Browsing by Author "Kuruppu, A.I."

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    Anti-cancer activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Pleiospermium alatum, Scolopia pusilla, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Allium cepa against breast and cervical cancer cell lines
    (Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Jayasinghe, M. R.; Jayasundara, N.; Samarakoon, K. W.; Kuruppu, A.I.
    Despite advancements in modern medicine, cancer remains a global challenge, with existing treatments being costly and often accompanied by side effects. Developing novel therapies from herbal-based products presents a promising alternative. This study evaluates the anticancer potential of a blend of herbs of a traditional formula: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Pleiospermium alatum, Scolopia pusilla, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Allium cepa. The formula was prepared by extracting these herbs individually using methanol, and then combining the extracts in equal proportions. The combined methanolic extract (formula) was subjected to various assays to assess its therapeutic potential. The methanolic extracts of all herbs were tested by the Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent method and the aluminum chloride colorimetric method to estimate the quantity of phenol and flavonoid content, respectively. The 2, 2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay assessed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. The MTT (3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and the clonogenic assay were used to examine the cytotoxicity impact in vitro. At the maximum dosage tested (1 mg/mL), C. zeylanicum showed a somewhat higher concentration of total phenols, with a value of 0.478±0.008 mg/mL GAE/g, while the formula with all herbs, represented 0.305 ± 0.007 mg/mL GAE/g. The P. alatum extract had the greatest total flavonoid content, measuring 0.050 ± 0.035 mg/ml QE/g. The formula's methanolic extract showed a TFC of 0.039 ± 0.019 mg/mL QE/g. The single herb S. pusilla extract's IC50 was the lowest among single herbs for antioxidant activity, 0.0632 ± 0.008 mg/mL; in contrast, the formula's methanolic extract showed a lower IC50 0.0421 ± 0.004 mg/mL. The formula yielded an IC50 of 0.0432±0.002 mg/mL, whereas the IC50 value for C. zeylanicum extract showed 0.052±0.014 mg/mL for the anti-inflammatory assay. Z. officinale extract showed an inhibitory effect on the MCF-7 cell line, with an IC50 value of 0.0514 ± 0.012 mg/mL, while the formula showed a value of 0.0362 ± 0.081 mg/mL. The extract of Z. officinale produced growth inhibitory effects against the HeLa cell line with an IC50 value of 0.0840 ± 0.041 mg/mL, whereas the formula showed a more potent IC50 of 0.0273 ± 0.002 mg/mL indicating that the formula was potent against the cancer cells. Vero cells, non-cancerous monkey kidney cells, showed an IC50 of >1 mg/mL for all herb extracts, which demonstrated a low potency. There was a decrease in the colony-forming capacity with the formula. A remarkable inhibition of colony formation was observed with the formula’s methanolic extract with a survival fraction (SF) of 57.14% against HeLa while it showed a SF of 56.04% for MCF7 cells. This summarizes the information regarding the herbs and their formula, with a special focus on anticancer properties that serve as a foundation for future research and development of this formula in the field of cancer.
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    Apoferritin and Dps as drug delivery vehicles: Some selected examples in oncology
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Kuruppu, A.I.; Turyanska, L.; Bradshaw, T.D.; Manickam, S.; Galhena, B.P.; Paranagama, P.; de Silva, R.
    Background: The ideal nanoparticle should be able to encapsulate either pharmaceutical agents or imaging probes so that it could treat or image clinical tumours by targeting the cancer site efficiently. Further, it would be an added advantage if it demonstrates: small size, built in targeting, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Ferritin, which is an endogenous self-assembling protein, stores iron and plays a role in iron homeostasis. When iron atoms are removed apoferritin (AFt) is formed which consists of a hollow shell where it can be used to load guest molecules. Due to its unique architecture, AFt has been investigated as a versatile carrier for tumour theranostic applications. DNA-binding protein from starved cells (Dps), which also belongs to the ferritin family, is a protein found only in prokaryotes. It is used to store iron and protect chromosomes from oxidative damage; because of its architecture, Dps could also be used as a delivery vehicle. Conclusions: Both these nano particles are promising in the field of oncology, especially due to their stability, solubility and biocompatibility features. Further their exterior surface can be modified for better tumour-targeting ability. More studies, are warranted to determine the immunogenicity, biodistribution, and clearance from the body. General perspective: This review discusses a few selected examples of the remarkable in vitro and in vivo studies that have been carried out in the recent past with the use of AFt and Dps in targeting and delivery of various pharmaceutical agents, natural products and imaging probes in the field of oncology.