Eleutheroside A: activities and safety

General Description

Eleutheroside A, a phytosterol found in Eleutherococcus senticosus, shows promise in various biomedical applications. It demonstrates anti-cancer potential by inhibiting prostate cancer cell growth through autophagic-dependent apoptosis via JNK signaling. Additionally, it exhibits regulatory functions in DSS-induced colitis, offering immunological and therapeutic benefits by mitigating colitis symptoms and enhancing immune responses. Furthermore, Eleutheroside A displays protective effects against alcoholic liver disease by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. However, caution is advised due to potential toxicity at high doses, which may lead to adverse effects on the central nervous system and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Further research is necessary to understand its full toxicity profile and interactions with other medications or conditions.

Figure 1. Eleutheroside A

Activities

Anticancer

Eleutheroside A, a phytosterol found in plants, has been investigated for its potential anti-cancer properties in prostate cancer. The study aimed to understand the effects of eleutheroside A on prostate cancer progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that eleutheroside A inhibited cell proliferation and caused cell cycle arrest. It also promoted apoptosis (programmed cell death) and autophagy (a cellular process that removes damaged components). The researchers found that the induction of autophagy was crucial for eleutheroside A-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, eleutheroside A treatment increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a signaling molecule involved in cell death. Inhibition of JNK signaling reversed the effects of eleutheroside A on autophagy and apoptosis. Overall, these findings suggest that eleutheroside A effectively blocks the growth of prostate cancer cells by inducing autophagic-dependent apoptosis through activating the JNK signaling pathway. This research highlights eleutheroside A as a potential candidate for the development of anti-tumor drugs for prostate cancer treatment. ¹

Regulatory function of daucosterol

In a study, the researchers investigated the regulatory function of Eleutheroside A in DSS-induced colitis. They found that mice pre- or post-treated with Eleutheroside A showed various beneficial effects. Firstly, Eleutheroside A inhibited body weight loss and decreased the disease activity index (DAI) compared to the control group. Additionally, it rescued the decrease in colon length and disruption of the epithelial lining caused by DSS-induced colitis. Eleutheroside A also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), infiltration of macrophages, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, Eleutheroside A increased the population of Foxp3+ cells and enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity. It also inhibited excessive IgA levels in mice with colitis. Overall, these findings suggest that Eleutheroside A has significant immunological and therapeutic effects in the treatment of DSS-induced colitis, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option for colitis. ²

Protecting against alcoholic liver disease

Eleutheroside A, a natural compound, has been found to exhibit potential activities in protecting against alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The research indicates that Eleutheroside A may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, similar to Daucosterol (DAU), which has demonstrated efficacy in mitigating liver injury caused by alcohol. Specifically, Eleutheroside A may play a role in ameliorating liver inflammation induced by alcohol through the p38/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway, similar to DAU. This involves reducing NF-κB nuclear translocation and inhibiting NLRP3 activation by decreasing p38 phosphorylation. Furthermore, Eleutheroside A may also contribute to protecting against hepatic oxidative stress and lipid accumulation. These findings suggest that Eleutheroside A, as a naturally active substance, may offer promising protective effects against ALD, providing a potential avenue for the development of effective treatments for this condition. ³

Toxicity

Eleutheroside A, a bioactive compound found in Eleutherococcus senticosus, has been studied for its potential toxicity. Research suggests that high doses of Eleutheroside A may lead to adverse effects on the central nervous system, such as dizziness and headaches. Additionally, it has been associated with mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the toxicity profile of Eleutheroside A, as well as its potential interactions with other medications or conditions. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the use of this compound, especially at higher concentrations. ⁴

Reference

1. Gao P, Huang X, Liao T, Li G, Yu X, You Y, Huang Y. Daucosterol induces autophagic-dependent apoptosis in prostate cancer via JNK activation. Biosci Trends. 2019 May 12;13(2):160-167.

2. Jang J, Kim SM, Yee SM, Kim EM, Lee EH, Choi HR, Lee YS, Yang WK, Kim HY, Kim KH, Kang HS, Kim SH. Daucosterol suppresses dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Int Immunopharmacol. 2019 Jul;72:124-130.

3. Zhang F, Wang M, Zha Y, Zhou J, Han J, Zhang S. Daucosterol Alleviates Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Injury and Inflammation through P38/NF-κB/NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 1;15(1):223.

4. Soto-Rojas LO, Martínez-Dávila IA, Luna-Herrera C, Gutierrez-Castillo ME, Lopez-Salas FE, Gatica-Garcia B, Soto-Rodriguez G, Bringas Tobon ME, Flores G, Padilla-Viveros A, Bañuelos C, Blanco-Alvarez VM, Dávila-Ayala J, Reyes-Corona D, Garcés-Ramírez L, Hidalgo-Alegria O, De La Cruz-López F, Martinez-Fong D. Unilateral intranigral administration of β-sitosterol β-D-glucoside triggers pathological α-synuclein spreading and bilateral nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the rat. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2020 Apr 22;8(1):56.