Herbs And Phytochemicals: Halodule Uninervis - A New Hope in Breast Cancer Treatment
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 16, 2024 4 months, 1 week, 2 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes ago
Herbs And Phytochemicals: In the fight against cancer, researchers constantly seek new and effective treatments. One promising area of exploration is the use of natural remedies, particularly those derived from marine plants. A recent
Herbs And Phytochemicals study by researchers from the American University of Beirut-Lebanon, University of Petra, Amman-Jordan, Cleveland Clinic Foundation-USa and the University of Jordan has revealed the potential of Halodule uninervis, a type of seagrass, in combating one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer: triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
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Halodule Uninervis - A New Hope in Breast Cancer Treatment
What is Halodule uninervis?
Halodule uninervis is a seagrass found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions. Known for its diverse bioactive metabolites, this seagrass has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, muscle pain, and skin infections. Recent studies have focused on its potential pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.
The Challenge of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for 15-20% of all breast cancer cases. Unlike other breast cancer types, TNBC lacks the three common receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2) that are typically targeted in hormonal and targeted therapies. This makes TNBC particularly challenging to treat, often leading to poorer outcomes compared to other breast cancer subtypes.
The Study: Exploring the Anticancer Potential
Researchers from various institutions, including the American University of Beirut and the University of Jordan, conducted a comprehensive study on the anticancer potential of Halodule uninervis ethanolic extract (HUE) against TNBC. The study focused on the MDA-MB-231 cell line, a commonly used model for this aggressive cancer type.
Key Findings
-Phytochemical Composition: The HUE was found to be rich in several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids. These compounds are known for their antioxidant and anticancer properties.
-Antioxidant Activity: The HUE demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, which is crucial in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. This antioxidant property contributes to its overall anticancer potential.
-Anti-Proliferative Effects: The HUE inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. This means that higher concentrations of the extract led to a greater reduction in cancer cell growth.
-Induction of Apoptosis: Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is often defective in cancer cells. The study showed that HUE induced apoptosis in TNBC cells, marked by cellular changes such as chromatin lysis, nuclear condensation, and the f
ormation of apoptotic bodies.
-Cell Cycle Arrest: Treatment with HUE led to the arrest of TNBC cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, preventing them from progressing to further stages of growth and division.
-Inhibition of Metastasis: HUE significantly reduced the migration and invasion capabilities of TNBC cells. This is particularly important as metastasis (the spread of cancer to other parts of the body) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths.
-Selective Cytotoxicity: HUE displayed selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, meaning it was more toxic to TNBC cells than to normal fibroblast cells. This selectivity is crucial for minimizing side effects in potential cancer treatments.
Mechanisms of Action
The study also delved into the molecular mechanisms behind HUE's anticancer effects. Key findings include:
-Activation of p38 and p53 Pathways: These pathways are critical in regulating cell cycle progression and apoptosis. HUE treatment led to the activation of these pathways, which in turn increased the levels of proteins involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
-Downregulation of Bcl-2 and Upregulation of Bax: Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein, while Bax is a pro-apoptotic protein. HUE treatment decreased Bcl-2 levels and increased Bax levels, promoting apoptosis in TNBC cells.
Future Implications
The findings from this study are promising, suggesting that Halodule uninervis ethanolic extract could be developed into a novel therapeutic agent for treating triple-negative breast cancer. However, further research, including clinical trials, is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in humans.
Conclusion
The battle against cancer continues to be one of the most significant challenges in modern medicine. Discoveries like the anticancer potential of Halodule uninervis offer hope for new, effective treatments, particularly for hard-to-treat cancers like TNBC. As researchers continue to explore the depths of nature's pharmacy, the future of cancer treatment looks brighter and more promising.
This study also highlights the incredible potential of natural products in the development of new cancer therapies. By focusing on the anticancer properties of seagrasses like Halodule uninervis, scientists are paving the way for more effective and less toxic treatments for some of the most challenging cancers.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/6/726
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