cell accumulation on G2/M phases in the cell cycle, and inhibited expression of PI3K and mTOR.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, underscoring the importance of understanding the diverse molecular and genetic underpinnings of CRC to improve its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This review delves into the adenoma-carcinoma-metastasis model, emphasizing the "APC-KRAS-TP53" signature events in CRC development. CRC is categorized into four consensus molecular subtypes, each characterized by unique genetic alterations and responses to therapy, illustrating its complexity and heterogeneity. Furthermore, we explore the role of chronic inflammation and the gut microbiome in CRC progression, emphasizing the potential of targeting these factors for prevention and treatment. This review discusses the impact of dietary carcinogens and lifestyle factors and the critical role of early detection in improving outcomes, and also examines conventional chemotherapy options for CRC and associated challenges. There is significant focus on the therapeutic potential of flavonoids for CRC management, discussing various types of flavonoids, their sources, and mechanisms of action, including their antioxidant properties, modulation of cell signaling pathways, and effects on cell cycle and apoptosis. This article presents evidence of the synergistic effects of flavonoids with conventional cancer therapies and their role in modulating the gut microbiome and immune response, thereby offering new avenues for CRC treatment. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to CRC research and treatment, incorporating insights from genetic, molecular, and lifestyle factors. Further research is needed on the preventive and therapeutic potential of natural compounds, such as flavonoids, in CRC, underscoring the need for personalized and targeted treatment strategies.

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), chitosan, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used to enhance the active functions and antibacterial properties of wound dressings. This study was conducted to prepare CNF/AgNP-chitosan using a straight incorporation method and to assess its antimicrobial activity. CNFs were isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFBs) using the pulping method and acid hydrolysis. AgNPs were synthesized using a green synthesis method. The wound dressing was produced by mixing a 10% CNF solution in LiCl/DMAc and AgNP-chitosan in a glass plate with various ratios of CNF/AgNP-chitosan, i.e., 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, and 50:50. UV-visible and TEM analyses were conducted to confirm the formation of AgNPs and CNFs at the nanoscale. The results showed particles with an absorption wavelength of 435 nm and spherical shapes. Based on the calculation using ImageJ software, the diameters of CNFs were approximately 50 nm, and the lengths were several micrometers. FTIR was used to analyze the chemical bonding of AgNP-chitosan and the incorporated AgNP-chitosan in CNFs. Based on the XRD analysis, the presence of AgNPs did not affect the crystallinity of the CNFs. SEM images showed that the addition of AgNPs resulted in the stretching of CNF pores on the pads. Thermal degradation of the film increased with the addition of AgNP-chitosan by up to 40%. Antimicrobial tests and hemocompatibility tests showed that the formed CNF/AgNP-chitosan film successfully inhibited bacterial growth and was classified as a nonhemolytic material; thus, its potential as a wound dressing should be further studied.

Background: Secondary metabolites from the group of isoprenoid compounds are widely distributed in mangroveplants. Polyisoprenoids (dolichol and polyprenol) are known to have benefits as anticancer agents. The present studywas conducted to determine the cytotoxic potential of polyisoprenoids in leaves from seventeen selected mangrovespecies against colon cancer (WiDr) cells. Methods: Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT assay in vitro usingWiDr human colon cancer cells and 3T3 fibroblasts from Swiss albino mouse embryo tissue as controls. Mechanismsof action were approached by assessing apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopywith annexin V-FITC, as well as expression of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 by immunocytochemistry. Results: Polyisoprenoidsfrom N. fruticans leaves demonstrated the highest anticancer activity, with an IC50 of 180.2 μg/mL, as compared to397.7 μg/mL against 3T3 normal cells. Significant decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 was also noted,facilitating apoptosis and arrest of the cell cycle in the G0-G1 phase in WiDr cells. The present study showed for thefirst time that polyisoprenoids from N. fruticans exhibit concrete anticancer activity in vitro, decreasing cell proliferationand inducing apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Conclusions: Polyisoprenoids isolated from N. fruticans leaves may havepromise as a source of anticancer agents.

Objectives: The current investigation was conducted to examine the anticancer effect of polyisoprenoids from Avicennia marina and Avicennia lanata leaves in WiDr cells. Selectivity index (SI), cell cycle inhibition, and apoptosis activity were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The anticancer activity of polyisoprenoids from A. marina and A. lanata leaves was determined by observing the activity of these compounds toward WiDr cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The SI was determined from the IC₅₀ of the polyisoprenoid extract in normal cells (Vero) versus cancer cells (WiDr). Inhibited cell cycle and increased apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Polyisoprenoid extract from A. marina and A. lanata leaves exhibited anticancer activity against WiDr cells with an IC₅₀ of 154.987 μg/mL and 305.928 μg/mL, respectively. The polyisoprenoid extract from A. marina leaves had an SI value of 5.195 (>3) for categorization as exceptionally selective. Cell cycle analysis revealed that the inhibition occurred in the G0–G1 phase and apoptosis occurred in the early-apoptosis development. Conclusion: Polyisoprenoids from A. marina and A. lanata leaves can be used as anticancer agents against WiDr colon cancer cells. The mechanisms that underlie anticancer activity of the extract were due to by inhibiting of cell cycle and inducing of apoptosis. Abbreviations used: DMSO: Dimethylsulfoxide, MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, PBS: Phosphate buffer saline, SDS: Sodium dodecyl sulfate.