Determination of the synergistic effect of curcumin and carnosic acid on the proliferation of prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Relevance: Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally. The results of the conducted studies on the energy metabolism of cancer cells can contribute to identifying molecular targets in the treatment of cancer. It is known that polyphenols widely distributed in plants have an anti-cancer effect based on their well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antiangiogenic potential. Primary prostate cancer treatment methods include surgical resection and chemo- or radiation therapy. In the last decade, polyphenols have attracted attention for use in complex chemotherapy of prostate cancer. The search for natural compounds increasing the body’s resistance to tumor development and reducing the possibility of tumor recurrence after radiation or chemotherapy and the study of their mechanisms of action are relevant directions of further in vivo research. There is a growing interest in studying effective treatment approaches combining drugs with various
mechanisms of action.
The study aimed to identify the synergistic effect of curcumin and carnosic acid on the proliferation of prostate cancer cells.
Methods: The proliferative activity of cells in culture on tablets, under the influence of polyphenols in various concentrations were evaluated by Alamar blue using a BioTek Synergy plate reader (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA).
Conclusion: A detailed evaluation of the data on inhibition of PC3, Du145 cell growth revealed a clear synergistic interaction between curcumin
and carnosic acid, which was especially strong at a concentration of curcumin 7 ul in combination with carnosic acid 5 ul.