Anti-cancer Effects of CME-1, a Novel Polysaccharide, Purified from the Mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis against B16-F10 Melanoma Cells

Biomolecules & Therapeutics

Lee

Sung

et al. 2015

Cordyceps species including Cordyceps bassiana are a notable anti-cancer dietary supplement. Previously, we identified several compounds with anti-cancer activity from the butanol fraction (Cb-BF) of Cordyceps bassiana. To expand the structural value of Cb-BF-derived anti-cancer drugs, we employed various chemical moieties to produce a novel Cb-BF-derived chemical derivative, KTH-13-amine-monophenyl [4-isopropyl-2-(1-phenylethyl) aniline (KTH-13-AMP)], which we tested for anti-cancer activity. KTH-13-AMP suppressed the proliferation of MDA-MB-231, HeLa, and C6 glioma cells. KTH-13-AMP also dose-dependently induced morphological changes in C6 glioma cells and time-dependently increased the level of early apoptotic cells stained with annexin V-FITC. Furthermore, the levels of the active full-length forms of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased. In contrast, the levels of total forms of caspases-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and Bcl-2 were decreased in KTH-13-AMP treated-cells. We also confirmed that the phosphorylation of STAT3, Src, and PI3K/p85, which is linked to cell survival, was diminished by treatment with KTH-13-AMP. Therefore, these results strongly suggest that this compound can be used to guide the development of an anti-cancer drug or serve as a lead compound in forming another strong anti-proliferative agent.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pro-Apoptotic Activity of 4-Isopropyl-2-(1-Phenylethyl) Aniline Isolated from Cordyceps bassiana

Biomolecules & Therapeutics

Lee

Sung

et al. 2015

“…O. sinensis is traditionally used[ 56 57 ] as antidiabetic,[ 58 59 60 61 62 ] antiinflammatory,[ 49 54 63 ] antimicrobial,[ 64 65 ] antioxidant,[ 66 67 68 ] and antitumor agent;[ 44 69 70 71 ] against hypocholesterolemia;[ 72 73 ] and for immunomodulatory properties. [ 74 75 ] It is also used for treatment in several diseases such as cardiovascular,[ 76 77 78 79 ] gastrointestinal,[ 80 ] hepatic,[ 81 82 83 ] neuromuscular,[ 84 85 ] renal,[ 59 85 86 ] and respiratory diseases.…”

Section: Traditional Usesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of naturopathy of medical mushroom,Ophiocordyceps sinensis, in sexual dysfunction

Jiraungkoorskul

2016

Phcog Rev

Sexual dysfunctions including desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain disorders are increasing worldwide due to etiological factors and aging. Several types of treatment are claimed in modern medicine, but they have serious side effects and higher costs. In fact, alternative approaches, such as the intake of plants, fungi, and insects, or their extracts, have also been practiced to enhance sexuality and ameliorate illness with notable successes. However, the scientific evidence related to the mechanisms and efficacy of these alternative medicines is both scarce and all too often unconvincing. Ophiocordyceps sinensis is an Ascomycetes fungus parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae, and has long been used as medicine to treat many illnesses and promote longevity in Chinese society. Previous investigations have shown that O. sinensis has many pharmacological activities. This review has focused on illustrating that O. sinensis can enhance libido and sexual performance, and can restore impaired reproductive functions, such as impotency or infertility, in both sexes.

“…Systemic studies have found that Cordyceps species have numerous biological activities including anti-metastatic, anti-oxidative, anti-inf lammatory, antimicrobial, anti-aging, insecticidal, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Cordyceps has been considered a promising drug for treating cancer due to its antiproliferative effect [ 1 2 3 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

4-(Tert-butyl)-2,6-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol induces pro-apoptotic activity

Lee

Korean J Physiol Pharmacol

et al. 2016

Previously, we found that KTH-13 isolated from the butanol fraction of Cordyceps bassiana (Cb-BF) displayed anti-cancer activity. To improve its antiproliferative activity and production yield, we employed a total synthetic approach and derivatized KTH-13 to obtain chemical analogs. In this study, one KTH-13 derivative, 4-(tert-butyl)-2,6-bis(1-phenylethyl)phenol (KTH-13-t-Bu), was selected to test its anti-cancer activity. KTH-13-t-Bu diminished the proliferation of C6 glioma, MDA-MB-231, LoVo, and HCT-15 cells. KTH-13-t-Bu induced morphological changes in C6 glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner. KTH-13-t-Bu also increased the level of early apoptotic cells stained with annexin V-FITC. Furthermore, KTH-13-t-Bu increased the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and -9. In contrast, KTH-13-t-Bu upregulated the levels of pro- and cleaved forms of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and Bcl-2. Phospho-STAT3, phospho-Src, and phospho-AKT levels were also diminished by KTH13-t-Bu treatment. Therefore, these results strongly suggest that KTH-13-t-Bu can be considered a novel anti-cancer drug displaying pro-apoptotic activity.