Inhibitory effects of ginseng sapogenins on the proliferation of triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2014 Dec 1;24(23):5409-12. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.10.041.

Abstract

Because of poor prognosis, clinical treatment of triple-negative (TN) breast cancer remains the most challenging factor in cancer treatment. Extensive research into alternative cancer therapies includes studying the naturopathic effects of the medicinal herb ginseng. This study investigates the anti-neoplastic properties of ginseng sapogenins and the derivatives: (1) (20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), (2) 20(S)-protopanaxatriol), (3) (20(S)-dihydroprotopanaxadiol, and (4) 20(S)-dihydroprotopanaxatriol). These compounds were found to prevent the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. PPD was the most potent inhibitor, exhibiting an IC₅₀ (5.87 μM) comparable to that of the chemotherapeutic drug taxol. Furthermore, PPD induced dose-dependent cleavage of caspase-8, caspase-3, and PARP in MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, we propose that PPD acts as anti-cancer agent by stimulating caspase-dependent apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Panax / chemistry
  • Sapogenins / pharmacology*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Sapogenins