A Review on Cyclamen Species: Transcription Factors vs. Pharmacological Effects

Abstract

The mechanism of floral mutation including double flowers in plant species can be explained by the ABCDE model which represents the relationship between MADS-box transcription factor genes and floral morphogenesis. The ornamental importance of Cyclamen led to the creation of double-flowered cultivars caused by the repression of AG-like gene expression in whorl 3. Modifications in these genes also influence the accumulation of different bioactive compounds depending on species and/or variety. In antiquity, cyclamen plants were recognized for their therapeutic qualities and later gained importance due to their content in saponins, which have been reported to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and also to alleviate symptoms in acute rhinosinusitis patients. Furthermore, the extracts and isolated compounds are used as treatments in a wide range of diseases. In this review, we describe the transcription factors and their role in the development and ABCDE model formation of organs which led to the development of double-petal and fragrant varieties. Additionally, we describe the potential mechanisms of action underlying the therapeutic effects of saponin extracts against cancers and inflammatory disorders and their potential as a pharmacological agent in clinical studies.

Antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities of different parts of Cyclamen cilicium

“…There are different studies in the literature about anti-proliferative and anticancer activities of the genus Cyclamen. It was reported that Cyclamen species represent a source of secondary metabolites and biological active compounds with powerful therapeutic and pharmacological properties for the treatment of human disorders such as cancer [36,37]. Anti-proliferative activity of C. coum extract was demonstrated in HeLa cervical cancer cell line and H1299 lung cancer cell line and IC50 values of extract were determined as 8,61 µg/mL in HeLa cells and 9,52 µg/mL in H1299 cells.…”

Anthocyanins and Carotenoids Characterization in Flowers and Leaves of Cyclamen Genotypes Linked with Bioactivities Using Multivariate Analysis Techniques

“…On the contrary, the extracts tested against the BJ cell line were less effective in inhibiting proliferation compared to when they were against MDA-MB-231, thus demonstrating selective toxicity. Cyclamen flower extracts contain cyclamin, a saponin with reported anticancer properties, but with no significant protective anticlastogenic effects [ 10 , 102 ]. In the present study, the flowers of C. hederifolium (FC18) demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against the MDA-MB-231 cell line with all used concentrations, which might be due to its high content in total phenolic and flavonoid content, but also due to its relatively high content in malvidin 3,5-di- O -glucoside (357.53 ± 3.…”

“…was used against headaches, muscle contractions, and toothaches. Nowadays, due to their bioactive compounds, they are extensively used as ornamental and therapeutic plants [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. C. hederifolium has been used in several regions of Serbia as a treatment against rheumatism, skin conditions, menstrual pains, and migraines, but also as a purgative and antitumor agent.…”

Characterization of Cyclamen genotypes using morphological descriptors and DNA molecular markers in a multivariate analysis

“…C. persicum is a much admired ornamental plant of high economic importance, especially in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. Cyclamen is particularly essential in traditional and modern medicine, in addition to its decorative and commercial importance ( Sarikurkcu, 2011 ; Turan and Mammadov, 2018 ; Cornea-Cipcigan et al., 2019 ). Cyclamen possesses cultural and religious relevance, symbolizing empathy and devotion in the Mediterranean culture, is cultivated in Islamic churchyards and monasteries, and is a consecrated flower in Japan ( Grey-Wilson, 2015 ).…”