Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) and Cancer (anticancer research): evidence and sources

Using combined chromatographic methods, two new triterpenoid glycosides, bacopasaponin K ( 1 ) and bacopasaponin L ( 2) , along with eight known compounds, bacopaside IV ( 3 ), bacopaside VII ( 4 ), bacopasaponin E ( 5 ), bacoside A 3 ( 6 ), bacopasaponin F ( 7 ), bacopasaponin C ( 8 ), bacopaside I ( 9 ), and bacopaside II ( 10 ) were isolated from the methanol extract of the Bacopa monnieri . Their structures were elucidated by 1D-, 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, HR-ESI-MS and comparing with the NMR data reported in the literature. All these compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Compounds 4 , 6 , 8 , and 10 exhibited potential cytotoxic effects against human lung cancer cells (PC9) and human colon cancer cells (SW620).

Aquaporin-1 (AQP1), a transmembrane pore-forming molecule, facilitates the rapid movement of water and small solutes across cell membranes. We have previously shown that bacopaside II, an extract from the medicinal herb Bacopa monnieri , blocks the AQP1 water channel and impairs migration of cells that express AQP1. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the anti-tumour potential of bacopaside II in colon cancer cells. Expression of AQP1 in HT-29, SW480, SW620 and HCT116 was determined by quantitative PCR and western immunoblot. Cells were treated with bacopaside II, and morphology, growth, autophagy, cell cycle and apoptosis assessed by time-lapse microscopy, crystal violet, acridine orange, propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V/PI staining respectively. AQP1 expression was significantly higher in HT-29 than SW480, SW620 and HCT116. Bacopaside II significantly reduced growth at ≥20 µM for HT-29 and ≥15 µM for SW480, SW620 and HCT116. Inhibition of HT-29 at 20 µM was primarily mediated by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and at 30 µM by G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Inhibition of SW480, SW620 and HCT116 at ≥15 µM was mediated by G2/M arrest and apoptosis. These results are the first to show that bacopaside II inhibits colon cancer cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Bacopa monnieri has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, alone or in combination with other herbs, as a memory and learning enhancer, sedative, and anti-epileptic. This review aimed to highlight the health benefits of B. monnieri extracts (BME), focusing on anti-cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We examined the clinical studies on phytochemistry and pharmacological application of BME. We further highlighted the mechanism of action of these extracts in varying types of cancer and their therapeutic implications. In addition, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanism in therapeutic interventions, toxicities, safety concerns and synergistic potential in cognition and neuroprotection. Overall, this review provides deeper insights into the therapeutic implications of Brahmi as a lead formulation for treating neurological disorders and exerting cognitive-enhancing effects.