Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
Published on: March 6, 2019
Quercetin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of B16 Melanoma Cells In Vitro
Farrah Soll1, Christina Ternent1, Isabella M Berry2
1Department of Chemistry, College of Saint Mary, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Abstract:
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis despite numerous advances in therapeutic strategies. Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid suggested to have potent anticancer properties. Quercetin has no demonstrable toxicity in humans, further supporting the possibility of using quercetin therapeutically. We chose to investigate quercetin efficacy against B16 murine melanoma cells and identify the mechanisms of anticancer activity. Treatment of B16 melanoma cells with 50 μg/mL quercetin resulted in a 75% reduction in viability from 6 through 48 h post-treatment. The reduction in cancer cell viability was comparable to or greater than what was observed with etoposide, an established chemotherapeutic. Specifically, we found Quercetin reduced the proliferation of B16 melanoma cells at 48 h as much or more than etoposide. Although quercetin reduced the proportion of cells in the S and G2/M stages of the cell cycle, this could largely be explained by an increase in the subG1 population in quercetin-treated cells (suggesting apoptosis). Quercetin-induced apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis of Annexin V+ cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate quercetin reduces proliferation and induces apoptosis of B16 melanoma cells in vitro.
Insights
Quercetin, a plant flavonoid, significantly reduced B16 melanoma cell viability and proliferation. This natural compound effectively induced apoptosis, showing promise as a potential melanoma therapeutic.
Area of Science:
- * Oncology
- * Pharmacology
- * Biochemistry
Background:
- * Malignant melanoma is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options.
- * Quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid, exhibits potential anticancer properties and has low toxicity in humans.
- * Investigating quercetin's efficacy against melanoma is crucial for developing novel therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To evaluate the anticancer effects of quercetin on B16 murine melanoma cells.
- * To identify the mechanisms underlying quercetin's anti-melanoma activity.
- * To compare quercetin's efficacy with etoposide, a standard chemotherapy drug.
Main Methods:
- * Treatment of B16 melanoma cells with quercetin (50 μg/mL).
- * Assessment of cell viability and proliferation over 48 hours.
- * Cell cycle analysis and Annexin V staining to detect apoptosis.
Main Results:
- * Quercetin treatment reduced B16 melanoma cell viability by 75% within 48 hours.
- * Quercetin demonstrated comparable or superior anti-proliferative effects to etoposide.
- * Cell cycle analysis indicated quercetin induced apoptosis, evidenced by an increased subG1 population and Annexin V-positive cells.
Conclusions:
- * Quercetin effectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in B16 melanoma cells in vitro.
- * Quercetin shows significant potential as a therapeutic agent for malignant melanoma.
- * Further research into quercetin's mechanisms and in vivo efficacy is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
02:34Inhibition of Cdk Activity
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway