An osteosarcoma (OS) or osteogenic sarcoma (OGS) (or simply bone cancer) is a cancerous tumor in a bone. Specifically, it is an aggressive malignant neoplasm that arises from primitive transformed cells of mesenchymal origin (and thus a sarcoma) and that exhibits osteoblastic differentiation and produces malignant osteoid.Osteosarcoma is the most common histological form of primary bone sarcoma. It is most prevalent in teenagers and young adults.

Many patients first complain of pain that may be worse ...

osteosarcoma

Herbs-and-spices-for-the-prevention-and-treatment-of-cancer

Herbs and spices for the prevention and treatment of cancer

Clove-(Syzygium-aromaticum)

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

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Cloves are extracted from flower buds of the Eugenia caryophyllata tree. Several bioactive components are found in carnations, including tanins, terpenoids, eugenol and acetylevgenol. <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Clove_Syzygium_aromaticum_a_precious_spice_25182278" target="_blank" data-ref="Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): a precious spice. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp; Cloves originate in Indonesia and are used for culinary purposes in many countries. Although no human studies have been conducted so far to evaluate the use of cloves for cancer prevention, several studies conducted in mice have suggested its effectiveness, especially in modifying cell detoxification processes.&nbsp;

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For example, the study "Plant products as protective agents against cancer" noted that feeding mice with 40 mg. clove per gram of food leads to an increase in GST activity (glutathione-S-transferase) compared to those who did not receive the spice. The physiological significance of these findings remains unclear, since the increase is approximately 2% above normal in the liver (insignificant), 18% in the stomach (p&lt;.05) and 33% in the esophagus (p&lt;.05). In the same study, there was also an increase in concentrations of GST in the stomach (p .05), which implies the detoxifying effect of the ingredients of cloves in the stomach. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2283166/" target="_blank" data-ref="Plant products as protective agents against cancer - PubMed" rel="noopener">[Ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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In another study, feeding cloves (0.5%, 1% and 2%) to mice for different durations (10, 20 and 30 days) modified several Phase II enzymes associated with the bioactivation of a carcinogen.<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1913628/" target="_blank" data-ref="Modulatory influences of clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus, L) on hepatic detoxification systems and bone marrow genotoxicity in male Swiss albino mice - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp; A dose-dependent response has been observed for several detoxification enzymes. After 20 days, all exposures result in a significant increase in GST and cytochrome b5.&nbsp; Eugenol may be responsible, at least partially, for the induction of Phase II enzymes, which is one of the ingredients of cloves. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Sesquiterpenes_from_clove_Eugenia_caryophyllata_as_potential_anticarcinogenic_agents_1402962" target="_blank" data-ref="Sesquiterpenes from clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) as potential anticarcinogenic agents. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[Ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

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Coriander-(Coriandrum-sativum)

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) 

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Coriander is an herb of the Apiaceae family and originates from southern Europe and North Africa to Southwest Asia. Although all parts of the plant are edible, its fresh leaves and dried seeds are most often used in cooking.&nbsp;

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Coriander is common in many foods around the world. One of its main ingredients is linalool. Several animal studies provide evidence that coriander seeds can stimulate the antioxidant system of the liver, but more human studies need to be done to clarify its benefits. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0271531701003384" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Cumin-(Cuminum-cyminum)

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

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Cumin is a flowering plant of the Apiaceae family and originates in the region of the eastern Mediterranean and India. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14753" target="_blank" data-ref="Cuminum cyminum" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp; Timoquinone is the most common component of black cumin seed oil. Cumin has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and chemoprophylactic properties. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Chemopreventive_effects_of_Cuminum_cyminum_in_chemically_induced_forestomach_and_uterine_cervix_tumors_in_murine_model_systems_15087270" target="_blank" data-ref="Chemopreventive effects of Cuminum cyminum in chemically induced forestomach and uterine cervix tumors in murine model systems. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;Part of this response may be due to the ability of cumin to influence phase II enzymes, similar to cloves.&nbsp;

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There is significant evidence of the ability of thymoquinon to suppress the proliferation of tumor cells, including colorectal cancer, adenocarcinoma of the breast, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, myeloblastic leukemia and pancreatic cancer. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/biological_role_of_akt_and_regulation_of_akt_signaling_pathway_by_thymoquinone_perspectives_in_cancer_therapeutics_33019927" target="_blank" data-ref="Biological role of AKT, and regulation of AKT signaling pathway by thymoquinone: perspectives in cancer therapeutics | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[Ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;

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Dill-(Anethum-graveolens)

