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Updated: Aug 26, 2025
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Olive leaf extract inhibits metastatic melanoma spread through suppression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Paola De Cicco1, Giuseppe Ercolano1, Gian Carlo Tenore1
1Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Olive tree leaves are an abundant source of bioactive compounds with several beneficial effects for human health, including a protective role against many types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of an extract, obtained from olive tree (Olea europaea L.) leaves (OLE), on proliferation, invasion, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) on metastatic melanoma, the highly aggressive form of skin cancer and the deadliest diseases. Our results demonstrated that OLE inhibited melanoma cells proliferation through cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptotic cell death. Moreover, OLE suppressed the migration, invasion, and colonies formation of human melanoma cells. Similar to our in vitro findings, we demonstrated that the oral administration of OLE inhibited cutaneous tumor growth and lung metastasis formation in vivo by modulating the expression of EMT related factors. In addition, the anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects of OLE against melanoma were also related to a simultaneous targeting of mitogen-activated protein kinase and PI3K pathways, both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our findings suggest that OLE has the potential to inhibit the metastatic spread of melanoma cells thanks to its multifaceted mechanistic effects, and may represent a new add-on therapy for the management of metastatic melanoma.
Insights
Olive tree leaf extract (OLE) effectively inhibits melanoma cell proliferation and metastasis. This natural compound shows potential as an add-on therapy for metastatic melanoma by targeting key cancer pathways.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Olive tree leaves (Olea europaea L.) are rich in bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.
- Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with limited treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) on melanoma cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- To evaluate the anti-cancer efficacy of OLE in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies on human melanoma cells assessing proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion.
- In vivo studies using a mouse model of cutaneous melanoma, evaluating tumor growth and lung metastasis.
- Analysis of EMT-related factors and signaling pathways (MAPK, PI3K).
Main Results:
- OLE inhibited melanoma cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
- OLE suppressed melanoma cell migration, invasion, and colony formation.
- In vivo, OLE reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis by modulating EMT factors and targeting MAPK and PI3K pathways.
Conclusions:
- Olive leaf extract (OLE) demonstrates significant anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects against metastatic melanoma.
- OLE's mechanisms involve cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, EMT modulation, and targeting of MAPK/PI3K pathways.
- OLE shows promise as a novel add-on therapeutic agent for managing metastatic melanoma.
