Psychoactive Plant Database - Neuroactive Phytochemical Collection

1. Reproduction. 2024 Nov 1:REP-24-0186. doi: 10.1530/REP-24-0186. Online ahead
of  print.

Phthalate exposure and reproductive effects in rodents: a model for approaches 
on the protective role of natural products.

Scarano WR(1), Guerra MT(2), Perobelli JE(3), Fernandes GSA(4), Arena AC(5), de 
Aquino AM(6), Rocha VA(7), Magosso N(8), Souza PV(9), Barbisan LF(10).

Author information:
(1)W Scarano, Strutuctural and Functional Biology, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
(2)M Guerra, Morphology, UFMS, Tres Lagoas, Brazil.
(3)J Perobelli, Instituto do Mar, UNIFESP, Santos, Brazil.
(4)G Fernandes, General Biology, UEL, Londrina, Brazil.
(5)A Arena, Structural and Functional Biology, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
(6)A de Aquino, Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, United States.
(7)V Rocha, Structural and Functional Biology, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
(8)N Magosso, Structural and Functional Biology, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
(9)P Souza, Structural and Functional Biology, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
(10)L Barbisan, Structural and Functional Biology, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.

This review article summarizes the experimental findings in rodents published 
between 2014 and 2024 concerning phthalates exposure and reproductive outcomes. 
Rodents were chosen for this review since most studies that have developmental 
aspects in different phases of exposure and that address more in-depth 
reproductive mechanisms have been carried out in mice and rats. The evidence of 
adverse effects of phthalates on fetal development and human and animal 
reproduction is extensive, with impacts ranging from gene expression to 
physiological alterations. Despite the large volume of scientific papers 
pointing out the harmful effects of exposure to phthalates, isolated or in 
mixtures, at different developmental periods, most of them are associated with 
the maternal exposure and long-term effects in the offspring. Regular 
vegetables, fruits, fish, dairy products, and whole grains intake rich in 
bioactive compounds can mitigate the adverse effects of EDCs in humans and 
animals at different developmental periods. Various food bioactive compounds 
(FBCs) such as genistein, resveratrol, lycopene, vitamin E, curcumin, selenium, 
and plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) present antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, 
anti-tumor, and other biological properties with the potential to reduce of 
deleterious effects of phthalates on the reproductive tract. In this review, we 
aimed to summarize the main studies produced in the last decade about phthalate 
exposure and reproductive disorders in males and females (at different 
developmental critical windows). Additionally, we proposed some FBCs and PSMs 
that could attenuate the main adverse effects caused by phthalate exposure on 
male reproduction since there is a lack of studies with females.

DOI: 10.1530/REP-24-0186
PMID: 39499862


2. Cell Biochem Funct. 2024 Dec;42(8):e70005. doi: 10.1002/cbf.70005.

Protective Effect of Biochanin A on Gamma Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress, 
Antioxidant Status, Apoptotic, and DNA Repairing Molecules in Swiss Albino Mice.

Yang Y(1)(2), Yang W(3), Hu T(1)(4), Sun M(1)(4), Wang J(1)(5), Shen J(1)(4), 
Ding E(1)(4).

Author information:
(1)The First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 
China.
(2)Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou 
University, Zhengzhou, China.
(3)Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, 
Zhengzhou, China.
(4)Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 
China.
(5)Department of Ultrasound, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China.

Radiation therapy is indispensable in medical practice but often causes adverse 
effects on healthy tissues, necessitating the search for natural 
radioprotectors. This study investigates the protective effect of Biochanin A 
(BCA) against gamma radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in Swiss 
albino mice. Gamma radiation, a potent ionizing source, generates reactive 
oxygen species (ROS) that damage cellular biomolecules, including DNA. 
Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing ROS and preventing oxidative 
damage. Swiss albino mice were divided into control, BCA control (10 mg/kg body 
weight), radiation alone (7 Gy), and radiation+ BCA pretreatment groups. BCA, a 
natural isoflavone with known antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, was 
administered intraperitoneally before radiation exposure. After irradiation, 
lipid peroxidation levels, antioxidant enzyme activities/level (superoxide 
dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione), expression 
levels of DNA repair genes (P53, P21, GADD45α), apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, 
Caspase-3, -9 and Cytochrome-C), and inflammatory marker (NF-κB) were analyzed 
in small intestine tissue. Our findings indicate that gamma radiation 
significantly elevated lipid peroxidation levels and altered antioxidant enzyme 
activities, indicating oxidative stress. However, BCA pretreatment mitigated 
these effects by bolstering antioxidant defences, reducing radiation-induced 
oxidative damage. Additionally, BCA altered apoptotic markers, NF-κB expression, 
promoting cell survival mechanisms. At the molecular level, BCA pretreatment 
upregulated key DNA repair genes (P53, P21, GADD45α), crucial for repairing 
radiation-induced DNA damage and maintaining genomic stability. These results 
underscore BCA potential as a radioprotector, suggesting its efficacy in 
mitigating radiation-induced oxidative stress and preserving cellular integrity. 
In conclusion, BCA demonstrates promising radioprotective properties by 
attenuating oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant defences, modulating 
apoptotic pathways, and promoting DNA repair mechanisms following gamma 
radiation exposure. Further research is necessary to elucidate its precise 
mechanisms of action and explore its potential therapeutic applications in 
radiation oncology and environmental radioprotection.

© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

DOI: 10.1002/cbf.70005
PMID: 39498677 [Indexed for MEDLINE]


3. J Food Sci. 2024 Nov 4. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.17489. Online ahead of print.

Phenolics in soymilk manufactured from black and Proto soybeans by two 
continuous-ultrahigh-temperature-processing technologies inhibit DU145-prostate 
cancer cell proliferation through apoptosis.

Tan Y(1), Chang SKC(2)(3).

Author information:
(1)Department of Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 
Xianyang, Shaanxi, P. R. China.
(2)Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State 
University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA.
(3)Experimental Seafood Processing Laboratory, Coastal Research and Extension 
Center, Biloxi, Mississippi, USA.

Plant genotypes and processing technologies affect health properties of foods. 
How thermal processes with different sterilization values influence polyphenols 
in soymilk manufactured from different genotypes, particularly black soybean has 
not been well characterized. This study's aims were to investigate how one- and 
two-phase ultrahigh temperature (UHT) processing technologies, with wide 
differences of lethality (F0 158.5 and 6.35, respectively), affected 
anti-prostate cancer DU145-cell properties of black soymilk compared to 
light-yellow-Proto soymilk. Phenolics were extracted from soymilk and used for 
chemical, cell cycle and apoptosis analyses. Total isoflavones and genistein in 
black soymilk were significantly higher than Proto soymilk by either processing 
methods. Compared to one-phase processing, two-phase produced higher gallic acid 
in both soybeans, and higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) in black 
soymilk. Soymilk processed from both genotypes by both UHT methods inhibited 
DU145 cells. Two-phase-UHT processed black soymilk was more effective than 
one-phase UHT-processed soymilk. IC50 values (mg/mL) of black and yellow soy 
extracts against prostate cancer cells differed only by 11%-25%, which were 
lower than the differences of total isoflavone (29%-33%) or genistein (>50% 
between two beans). The mechanism by which soymilk inhibited DU145 cell 
proliferation was through apoptosis as evidenced by cell cycle analyses and 
expressions of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and PARP-1 proteins. Antioxidant properties, 
isoflavones, and phenolic acids were negatively correlated with 
prostate-cancer-cell inhibition IC50 (p < 0.05) with ORAC having the highest 
coefficient (r = -0.98). Overall, two-phase-UHT processing of soybean would 
produce soymilk products with a higher health benefit than a one-phase UHT 
method. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study characterized the potential prostate 
cancer prevention effect of soymilk's phenolic extract in black soybean and 
compared with yellow soybean. The crude extract can be prepared much less costly 
than purified isoflavones and has potential to be developed into a dietary 
supplement. This study shows differences of soymilks made by continuous 
high-temperature processing of two soybean types and can serve as a scientific 
foundation for future clinical research and commercialization.

© 2024 Institute of Food Technologists.

DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.17489
PMID: 39495590


4. Nutr Metab Insights. 2024 Oct 29;17:11786388241283779. doi: 
10.1177/11786388241283779. eCollection 2024.

Dietary Flavonoid Intake and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: A 
Case-Control Study.

Liu Q(1), Zhang R(1), Chen Y(2), Lu Y(3), Cui F(4), Zhang Q(1), Zhang C(1).

