Specific Cytostatic and Cytotoxic Effect of Dihydrochelerythrine in Glioblastoma Cells: Role of NF-κB/β-catenin and STAT3/IL-6 Pathways.

Background: A glioblastoma is a primary CNS tumor that is more aggressive and lethal than other brain tumors. Its location, rapid proliferation, invasive growth, angiogenesis and immunosuppression are the main factors that limit its treatment, making it a major challenge to neuro-oncology.

Objective: This study investigated the in vitro effects of the alkaloid dihydrochelerythrine (DHC), which is extracted from Zanthoxylum stelligerum, on the viability, proliferation, cell death and β-catenin, NFκB, STAT3/pSTAT3 and interleukins roles.

Cytotoxicity of the diterpene 14-O-methyl-ryanodanol from Erythroxylum passerinum in an astrocytic cells model.

Plant secondary metabolites, such as, specifically, alkaloids and terpenes, may present psychoactive properties that modify the function of the central nervous system (CNS) and induce neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity involves the response of glial cells, mainly astrocytes, which play a fundamental role in the control of homeostasis of the CNS. Some Erythroxylum species are indigenous to the state of Bahia in Brazil.