Evaluating Allium sativum and Vitis vinifera Extracts as Potential Adjuvant Agents in Colorectal Cancer: Insights...

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major health challenge due to its high incidence and resistance to conventional therapies. Natural compounds have gained attention as potential adjuvant treatments. The study assesses whether combining Allium sativum and Vitis vinifera [rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins condensed (OPCs)] extracts enhances cell viability reduction and migration inhibition. Methods: Human colorectal cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29) were treated with increasing concentrations of both extracts individually and in combination. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays, while migration was evaluated through scratch wound assays. Synergistic effects were analyzed using Combenefit software. Results: Both extracts significantly reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The combination of both extracts led to an enhanced reduction in cell viability, with a transient synergistic effect observed at 24 h in HT-29 cells. Regarding migration, OPCs showed a transient anti-migratory effect at 6 h in HT-29 cells, but no significant impact was observed in Caco-2 cells or at later time points. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Allium sativum and Vitis vinifera extracts have potential as complementary treatments for colorectal cancer, mainly through their effect on cell viability. This study opens a field of research on the possible therapeutic effects of natural extracts.