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Updated: Oct 1, 2025
Cytotoxic Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy in Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro
Published on: March 18, 2014
Potential anticancer properties and mechanisms of thymoquinone in osteosarcoma and bone metastasis
Mina Homayoonfal1, Zatollah Asemi2, Bahman Yousefi3,4
1Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract:
Despite great advances, therapeutic approaches of osteosarcoma, the most prevalent class of preliminary pediatric bone tumors, as well as bone-related malignancies, continue to demonstrate insufficient adequacy. In recent years, a growing trend toward applying natural bioactive compounds, particularly phytochemicals, as novel agents for cancer treatment has been observed. Bioactive phytochemicals exert their anticancer features through two main ways: they induce cytotoxic effects against cancerous cells without having any detrimental impact on normal cell macromolecules such as DNA and enzymes, while at the same time combating the oncogenic signaling axis activated in tumor cells. Thymoquinone (TQ), the most abundant bioactive compound of Nigella sativa, has received considerable attention in cancer treatment owing to its distinctive properties, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis and metastasis inhibition, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, along with inducing immune system responses and reducing side effects of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. The present review is focused on the characteristics and mechanisms by which TQ exerts its cytotoxic effects on bone malignancies.
Insights
Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound from Nigella sativa, shows promise for treating bone cancers like osteosarcoma. It effectively targets cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, offering a novel therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Osteosarcoma and other bone malignancies remain challenging to treat effectively.
- Natural bioactive compounds, especially phytochemicals, are increasingly explored for cancer therapy.
- Thymoquinone (TQ), derived from Nigella sativa, exhibits potent anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and mechanisms of Thymoquinone's (TQ) cytotoxic effects on bone malignancies.
- To highlight TQ as a potential therapeutic agent for osteosarcoma and related bone cancers.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing research on Thymoquinone's (TQ) anticancer activities.
- Mechanisms of action, including apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest, are examined.
- The review focuses on TQ's impact on bone cancer cell lines and relevant signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Thymoquinone (TQ) demonstrates significant cytotoxic effects against bone cancer cells.
- TQ induces apoptosis, arrests the cell cycle, and inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis.
- It also modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and immune responses, while potentially reducing chemotherapy side effects.
Conclusions:
- Thymoquinone (TQ) presents a promising natural compound for developing novel therapeutic strategies against bone malignancies.
- Its multifaceted mechanisms offer a targeted approach with potentially fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
- Further research into TQ's efficacy and safety for osteosarcoma treatment is warranted.
