Camellia sinensis (tea), one of the most popular commercial crops, is commonly applied in all parts of the world. The main active ingredients of tea include polyphenols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, amino acids, aroma and volatile constitutes, all of which are potentially responsible for the activities of tea. Stem cells (SCs) are the immature and undifferentiated cells by a varying capacity for proliferation, self-renewal and the capability to differentiate into one or more different derivatives with specialized function or maintain their stem cell phenotype. Herein, a thorough review is conducted of the functional mechanism on SCs by tea bioactive compounds.

【Abstract】 Animal models are necessary for studying liver cancer as they play a vital role in exploring tumor pathogenesis and evaluating therapeutic methods. In recent years, abundant data from liver cancer studies and treatment prognoses have been obtained via various animal models. Here, we summarize the commonly used rat liver cancer models, which are mainly constructed by induction or transplantation, and discuss the progress made in establishing rat liver cancer models. 【Keywords】 rat; liver cancer; animal models Conflict of interest statement: We declare that we have no conflict of interest statement.

Oxidative stress leads to various diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer. The dietary flavonol glycoside, hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside), exerts health benefits by preventing oxidative damage. To further understand its antioxidative defence mechanisms, we systemically investigated the regulation of hyperoside on oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide, carbon tetrachloride, and cadmium in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hyperoside significantly increased cell viability, decreased lipid peroxidation, and lowered intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the wild-type strain (WT) and mutants gtt1∆ and gtt2∆. However, the strain with ctt1∆ showed variable cell viability and intracellular ROS-scavenging ability in response to the hyperoside treatment upon the stimulation of H2O2 and CCl4. In addition, hyperoside did not confer viability tolerance or intercellular ROS in CdSO4-induced stress to strains of sod1∆ and gsh1∆. The results suggest that the antioxidative reactions of hyperoside in S. cerevisiae depend on the intercellular ROS detoxification system.

Rhubarb is a Chinese traditional medicine. Ninety-four compounds belonging to five different classes of compounds (anthraquinone, anthrones, stilbenes, flavonoids and acylglucosides) have so far been identified in rhubarb. These constituents are effective in purgative, clearing heat-fire, removing toxic materials from the body, cooling blood and promoting blood circulation. Recent studies have shown that the appropriate processing methods may directly impact on its remedial activities and chemical compositions. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the chemical compositions, pharmacological activities and processing methods of rhubarb.

Garcinol is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone analogue primarily isolated from the dried rind of Garcinia indica , a tropical fruit widely grown in Southeast Asia and Central Africa. Recent findings have well documented that garcinol is a potential dietary phytochemical candidate in the prevention and treatment of cancer and oxidative-related illness. Herein, a brief structure-activity relationship (SAR) is summarized in this review to disclose the connection between the chemical structure of garcinol and its biological activity. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a predominant type of lung cancer, exhibiting an extremely high mortality rate as a result of failing to clean up cancer stem cells (CSCs). Interestingly, garcinol was reported to be able to target and suppress CSCs, and both in vitro and in vivo evidences have revealed the outstanding anti-NSCLC potential of garcinol. The mechanism may involve cellular senescence and apoptosis induction, as well as cell cycle arrest. This paper will review the current progress of garcinol against various tumors in vitro and in vivo, particularly the effects on NSCLC, and summarize the critical structural features of garcinol as a potent anticancer candidate. Also, we will discuss potential future challenges in research and development of garcinol.