The Inclusion of Dietary and Medicinal Mushrooms into Translational Oncology: Pros and Cons at the Molecular Level Yulia Kirdeeva, Elizaveta Fefilova, Natalia Karpova, Sergey Parfenyev, Alexandra Daks, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026 Mushrooms are valued for their nutritional qualities and have been used in traditional medicine since the Neolithic era. They exhibit various bioactivities, including antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. The anticancer effects arise via direct action on tumor cells and indirect modulation of the immune system; the latter is the predominant mechanism. Numerous studies indicate that various mushroom species are potent immunostimulants because their cell wall polysaccharides and proteoglycans are recognized by intestinal immune cells. This enhances antitumor immunity through multiple molecular pathways. However, their direct effects on cancer cells are of questionable physiological relevance due to bioavailability constraints. Nevertheless, we hypothesize that the accumulation of non-absorbed polysaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract positions mushrooms as dual-action agents with the potential to treat colorectal cancer by providing indirect immunomodulation and direct local tumor suppression. Conversely, the direct anticancer effects of mushrooms are generally attributed to bioactive secondary metabolites that influence essential cellular processes, including signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, autophagy, cellular migration, invasion, and cancer stem cell characteristics. Beyond these anticancer effects, clinical evidence suggests that certain mushroom-derived substances can improve survival outcomes for cancer patients and provide supportive care benefits in oncology, thereby improving quality of life. Specifically, mushrooms may mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, bolster immune function often suppressed by cancer treatments, and enhance overall well-being. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic benefits of dietary and medicinal mushrooms in cancer care, as well as unresolved challenges and future research directions.
Anti-inflammatory components of the essential oil from the leaves of Citrus × aurantium L. based on network pharmacology study Tran Thu Huong, Vu Thanh Loc, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Vu Thi Ha, Pham Ngoc Khanh, et al. Vietnam Journal of Chemistry, 2025 The scientific name of the species “Quýt hoi,” a specialty of Pu Luong Commune, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, was determined to be Citrus × aurantium L. by morphological and molecular methods. The essential oil of Citrus × aurantium L. leaves possesses a characteristic composition of monoterpene hydrocarbons (56.2%), oxygenated monoterpenes (14.3%), as well as a distinctively high content of aromatic compounds (24.8%). The five main constituents of the oil are γ ‐terpinene (24.7%), thymol methyl ether (14.7%), linalool (12.3%), β ‐pinene (12.2%), and thymol (5.2%). Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that ( E )‐ β ‐caryophyllene and bicyclogermacrene were active components interacting with AKT1, GAPDH, and TNF‐ α inflammatory pathway proteins. These findings encourage more research on the Citrus × aurantium L. leaves for the treatment of inflammatory‐related diseases.
Sesuvioside A from Gomphrena celosioides possesses the Dual Anti-gout Actions Via Anti-xanthine Oxidase and Anti-inflammatory Activities Quang Ngô Văn, Thuy Thanh Thi Thu, Luong Dang Vu, Cuong Trinh Tat, Ha Nguyen Xuan, et al. Journal of the Mexican Chemical Society, 2025 Gomphrena celosioides Mart. has been widely used for the treatment of gout in Vietnam. A bio-guided isolation of xanthine oxidase inhibitors revealed that sesuvioside A, the main constituent in the butanol fraction of the aerial parts of G. celosioides, is a potential anti-gout compound. The anti-gout activity of sesuvioside A, a main constituent isolated from the butanol fraction for the first time was further extensively investigated using in vitro biological assays, including inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, nitric oxide (NO), intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines productions. The obtained results indicated that sesuvioside A exhibited inhibitory activity against XO and NO production with the IC50 values of 31.6 µM and 18.3 µM, respectively. At concentration of 40.0 µM, the compound significantly reduced iROS level and the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in the lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages. A molecular docking study revealed that sesuvioside A strongly binds to the targets XO and p-38 MAPK with the estimated energy of -10.55 kcal/mol and -9.78 kcal/mol, respectively. In conclusion, sesuvioside A from the aerial parts of G. celosioides is a new dual anti-gout agent by expressing its inhibitory effects on XO activity and inflammatory targets. The traditional use of G. celosioides as a remedy for gout was supported by the findings in this study. Resumen. La Gomphrena celosioides Mart. Es muy usada en Vietnam para el tratamiento de la gota (hiperurisemia). A través de un proceso de aislamiento bio-dirigido de inhibidores de la xantina oxidasa (XO), se identificó que el sesuviósido A, el constituyente principal de la fracción butanólica de las partes aéreas de G. celosioides, es un compuesto que mostró actividad farmacológica y es candidato para el desarrollo de medicamentos contra la hiperurisemia. La actividad del sesuviósido A —aislado por primera vez como principal componente de dicha fracción— fue investigada extensamente mediante ensayos biológicos in vitro, incluyendo la inhibición de la actividad de la XO, la producción de óxido nítrico (NO), especies reactivas de oxígeno intracelulares (iROS) y citoquinas proinflamatorias. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que el sesuviósido A presentó actividad inhibitoria sobre la XO y la producción de NO, con valores de IC₅₀ de 31,6 µM y 18,3 µM, respectivamente. A una concentración de 40,0 µM, el compuesto redujo significativamente los niveles de iROS y la producción de las citoquinas proinflamatorias TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-8 en macrófagos inducidos por lipopolisacáridos. Un estudio de acoplamiento molecular reveló que el sesuviósido A se une fuertemente a los blancos moleculares XO y p38 MAPK, con energías estimadas de -10,55 kcal/mol y -9,78 kcal/mol, respectivamente. En conclusión, el sesuviósido A, aislado de las partes aéreas de G. celosioides, representa un nuevo agente anti-gota dual, al ejercer efectos inhibitorios tanto sobre la actividad de la XO como sobre blancos inflamatorios. Los hallazgos de este estudio respaldan el uso tradicional de G. celosioides como remedio para la gota.
Therapeutic effects of Chrysanthemum zawadzkii and its active compound eupatilin in rheumatoid arthritis: in silico and in vitro validation Vu Thanh Loc, Tsolmon Bolor, Erdenetsogt Purevdorj, Amgalan Solongo, Nguyen Xuan Ha, et al. Natural Product Research, 2025 The 50% ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Chrysanthemum zawadzkii (CZ extract) was evaluated for its inhibitory effects on the production of NO, TNF-α, and XO, and seven isolated flavonoids were tested for COX-2 inhibitory activity. The ethanol extract of C. zawadzkii exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on NO and XO overproduction, with IC50 values of 6.91 µg/mL and 83.48 µg/mL, respectively. Eupatilin (3) significantly suppressed COX-2 expression at a concentration of 100 µM (p < 0.05). Molecular docking analysis and ADMET predictions revealed that eupatilin forms hydrogen bonds and π-σ interactions, which significantly contribute to its binding affinity with residues in the enzyme's active site. Additionally, it exhibits low oral toxicity and good bioavailability in humans. These findings demonstrate the potential of CZ extract and its active compound, eupatilin, as naturally occurring agents with anti-heumatoid arthritis activities, capable of potently inhibiting COX-2 signalling in vitro.
In vitro and in silico inhibitory activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and anti-inflammatory effects of natural componds from Rheum officinale roots Nguyen Manh Cuong, Pham Ngoc Khanh, Tran Thu Huong, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh, et al. Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology, 2024 Rhubarb roots (Rheum officinale), a common medicinal plant in folk remedies, and their chemical compositions were investigated for their inhibitory activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme II and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NO production and IL-6 expression. Four natural compounds, including two anthraquinones, chrysophanol (2) and emodin (3), and two stilbenes, rhapontigenin (1) and trans-piceatannol (4), were isolated from the roots of Rhubarb. The results showed that rhapontigenin (1) exhibited an inhibitory effect on the ACE-2 enzyme with an IC50 value of 132 mM. In an in silico study, rhapotigenin (1) had a binding energy value of -9.32 kcal/mol, lower than MLN-4760, on ACE-2. Both rhapontigenin (1) and emodin (3) exhibited inhibitory activity on NO production in primary cultures of macrophages RAW264.7, with IC50 values ranging from 5.65 to 32.3 µg/mL. This is the first study of the anti-ACE-2 and anti-inflammatory activity of Rhubarb root extract and its constituents.