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

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Dill is a relatively short-lived perennial spice. Dill is an herb that practically has two components depending on the seasons. In early spring, the leaves are used, and in autumn you could use the seeds of the spice. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14939" target="_blank" data-ref="Anethum graveolens" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp; The main ingredients of dill oil are anethofuran or 3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hydroxobenzofuran and carvon or p-mint-1,8-dien-2-one. As with other spices, there is evidence that dill promotes drug detoxification mechanisms by increasing the activity of the GST detoxification enzyme.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Anethofuran_carvone_and_limonene_potential_cancer_chemopreventive_agents_from_dill_weed_oil_and_caraway_oil_1438594" target="_blank" data-ref="Anethofuran, carvone, and limonene: potential cancer chemopreventive agents from dill weed oil and caraway oil. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;

Garlic-(Allium-sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum)

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Garlic is&nbsp; a member of the Alliaceae onion family. Garlic has been used throughout history for both its culinary and healing properties. The distinctive characteristics of garlic stem from sulfur, which accounts for almost 1 % of its dry weight. The main sulphur-containing ingredients are &gamma;-glutamyl-S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteines and S-alc(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides. Preclinical models provide fairly compelling evidence that garlic and associated components can reduce the incidence of breast, colon, skin, uterus, esophagus and lung cancers. However, research in humans is insufficient to draw the same conclusions about its action in humans.&nbsp;

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Several lipid and water-soluble organosulfur compounds of garlic have been studied for their antiproliferative efficacy. Some of the more commonly used lypidosoluble compounds of allyl sulfur in tumorogenesis studies are ajoene, DAS, DADS and dialyl trisulphide (DATS). The degradation of allicin seems necessary to achieve maximum inhibition of the tumor. Allyl-sulfur compounds more successfully suppress neoplastic over neoplastic cells, according to Allyl sulfides from garlic suppressing the in vitro cell a549 lung tumor cells. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9427979/" target="_blank" data-ref="Allyl sulfides from garlic suppress the in vitro proliferation of human A549 lung tumor cells - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>&nbsp; Allyl sulfurs can lead to changes by affecting genomic expression by affecting the homeostasis of histone. Allyl mercaptane is also a particularly potent inhibitor of histone deacetylase. Inhibition of HDAC has the potential to depress epigenetically muted genes in cancer cells, leading to cell cycle cessation and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

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Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 

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Ginger is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is widely consumed not only as a spice, but also as a healing agent. It is sometimes called 'root ginger' to distinguish itself from other products that share the name. The main ingredients of ginger include [6]-gingerol, [6]-paradol, [6]-shogaol (gingerol for dehydration) and zingeron.&nbsp;

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Several studies have examined the antioxidant properties of ginger. Gingerol has also been shown to reduce intracellular ROS formation in human keratinocyte cells, inhibit angiogenesis in the human endocannabinoid system and limit expression of nitric oxide synthase and epidermal growth factor-induced cell transformation and AP-1 transcription complexes in JB6 cells&nbsp; [ref.12]

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Various animal models were used to investigate the role of ginger in cancer prevention, with some results being for increased activity of aril hydroxylase by about 25%, increased glutathione-S-transferase by 60% and others.&nbsp;

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In prostate cancer, the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-5 (MKP5) is distinguished as a pro-inflammatory inhibitor in the congenital and adaptive immune response in vivo. [ref.13] Ginger extracts, more than its individual components, have been shown to inhibit lipopolysaccharides-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production to an extent similar to that of indomethacin (a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

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Ginger also seems to have antitumorogenous properties. Several cell lines have been studied for their sensitivity to ginger. In general, while the anticancer effects of ginger are intriguing and several processes may be associated with observed reactions, further studies are needed to determine the overall benefits for humans.

Rosemary-(Rosmarinus-officinalis)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary-(Rosmarinus-officinalis)_0_0

Rosemary is a woody herb with fragrant coniferous leaves that contains a number of potentially biologically active compounds, including antioxidants such as carnotic acid and rosemary acid. Other bioactive compounds include camphor (up to 20% in dry rosemary leaves), caffeic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, rosemarydiphenol and rosmanol.&nbsp;

Rosemary-(Rosmarinus-officinalis)_0_1

There is evidence that rosemary extracts or its isolated components can slow down chemically induced cancer. For example, it has been reported that topical administration of rosemary extract blocks the initiation and promotion phases of B(a)P- and DMBA-mediated skin tumorogenesis. The use of rosemary or carnozole has also been shown to slow down DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats.&nbsp;

