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Chinese herbal extract Astragalus radix potentiates human ovarian cancer cell cytotoxicity by aggravated ROS
1Department of Gynecology, Zhenjiang Fourth People's Hospital, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China.
Background:
Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynaecological malignancies due to its late diagnosis, and resistance to conventional therapies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is increasingly explored for its potential in cancer treatment. This study investigates the anti-tumor effects of a Chinese herbal extract on an ovarian cancer cell line in vitro.
Methods:
The ovarian cancer cell lines OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3 treated with varying concentrations of the Chinese herbal extract (Astragalus radix) at different course of time. Cell viability using the MTT assay, and apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry after staining with Annexin V/PI staining. Molecular docking and dynamics were carried out to examine the interaction of quinacetol with a well-known target of ovarian cancer, i.e., phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K).
Results:
The Chinese herbal extract Astragalus radix significantly reduced the viability of ovarian cancer cells in a time- and dose- dependent way. Flow cytometry analysis revealed increased apoptotic rates in ovarian cancer cells compared to controls. Quinacetol was found to interact at active site of PI3K with binding energy of -6.9 kcal/mol. The PI3K-quinacetol complex was stable at physiological conditions as evident from molecular simulation studies.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study demonstrate that the Chinese herbal extract (Astragalus radix) exhibits potent anti-tumor effects against ovarian cancer cells in vitro, highlighting its potential as an adjunct or alternative therapeutic option. Further in vivo studies in animal models and clinical trials are warranted to explore the efficacy and safety of this herbal treatment in ovarian cancer patients.
Insights
Astragalus radix, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, demonstrated significant anti-tumor effects against ovarian cancer cells in vitro. This herbal extract reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis, showing therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Integrative oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecological malignancy often diagnosed late and resistant to conventional treatments.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers potential complementary strategies for cancer therapy.
- This study explores the in vitro anti-tumor activity of a specific TCM herbal extract against ovarian cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-tumor effects of Astragalus radix extract on ovarian cancer cell lines.
- To examine the impact of the extract on cell viability and apoptosis.
- To explore the molecular interaction between a key compound (quinacetol) and a relevant ovarian cancer target (PI3K).
Main Methods:
- Ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3, SK-OV-3) were treated with Astragalus radix extract.
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay; apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry (Annexin V/PI staining).
- Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed to analyze quinacetol-PI3K interactions.
Main Results:
- Astragalus radix extract significantly reduced ovarian cancer cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Increased rates of apoptosis were observed in treated ovarian cancer cells compared to controls.
- Quinacetol showed favorable binding to the PI3K active site (-6.9 kcal/mol) with stable complex formation under physiological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Astragalus radix extract demonstrates potent in vitro anti-tumor activity against ovarian cancer cells.
- The findings suggest Astragalus radix as a potential adjunct or alternative therapeutic option for ovarian cancer.
- Further in vivo and clinical studies are necessary to validate efficacy and safety in patients.