Author information:
(1)Department of Nutrition, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 
Beijing, China.
(2)Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, 
Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
(3)School of Nursing, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
(4)Department of Nephrology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 
Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the association between dietary flavonoid 
intake and the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through a matched 
case-control design.
METHODS: Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, 
comparing the intake of flavonoids between individuals with MCI and those with 
normal cognitive function. Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate 
the correlation between dietary flavonoid intake and the risk of MCI. 
Additionally, blood concentrations of S100β, a marker of the blood-brain barrier 
(BBB) integrity, were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and 
Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between 
dietary flavonoid intake and blood S100β levels.
RESULTS: Compared to participants with normal cognition, those with MCI had 
significantly lower dietary intakes of total flavonoids, isoflavones, daidzein, 
glycitein, genistein, kaempferol, myricetin, flavonols, and anthocyanidins, 
while the intake of peonidin was significantly higher. Univariate logistic 
regression analysis indicated that high dietary intake of total flavonoids, 
isoflavones, daidzein, glycitein, genistein, kaempferol, myricetin, and 
flavonols was negatively correlated with MCI, whereas peonidin intake was 
positively correlated with MCI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis 
confirmed these findings. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant 
negative correlation between dietary intake of kaempferol and myricetin and 
blood S100β levels.
CONCLUSION: Increasing the dietary intake of total flavonoids, isoflavones, 
daidzein, glycitein, genistein, and flavonols appears to be a protective factor 
against MCI, while higher intake of peonidin is associated with an increased 
risk of MCI. The protective or adverse effects of these flavonoids may not be 
related to the permeability of the BBB. Myricetin and kaempferol intake may 
protect cognitive function by maintaining BBB integrity.

Plain Language Summary: Brief highlights: More attention to neurons Previous 
studies on the cognitive effects of flavonoid intake have mainly focused on 
their direct effects on central neurons and glial cells. Less attention to BBB 
damage Few studies have investigated the effects of flavonoid intake on the BBB, 
which indirectly affects cognitive function. Negative correlation between BBB 
damage and Myricetin and Kaempferol It was found that Myricetin and Kaempferol, 
two components of flavonoids, were negatively correlated with the risk of MCI 
and negatively correlated with blood levels of the BBB integrity marker S100β. 
They may protect cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people by 
preserving the integrity of the BBB.

© The Author(s) 2024.

DOI: 10.1177/11786388241283779
PMCID: PMC11528669
PMID: 39493860

Conflict of interest statement: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of 
interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this 
article.


5. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2024 Nov 3. doi: 10.1002/bab.2691. Online ahead of 
print.

Elucidating the anticancerous efficacy of genistein via modulating HPV (E7 and 
E6) oncogenes expression and apoptotic induction in cervical cancer cells.

Pandey P(1)(2), Ramniwas S(3), Pandey S(4), Lakhanpal S(5), Ballal S(6), Kumar 
S(7), Bhat M(8), Sharma S(9), Kumar MR(10), Khan F(11).

Author information:
(1)Centre for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of 
Engineering & Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India.
(2)Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Baddi, 
Himachal Pradesh, India.
(3)University Centre of Research and Development, University institute of 
Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India.
(4)School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 
Uttarakhand, India.
(5)School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 
Punjab, India.
(6)Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to 
be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
(7)Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, 
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
(8)Department of Medicine, National Institute of Medical Sciences, NIMS 
University Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
(9)Chandigarh Pharmacy College, Chandigarh Group of Colleges-Jhanjeri, Mohali, 
Punjab, India.
(10)Department of Chemistry, Raghu Engineering College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra 
Pradesh, India.
(11)Center for Global Health Research Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha 
Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India.

In recent years, genistein has garnered increased interest for its ability to 
inhibit numerous deregulated targets associated with cancer progression and 
induction of programmed cell death and antiproliferative activities in human 
carcinoma cells. Cancer etiology is influenced via multiple disrupted signaling 
pathways. This study therefore directed toward investigating genistein efficacy 
in modulating mRNA expression levels of two crucial Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV) 
(E7 and E6) oncogenes for cancer treatment. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of 
genistein for HPV (E7 and E6) oncogenes in cervical carcinoma have not yet been 
reported. Current study investigated inhibitory potential of genistein in HPV 
(E7 and E6) oncogenes in HeLa cells. These oncogenes are known to deactivate 
many tumor suppressor proteins (p53 and pRB). Genistein therapy resulted in 
decreased cell proliferation and increased cell accumulation in the G (G0/G1) 
phase in HeLa cell lines. In addition, genistein therapy has resulted in the 
suppression of HPV (E7 and E6) gene expression and simultaneously increasing 
expression levels of p53 and pRB mRNA levels. As a consequence, there has been 
an activation of a series of caspases (3, 8, and 9), resulting in their 
cleavage. Consequently, our data suggests that genistein could be a powerful 
candidate for treating cervical cancer by targeting two important oncogenes 
involved in viral development. However, more in vitro research on primary 
cervical cancer cells is required to validate the clinically relevant efficacy 
of genistein against cervical cancer.

© 2024 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

DOI: 10.1002/bab.2691
PMID: 39491824