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Also, rosemary extracts and the active compounds carnotic acid and rosemary acid inhibit the proliferation of various human cancer cell lines, including NCI-H82 (human, small cell lung cancer), DU145 (human prostate cancer), Hep-3B (human [black] liver cancer), K-562 (human chronic myeloid leukaemia), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), PC-3 (human prostate adenocarcinoma) and MDA-MB-231 (breast adenocarcinoma in Human. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20449663/" target="_blank" data-ref="Inhibitory effects of rosemary extracts, carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid on the growth of various human cancer cell lines - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 12]</a>&nbsp;

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Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

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Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of saffron (Crocus sativus) originating in Southwest Asia. [ref.15] Significant scientific information points to the ability of saffron to inhibit cancer. Water saffron preparations have been reported to inhibit chemically induced skin carcinogenesis, with changes in both bioactivation of the carcinogen and tumor proliferation.&nbsp;

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Saffron and crocus also have significant antitumorogenic properties. Like other spices, they seem to suppress cell growth in neoplastic cells to a greater extent than in normal cells. [ref.16]

Thyme-(Thymus-vulgaris)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme-(Thymus-vulgaris)_0_0

Thyme is another culinary and medicinal herb. Today, the typical use refers to some or all members of the genus Thymus plants, also from the Lamiaceae family. Several active agents have been reported, including tymol, carvacol, apigenin, luteolin, tanins, &gamma;-terpine and other oils. [ref.17] It has been reported that when consuming thyme leaves (0,5 % or 2,0 %) or its phenolic compounds, thymol and carvacol (50-200 mg/kg), it improves phase I metabolising enzymes such as 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylosis and Phase II enzymes such as GST and quinone reductase. The action of isolated components is more powerful, according to data in modulation of pregnane X receptor- and electrophile responsive element-mediated gene expression by dietary polyphenolic compounds. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17210444/" target="_blank" data-ref="Modulation of pregnane X receptor- and electrophile responsive element-mediated gene expression by dietary polyphenolic compounds - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 12]</a>&nbsp;

Thyme-(Thymus-vulgaris)_0_1

There is growing evidence suggesting that cancers are not an inevitable consequence of aging, but preventable diseases. All scientific data presented in Part One and Part Two of this topic suggest that many spices and herbs can contribute to lowering the risk of cancer and affect the behavior of tumor formations through various mechanisms of action.

Valuable herbs and spices for the prevention and treatment of cancer (part two)

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/cd5e83ee-689d-4c4c-b948-f1d3e18d02a7_middle.jpg

Valuable herbs and spices for the prevention and treatment of cancer

Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular biology and Microbiology

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For thousands of years, plants have been used as a source of health. We are used to only embracing herbs as a healing agent, but scientists do not fail to look for such properties in the plants we consume in the form of food or spices. Including in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5629766/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the fight against</a> cancer [ref. 1] – there are <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=apigenin%20cancer&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">currently over 860</a> scientific publications [ref. 2] that link apigen and cancer treatment.

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One of them is parsley, and in it is the active substance apigenin. In this article, we will try to consider in detail the sources and properties of apigenin, and we will focus on the mechanisms behind the established anticancer action of the substance in detail. We'll find out if we can name parsley and celery anti-cancer herbs.

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In the article you will find out:

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<ul>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">What are the sources of apigenin in our menu - herbs and foods</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">What exactly is apigenin</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">Which cancers does apigenin have an impact on</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">What are the mechanisms behind the effectiveness of apigen</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">The potential of apigenin to become part of cancer treatment</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">Disadvantages of apigenin</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">Recipe for smoothie with parsley and celery</li>
</ul>

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What herbs and foods contain apigenin

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In addition to parsley, apigenin is also found in chamomile tea (Matricaria), <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/A_Comprehensive_Assessment_of_Apigenin_as_an_Antiproliferative_Proapoptotic_Antiangiogenic_and_Immunomodulatory_Phytocompound_30995771" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celery (Apium graveolens)</a> [ref. 3], apples, red wine and grapes. It is one of the active ingredients in Chinese traditional medicine, but its anticancer effectiveness was found by scientists <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Anti_mutagenesis_and_anti_promotion_by_apigenin_robinetin_and_indole_3_carbinol_3708757" target="_blank" rel="noopener">only in 1986</a> [ref. 4].

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Other good sources of apigenin are grapefruit, onions, oranges and is also found at higher levels (compared to other foods) in some herbs:

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<ul>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">yarrow (Achillea millefolium),</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus),</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">coriander (Coriandrum sativum),</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra),</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">flax seed (Linum usitatissimum),</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">passionflower (Passiflora),</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">mint (Mentha spicata),</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">basil (Ocimum bassilicum),</li>
<li class="gs gt cp at gu b gv gw gx gy gz ha hb hc hd he hf dy">oregano (Origanum vulgare).</li>
</ul>

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It is also found in beer and is an active ingredient of Ginkgo biloba.