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of some flavonoids from the root bark of Pinus krempfii Lecomte: in vitro and in silico study Nguyen Manh Cuong, Pham Ngoc Khanh, Le Thi Hong Nhung, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Tran Thu Huong, et al. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 2024 From the root bark of Pinus krempfii Lecomte, four flavonoids were isolated and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BChE enzymes in vitro and in silico. Tectochrysin (1) was found to inhibit AChE with an IC50 value of 33.69 ± 2.80 μM. The docking study results also showed agreement with the in vitro test results. All four compounds also showed the best binding affinity for the AChE enzyme, characterised by binding energy (ΔG) values as low as -8.1 to -9.3 kcal/mol, in which, the compound tectochrysin had the best binding affinity for the AChE protein with a ΔG value of -9.329 kcal/mol. Tectochrysin (1) was also bound to the amino acid Phe295 of AChE with a bond length of 2.8 Å, similar to the control dihydrotanshinone-I. Galangin (2) also showed its in vitro inhibitory activity against BChE with an IC50 value of 82.21 ± 2.70 μM. In silico, it also had the best binding energy value of -9.072 kcal/mol with BChE and formed hydrogen bonds with the His438 (2.85 Å) residues of BChE like the positive control (tacrine). The steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation results of these two complexes revealed a mechanistic insight that the protein-ligand complexes showed stable trajectories throughout the 20 and 150 ns simulations. Moreover, the drug likeliness suggested that both flavonoids (1 and 2) were expected to be drug-like and have an LD50 toxicity level of 5. This study has contributed new results for drug discovery and the development of substances with neuroprotective effects, especially for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Discovery of Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids from Zanthoxylum nitidum That Target the MDM2–p53 Axis in NSCLC NM Cuong, E Fefilova, VT Loc, N Karpova, NX Ha, A Daks, NV Ha, ... Pharmaceuticals 19 (6), 814 , 2026 2026
Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial, and in Silico Molecular Docking Analysis of β-Asarone-Free Essential Oils from Diploid Acorus calamus L. in Mongolia J Namshir, S Munkhtsetseg, N Tsevegsuren, N Erdenetsogt, O Yungree, ... Chemistry Africa 9 (4), 159 , 2026 2026
The Inclusion of Dietary and Medicinal Mushrooms into Translational Oncology: Pros and Cons at the Molecular Level Y Kirdeeva, E Fefilova, N Karpova, S Parfenyev, A Daks, A Nazarov, ... International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27 (3), 1312 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Anti‐inflammatory components of the essential oil from the leaves of Citrus × aurantium L. based on network pharmacology study TT Huong, VT Loc, NX Ha, VT Ha, PN Khanh, DTT Thuy, TD Binh, ... Vietnam Journal of Chemistry 63 (6), 992-999 , 2025 2025
Sesuvioside A from Gomphrena celosioides possesses the Dual Anti-gout Actions Via Anti-xanthine Oxidase and Anti-inflammatory Activities Q Ngo Van, TTT Thanh, D Vu Luong, T Tat Cuong, H Nguyen Xuan, ... Journal of the Mexican Chemical Society 69 (4), 791-802 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Ostruthin Targets IL-6 and Downregulates Arid5a Expression to Inhibit Cytokine Production Under TLR3-TLR4 Cotriggering: In vitro and in silico Studies T Thu Trang, T Thi Minh Huyen, V Thi Tien, T Minh Nhat, V Thanh Loc, ... Natural Product Communications 20 (10), 1934578X251385033 , 2025 2025
