Effects of herbal medicine on human uterine tumor-bearing nude mice

Abstract

Aim:Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign uterine neoplasms associated with significant morbidity. Herbal formulas capable of restoring yin-yang balance by dispersing blood stasis may be useful for managing fibroid symptoms.Materials and Methods:In this study, the antitumor properties of three herbs viz., Trogopterus xanthipes Milen-Edwards, Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, and Ulmus davidiana Planch were evaluated in nude mice injected intravenously with human malignant myomas. Tumor fragments were xenografted subcutaneously through a flank incision in female mice. The mice entered the study for 8 weeks when their tumors reached the threshold volume (260 mm3). The mice were randomly allocated to receive subcutaneous injections of normal saline (Group 1; negative control), P. lactiflora Pallas (Group 2), U. davidiana Planch (Group 3), T. xanthipes Milen-Edwards (Group 4), and intravenous injections of paclitaxel (Group 5; positive control). The weight and tumor volume were measured, followed by histopathology.Results:A few cases of abdominal distention and death were observed in the negative control group. Furthermore, a considerable enlargement of the liver and spleen was observed in the negative control group at autopsy with a gradual increase in body weight during the experiment. The mean tumor volume which increased in negative control mice reduced in mice treated with herbal remedies or paclitaxel from day 14 onwards (P < 0.05). The degree of necrosis and apoptosis induction from herbal treatments was similar to that of paclitaxel.Conclusion:Collectively, three herbs viz., T. xanthipes Milen-Edwards, P. lactiflora Pallas, and U. davidiana Planch were able to induce necrosis and apoptosis of uterine leiomyoma cells, proving antitumor properties against uterine fibroids.

Traditional Chinese medicine formula T33 inhibits the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells by inducing autophagy

“…Evidence has reported that six methyl ester derivatives isolated from the root of Radix Kansui, including 11,13‐eicosadienoic acid methyl ester, 12‐octadecenoic acid methyl ester, (Z, Z)‐methyl ester‐9,12‐octadecadienoic acid, 10‐methyl‐heptadecanoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, and methyl ester‐5‐oxo‐DL‐proline, can inhibit the growth of human gastric cancer cell, SGC‐7901, by inducing apoptosis 36 . Notably, the major functional component of Radix Paeoniae Alba ( Paeonia lactiflora ), paeoniflorin, was found to have anticancer activity on various human cancers, including liver cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, and glioblastoma 37–43 . For centuries, Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum is also used for treating cough, phlegm, and cancer 21,44 .…”

“…36 Notably, the major functional component of Radix Paeoniae Alba ( Paeonia lactiflora ), paeoniflorin, was found to have anticancer activity on various human cancers, including liver cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, and glioblastoma. 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 For centuries, Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum is also used for treating cough, phlegm, and cancer. 21 , 44 Interestingly, N‐oxalylglycine (NOG), known as a 2‐oxoglutarate (2OG) inhibitor, is a natural derivate of Rheum rhabarbarum and has been found to reveal anticancer activity by silencing the overexpressed alkylation repair protein‐B (AlkB) in cervical carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.…”