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Approximately 0.8–1.2% of the weight of chamomile is given to apigenin and this makes it one of the most significant sources of the substance.

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This means that we unconsciously take apigenin with our food if these plants and drinks are part of our menu.

What-is-apigenin

What is apigenin

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Apigenin is designated by the chemical name 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavon and belongs to the <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Flavonoids_an_overview_28620474" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> group of flavonoids [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Flavonoids_an_overview_28620474" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>] – these are small molecules of plant origin for which it has a proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effect.

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All this, along with the low toxicity [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22796171" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>] of apigen and its inability to induce <a href="/p/mutatsii_srieshchu_iestiestvien_podbor_e4a316a0_b5fd_4a51_8dc0_12a14405f8f2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">mutations</a>, has directed the interest of researchers to explore its potential for cancer treatment.

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Apigenin does not dissolve well in water, but <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Pharmacokinetics_and_metabolism_of_apigenin_in_female_and_male_rats_after_a_single_oral_administration_15466493" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> it has been found to be eliminated from the body relatively slowly [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Pharmacokinetics_and_metabolism_of_apigenin_in_female_and_male_rats_after_a_single_oral_administration_15466493" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>] (at least in rats), which gives hopes that the substance can accumulate and thus exert its therapeutic effect.

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This substance also has antiviral and antibacterial effect and <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Apigenin_ameliorates_hypertension_induced_cardiac_hypertrophy_and_down_regulates_cardiac_hypoxia_inducible_factor_l_in_rats_26987380" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lowers blood pressure</a> [ref. 8].

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Effects of apigenin on cancer

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Apigenin has been found to inhibit the development of various cancers in humans, both in vitro (in laboratory conditions) and in ivo (in the living organism).

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Among the oncological diseases against which the substance <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=apigenin%20breast&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;ps=24&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x&amp;f=4&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A28378188" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> has shown activity are: breast cancer [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=apigenin%20breast&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;ps=24&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x&amp;f=4&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A28378188" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>], prostate, lung [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Apigenin_potentiates_TRAIL_therapy_of_non_small_cell_lung_cancer_via_upregulating_DR4_DR5_expression_in_a_p53_dependent_manner_27752089" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 10</a>], colon [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Apigenin_suppresses_colorectal_cancer_cell_proliferation_migration_and_invasion_via_inhibition_of_the_Wnt_catenin_signaling_pathway_27123066" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 11</a>] (also called colorectal), liver, melanoma [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Inhibition_of_the_STAT3_signaling_pathway_contributes_to_apigenin_mediated_anti_metastatic_effect_in_melanoma_26911838" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 12</a>] (skin cancer), osteosarcoma (bone cancer), pancreatic cancer [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Enhanced_anti_tumor_effect_of_combination_therapy_with_gemcitabine_and_apigenin_in_pancreatic_cancer_17967505" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 13</a>] and others.

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Research continues on different types of oncological diseases and the results are promising.

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It is important to note that apigenin is considered as an adjuvant substance – in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy the results are best. As the development of resistance of cancer cells to widely used chemotherapeutics is observed, new molecules and active substances are sought to replace or supplement them.

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How does apigen work

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It is important to know the habits of the enemy in order to defeat them. So here we will delve a little more into the mechanisms by which apigenin acts on cancer cells to suppress them.

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Characteristic of cancer cells is that unlike normal cells that make up our body, they do not stop dividing. In the life cycle [<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_cycle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 14</a>] of a simple cell there are checkpoints, checks and stop signs, rules with which it "complies". But for cancer cells, the rules don't apply and they multiply uncontrollably — the process of multiplying is called proliferation [<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_proliferation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 15</a>]

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When the cell is not a cancer cell and a dangerous mutation appears in it, its genetic material is either being repaired, or the cell goes the way of programmed <a href="https://medpedia.framar.bg/%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%8F/%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> cell death or apoptosis [<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apoptosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 16</a>] — it kills itself to protect the body from the onset of cancer. But the behavior of cancer cells differs — they do not kill themselves.

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Another feature of the cells that go down a bad path is that they leave the place where they arose and spread to different parts of the body — thus the tumor metastasizes.

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Apigenin interferes with all these processes. It has been found to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by causing apoptosis – thus the number of damaged cells decreases. The substance also triggers a process called autophagy [<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autophagy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 17</a>] or "self-eating" of cancer cells.

