In a significant milestone for cancer research, the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has recently published an article detailing the discovery of novel anti-melanoma compounds derived from Morus alba L. These findings suggest that natural substances from this widely-used plant in Traditional Chinese Medicine possess potent anticancer properties, particularly against melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. (DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117759)
The extensive study conducted by a team of scientists led by Dr. Hu Xin from Southwest University in China, evaluated 28 commercially available compounds from Morus alba L., also known as the white mulberry. They aimed to elucidate the potential these compounds hold in combating melanoma cells. Through a series of in vitro tests, including colony formation assays, viability assessments, flow cytometry, molecular docking, and in vivo xenograft assays, they systematically identified bioactive compounds with anti-melanoma activity.
Out of all tested compounds, 11 demonstrated significant inhibition of melanoma cell colony growth at a concentration of 20 μM, with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) ranging from 5 μM to 30 μM. The colony formation assay was critical in highlighting the anti-proliferative effects, showcasing these compounds as promising candidates for cancer therapy.
Among the bioactive substances, a compound named Sanggenon C showed the most outstanding potential, inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in melanoma cells at just about 5 μM IC50. The research went deeper into the molecular mechanisms of Sanggenon C using soft agar assays, EdU incorporation, flow cytometry, western blotting, transcriptome analysis, and the aforementioned xenograft assays. These techniques revealed that Sanggenon C promotes apoptosis by disrupting the balance of intracellular calcium, a known player in cell survival and death pathways. Moreover, Sanggenon C initiated ER stress in a dose-dependent manner, providing further insight into its mode of action against melanoma cells.
The study’s authors, including Dr. Hu Xin and colleagues Li Jing, Yu Lang, Ifejola Jemirade, Guo Yan, Zhang Dandan, Khosravi Zahra, and Cui Hongjuan, collectively proposed that Sanggenon C and other identified compounds could serve as effective anti-melanoma agents due to their unique ability to impede the pathological cell proliferation and promote programmed cell death. They envision these findings as a stepping stone towards refining cancer therapeutic strategies and introducing novel, plant-derived anticancer drugs.
Here is a comprehensive examination of the study as published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology:
The ambitious study sought to scrutinize the potential anticancer characteristics of Morus alba L. compounds. A focus on Sanggenon C, revealed its significant capability to inhibit melanoma cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, notably by disrupting intracellular calcium homeostasis. This research underlines the promise carried by the constituents of Morus alba L. in developing future cancer therapies.
The study was rigorous in its approach, relying on both in vitro and in vivo analyses to ascertain the compounds’ impact on melanoma cells. Molecular docking served to predict the affinity between the Morus alba L. compounds and melanoma targets. The follow-up molecular mechanism investigations of the promising compound, Sanggenon C, were meticulous, utilizing a battery of assays indicative of the robust scientific inquiry.
The study culminates in highlighting the potential of certain compounds derived from Morus alba L. in suppressing melanoma cell growth and instigating apoptosis. The implications for future therapeutic developments are considerable, offering new avenues for cancer treatment strategies based on traditional medicinal plants.
The insightful work, credited under the copyright © 2024 by Elsevier B.V., is authored by a distinguished team based in the State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Jinfeng Laboratory, and Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine in China.
The authors have transparently confirmed that there are no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could be perceived to influence the reported findings.
Keywords
1. Morus alba L. anticancer
2. Sanggenon C melanoma
3. Anti-melanoma phytochemicals
4. Apoptosis inducers in cancer therapy
5. Traditional Chinese Medicine cancer research
References
1. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume Issue, Article Number: 117759 (2024). “Screening of anti-melanoma compounds from Morus alba L.” DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2024.117759.
2. Review on Traditional Chinese Medicine native sources of Morus alba.
3. Studies on the anti-inflammatory properties of Morus alba L.
4. Previous research on the anticancer activities of flavonoids.
5. In-depth analysis of Sanggenon C and related compounds in pharmacological science journals.
The groundbreaking discovery made by Dr. Hu Xin’s team is not just a triumph for those dedicated to eradicating cancer; it provides hope for countless individuals affected by this disease. By turning to the extensive medicinal history of plants like Morus alba L. and harnessing their inherent chemical properties, we unlock new, targeted ways to combat the scourge of cancer, melanoma in this instance, which afflicts so many globally. With continued research and development, Sanggenon C and its companion compounds might soon transform the landscape of cancer therapeutics, offering more effective, natural-origin strategies in the ongoing battle against this life-threatening condition.