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Eupatorium odoratum (EO) contains many biologically active compounds, the anticancer effects of which are not well documented. This study evaluates the cytotoxic effects and mechanism of action of EO extracts on MCF-7 and Vero cell lines. Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity using MTT assay, morphological alterations, and apoptosis were carried out. Autophagy was evaluated by LC3-A protein expression. Cytotoxic activity, membrane blebbing and ballooning at 24 hours, replacement by mass vacuolation, and double membrane vesicles mimicking autophagy and cell death were observed in the cancer cells. No apoptosis was observed by DNA fragmentation assay. Overexpression of LC3-A protein indicated autophagic cell death. Cell cycle analysis showed G0 and G2/M arrest. The Vero cells did not show significant cell death at concentrations <100 μg/mL. These results thus suggest that acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of EO induce cell death through induction of autophagy and hold potential for development as potential anticancer drugs.

Synsepalum dulcificum (S. dulcificum) commonly known as "miracle fruit" because its berries have the capability to modify sour taste to the sweet taste when eaten. Beside the berries, S. dulcificum leaves were also known to possess biological properties such as antioxidant, antimutagenic and antidiabetic activities. However, the study of its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogen is still lacking. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of its leaves against cariogenic bacteria and to analyse its phytochemical compounds. The samples of S. dulcificum leaves were collected in Kelantan, the east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia and extracted with distilled water using a Soxhlet technique. The antibacterial activity of the S. dulcificum leaves aqueous extract against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus) and Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) was evaluated using the broth microdilution assay. The identification of the phytochemical compounds was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial study showed the minimum inhibitory concentration of S. dulcificum leaves aqueous extract against S. mutans and S. sobrinus were 16 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, there was no inhibitory effect of S. dulcificum leaves aqueous extract against L. salivarius. A total of 42 chemical compounds were identified and major identified bioactive compounds groups were heterocyclic and phenolic compounds. Our results suggested S. dulcificum leaves aqueous extract has antimicrobial properties against S. mutans and S. sobrinus, but no inhibitory activity against oral normal flora, with the presence of bioactive compounds has potential in oral care products application.

Background: Flavonoid-rich foods are beneficially associated with enhancing pulmonary function; however, the protective effects of flavonoids may have an impact on COPD through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent lung disease with a high death rate and multiple health problems. Recently, up to 7000 flavonoids have been identified as having anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Various mechanisms of action of flavonoids have been implicated. Aim: This review aims to identify and appraise various flavonoids used in managing COPD and reveal their mechanisms. Methods: We searched the Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases from December 1975 to February 2022 by using the relevant keywords for this narrative review. Results: Many flavonoids were found to be effective in the management of COPD, such as liquiditin apioside, quercetin, baicalin, naringin, hesperidin, silymarin, and casticin. The proposed mechanisms for these flavonoids could either be attributed to antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: Flavonoids could be a promising alternative to be developed and tested for the treatment of COPD in clinical settings.