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Another mechanism by which apigenin restricts the development of cancer cells is by <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=apigenin%20cell%20cycle&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;ps=24&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A17196098" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> modulating their life cycle in a way that stops the division [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=apigenin%20cell%20cycle&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;ps=24&amp;tp=9&amp;s=x&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A17196098" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 18</a>]. It restricts their mobility and inhibits their migration to other organs and tissues – this reduces the risk of metastases.

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Another mechanism of action has been found, which involves stimulation of the immune response [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4813185/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 19</a>] of the body.

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If we need to go even deeper into the processes at the intracellular level, we will get to many different signaling pathways on which apigenin has and effect. Here we will only mention them for the most curious: <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Subtoxic_Levels_of_Apigenin_Inhibit_Expression_and_Secretion_of_VEGF_by_Uveal_Melanoma_Cells_via_Suppression_of_ERK1_2_and_PI3K_Akt_Pathways_24288566" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK</a> [ref. 20], JAK/STAT, NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenine.

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Amazingly, this substance acts simultaneously on several different processes in the fight against cancer - for example, it can simultaneously cause apoptosis and autophagy, or apoptosis and retention of the cancer cell at a certain stage of the cell cycle, which stops its reproduction.

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Apigenin has e potential to become part of cancer treatment

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Apigenin is studied as an aid to be combined with chemotherapeutics to overcome resistance to them, but can also be used as a dietary supplement to alleviate their severe side effects.

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Currently, strategies being developed to fight cancer include one of the following mechanisms: inducing autophagy or apoptosis, suppressing the ability of cancer cells to move to other organs and tissues, regulating the life cycle of cells or immunostimulation.

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As we described above, apigenin possesses all these activities simultaneously, and this has been demonstrated in many different types of cancer.

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Apigenin causes apoptosis, autophagy and immune response and suppresses the life cycle of cancer cells, as well as their migration and invasion into other tissues, affecting various signaling pathways in the cell. The ↙ indicates a challenge, and the ⊥ indicates a blockage of effects. The arrow ↑ indicates stimulation and ↓ indicates suppression of the signal path. Credit: Xiaohui Yan et al. [ref. 1]

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In addition, apigenin exhibits a strong selective cytotoxicity - <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Apigenin_Inhibits_Cancer_Stem_Cell_Like_Phenotypes_in_Human_Glioblastoma_Cells_via_Suppression_of_c_Met_Signaling_27468969" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> this means that it only affects cancer cells without causing harm to normal cells. This phenomenon also affects the cells that are the basis of recurrence in cancer, metastasis and resistance - cancer stem cells [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Apigenin_Inhibits_Cancer_Stem_Cell_Like_Phenotypes_in_Human_Glioblastoma_Cells_via_Suppression_of_c_Met_Signaling_27468969" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 21</a>].

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It is not yet known what mechanisms are behind this apigen property and more research on the subject is needed.

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Unfortunately, the independent anticancer activity of apigenin, although impressive, remains insufficient in the application of physiological concentrations in humans.

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Studies have shown that high efficiency is achieved with the simultaneous administration of apigenin and chemotherapeutics such as paclitaxel or cisplatin. Thus, their action is mutually reinforcing - apigenin complements their action by influencing different signaling pathways, and cancer is attacked on several sides simultaneously.

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In addition, several studies indicated a protective effect of apigenin - for example, its administration together with cisplatin in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130592/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> a study in mice protects them from the toxic effect [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130592/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 22</a>] of chemotherapeutic on the kidneys (nephrotoxic effect).

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What are the disadvantages of apigenin

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Apigenin is poorly soluble and easily passes through the intestinal wall - it belongs to Class II in the Biopharmaceutical classification system. Therefore, its bioavailability is determined by the degree of solubility - and in this case, it limits the passage of the substance into the blood. This means that apigenin remains largely inaccessible to the body when taken orally.

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This is the reason scientists look for methods [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Enhanced_Solubility_and_Bioavailability_of_Apigenin_via_Preparation_of_Solid_Dispersions_of_Mesoporous_Silica_Nanoparticles_31089353" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 23</a>] to modify apigen in a way that will increase its solubility and thus its bioavailability and therapeutic effect.

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Recipe for a delicious and healthy smoothie

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To finish this article, we have chosen an easy recipe for a&nbsp; parsley or celery smoothie.

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You need a blender. Put nut milk - almond, soy, coconut, according to taste, in the blender. Add parsley or celery, bananas to give a creamy texture and other fruits for sweetness and a more pleasant taste.

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Experiment until you find the combination that suits you.

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In the video you will find another idea for a green smoothie.

osteosarcoma

Parsley, celery and other anti-cancer herbs