Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sijia Sun, Ashraf M. Omar, Min Jo Kim, Nguyen Duy Phan, Yaowared Chulikhit, Suresh Awale
Summary: The methanolic extract of Thai Piper ribesoides exhibited preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells in nutrient-deprived conditions, with a PC50 value of 24 μg/mL. Six compounds were isolated from the extract, including two new polyoxygenated cyclohexane derivatives. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 showed potent preferential cytotoxic activity against PANC-1 cells, with PC50 values ranging from 5.5-7.2 μM, while ribesoidone A (1) also inhibited colony formation of PANC-1 under normal nutrient-rich conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ashraf M. Omar, Sijia Sun, Min Jo Kim, Nguyen Duy Phan, Ahmed M. Tawila, Suresh Awale
Summary: The antiausterity strategy shows promise in discovering lead compounds with unprecedented anticancer activities by targeting cancer cells' tolerance to nutrition starvation. The study isolated multiple compounds, including six new benzophenones, from an ethanol extract of Betula alnoides, which displayed antiausterity activity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient-deprived conditions. These new compounds showed potential anticancer effects and induced alterations in cancer cell morphology under nutrient-deprived conditions.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ashraf M. Omar, Dya Fita Dibwe, Ahmed M. Tawila, Sijia Sun, Min Jo Kim, Suresh Awale
Summary: The 70% ethanolic extract of Artemisia vulgaris exhibited preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient-deprived conditions, with the identification of a new compound, (+)-vulgaric acid (1), showing strong cytotoxicity. Apigenin (3) showed the highest cytotoxic activity among the tested compounds.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mai T. T. Nguyen, Hai X. Nguyen, Phu H. Dang, Tho H. Le, Truong N. Do, Ashraf M. Omar, Suresh Awale, Nhan T. Nguyen
Summary: The methanolic extract from Boesenbergia rotunda rhizomes exhibited potent cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells, particularly under nutrient deficiency conditions. Nine undescribed dimeric metabolites, panduratins Q-Y, were isolated from the rhizomes, with some showing strong cytotoxicity towards PANC-1 cell line.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mai Thanh Thi Nguyen, Hai Xuan Nguyen, Tho Huu Le, Truong Nhat Van Do, Phu Hoang Dang, Tung Van Pham, Truc Thanh Minh Giang, Sijia Sun, Min Jo Kim, Ahmed M. Tawila, Ashraf M. Omar, Suresh Awale, Nhan Trung Nguyen
Summary: A new flavanone derivative and four known flavonoids were isolated from the methanolic extract of Boesenbergia pandurata rhizomes. The absolute configuration of the new compound was determined using NMR, MS spectroscopic analysis, and comparison with ECD data. The new compound exhibited strong cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Juthamart Maneenet, Ahmed M. Tawila, Ashraf M. Omar, Nguyen Duy Phan, Chiharu Ojima, Masahiro Kuroda, Mao Sato, Mio Mizoguchi, Ikue Takahashi, Suresh Awale
Summary: An n-hexane extract from Callistemon subulatus exhibited potent cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells, particularly under nutrition starvation conditions. Among the isolated compounds, myrtucommulone A (2) demonstrated highly preferential cytotoxicity against the cancer cells and induced cell death through inhibition of cell migration and downregulation of signaling pathways.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Ahmed M. Tawila, Ashraf M. Omar, Nguyen Duy Phan, Ikue Takahashi, Juthamart Maneenet, Suresh Awale
Summary: Phytochemical investigation of Callistemon citrinus leaves led to the discovery of two new compounds, callistrilone Q(1) and epicallistrilone Q(2), which exhibited unprecedented cytotoxic activities against human pancreatic cancer cells and inhibited cell migration.
