Cytotoxic and Antimigratory Activity of Retrochalcones from Glycyrrhiza echinata L. on Human Cancer Cells

Cytotoxic activity-guided fractionation studies on Glycyrrhiza echinata roots led to the isolation of eight compounds ( 1 – 8 ). Chemical structures of the isolates were identified by NMR and MS analysis. Among the tested molecules, retrochalcones namely echinatin ( 3 ) (IC₅₀=23.45–41.83 μM), licochalcone B ( 4 ) (IC₅₀=36.04–39.53 μM) and tetrahydroxylmethoxychalcone ( 5 ) (IC₅₀=7.09–80.81 μM) were the most active ones against PC3, MCF7 and HepG2 cells. Moreover, 5 exhibited selectivity on prostate cancer cells (SI: 5.19). Hoechst staining and Annexin V/PI binding assays as well as cell cycle analysis on the compounds 3 (23 μM) and 5 (5 and 7 μM) demonstrated that these retrochalcones induced apoptosis and significantly suppressed cell cycle in G₁ and G₂/M phases. Furthermore, 3 and 5 showed antimigratory effects on PC3 cells by wound healing assay. The results indicated that tested retrochalcones most particularly 5 could be potential anticancer drug candidates that prevent proliferation and migration of cancer cells.     

Recent developments in photochemical and chemical AOPs in water treatment: a mini-review

Photochemical and chemical oxidation methods, belonging to a wide group of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), are extensively studied but still under constant development. The aim of this study was to review the recent developments mainly in UV/H₂O₂ process and Fenton’s reactions. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an essential factor in photochemical oxidation. In the development of UV radiation sources the energy efficiency and the use of toxicant free materials have become major objectives. Also the emitted wavelength plays a significant role. Besides, there are alternatives for UV radiation sources, such as radio frequency (RF) plasmas, which can operate in water without additional chemicals. A remarkable development in the field of chemical oxidation has been novel catalyst materials for Fenton’s reaction enabling the efficient reaction in neutral or almost neutral conditions, instead of pH below 3. In addition, varieties of method integrations, e.g., combinations of AOPs or AOPs integrated to biological processes, and other enhancements such as combining ultrasound (US) with AOP have led to improved water treatment efficiencies.