Anticancer activity of gomisin�J from Schisandra chinensis fruit

Abstract

In attempting to identify effective anticancer drugs from natural products that are harmless to humans, we found that the gomisin J from Schisandra chinensis fruit has anticancer activity. Schisandra chinensis fruits are used in traditional herbal medicine and gomisin J is one of their chemical constituents. In the present study, we examined the anticancer activity of gomisin J in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines and in MCF10A normal cell line, in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. Our data revealed that gomisin J exerted a much stronger cytotoxic effect on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells than on MCF10A normal cells. Gomisin J suppressed the proliferation and decreased the viability of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at relatively low (<10 µg/ml) and high (>30 µg/ml) concentrations, respectively. Our data also revealed that gomisin J induced necroptosis, a programmed form of necrosis, as well as apoptosis. Notably, gomisin J predominantly induced necroptosis in MCF7 cells that are known to have high resistance to many pro-apoptotic anticancer drugs, while MDA-MB-231 exhibited a much lower level of necroptosis but instead a higher level of apoptosis. This data indicated the possibility that it may be used as a more effective anticancer drug, especially in apoptosis-resistant malignant cancer cells. In an extended study, gomisin J exhibited a strong cytotoxic effect on all tested various types of 13 cancer cell lines, indicating its potential to be used against a wide range of different types of cancer cells.

Anti-Cancer Effects of α-Cubebenoate Derived from Schisandra chinensis in CT26 Colon Cancer Cells

“…Several bioactive compounds, such as gomisin N, gomisin A, gomisin J, anwulignan, and α-iso-cubebenol have been identified in S. chinensis [ 16 , 20 , 24 , 25 , 26 ], and these observations attracted considerable research attention because of the therapeutic potentials of these compounds. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-cancer effects of α-cubebenoate in CT26 cells.…”

“…However, other compounds including gomisin J and anwulignan were cytotoxic at lower concentrations. For example, gomisin J with four OCH 3 groups and single OH group at 30 μg/mL was cytotoxic to MCF7, MDA-MB-231, MCF10A cells with viabilities 29%, 35%, and 23%, respectively [ 25 ], and anwulignan with a single CH 3 O and OH group was cytotoxic to HeLa cells at 60 μM [ 21 ]. In the current study, α-cubebenoate at 30 μg/mL (HiCb) with a single OCH 3 group resulted in a CT26 cells cytotoxicity of ~25% and was more cytotoxic than the other compounds studied,, although anwulignan was more toxic to MDA-MB-231 cells.…”

“…M2128, Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, MO, USA). The anti-cancer activity of α-cubebenoate isolated from S. chinensis fruit was determined as previously described for gomisin J [ 25 ]. Additionally, α-cubebenoate used in this assay was decided based on the results of previous studies on the anti-obesity activity of α-cubebenoate and the anti-cancer activity of gomisin A [ 13 , 23 ].…”

Systematic analysis of the pharmacological function of Schisandra as a potential exercise supplement

“…According to the Korean traditional medical book, Dongui Bogam, SC is considered a wonder drug that cleans the blood by improving blood circulation and acts as a natural nourishment tonic with medical efficacy [ 14 ]. Several studies have suggested that SC exhibits anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fatigue benefits [ 15 , 16 ]. In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) values significantly increased following SC administration, and lactate levels significantly decreased in healthy post-menopausal middle-aged women who consumed 1000 mg of SC extract compared to the placebo group [ 17 ].…”

Lignans and Terpenoids from the Leaves of Schisandra chinensis

“…S. chinensis has been extensively studied because of its high medicinal and health functions. Researchers around the world have acquired many achievements in terms of both bioactivities and natural products . The most popular research was isolating, identifying and evaluating natural compounds including lignans, terpenoids and sesquiterpenes from the roots, stems, fruits and leaves of S. chinensis .…”