TETRAHEDRON LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shaimaa Fayez, Alessia Cacciatore, Juthamart Maneenet, Hung Hong Nguyen, Nasir Tajuddeen, Doris Feineis, Laurent Ake Assi, Suresh Awale, Gerhard Bringmann
Summary: A new naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid, dioncophyllidine E (4), was discovered from a tropical liana called Ancistrocladus abbreviatus (Ancistrocladaceae). It exists as a pair of slowly interconverting atropo-diastereomers (4a and 4b) due to its rare 7,3'-coupling type and the lack of an oxygen function at C-6. The structure was determined mainly by 1D and 2D NMR, and the absolute configuration at the stereocenter C-3 was elucidated by oxidative degradation. Dioncophyllidine E (4a/4b) showed preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient-deprived conditions, suggesting its potential as a pancreatic cancer agent.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sijia Sun, Min Jo Kim, Ashraf M. Omar, Nguyen Duy Phan, Mio Aoike, Suresh Awale
Summary: The pancreatic tumors have poor nutrient supply and extreme resistance to nutrition starvation. A compound named GDP, extracted from Boesenbergia pandurata rhizomes, has shown promising potential as an anti-austerity agent for pancreatic cancer by preferentially inhibiting cancer cells' ability to tolerate starvation conditions.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yuki Hirose, Shinsuke Sato, Kaori Hashiya, Toshikazu Bando, Hiroshi Sugiyama
Summary: Compound 1 and its analogs 2-4 have been found to covalently bind to RUNX-binding sequences, inhibiting the binding of RUNX proteins to their target sites and suppressing cancer growth. Compound 3 showed the highest alkylation efficiency, specificity, and better anticancer effects against pancreatic cancer in vivo.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Arun Bahadur Gurung, Mohammad Ajmal Ali, Fahad Al-Hemaid, Mohamed El-Zaidy, Joongku Lee
Summary: Boesenbergia rotunda, commonly known as fingerroot, is a perennial herb with various medicinal activities. Some active compounds in the plant, such as Alpinetin, Pinocembrin, and Pinostrobin, have shown potential in inhibiting the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting the M-pro enzyme. Molecular docking and simulations have demonstrated the favorable thermodynamic interactions between the compounds and the enzyme, suggesting their potential as anti-SARS-CoV-2 candidates.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kai-Dong Liu, Wan-Qi Yang, Ming -Zhu Dai, Yong Xu, Yun-Peng Qin, Ying-Ying Dong, Jiang Fu, Jing Qu
Summary: Several unknown compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Iris domestica and their chemical structures were determined. Some of these compounds demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-leukemia activities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuki Fujihashi, Min Jo Kim, Juthamart Maneenet, Suresh Awale
Summary: This study explores the potential of Piper longum constituents as anti-austerity agents for pancreatic cancer. The ethanolic extract of Piper longum was found to selectively inhibit the survival of PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient deprivation. Pipernonaline (3) was identified as the lead compound with the strongest anti-austerity activity, inducing cell death, inhibiting migration, and suppressing the Akt/mTOR/autophagy pathway. Pipernonaline (3) shows promise as a novel anti-austerity agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Masaya Okayama, Takahiro Matsumoto, Takahiro Kitagawa, Seikou Nakamura, Tomoe Ohta, Tatsusada Yoshida, Tetsushi Watanabe
Summary: Two new compounds, acutumalkaloids I and II, were isolated from the methanolic extract of Sinomenium acutum. Lysicamine, one of the known compounds, showed anti-proliferative activity against colon cancer cells and cancer stem cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL MEDICINES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Babatomiwa Kikiowo, Joseph A. Ogunleye, Opeyemi Iwaloye, Taiwo T. Ijatuyi
Summary: This study identified Quercetin and Ombuin as promising compounds with anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant activities from Chromoleana odorata. The findings suggest that these compounds have better drug-like properties and inhibition of human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA) compared to the standard drug, acarbose.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Supawadee Daodee, Orawan Monthakantirat, Ariyawan Tantipongpiradet, Juthamart Maneenet, Yutthana Chotritthirong, Chantana Boonyarat, Charinya Khamphukdee, Pakakrong Kwankhao, Supaporn Pitiporn, Suresh Awale, Kinzo Matsumoto, Yaowared Chulikhit
Summary: This study investigated the effects of the Thai traditional medicine YPJ on cognitive deficits in menopausal women. The results suggest that YPJ improves cognitive impairment by mitigating HPA axis overactivation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative brain damage.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ngoc Vinh Huynh, Duc Minh Nguyen Huu, Ngoc Trinh Huynh, Duc Hoa Chau, Cong Dinh Nguyen, Quoc Dung Nguyen Truong, Dinh Tri Mai, Phu Hoang Dang
Summary: From the CHCl3-soluble extract of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) leaves, a new 3-benzazepine-type alkaloid, anonazepine (1), and four known aporphine-type alkaloids, (+)-laurotetanine (2), (+)-norglaucine (3), (-)-xylopine (4), and lanuginosine (5), were isolated. The structures of the isolated alkaloids were determined by NMR spectroscopy, MS, and comparison with literature data. The new 3-benzazepine-type alkaloid existed in an inseparable mixture of two equilibrium conformers. However, none of the isolated alkaloids showed significant anti-inflammatory activity.
