Isoangustone A induces autophagic cell death in colorectal cancer cells by activating AMPK signaling.

Phytochemicals, especially flavonoids, have been widely investigated for their diversified pharmacological activities including anticancer activities. Previously we identified isoangustone A from licorice-derived compounds as a potent inducer of cell death. In the present study, the exact mechanism by which isoangustone A induced cell death was further investigated, with autophagy as an indispensible part of this process.

The Novel Triazolonaphthalimide Derivative LSS-11 Synergizes the Anti-Proliferative Effect of Paclitaxel via STAT3-Dependent MDR1 and MRP1 Downregulation in Chemoresistant Lung Cancer Cells.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major cause of the inefficacy and poor response to paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. The combination of conventional cytotoxic drugs has been a plausible strategy for overcoming paclitaxel resistance. Herein, we investigated the cytotoxic effects and underlying mechanism of , a novel naphthalimide derivative-based topoisomerase inhibitor, in paclitaxel-resistant A549 (A549/T) lung cancer cells.

Hepatoprotective activities of Antrodia camphorata and its triterpenoid compounds against CCl-induced liver injury in mice.

Ethnopharmacology Relevance: Antrodia camphorata (AC) is a rare and precious fungus indigenous to Taiwan used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of liver injury. Triterpenoids are the major bioactive constituents of A. camphorata and have been reported to possess hepatoprotective activities.

A novel triazolonaphthalimide induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth by targeting DNA and DNA-associated processes.

DNA and DNA-associated processes have been classes of the most important targets of chemotherapeutic drugs. As classic DNA intercalators and topoisomerase inhibitors, naphthalimides have been extensively investigated as potential anti-cancer drugs. We recently synthesized a novel series of triazolonaphthalimides with excellent anti-cancer activities.

Licoricidin inhibits the growth of SW480 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) possesses significant anti-cancer activities, but the active ingredients and underlying mechanisms have not been revealed. By screening the cytotoxic activities of 122 licorice compounds against SW480 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, we found that licoricidin (LCD) inhibited SW480 cell viability with an IC value of 7.

Glycybridins A-K, Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Glycyrrhiza glabra.

In an attempt to discover bioactive agents from the herbal medicine Glycyrrhiza glabra (widely known as licorice), 11 new phenolic compounds, glycybridins A-K (1-11), along with 47 known phenolics (12-58) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR and MS analyses as well as experimental and computed ECD data. According to the clinical therapeutic effects of licorice, enzyme or cell-based bioactivity screenings of 1-58 were conducted.

Bioactive Constituents of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice): Discovery of the Effective Components of a Traditional Herbal Medicine.

Traditional herbal medicines have been reported to possess significant bioactivities. In this investigation, a combined strategy using both phytochemical and biological approaches was conducted to discern the effective components of licorice, a widely used herbal medicine. Altogether, 122 compounds (1-122), including six new structures (1-6), were isolated and identified from the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice).

Isoangustone A induces apoptosis in SW480 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells by disrupting mitochondrial functions.

Licorice and its components have been reported to posses various anti-tumor activities, but its active ingredients and underlying mechanisms are not well understood yet. In the present study, a group of representative licorice-derived compounds that could be detected in rat plasma or urine were screened for anti-tumor activity. Among these compounds, isoangustone A (IAA) was found to promptly inhibit the viability of SW480 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner.