In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a standardized Curcuma longa Linn formulation in cervical cancer

Abstract

Background The anti-cancer activity of phytomolecules present in turmeric or haridra ( Curcuma longa Linn) extracts against cancer has been described in various ‘ in vitro and in vivo’ studies. Objective In the present study, in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer and chemo-preventive activity of a new standardized Supercritical Turmeric Oil Extract (SCTOE) NBFR-03 was evaluated in cervical cancer models. Methods and materials In vitro cytotoxicity of this formulation was assessed at 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/ml concentrations, in three cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, ME180) using Sulforhodamine B assay. The in vivo anti-cancer activity was evaluated in two groups of female nude mice; the first one was with tumor xenograft implants and at the same time treatment was started with 96 μl/kg/day p.o. and 192 μl/kg/day p.o. NBFR-03 for three months. The second group was kept as chemoprevention group where mice were pre-treated with the formulation (96 μl/kg/day p.o.) for two weeks and injected with cancer cell suspension with continued treatment for three months. Results No cytotoxicity was seen in any cell line with the extract when compared to positive control (Adriamycin 10 μg/ml). In mice the first treatment group with tumor xenograft implants did not show any significant anti-tumor activity but showed a trend where higher dose group had smaller tumor volumes as compared to lower dose group and controls (p = 0.37 and p = 0.34 respectively). The chemopreventive group with pre-treated mice also showed smaller tumor size as compared to controls (p = 0.163). Conclusion NBFR-03 turmeric oil extract showed a promising trend in mice pre-treated with NBFR-03. There is a scope for further studying the potential of this extract as complementary therapy and as a chemopreventive.

Pharmacological Profile, Bioactivities, and Safety of Turmeric Oil

“…Regarding cervical cancer, oral TO pre-treatment in mice with tumor xenograft implants displayed a chemopreventive effect by decreasing tumor size (p = 0.163). In vitro, no cytotoxic effect was observed in three cancer cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, and ME180) with a maximum concentration of 80 µg/mL [38]. Conversely, another study reported TO's cytotoxicity against HeLa cells at higher concentrations (2100 µg/mL).…”

“…Nevertheless, the exact contribution of antioxidants supplementation as adjuvants in radiotherapy and certain types of chemotherapy remains unclear to date [42]. Since TO's capability to affect the viability and morphological changes in cervical cancer cells and control tumor size corresponds to a dose-dependent relationship, it is advisable to determine the therapeutical index to better understand its antitumor activity [38,39].…”