Therapeutic effects of Chrysanthemum zawadzkii and its active compound eupatilin in rheumatoid arthritis: in silico and in vitro validation V Thanh Loc, T Bolor, E Purevdorj, A Solongo, N Xuan Ha, TT Huong, ... Natural Product Research, 1-8 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of the essential oil from aerial parts of Caryopteris mongolica Bunge grown in Mongolia O Bayanjargal, M Dumaa, B Sarantsetseg, S Purevsuren, E Nyamsuren, ... Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants 28 (3), 604-615 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Murrayafoline A inhibits inflammatory cytokines in RAW264. 7 cells stimulated with LPS and poly (I: C) by targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor TT Tran, NM Cuong, NX Ha, TX Nakahama, NT Nguyen ||| Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology||| 20 (1), 35-39 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Leptomonines A and B, two novel rare benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline N-oxides from the aerial parts of Leptopyrum fumarioides as potential COX-2 inhibitors: in vitro and in silico … T Solongo, TT Huong, E Purevdorj, A Solongo, B Bayasgalan, VT Loc, ... Journal of Natural Medicines 79, 517-529 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activities of Novel Ether Conjugates of Dihydroartemisinin and Zerumbone: Evidenced by Integrating Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Assay N Hung Truong, P Hung Nguyen, H Nghi Do, X Ha Nguyen, T Loc Vu, ... Chemistry & Biodiversity 22 (3), e202401571 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
TỔNG HỢP MỘT SỐ CHALCONE CÓ CHỨA NHÓM AZIDE NT Dân, NT Giang, LV Chính, NM Cường Tạp chí Khoa học và Công nghệ nhiệt đới, 95-101 , 2025 2025
Functionalization of Natural Compounds to Enhance the Bioactivity of Zerumbone in Cancer Chemotherapy NH Truong, DA Le, TH Vu, TI Cam, HN Do, MC Nguyen, KV Tran, ... Recent Developments in Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Vol. 10, 71-102 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Immunoregulation of Quercetin and Kynurenic Acid on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Gene Expression of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Interleukin‐6 in … TS Nguyen, TTN Nguyen, TPA Nguyen, TBC Ha, MC Nguyen, SS Raza, ... Stem Cells International 2025 (1), 6612312 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
MDM2 up-regulates the energy metabolism in NSCLC in a p53-independent manner E Fefilova, Y Kirdeeva, S Parfenyev, A Daks, O Fedorova, M Sorokina, ... Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 743, 151169 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
In silico and in vivo study of anti-inflammatory activity of Morinda longissima (Rubiaceae) extract and phytochemicals for treatment of inflammation-mediated diseases H Mehallah, N Djebli, PN Khanh, NX Ha, VT Ha, TT Huong, DD Tung, ... Journal of Ethnopharmacology 328, 118051 , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of some flavonoids from the root bark of Pinus krempfii Lecomte: in vitro and in silico study NM Cuong, PN Khanh, LTH Nhung, NX Ha, TT Huong, K Bauerova, ... Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 42 (9), 4888-4901 , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
In vitro and in silico inhibitory activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and anti-inflammatory effects of natural compounds from Rheum officinale roots NMC Pham Ngoc Khanh, Tran Thu Huong, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh, Vu ... Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology 62 (4), 697-712 , 2024 2024
In vitro and in silico study of new biscoumarin glycosides from Paramignya trimera against Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection NX Ha, TT Huong, PN Khanh, NP Hung, VT Loc, VT Ha, DT Quynh, ... Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 72 (6), 574-583 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Novel conjugates of zerumbone with quinazolin-4 (3H)-ones and quinolines as potent anticancer inhibitors: Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies NH Truong, DA Le, TH Vu, TI Cam, HN Do, MC Nguyen, KV Tran, ... Results in Chemistry 7, 101427 , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin and its glycosides isolated from mampat ( Cratoxylum formosum ) SJ Choi, BH Tai, NM Cuong, YH Kim, HD Jang Food Science and biotechnology 21 (2), 587-595 , 2012 2012 Citations: 114
Oleanane-type triterpenoids from Panax stipuleanatus and their anticancer activities C Liang, Y Ding, NH Tung, JA Kim, HJ Boo, HK Kang, NM Cuong, YH Kim Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 20 (23), 7110-7115 , 2010 2010 Citations: 90
A new dimeric carbazole alkaloid from Glycosmis stenocarpa roots NM Cuong, TQ Hung, T Van Sung, WC Taylor Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin 52 (10), 1175-1178 , 2004 2004 Citations: 64
