Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Rhizome) Extract Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth by S Phase Arrest, Apoptosis, and Autophagy via Redox-Dependent ERK1/2 Pathway

Abstract

Cancer is still the major cause of death across the world. Regular approaches cannot effectively solve the emerging problems, including drug/radiation resistance, side effects, and therapeutic ineffectiveness. Natural dietary supplements have shown effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Rhizome) has growth-inhibitory effects on several cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo, with little toxicity on normal cells. However, the mechanism underlying its function remains elusive. In the present study, we examined the anticancer activity of the supernatant of the water-soluble extract (SW) from sarsaparilla. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-ion trap-time-of-flight (LC/MS-IT-TOF) analysis identified flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids as the major bioactive components of SW. SW was shown to markedly inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of cancer cell lines in the in vitro and in vivo assays. S phase arrest, autophagy, or/and apoptosis were partly responsible for SW-induced growth inhibition. Results of microarray analysis and validation by quantitative RT-PCR indicated the involvement of oxidative stress and the MAPK1 pathway in SW-treated cells. We further found that SW destroyed intracellular-reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) balance, and supplement with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or glutathione (GSH) significantly antagonized SW-induced S phase arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy. In addition, SW-induced GSH/GSSG imbalance activated the ERK1/2 pathway, which contributed to SW-induced S phase arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, and resultant growth-inhibitory effect. Together, our results provide a molecular basis for sarsaparilla as an anticancer agent. Cancer Prev Res; 8(5); 464-74.Ó2015 AACR.

Separation of Seven Polyphenols from the Rhizome of Smilax glabra by Offline Two Dimension Recycling HSCCC with Extrusion Mode

“…As one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines, it is used for relieving dampness, detoxifying, and easing joint movement [ 1 , 2 ]. Pharmacological studies indicate that it has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory activities and protective effects against hepatocyte damage [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Polyphenols are bioactive ingredients that have not only anti-inflammatory activities but also higher content expression in the rhizome of S. glabra .…”

Smilax glabra Rhizoma affects the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of methotrexate by increasing the P-glycoprotein mRNA expression in rats after oral administration

“…In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrated for the first time the potential benefits of co-administration of MTX with SGR. Co-administration of SGR may be beneficial for therapy of lung cancer and splenic carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and liver diseases, but may reduce the therapeutic effect of treating cancer in the digestive tract, systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis (50)(51)(52)(53)(54). The herb-drug interaction may be associated with the activity change of transporters.…”

Homoeopathy: It’s role in palliative and curative care of cancer

“…The mechanism of apoptosis of cancer cells was suggested. This study provided a theoretical basis for sarsaparilla as an anticancer agent [38] .…”