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Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Potent Nrf2-inducing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects and identification of constituents validate the anti-cancer use of Uvaria chamae and Olax subscorpioidea

Authors: Temidayo D. Popoola, Stephanie T. Guetchueng, Kenneth J. Ritchie, Olufunsho Awodele, Nicola M. Dempster, Oluyemi Akinloye, Satyajit D. Sarker, Amos A. Fatokun

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Uvaria chamae (UC) and Olax subscorpioidea (OS) roots are included in traditional anti-cancer remedies and some studies have identified their chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic potential. This study aimed to identify some cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying such potential and the associated chemical constituents.

Methods

Effect on the viability of cancer cells was assessed using the Alamar Blue assay; ability to modulate oxidative stress was assessed using the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay; potential to modulate Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor like-2 (Nrf2) activity was assessed in the AREc32 luciferase reporter cell line; and anti-inflammatory effect was assessed using lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide release model in the RAW264.7 cells (Griess Assay). Chemical constituents were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Results

Extracts up to 100 μg/ml were non-toxic or mildly toxic to HeLa, AREc32, PC3 and A549 cells (IC50 > 200 μg/ml). Each extract reduced basal and peroxide-induced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HeLa cells. OS and UC activated Nrf2, with UC producing nearly four-fold induction. Both extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. Chamanetin, isochamanetin, isouvaretin, uvaricin I and other compounds were found in U. chamae root extract.

Conclusion

As Nrf-2 induction, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are closely linked with chemoprevention and chemotherapy of cancers, the roles of these plants in traditional anti-cancer remedies are further highlighted, as is their potential as sources of drug leads.
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Metadata
Title
Potent Nrf2-inducing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects and identification of constituents validate the anti-cancer use of Uvaria chamae and Olax subscorpioidea
Authors
Temidayo D. Popoola
Stephanie T. Guetchueng
Kenneth J. Ritchie
Olufunsho Awodele
Nicola M. Dempster
Oluyemi Akinloye
Satyajit D. Sarker
Amos A. Fatokun
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03404-0

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