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Updated: Nov 2, 2025
An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 18, 2013
Beetroot and leaf extracts present protective effects against prostate cancer cells, inhibiting cell proliferation,
Mariana Camargo Silva Mancini1, Luis Gustavo Saboia Ponte1, Cayo Henrique Rocha Silva1
1Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, Brazil.
Abstract:
Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) has high nutritional value, containing bioactive compounds such as betalains and flavonoids. Scientific evidence points to the use of these natural compounds in the treatment of several types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in men. Here, we compared beet roots and leaves extracts, and their main compounds, apigenin, and betanin, respectively, in DU-145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. Both cells presented the proliferation decreased for beetroot and beet leaves extracts. The apigenin treatment also reduced the proliferation of both cell lines. Regarding cell migration, beet leaves extract was able to decrease the scratch area in both cell lines, whereas apigenin affected only PC-3 cells' migration. In colony formation assay, both extracts were effective in reducing the number of colonies formed. Besides, the beet leaves extracts and apigenin presented strong inhibition of growth-related signaling pathways in both cell lines, and the beetroot extract and betanin presented effects only in DU-145 cells. Furthermore, the extracts and isolated compounds were able to reduce the levels of apoptotic and cell cycle proteins. This study reveals that beet extracts have important anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer cells.
Insights
Beet extracts and compounds show significant anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer cells by reducing proliferation and migration. This research highlights the potential of beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is rich in bioactive compounds like betalains and flavonoids.
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in men.
- Natural compounds show promise in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the anti-cancer effects of beet root and leaf extracts and their key compounds (apigenin and betanin) on prostate cancer cell lines.
- To investigate the impact of these extracts and compounds on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and key signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Cultured DU-145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines.
- Administered beet root extract, beet leaf extract, apigenin, and betanin.
- Assessed cell proliferation, migration (scratch assay), colony formation, and protein levels related to apoptosis and cell cycle.
Main Results:
- Both beet extracts significantly decreased proliferation in both cell lines.
- Apigenin reduced proliferation in both cell lines and migration in PC-3 cells.
- Beet leaf extract reduced migration in both cell lines.
- Both extracts inhibited colony formation.
- Beet leaf extract and apigenin inhibited growth-related pathways in both cell lines; beet root extract and betanin showed effects only in DU-145 cells.
- Extracts and compounds reduced levels of apoptotic and cell cycle proteins.
Conclusions:
- Beet extracts possess significant anti-cancer properties against prostate cancer cells.
- Specific compounds like apigenin and betanin contribute to the anti-cancer effects of beet.
- Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) demonstrates potential as a source for novel prostate cancer therapies.
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