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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Acanthopanacis Cortex extract: A novel photosensitizer for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma therapy
Shuhan Shi1, Hyejoung Cho2, Qiaochu Sun2
1Department of Oral Pathology, Dental Science Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea; Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to develop a novel photosensitizer from traditional plant extracts and to investigate the photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect and mechanism of action of the novel photosensitizer on KB and Hep-2 cells.
Methods:
Fluorescence emission, cell viability, and intracellular distribution of candidates were analyzed to screen potential photosensitizers from traditional plant extracts. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and western blotting were performed to explore the mechanism of cell death in KB and Hep-2 cells.
Result:
Of 289 traditional plant extracts, 13 plant extracts with strong fluorescence were initially screened by fluorescence emission analysis. The cell viability assay and intracellular distribution of candidates showed that Acanthopanacis Cortex (AC) extract is a potential photosensitizer. Under optimal PDT conditions, high levels of ROS were produced in KB and Hep-2 cells, followed by cell death. However, there was no significant damage to HaCaT cells. Moreover, apoptosis induced by AC extract with 625 nm irradiation (IR) down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein and up-regulated the expression of Bax protein, as well as that of cleaved PARP-1 protein in both KB and Hep-2 cells.
Conclusion:
The fluorescence intensity of AC extract at 420 nm is similar to that of the commercial Hematoporphyrin (HP). AC extract with 625 nm IR could enhance the PDT effect, induce ROS generation, and trigger apoptotic pathways in KB and Hep-2 cells. Therefore, we suggest that AC is a potential novel photosensitizer for PDT in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Insights
Acanthopanacis Cortex extract shows potential as a novel photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT). This plant-derived compound effectively induces cell death in cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, offering a promising avenue for head and neck cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment modality.
- Development of novel photosensitizers is crucial for enhancing PDT efficacy.
- Traditional plant extracts represent a rich source for discovering new therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel photosensitizer from traditional plant extracts.
- To investigate the photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect of the novel photosensitizer on cancer cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of the photosensitizer in inducing cancer cell death.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 289 traditional plant extracts based on fluorescence emission and cell viability.
- Analysis of intracellular distribution and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- Apoptosis induction was assessed using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and Western blotting for key proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved PARP-1).
Main Results:
- Acanthopanacis Cortex (AC) extract was identified as a potential photosensitizer with fluorescence similar to Hematoporphyrin.
- AC extract-mediated PDT induced significant ROS production and cell death in KB and Hep-2 cells, with minimal impact on HaCaT cells.
- AC extract with 625 nm irradiation triggered apoptosis by down-regulating Bcl-2 and up-regulating Bax and cleaved PARP-1 expression.
Conclusions:
- AC extract demonstrates potent photosensitizing properties for PDT.
- AC extract enhances PDT effects by inducing ROS and apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells.
- AC extract is a promising candidate for a novel photosensitizer in PDT for head and neck cancers.
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