The essential oil derived from the bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L., Lauraceae, has gained significant attention because of its numerous biological benefits. This study aimed to perform a phytochemical analysis of commercially available Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark essential oil and to evaluate its antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antitumor properties. GC–MS analysis was employed to determine the phytochemical composition. The major component of the total essential oil composition was (E)-cinnamaldehyde, constituting 77.93%, followed by eugenol (4.34%), E-caryophyllene (3.68%), and linalool (2.79%). The antioxidant activity was confirmed by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and TAC assays. In the broth microdilution assay, cinnamon essential oil demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, with MIC values ranging from 7.37 to 29.50 µg/mL. Furthermore, cinnamon essential oil demonstrated selective antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116) while sparing non-cancerous cells (MRC-5). In HCT116 cells, cinnamon essential oil induced apoptosis, downregulated Cyclin D and p-AKT, and caused G1-phase arrest. Additionally, cinnamon essential oil modulated immune responses by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production in activated splenocytes and enhancing pro-inflammatory activity in naïve cells. These findings highlight the great potential of the cinnamon bark essential oil in the development of new therapeutic agents.

A series of mono- and heteronuclear platinum(II) and zinc(II) complexes with 4,4′,4″-tri-tert-butyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligand were synthesized and characterized. The DNA and protein binding properties of [ZnCl₂(terpy^tBu)] (C1), [{cis-PtCl(NH₃)₂(μ-pyrazine)ZnCl(terpy^tBu)}](ClO₄)₂ (C2), [{trans-PtCl(NH₃)₂(μ-pyrazine)ZnCl(terpy^tBu)}](ClO₄)₂ (C3), [{cis-PtCl(NH₃)₂(μ-4,4′-bipyridyl)ZnCl(terpy^tBu)}](CIO₄)₂ (C4) and [{trans-PtCl(NH₃)₂(μ-4,4′-bipyridyl)ZnCl(terpy^tBu)}](CIO₄)₂ (C5) (where terpy^tBu = 4,4′,4″-tri-tert-butyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), were investigated by electronic absorption, fluorescence spectroscopic, and molecular docking methods. Complexes featuring transplatin exhibited lower K_b and K_sv constant values compared to cisplatin analogs. The lowest K_sv value belonged to complex C1, while C4 exhibited the highest. Molecular docking studies reveal that the binding of complex C1 to DNA is due to van der Waals forces, while that of C2–C5 is due to conventional hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. The tested complexes exhibited variable cytotoxicity toward mouse colorectal carcinoma (CT26), human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116 and SW480), and non-cancerous mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSC). Particularly, the mononuclear C1 complex showed pronounced selectivity toward cancer cells over non-cancerous mMSC. The C1 complex notably induced apoptosis in CT26 cells, effectively arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, and selectively down-regulated Cyclin D.

The history of effective anti-cancer medications begins with the discovery of cisplatin’s anti-cancer properties. Second-generation analogue, carboplatin, with a similar range of effectiveness, made progress in improving these drugs with fewer side effects and better solubility. Renewed interest in platinum-based drugs has been increasing in the past several years. These developments highlight a revitalized enthusiasm and ongoing exploration in platinum chemotherapy based on the series of dinuclear platinum(II) complexes, [{Pt(L)Cl}₂(μ-bridging ligand)]²⁺, which have been synthesized and evaluated for their biological activities. These complexes are designed to target various cancerous conditions, exhibiting promising antitumor, antiproliferative, and apoptosis-inducing activities. The current work aims to shed light on the potential of these complexes as next-generation platinum-based therapies, highlighting their enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects, which could revolutionize the approach to chemotherapy.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Drug repurposing is an effective strategy to address current cancer challenges, such as the resistance and toxicity associated with traditional chemotherapy. Among the various psychotropic drugs, antidepressants are emerging as promising candidates due to their demonstrated anticancer activity. We evaluated duloxetine (DUL), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, for anticancer and immunomodulatory activity by performing comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments. In HCT116 (colon), HeLa (cervical), and MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer) human cancer cells, and 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells, we investigated DUL's cytotoxicity, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, and migration inhibition through MTT assay, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence methods. An orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer was utilized to investigate the in vivo tumor inhibitory effects of DUL, along with its systemic toxicity and immunomodulatory properties. Gene expression (p53, Beclin-1), cytokine profile, and CD3⁺T cell activation were examined by mRNA sequencing and ELISA kits to explore underlying mechanisms. For the first time, our in vitro results indicated that DUL caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity, apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest in all cancer lines tested, which was more selective than 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Mechanistically, DUL modulated apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3), autophagic (p62), and survival (pAkt) signaling, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited cell migration. In vivo, DUL inhibited tumor growth without inducing hepatic or renal toxicity. Notably, DUL stimulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α), enhanced the immunity of CD3⁺T cells, and increased the expression of pro-apoptotic p53 and autophagic Beclin-1 genes, reflecting its dual antitumor and immunomodulatory actions. Our findings revealed for the first time that DUL is a promising repurposed drug for cancer treatment, as it has demonstrated proven antitumor efficacy and immune-stimulating properties. This novel dual role of DUL warrants further investigation in clinical oncology.

Due to the rich ethnobotanical and growing evidence-based medicine records, the Alchemillae herba, i.e., the upper parts of the Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L.), was used for the assessment of antimelanoma activity. The ethanolic extract of A. vulgaris strongly suppressed the viability of B16F1, B16F10, 518A2, and Fem-X cell lines. In contrast to the in vitro study, where the B16F1 cells were more sensitive to the treatment than the more aggressive counterpart B16F10, the results obtained in vivo using the corresponding syngeneic murine model were quite the opposite. The higher sensitivity of B16F10 tumors in vivo may be attributed to a more complex response to the extract compared to one triggered in vitro. In addition, the strong immunosuppressive microenvironment in the B16F1 model is impaired by the treatment, as evidenced by enhanced antigen-presenting potential of dendritic cells, influx and activity of CD4⁺ T and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, decreased presence of T regulatory lymphocytes, and attenuation of anti-inflammatory cytokine production. All these effects are supported by the absence of systemic toxicity. A. vulgaris extract treatment results in a sustained and enhanced ability to reduce melanoma growth, followed by the restoration of innate and adopted antitumor immunity without affecting the overall physiology of the host.

Background: Inflammation plays a central role in the formation of peptic ulcers, yet the contribution of cellular immunity remains poorly defined. This study aimed to clarify the contribution of cellular immunity to acute gastric mucosal injury. Methods: BALB/c mice received 80% ethanol via oral gavage to induce acute gastric injury. Stomachs were examined macroscopically and histologically, and gastric tissues were analyzed by qPCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry for cytokine expression, immune cell infiltration, and apoptosis. Results: Administration of ethanol exacerbated acute gastric injury in mice, as evidenced by extensive macroscopic lesions and severe disruption of mucosal architecture. This damage was accompanied by marked infiltration of CD11c⁺ dendritic cells, together with an increased frequency of CD86-expressing and IL-12-producing dendritic cells. In addition, there was greater accumulation of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, including elevated numbers of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells producing IFN-γ and IL-17, as well as CD8⁺CD107a⁺ cytotoxic cells. Alongside these cellular alterations, ethanol exposure was accompanied by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17, and IFN-γ) in gastric tissue. In parallel, ethanol exposure also promoted epithelial cell apoptosis, further contributing to mucosal deterioration. Conclusions: Our findings reveal for the first time that both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells participate in sterile ethanol-induced acute gastric injury, emphasizing cellular immunity as an important yet insufficiently studied contributor to mucosal damage and highlighting the necessity for further mechanistic and translational research.