Biologically Active Ajuga Species Extracts Modulate Supportive Processes for Cancer Cell Development

Abstract

Backround: Ajuga species have been used in traditional medicine for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and hepatoprotective properties. Purpose: The phytochemical profile and anticancer potential of three Ajuga sp. ( A. genevensis, A. chamaepitys , and A. laxmannii ) from Romania was investigated. Materials and Methods: The phytochemicals were extracted from the aerial parts of Ajuga sp. by using different solvents and methods. The hydroalcoholic extracts were examined for total phenolic, flavonoid and iridoid contents, and HPLC/MS was used to analyze the polyphenolic compounds and iridoids. The phytochemical profile was also evaluated by principal component analysis in connection with antitumor efficacy of extracts. The antiproliferative potential was evaluated using the ELISA BrdU-colorimetric immunoassay. Western Blot with regard to inflammatory protein NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) p65 subunit expression in cell lysates was performed. Quantification of oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capability was assessed by measuring catalase activity and by evaluating the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of treated cells. Results: Ajuga laxmannii ethanol extract showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, while A. genevensis ethanol extract was more abundant in iridoids. The overall cytostatic effect of the investigated plant extracts was exerted through strong inhibitory actions on NF-κB, the key molecule involved in the inflammatory response and via oxidative stress modulatory effects in both murine colon carcinoma and melanoma cell lines. Conclusion: Ajuga laxmannii showed the most significant antitumor activity and represents an important source of bioactive compounds, possibly an additional form of treatment alongside conventional anticancer drugs.

A Novel and Efficient In Vitro Organogenesis Approach for Ajuga lupulina Maxim

“…The genus Ajuga (Lamiaceae) encompasses more than 300 annual and perennial species across the globe [ 1 , 2 ]. The traditional use of several of these species to address diabetes, fever, rheumatism, tuberculosis, and high blood pressure on account of the presence of many bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, or anti-tumor activities is known [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The use of some Ajuga species as ornamentals, given their distinctive leaves, bracts, or flowers, is also prevalent.…”

Methoxy-Substituted γ-Oxa-ε-Lactones Derived from Flavanones—Comparison of Their Anti-Tumor Activity In Vitro

“…The idea of a combination therapy with flavonoids is already being researched. Firstly, numerous studies confirmed that flavonoids show better anti-tumor activity when used in complex preparations containing a mixture of several compounds from this group [25][26][27][28][29][30][31]. Such reports mainly focused on the health-promoting role of food rich in flavonoids.…”

Diterpenoids from the Whole Plants of Ajuga nipponensis and Their Inhibition of RANKL‐Induced Osteoclastogenesis

“…The chemical constituents of Ajuga genus are varied including diterpenoids, [1–11] iridoids, [12–14] steroids, [15–17] glycosides, [18,19] and flavonoids [20] . Some of them showed anti‐inflammatory, [21–23] antibacterial, [24] antidiabetic, [25,26] antimutagenic, [27] immunoregulatory effects, [28] antiviral, [29] antiplasmodial, [30,31] and antitumor activities [32,33] . Ajuga nipponensis Makino is widely distributed in east, central south, and southwest of China [34] .…”

“…[20] Some of them showed antiinflammatory, [21][22][23] antibacterial, [24] antidiabetic, [25,26] antimutagenic, [27] immunoregulatory effects, [28] antiviral, [29] antiplasmodial, [30,31] and antitumor activities. [32,33] Ajuga nipponensis Makino is widely distributed in east, central south, and southwest of China. [34] It has been traditionally used to treat several diseases such as sore throat, phlegm, and fever.…”