Characterisation and cytotoxicity assessment of Helleborus with NAMs

03:393 years ago

Helleborus sp. is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, and are small, perennial herbs common in Central and Southern Europe and Asia. Their distribution in Europe elevated their position in therapeutic remedies since the ancient time and mythology. Due to their potent and rich extracts from their roots, hellebores have been used in traditional and folklore remedies as they present rich sources in glycosides. Mainly, these plants have exhibited cathartic, anthelmintic and other beneficial aspects to treat diseases, however, hellebores have also been known for their adverse and poisonous aspects. It is also because of their cytotoxic aspect that these species have also been explored as alternative approaches to cancer treatment and are mainly reported as sporadic patient cases in literature. In this study, we first focused on the phytochemical characterisation of Helleborus odorus subsp. cyclophyllus combining biochemical assays and a detailed characterisation of its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, regarding its toxic potential, we explored the cytotoxic toxic properties and the mechanisms of toxicity mediated effects using in vitro cell systems primary human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). HAECs are useful for studying vascular diseases such as thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and hypertension as well as for stent-graft compatibility testing and within the 3Rs principles, avoiding animals in these studies. Results showed the cytotoxic and reactive oxygen species potential of Helleborus extract in dose and time dependent manner. Further investigation (not shown here) revealed more mechanistic effects relevant to inhibition of proliferation.

Contact: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anna-Michalaki

Related

VHP4Safety project
Projects and initiatives
HealthToxicologyIn vitroIn silico

VHP4Safety project

This video explains how we are developing the Virtual Human Platform to improve safety assessment with human-relevant data and models. VHP4Safety (https://vhp4safety.nl/) - the Virtual Human Platform for safety assessment - is a research project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) program entitled the ‘Dutch Research Agenda: Research on Routes by Consortia (NWA-ORC).’ With a budget of over 10 million Euros, the project started on June 1, 2021 and will last for the duration of 5 years.
03:1632 hours ago
AI agents for safer science: How AI is Changing Chemical Risk Assessment
Innovation examples
HealthToxicologyIn silico

AI agents for safer science: How AI is Changing Chemical Risk Assessment

This video introduces a novel approach to chemical safety, where intelligent digital agents guided by large language models support scientists in making faster, more transparent decisions. By automating complex workflows and integrating tools like the OECD QSAR Toolbox, these agentic systems help prioritise research, reduce reliance on animal testing, and pave the way for safer, more sustainable innovation.
02:569 days ago
User Research in developing the virtual human platform
Innovation examples
ToxicologyPolicy

User Research in developing the virtual human platform

Digital tools can support the phasing out of animal-based tests and data in chemical risk assessment. This is one of the core promises of the Virtual Human Platform. The potential contribution of digitalization is linked to the acceptance and adoption of tools, methods, and data by stakeholders in several societal sectors. To facilitate the integration of stakeholders in the configuration of digital tools, Dr. Isaac Ortega Alvarado and colleagues gather insights from risk assessors in their role as users. Risk assessors are the ones who actualize chemical risk assessment and its standards through their practices. With this perspective, this research contributes to understanding the development and implementation of digital tools as embedded in social processes of construction and reception.
01:1531 days ago
Pro tips for making a video about your research
TPI.tv videos
Beginner

Pro tips for making a video about your research

Need some pro-tips to make your next video on animal-free innovations? Aniek and Victoria got some for you! In this video, they share why you should want to make a video about your research, tips about the content and format of an attractive video, and how to best share your video.
03:2531 days ago