Cancer chemopreventive activity of constituents from Sedum dasyphyllum L.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) mediate changes in nucleosome conformation and are important in the regulation of gene expression. HDACs are involved in cell cycle progression and differentiation, and their deregulation is associated with several cancers. HDAC inhibitors have emerged recently as promising chemotherapeutic agents because of their antitumor effects [1]. Many of them are currently studied in phase I and II clinical trials to establish a clear understanding of their effects. Data on the cancer prevention properties of epigenetic modulators, such as HDAC inhibitors, are emerging as there is now strong evidence that epigenetic alterations often are involved in the earliest stages of tumor progression. It appears that the real clinical home of cancer epigenetics may be prevention, where epigenetics potentially will have its greatest impact [2].

Sedum dasyphyllum L. (Crassulaceae) is a low compact plant growing from Central Europe to the Mediterranean coastlines. Some Sedum plants have been documented as either vegetables or folk medicines for the treatment of many diseases [3]. Previous studies on S. dasyphyllum have shown the presence of a large variety of flavonoid glycosides with free radical scavenging activity. In our search for new cancer chemopreventive compounds from natural sources, flavonoid glycosides from S. dasyphyllum showed promising HDAC inhibitory activity. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the full potential of these compounds.

References: 1. Villar-Garea A., Esteller M. (2004). Int. J. Cancer 112: 171–179.

2. Issa J.P. (2008) Cancer Prev Res 1: 219–222.

3. Stephenson R. (1994) Sedum cultivated stonecrops. Timber Press Inc. Portland.