Terpenes from essential oils and hydrolate ofTeucrium alopecurustriggered apoptotic events dependent on caspases activation and PARP cleavage in human colon cancer cells through decreased protein expressions

Abstract

This study focused on characterizing the Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic fractions of Teucrium alopecurus in the context of cancer prevention and therapy. The goal was also to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved and to determine its efficacy against cancer by triggering apoptosis and suppressing tumorigenesis in human colon cancer. The data here clearly demonstrated that oily fractions of Teucrium alopecurus act as free radical scavengers, antibacterial agent and inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116, U266, SCC4, Panc28, KBM5, and MCF-7 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The results of live/dead and colony formation assays further revealed that Teucrium essential oil has the efficacy to suppress the growth of colon carcinoma cells. In addition, essential oil of Teucrium alopecurus induced apoptosis, as indicated by cleavage of caspases-3, -8, and -9 and poly-adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase. Moreover, Teucrium alopecurus essential oil suppressed gene expression involved in survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis in human colon cancer cells. No sign of toxicity was detected in vivo after treatment with increasing concentrations of essential oil. Oral administration of T.alopecurus inhibited LPS-induced colon inflammation. This anticancer property of this specie Teucrium alopecurus fractions could be due to their phenolic and/or sesquiterpene content (d-limonene, α-Bisabolol, Humulene, Thymol, and (+)-epi-Bicyclosesquiphellandrene). Hence our study reveals the anticancer activity of Teucrium alopecurus oil mediated through the suppression of cell growth, cell proliferation, and the induction of apoptosis of cancer cells. Thus, it has potential to be developed as an anticancer agent; however more in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted.

A Review of the Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Biological Activities of the Essential Oils of Genus Teucrium

“…glaucum (Cramediu ʼe istropios) [65] and T. flavum (Querciola maggiore/Crammediu) [64] are also largely utilized in Sardinia for their cicatrizing properties. The last species is also ▶ [22,23] T. africanum Akkedispoot, ubu-Hlungu ambeibossie, bitterbossie, paddaklou South Africa tonic, against snakebites and anthrax, hemorrhoids, sore throat, stomach disorders, eye inflammations, colds, and fever [24] T. antiatlanticum…”

“…Since ancient times, its aerial parts have been used in Tunisian traditional medicine, where it is known as "Hachichet belgacem ben salem" for the treatment of intestinal inflammation, as a remedy for gastric ulcer, and in external use as a cicatrizing agent [131,132]. Teucrium alopecurus (Hʼchichit ben salem) is an endemic species limited to South Tunisia widely used in its traditional medicine and known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, and its aerial parts have been used for many years as an infusion alone or in combination with other species [22]. In the folk medicine of this region, many people apply the powder of this species on the external inflamed area to reduce swelling and pain [23].…”

Is the Antimicrobial Activity of Hydrolates Lower than That of Essential Oils?

“…However, only few studies have been carried out on EOs and Hys obtained from the same distillation process in order to compare their chemical composition [ 9 , 10 , 11 ], or study some of their activities such as psychopharmacological and anti-cancer activities [ 12 , 13 ], or larvicidal and nematodicidal ones [ 14 , 15 ]. Our group participated in these early investigations, assessing the chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of the EO and Hy obtained from Monarda citriodora in a recent research.…”

Terpenoids and Phytocannabinoids Co-Produced in Cannabis Sativa Strains Show Specific Interaction for Cell Cytotoxic Activity

“…In contrast, the inter-entourage effect suggests that enhanced biological activity may be attributed to secondary metabolites—mainly terpenoids—produced by cannabis strains. Terpenoids are known for their medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities [21,22,23], but here, in the general gist of the inter-entourage effect, they are considered as promoters and instigators of therapeutic phytocannabinoid activity. Although comprising only a few percent of the total secondary metabolites in cannabis flowers, the effect of terpenoids may be of great significance [10,21].…”