Page 153 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Potential of flavonoids against glioblastoma

1. Introduction activities, underscoring the therapeutic potential of this
group of plants. Despite these promising characteristics,
The early 19 century marked a pivotal era in the study research into the specific chemical constituents and
th
of medicinal plants, revolutionizing pharmaceutical bioactive properties of P. chinensis has been relatively
science and laying the groundwork for the discipline of limited.
modern pharmacology. This period witnessed significant
advancements in identifying, validating, and extracting Existing studies have identified unique chemical
key alkaloids from various plants, which transitioned constituents in P. chinensis, such as two 4-aryl coumarin
traditional herbal remedies into scientifically validated moieties (neoflavone) dimers with estrogen-like activity
therapeutic agents. Milestones of this era included the isolated from its leaves, along with phenolic compounds
extraction of morphine from poppy in 1806, strychnine and such as quercetin, 6-O-galloylarbutin-quercetin, gallic
emetine from ipecacuanha in 1817, quinine from cinchona acid, and m-gallic acid. 17,18 In addition, novel compounds
bark in 1820, and pelletierine from pomegranate in 1878. such as pyrrolidone derivatives and anthotaxies have
1,2
These discoveries were instrumental in transforming how been extracted from its tender burgeons, suggesting that
plants were used in medicine, advancing our understanding P. chinensis holds untapped potential for therapeutic
of their therapeutic properties. Glycosides were among the applications. 13
first compounds to be isolated, followed by other significant In the modern era of drug development, in silico
constituents such as tannins, saponosides, essential oils, techniques have become integral to therapeutic research,
vitamins, and hormones as chemical techniques evolved. 3 allowing for the simulation of chemical interactions,
Historically, humans have utilized medicinal plants for optimization of molecular structures, and prediction of
thousands of years, relying on natural remedies such as biological activities. These computational approaches
tinctures, teas, powders, and poultices made from raw plant significantly enhance the drug discovery process by
materials. Knowledge of these plants and their applications streamlining the evaluation of pharmacological and
4
for treating ailments was traditionally passed down orally toxicological properties, which traditionally required
19
from generation to generation. Over time, this wisdom extensive experimental validation. Such methodologies
5,6
was documented in herbal pharmacopeias, transforming have accelerated the pace of drug discovery and improved
the oral traditions into written records that provided the precision of identifying promising candidates for
detailed information on plants for conditions such as further development.
testicular cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer, and leukemia. It is reported in the literature that gall extract is
7
Modern allopathic medicine has its roots in these ancient common practice in folk medicine, revealing the presence
practices, and it is expected that the fusion of traditional of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins. Alkaloids
knowledge with contemporary scientific approaches will are known for their diverse biological roles, including
lead to the discovery of many new treatments. Despite analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and
8,9
the progress in scientific validation, in many regions, the bactericidal activities. In addition to alkaloids, the analgesic
use of medicinal plants remains linked to superstitions and anti-inflammatory properties of the gall extract might
and misconceptions, primarily due to the lack of empirical also be attributed to the presence of triterpenes, tannins,
evidence to explain and predict their healing properties. 10 and flavonoids. 4
Pistacia chinensis is a noteworthy species in the realm Given the untapped potential of P. chinensis, this study
of medicinal plants belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. aims to comprehensively explore its chemical composition
This small deciduous tree is native to China and North and biological activity using a combination of in vitro and
America, where it serves not only as a shade and ornamental in silico methodologies. Our focus centers on evaluating
garden tree but also holds significant therapeutic its anti-cancer efficacy against the aggressive glioblastoma
potential. In traditional Chinese medicine, seed oil has (U87) cell line, followed by detailed analyses of the binding
11
long been used for medicinal purposes. In the United affinities of its compounds to glioblastoma-specific
States of America, it has gained recognition for its potential targets. In addition, we aim to assess the pharmacological
in biodiesel production and remarkable insect resistance. and molecular properties of these compounds, seeking
12
The chemical profile of P. chinensis predominantly to uncover novel therapeutic agents from this ancient
includes flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which yet scientifically promising species. This research
are known for their diverse biological activities, such as aspires to bridge the gap between traditional medicinal
anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, anti-atherogenic, anti- knowledge and modern therapeutic innovation, ultimately
oxidant, and insecticidal effects. 13-16 Several species within contributing to the development of effective treatments for
the Pistacia genus have demonstrated these biological challenging malignancies like glioblastoma.

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 145 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.5768