Growth inhibition of human colon cancer cells by plant compounds.
OBJECTIVE
Evidence is accumulating that compounds of plant origin (phytochemicals) exert anti-cancer effects. The purpose of this study was to determine if resveratrol, cinnamaldehyde, and piperine (from red grapes, cinnamon, black pepper respectively) have anti-proliferative effects on colon cancer.


METHODS
Quantitative effects of each phytochemical on concentration responses and time courses of proliferation of cultured human colon cancer cells (DLD-1) were assessed.


METHODS
Research was performed at Saint Louis University.


METHODS
Responses were measured by spectrophotometry of surviving cells stained by a dye method.


RESULTS
Phytochemicals displayed anti-proliferative effects on DLD-1 cells in concentration- and kinetic-dependent manners. Cinnamaldehyde offered statistically significant effects at 24 hours [200 microM], 48 hours [100 - 200 microM], and 72 hours [200 microM]. Piperine displayed a trend towards anti-proliferation at 24 hours and statistically significant inhibition at 48 and 72 hours [100 - 200 microM]. Resveratrol displayed significant anti-proliferative effects at 24 hours [50-200 microM], 48 hours [10-200 microM], and 72 hours [10-200 microM].


CONCLUSIONS
Cinnamaldehyde, piperine, and resveratrol offer significant in vitro anti-proliferative effects on cultured human colon cancer cells. While each phytochemical exhibited significant anti-proliferative effects, resveratrol results were most impressive in that lower concentrations administered at regular intervals were significantly effective. These results taken together with everyday dietary availability of concentrations used in this study strongly suggest that regular intake of low doses of these phytochemicals offer preventive effects against colon cancer.
Duessel
Sharon
S
Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
Heuertz
Rita M
RM
Ezekiel
Uthayashanker R
UR
D000171:Acrolein / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D006801:Humans; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D000077185:Resveratrol; D013267:Stilbenes / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D010880:Piperidines; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013267:Stilbenes; C032727:piperidine; D000171:Acrolein; D000077185:Resveratrol; C012843:cinnamaldehyde