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR NATURFORSCHUNG SECTION C-A JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hai Truong Nguyen, Phu Hoang Dang, Phuong Hoang Tran
Summary: Among various catalysts, amorphous carbon-supported sulfonic acid (AC-SO3H) has emerged as a highly efficient solid catalyst due to its superior catalytic activity. The presence of -SO3H groups improves the surface properties of the carbon catalyst, making its activity much higher than that of sulfuric acid. AC-SO3H exhibits advantages such as low cost, non-toxicity, porosity, stability, and adjustable chemical surface. In this study, we introduce a new method for synthesizing pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5-carboxylate scaffolds using AC-SO3H as the catalyst in ethanol at room temperature. The reaction proceeds with good yields and involves a sequential opening/closing cascade reaction, offering advantages of room temperature conditions, short reaction time, and operational simplicity.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shaimaa Fayez, Alessia Cacciatore, Juthamart Maneenet, Hung Hong Nguyen, Nasir Tajuddeen, Doris Feineis, Laurent Ake Assi, Suresh Awale, Gerhard Bringmann
Summary: A new naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid, dioncophyllidine E (4), was discovered from a tropical liana called Ancistrocladus abbreviatus (Ancistrocladaceae). It exists as a pair of slowly interconverting atropo-diastereomers (4a and 4b) due to its rare 7,3'-coupling type and the lack of an oxygen function at C-6. The structure was determined mainly by 1D and 2D NMR, and the absolute configuration at the stereocenter C-3 was elucidated by oxidative degradation. Dioncophyllidine E (4a/4b) showed preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient-deprived conditions, suggesting its potential as a pancreatic cancer agent.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Suresh Awale, Hayato Baba, Nguyen Duy Phan, Min Jo Kim, Juthamart Maneenet, Koichi Sawaki, Mitsuro Kanda, Tomoyuki Okumura, Tsutomu Fujii, Takuya Okada, Takahiro Maruyama, Takahiro Okada, Naoki Toyooka
Summary: Pancreatic tumors in an austere tumor microenvironment activate adaptive pathways to tolerate nutrient starvation and promote aggressive malignancy. Plumbagin, a plant-derived compound, has shown cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells in nutrient-deprived conditions. 2-(cyclohexylmethyl)-plumbagin was identified as the most promising compound that inhibits cancer cell survival under nutrient-deprived conditions by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. In vivo studies using xenograft mouse models confirmed the effectiveness of this compound in inhibiting tumor growth. Plumbagin derivatives, such as 2-(cyclohexylmethyl)-plumbagin, hold great potential for the development of anticancer drugs targeting the tumor's austerity microenvironment.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nguyen Duy Phan, Ashraf M. Omar, Ikue Takahashi, Hayato Baba, Tomoyuki Okumura, Johji Imura, Takuya Okada, Naoki Toyooka, Tsutomu Fujii, Suresh Awale
Summary: Pancreatic tumors are often characterized by hypoxia and severe nutrient deprivation, making anticancer drugs targeting rapidly proliferating cells ineffective. The search for novel agents that can eliminate cancer cells' adaptations to nutrition starvation, known as antiausterity agents, is promising. The natural product (+)-nicolaioidesin C (Nic-C) has shown potent antiausterity activity against pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, and its racemic form (synthesized Nic-C) inhibited tumor growth and signaling pathways in a human pancreatic cancer xenograft model. Metabolomic profiling suggests Nic-C affects amino acid and sphingolipid metabolism.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Phu H. H. Dang, Tu H. H. Tran, Tho H. H. Le, Truong N. V. Do, Hai X. X. Nguyen, Mai T. T. Nguyen, Nhan T. T. Nguyen
Summary: In our study on antioxidant activity of Vietnamese plant extracts, the CHCl3-soluble fraction from Calotropis gigantea flowers exhibited moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity. Further investigation led to the discovery of five alkaloids, including a novel ss-carboline-type alkaloid called caloside H. The structures of the compounds were determined by NMR spectroscopic analysis. Caloside H showed significant DPPH radical scavenging capacity in the antioxidant assay.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuki Fujihashi, Min Jo Kim, Juthamart Maneenet, Suresh Awale
