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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
In vitro Organoid Culture of Primary Mouse Colon Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2013
Pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of corn silk extract on human colon cancer cell lines
Hao Guo1, Hong Guan1, Wenqin Yang1
1Research Center of Microecological Engineering Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Corn silk is an economically and nutritionally significant natural product as it represents a staple food for a large proportion of the world population. This study investigated the anticancer activity of corn silk extract in human colon cancer cells and human gastric cancer cells. Following treatment with corn silk extract, certain apoptosis-related events were observed, including inhibition of cell proliferation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), release of Ca2+ and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol. Our results revealed that corn silk extract inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells and increased the level of apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that corn silk extract upregulated the levels of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3 and caspase-9, but downregulated the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2. These results suggest that corn silk extract may induce apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated pathway.
Insights
Corn silk extract shows anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis in colon and gastric cancer cells. It inhibits proliferation and triggers cell death via the mitochondria-mediated pathway.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Natural Products Research
Background:
- Corn silk, derived from maize (Zea mays), is a significant global food source.
- Natural products are increasingly explored for therapeutic potential, including anticancer applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticancer effects of corn silk extract on human colon and gastric cancer cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action, focusing on apoptosis induction.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of human colon and gastric cancer cells with varying concentrations of corn silk extract.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), calcium (Ca2+) release, and cytochrome c release.
- Western blot analysis to evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3, caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma 2).
Main Results:
- Corn silk extract inhibited cancer cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner.
- Extract treatment led to loss of ΔΨm, Ca2+ release, and cytochrome c release, indicating mitochondrial pathway activation.
- Upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3, caspase-9) and downregulation of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) were observed.
Conclusions:
- Corn silk extract demonstrates significant anticancer activity against human colon and gastric cancer cells.
- The extract induces apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated pathway.
- Corn silk extract holds potential as a natural therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
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