Induction of neutral endopeptidase activity in PC-3 cells by an aqueous extract of Epilobium angustifolium L. and oenothein B.

Abstract

An aqueous extract of Epilobium angustifolium and its main compound oenothein B (OeB), a dimeric macrocyclic ellagitannin, are specifically able to induce the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) in prostate cancer cells. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is not influenced. Additionally, a weak but statistically significant inhibition of cell proliferation is observed. Simultaneous treatment of the cells with arabinosylcytosine and the extract as well as the OeB, leads to an additional enhancement of NEP activity. Taking into account the role of this peptidase in prostate cancer progression, our results might offer a pharmacological explanation for the use of Epilobium in folk medicine.

• Authors: A Kiss, J Kowalski, M F Melzig
• Journal: Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (Phytomedicine) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 284-9 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 0944-7113 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 16492533 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hydrolyzable Tannins
• Plant Extracts
• Cytarabine
• Water
• Dihydrotestosterone
• oenothein B
• ACE protein, human
• Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
• Neprilysin

Topics

• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Cytarabine (pharmacology)
• Dihydrotestosterone (pharmacology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Synergism
• Enzyme Induction (drug effects)
• Epilobium (chemistry)
• Humans
• Hydrolyzable Tannins (pharmacology, toxicity)
• Male
• Medicine, Traditional
• Neprilysin (biosynthesis)
• Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A (biosynthesis)
• Phytotherapy
• Plant Extracts (pharmacology, toxicity)
• Prostatic Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Water (chemistry)