Investigating Flavonoid Extracts from Medicinal Plants: Evaluating their Anti-Cancer Potential, Mechanisms, and Synergistic Impact on Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, demands innovative therapeutic approaches to combat its formidable impact. This empirical study embarks on a quest to unlock novel avenues for colon cancer treatment by investigating the anti-cancer potential of flavonoid extracts sourced from medicinal plants. Our research journey commences with an in-depth examination of the staggering global burden imposed by colon cancer and the inherent limitations of current therapeutic regimens. In response to this pressing challenge, we spotlight the emerging enthusiasm for natural compounds, specifically flavonoids, as transformative agents within the realm of cancer research and therapy. In our pursuit of innovative solutions, we meticulously select medicinal plants celebrated for their flavonoid-rich content and extract these bioactive compounds with precision. Rigorous phytochemical analyses unveil the specific flavonoids at play. In a series of in vitro experiments employing colon cancer cell lines, we uncover a compelling narrative of concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, underscoring the remarkable anti-proliferative attributes of these extracts. Moreover, our investigations reveal that flavonoid extracts possess the remarkable capability to induce apoptosis, substantiated through Annexin V/PI staining and caspase activation assays. As we delve deeper into mechanistic insights, a rich tapestry unfolds, elucidating the intricate modulation of pivotal apoptosis-related pathways by these natural compounds. This study not only furnishes compelling evidence of flavonoid extracts' anti-cancer potential against colon cancer but also underscores the pivotal role of natural compounds in the ever-evolving landscape of cancer research, offering a beacon of hope for pioneering therapeutic strategies. The journey has only begun, and further investigations, alongside rigorous clinical trials, are warranted to harness the full therapeutic potential of flavonoid-based interventions in colon cancer management, potentially redefining the paradigm of cancer treatment

Longitudinal Study of Transmission in Households with Visceral Leishmaniasis, Asymptomatic Infections and PKDL in Highly Endemic Villages in Bihar, India.

BACKGROUND: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that afflicts some of the poorest populations in the world including people living in the Bihar state of India. Due to efforts from local governments, NGOs and international organizations, the number of VL cases has declined in recent years. Despite this progress, the reservoir for transmission remains to be clearly defined since it is unknown what role post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) and asymptomatic infections play in transmission. This information is vital to establish effective surveillance and monitoring to sustainably eliminate VL. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed a longitudinal study over a 24-month period to examine VL transmission and seroconversion in households with VL, PKDL and asymptomatic infections in the Saran and Muzaffarpur districts of Bihar. During the initial screening of 5,144 people in 16 highly endemic villages, 195 cases of recently treated VL, 116 healthy rK39 positive cases and 31 PKDL cases were identified. Approximately half of the rK39-positive healthy cases identified during the initial 6-month screening period were from households (HHs) where a VL case had been identified. During the 18-month follow-up period, seroconversion of family members in the HHs with VL cases, PKDL cases, and rK39-positive individuals was similar to control HHs. Therefore, seroconversion was highest in HHs closest to the time of VL disease of a household member and there was no evidence of higher transmission in households with PKDL or healthy rK39-positive HHs. Moreover, within the PKDL HHs, (the initial 31 PKDL cases plus an additional 66 PKDL cases), there were no cases of VL identified during the initial screen or the 18-month follow-up. Notably, 23% of the PKDL cases had no prior history of VL suggesting that infection resulting directly in PKDL is more common than previously estimated. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These observations argue that acute VL cases represent the major reservoir for transmission in these villages and early identification and treatment of VL cases should remain a priority for VL elimination. We were unable to obtain evidence that transmission occurs in HHs with a PKDL case

VL cases referred by ASHAs before and after training.

1<p>The total number of cases in 2011 is more than that in 2012. This was because in 2011, cases from 12 months were followed-up, whereas in 2012, cases from only 6 months were followed-up. The increased recruitment rate between 2011 and 2012 observed in the intervention PHCs, Paroo and Marhoura was statistically significant (p<0.05).</p>2<p>Numbers in brackets represent the number of cases after removing the 14 cases that were referred by the ASHA from Tarawa village that received knowledge about VL from the study team in 2011. The increased recruitment rate at Sahebganj PHC between 2011 and 2012 was significant (p<0.05), but was not significant after removal of the 14 cases from Tarawa (p = 0.12).</p

Duration of fever before seeking treatment at the PHC.

<p>Duration of fever before seeking treatment at the PHC.</p

Number of visceral leishmaniasis cases in 2009 and 2010 in all the PHCs of Muzaffarpur and Saran disctricts indicating the highest number of cases in Paroo and Sahebganj of Muzaffarpur district and Baniyapur and Marhoura of Saran district.

<p>Number of visceral leishmaniasis cases in 2009 and 2010 in all the PHCs of Muzaffarpur and Saran disctricts indicating the highest number of cases in Paroo and Sahebganj of Muzaffarpur district and Baniyapur and Marhoura of Saran district.</p

ASHA knowledge in Control (untrained) and Intervention (trained) PHC.

<p>Difference between intervention and control groups for all indicators was p<0.05.</p

ELISA to determine relative anti-rK39 titers in serum sample.

<p>Serum samples were diluted at 1∶6400 dilution. The 2 circled samples in blood-negative, serum-positive samples were re-evaluated and found to be positive of the rK39 immunochromatographic RDT. Compared to Blood (−)/Serum (−), the difference with Blood (+)/Serum (+) was p = 2.3×10⁻²⁹; the difference with Blood (−)/Serum (+) was p = 0.017; the difference Blood (+)/Seum (−) was p = 0.31.</p

VL and rK39 serology in Family Members of PKDL Households.

<p>VL and rK39 serology in Family Members of PKDL Households.</p

Number of Cases Identified in Initial Screening (Months 0–6) in Households with VL, PKDL and rK39-positive.

<p>Number of Cases Identified in Initial Screening (Months 0–6) in Households with VL, PKDL and rK39-positive.</p