Summary: This study explores the potential of Piper longum constituents as anti-austerity agents for pancreatic cancer. The ethanolic extract of Piper longum was found to selectively inhibit the survival of PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient deprivation. Pipernonaline (3) was identified as the lead compound with the strongest anti-austerity activity, inducing cell death, inhibiting migration, and suppressing the Akt/mTOR/autophagy pathway. Pipernonaline (3) shows promise as a novel anti-austerity agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tho Huu Le, Phu Hoang Dang, Hai Nhung Truong, Thanh Minh Dang, Hai Xuan Nguyen, Truong Nhat Van Do, Mai Thanh Thi Nguyen, Nhan Trung Nguyen
Summary: A novel diphenylbutenoid compount, montadinin A (1), and a previously unreported phenylbutenoid compound, 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-ol (7), were isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum. Seven known phenylbutenoids were also identified. The structures of all compounds were determined through NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 122.9, 127.3, 257.5, and 168.5 μM, respectively.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kusawadee Plekratoke, Chantana Boonyarat, Orawan Monthakantirat, Natsajee Nualkaew, Jinda Wangboonskul, Suresh Awale, Yaowared Chulikhit, Supawadee Daodee, Charinya Khamphukdee, Suchada Chaiwiwatrakul, Pornthip Waiwut
Summary: The study found that Mesua ferrea Linn flower extract has potential effects on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It exhibits antioxidant activities, inhibits acetylcholinesterase and beta-amyloid aggregation, reduces cell death, and improves memory deficits. Therefore, it could be a potential medication for AD.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Suresh Awale, Michiko Jo, Shiro Watanabe, Naotoshi Shibahara, Kinzo Matsumoto
Summary: The effects of GRS on rats were explored through analyzing the H-1-NMR of urine samples in this study. The variations in metabolites affected by GRS were evaluated, providing a new understanding of the effects of Kampo medicine. The results showed that GRS administration increased lactate, acetate, and other metabolites in urine, while reducing blood urea nitrogen levels.
TRADITIONAL & KAMPO MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tu Hoai Tran, Tho Huu Le, Thu-Ha Thi Nguyen, Long Binh Vong, Mai Thanh Thi Nguyen, Nhan Trung Nguyen, Phu Hoang Dang
Summary: This study isolated a new apotirucallane-type protolimonoid from the leaves of Paramignya trimera, which showed no cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells but exhibited a stimulatory effect on cell viability.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Ryosuke Tanaya, Takeshi Kodama, Yuan-E Lee, Yoko Yasuno, Tetsuro Shinada, Hironobu Takahashi, Takuya Ito, Hiroyuki Morita, Suresh Awale, Futoshi Taura
Summary: This study explores the synthesis of various CBGA analogues, including a liverwort-derived bibenzyl acid precursor, using CsPT4. The synthesized natural and new-to-nature cannabinoids exhibit potent cytotoxicity in human pancreatic cancer cells. CsPT4 has the potential to expand the diversity of cannabinoid biosynthesis with novel and improved biological activities.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chorpeth Chalermwongkul, Charinya Khamphukdee, Juthamart Maneenet, Supawadee Daodee, Orawan Monthakantirat, Chantana Boonyarat, Yutthana Chotritthirong, Suresh Awale, Anake Kijjoa, Yaowared Chulikhit
Summary: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent worldwide disease with unclear etiology. Herbal medicine is gaining interest as an alternative antidepressant, and Oroxylum indicum extract containing baicalin and baicalein shows potential as an effective treatment for MDD by normalizing the HPA axis function and improving neurogenesis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tho Huu Le, Thinh Quang Bui, Phu Hoang Dang, Hai Xuan Nguyen, Truong Nhat Van Do, Mai Thanh Thi Nguyen, Nhan Trung Nguyen
Summary: Curcuma aromatica, a plant belonging to the Ginger family, is used for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and skin improvement. This study isolated six compounds from the chloroform extract of C. aromatica rhizomes and determined their structures. Naringenin showed potential effects against tyrosinase and α-glucosidase, suggesting its possible therapeutic applications for diabetes and melanogenesis.
VIETNAM JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
