Nigella sativa Extract Role on Mitochondria–Mediated Apoptosis Induction in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells in Vitro

Entissar S. Al–Suhaibani; Nermin A. El–Morshedi

Volume : IV, Issue : VI, June - 2015

Nigella sativa Extract Role on Mitochondria–Mediated Apoptosis Induction in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells in Vitro

Entissar S. Al Ndash Suhaibani, Nermin A. El Ndash Morshedi

Abstract :

There has been a growing interest in naturally occurring compounds from traditional medicine with anti–cancer potential. Nigella sativa (black seed) is one of the most widely studied plants. This annual herb grows in countries bordering Mediterranean Sea and India. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient isolated from Nigella sativa. The anticancer effect of TQ, via apoptosis induction resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, was assessed in colorectal cancer (Caco–2) cells in vitro with an IC50 of 7μg/mL. Treatment of Caco–2 cells with TQ encouraged apoptosis and antiproliferative effect with cell death–transducing signals by a down–regulation of Bcl–2, up–regulation of p53 and caspases–3 expression were also observed in the treated cells. Additionally, a typical characteristics of apoptosis including DNA fragmentation which is caspase–3 dependent and cytological alterations was observed. Future study will may deal with further investigations of TQ possible usages as a new alternative or complementary chemotherapeutic agent for human cancer types specially colorectal cancer type.