A new phenylpropanoid and an alkylglycoside from Piper retrofractum leaves with their antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity BTT Luyen, BH Tai, NP Thao, SY Yang, NM Cuong, YI Kwon, HD Jang, ... Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters 24 (17), 4120-4124 , 2014 2014 Citations: 62
Total peroxynitrite scavenging capacity of phenylethanoid and flavonoid glycosides from the flowers of Buddleja officinalis BH Tai, BY Jung, NM Cuong, PT Linh, NH Tung, NX Nhiem, TT Huong, ... Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 32 (12), 1952-1956 , 2009 2009 Citations: 51
Design, synthesis, structure, in vitro cytotoxic activity evaluation and docking studies on target enzyme GSK‑3β of new indirubin‑3ʹ‑oxime derivatives NT Dan, HD Quang, VV Truong, DH Nghi, NM Cuong, TD Cuong, ... Scientific Reports 10 (11429) , 2020 2020 Citations: 50
Paratrimerins A and B, two new dimeric monoterpene-linked coumarin glycosides from the roots and stems of Paramignya trimera NM Cuong, TT Huong, PN Khanh, N Van Tai, VT Ha, BH Tai, YH Kim Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 63 (11), 945-949 , 2015 2015 Citations: 49
Murrayafoline A attenuates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by promoting the degradation of intracellular β-catenin proteins H Choi, J Gwak, M Cho, MJ Ryu, JH Lee, SK Kim, YH Kim, GW Lee, ... Biochemical and biophysical research communications 391 (1), 915-920 , 2010 2010 Citations: 49
1- O -Substituted derivatives of murrayafoline A and their antifungal properties NM Cuong, H Wilhelm, A Porzel, N Arnold, L Wessjohann Natural product research 22 (16), 1428-1432 , 2008 2008 Citations: 49
Mechanism of osthole inhibition of vascular Cav1. 2 current F Fusi, G Sgaragli, LM Ha, NM Cuong, S Saponara European journal of pharmacology 680 (1-3), 22-27 , 2012 2012 Citations: 47
Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Contents from Fruits of Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne. Using Response Surface … XD Le, MC Nguyen, DH Vu, MQ Pham, QL Pham, QT Nguyen, TA Nguyen, ... Processes 7 (8), 485 , 2019 2019 Citations: 44
New Records of Potent In-Vitro Antidiabetic Properties of Dalbergia tonkinensis Heartwood and the Bioactivity-Guided Isolation of Active Compounds NMC Van Bon Nguyen, San-Lang Wang, Ngu Truong Nhan, Thi Hanh Nguyen, Nguyen ... Molecules 23, 1589 , 2018 2018 Citations: 39
Antimicrobial Activity of the Constituents of Dalbergia tonkinensis and Structural-Bioactive Highlights YF Ninh The Son, Masataka Oda, Naoki Hayashi, Daiki Yamaguchi, Yu Kawagishi ... Natural Product Communications 13 (2), 157-161 , 2018 2018 Citations: 39
Chemical constituents of Miliusa balansae leaves and inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells NP Thao, BTT Luyen, BH Tai, NM Cuong, YC Kim, C Van Minh, YH Kim Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 25 (18), 3859-3863 , 2015 2015 Citations: 38
New pyrano-pyrone from Goniothalamus tamirensis enhances the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells BH Tai, VT Huyen, TT Huong, NX Nhiem, EM Choi, JA Kim, PQ Long, ... Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 58 (4), 521-525 , 2010 2010 Citations: 38
A new iridoid and effect on the rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation of isolated compounds from Buddleja officinalis BH Tai, NX Nhiem, TH Quang, NTT Ngan, NH Tung, Y Kim, JJ Lee, ... Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters 21 (11), 3462-3466 , 2011 2011 Citations: 36
Chrysoeriol isolated from the leaves of Eurya ciliata stimulates proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells BH Tai, NM Cuong, TT Huong, EM Choi, JA Kim, YH Kim Journal of Asian natural products research 11 (9), 817-823 , 2009 2009 Citations: 36
Alkylphloroglucinol derivatives and triterpenoids with soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory activity from Callistemon citrinus PN Khanh, HV Duc, TT Huong, NT Son, VT Ha, DT Van, BH Tai, JE Kim, ... Fitoterapia 109, 39-44 , 2015 2015 Citations: 31
The hepatoprotective activity of a new derivative kaempferol glycoside from the leaves of Vietnamese Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels NCT Tram, NT Son, N Thi Nga, VTT Phuong, N Thi Cuc, D Thi Phuong, ... Medicinal Chemistry Research 26 (9), 2057-2064 , 2017 2017 Citations: 30
Oleanane-triterpenoids from Panax stipuleanatus inhibit NF-κB C Liang, Y Ding, SB Song, JA Kim, NM Cuong, JY Ma, YH Kim Journal of Ginseng Research 37 (1), 74 , 2013 2013 Citations: 30