Taxanes: A New Class of Antitumor AgentsTaxanes belong to a new group of antineoplastic agents with a novel mechanism of action for a cytotoxic drug. They promote microtubule assembly and stabilize the microtubules. Paclitaxel, the first agent in this group to become available, was isolated from the Pacific yew, Taxus brevifolia, in 1971. In preclinical and clinical studies, paclitaxel and its semisynthetic analog docetaxel exhibit significant antitumor activity. This review deals with the physicochemical properties, pharmacology, and results of preclinical and clinical trials of the taxanes.
In vitro Platelet Aggregation-Stimulatory, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Fresh Stem Juice from Montrichardia arborescens Schott (Araceae) – Evidence for Wound Healing- Stimulatory PropertiesBackground: Montrichardia arborescens is traditionally used for wound healing, but without scientific evidence.In this study, the fresh stem juice was assessed for its platelet aggregation stimulatory and antibacterial activities and its safety.Methods: The stem juice was evaluated at various dilutions for platelet aggregation-stimulatory activity in human platelet rich plasma (PRP) using norepinephrine as a positive control; antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes (gram-positive bacteria) as well as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram-negative bacteria) in a broth microdilution method using tetracycline as a reference compound; and absence of substantial cytotoxicity against cultured CHO cells in an MTT assay.Data (means SDs; n 3) were evaluated for statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) using ANOVA with Bonferroni's adjustments.Results: The stem juice stimulated platelet aggregation to nearly 100% at 50% (v/v) dilution and about 50% at 12.5% (v/v) dilution.It did not affect the growth of E. coli and P. aeruginosa at 50% (v/v) but partially inhibited that of S. aureus at 37.5% (v/v) and that of S. pyogenes completely at 12.5% (v/v).These effects were validated by those found with epinephrine 20 M and tetracycline 10-60 g/mL.CHO cell survival was only 3 1% with the 50% (v/v) diluted stem juice but 64 2% with the 12.5% (v/v) dilution.Conclusion: The M. arborescens stem juice exhibited substantial platelet aggregation-stimulatory and antibacterial activity at 12.5% (v/v) dilution which seemed safe to the normal tissues.These findings confirm its traditional use for wound healing.