Synergistic Chemopreventive Effects of Curcumin, Gingerol, and Shogaol on HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells

Bioactive compounds including curcumin, gingerols, and shogaols possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties. However, their combined efficacy has yet to be fully explored. This study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive potential of individual and combined treatments of 6-/10-gingerols (6-/10-G), 6-/10-shogaols (6-/10-S), and curcumin (Cur) in HeLa cervical cancer cells.

HeLa cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay following a 24-hour treatment with a wide range of concentrations and ratios of the bioactive compounds. The combination index was analysed using the Chou-Talalay method, and apoptotic cells were assessed via flow cytometry with Annexin V/FITC-PI staining.

We found that the optimal formulation of Cur in combination with all ginger bioactive compounds demonstrated synergistic inhibition of HeLa cancer cell growth at a 3:1 ratio of Cur to ginger bioactive compounds. Furthermore, treatment with the Cur:6-G (45µM: 40µM) and Cur:10-S (45µM: 20µM) combination formulations at a ratio of 3:1 significantly (p < 0.005) inhibited cell growth (72-77%) and induced apoptosis (60-87%). These findings highlight the potent anticancer properties of the combined formulations on HeLa cells, surpassing the efficacy of individual compounds which require relatively high concentrations.

The combination of Cur and ginger bioactive compounds enhances anti-proliferative effects and induces apoptosis in HeLa cell lines.