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Modulation of programmed cell death by medicinal plants
U Thatte1, S Bagadey, S Dahanukar
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seth GS Medical College, Parel, Mumbai, India. kemarc@vsnl.com
Cellular and Molecular Biology (Noisy-Le-Grand, France)
|March 22, 2000
Summary
Plants contain compounds that can modulate programmed cell death (apoptosis), a crucial process in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. Research explores these plant-derived agents for potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Plant-derived compounds
- Apoptosis research
- Pharmacological modulation
Background:
- Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a vital biological process implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Dysregulation of apoptosis, either reduced or increased, presents significant clinical challenges.
- Plants have historically served as a source of medicinal compounds, prompting investigation into their role in modulating apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of plant-derived agents that influence programmed cell death (apoptosis).
- To highlight the potential of these agents in therapeutic strategies for diseases characterized by apoptosis dysregulation.
- To explore the mechanisms by which plant compounds modulate apoptotic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on plant extracts and isolated compounds affecting apoptosis.
- Analysis of studies utilizing various cancer cell lines (e.g., HL60, KIM-1, KMC-1, U937, HeLa, MOLT-4B, K562) to assess apoptotic induction.
- Examination of morphological and flow cytometric methods for measuring programmed cell death.
Main Results:
- Various plant extracts (mistletoe, Semicarpus anacardium) and isolated compounds (bryonolic acid, crocin, allicin) induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
- Herbal medicines like Sho-saiko-to and nutraceuticals (soya bean, garlic, green tea) show potential in modulating apoptosis.
- Panax ginseng demonstrated a protective effect against irradiation-induced apoptosis in hair follicles, indicating therapeutic promise.
Conclusions:
- Plants represent a rich source of novel compounds capable of modulating programmed cell death (apoptosis).
- These plant-derived agents hold significant potential for developing new therapeutic strategies against cancer and other diseases.
- Further research into the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of these compounds is warranted.