Protective Effects of Nettle Tea on SKOV-3 Ovarian Cancer Cells Through ROS Production, Apoptosis Induction, and...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Cancer Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) is traditionally used for various health benefits.
• Ovarian adenocarcinoma, particularly the SKOV-3 cell line, represents an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of Urtica dioica aqueous extract (UDAE) on the growth and proliferation of SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying UDAE's anti-cancer effects in vitro.

Main Methods:

• Cytotoxicity assays
• Cell cycle analysis
• ROS assays
• Annexin V/PI staining
• Cell death ELISA
• Western blot analysis
• Motility assays

Main Results:

• UDAE inhibited SKOV-3 cell growth and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
• UDAE induced cellular fragmentation, phosphatidylserine flipping, and DNA fragmentation, indicative of apoptosis.
• The extract exhibited pro-oxidant activity and activated the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway without affecting autophagy markers.
• UDAE significantly reduced the migratory capacity of ovarian cancer cells in vitro.

Conclusions:

• Urtica dioica aqueous extract demonstrates significant anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects on aggressive ovarian cancer cells.
• The extract induces apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway, suggesting potential as a therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer.