title: Asian ginseng enhances the anti-proliferative effect of 5-fluorouracil on human colorectal cancer: comparison between white and red ginseng.
abstract: Previous studies showed that Asian ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, may have anti-cancer properties. However, there is limited data exploring the use of Asian ginseng as an adjuvant to chemotherapy, and minimal mechanistic studies related to their possible synergistic activities. In this study, the content of 8 ginsenosides, Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg1 and Rg3, in the extracts of white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) were determined by HPLC. Using HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells, we compared the efficacy of WG and RG. We evaluated the synergy between ginseng and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and explored the mechanism of their anti-proliferative effects. As single extract, WG or RG used at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/mL, inhibited HCT-116 cell proliferation in a concentration-related manner. WG at 0.2 mg/mL did not show obvious synergy with 5-FU co-treatment, while RG at 0.2 and 0.3 mg/mL significantly enhanced the anti-proliferative effects of 5-FU at concentrations of 10, 50 and 100 microM (P < 0.05). Using flow cytometric assay, RG 0.3 mg/mL did not affect cancer cell apoptotic induction activity. However, the RG induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, while 5-FU arrested the cell in the S phase. Different ginsenoside profiles are responsible for the observed differences in pharmacological effects. The effects of 8 ginsenosides on HCT-116 cells were assayed. Rd and Rg3 showed positive anti-proliferative effect. Our data suggested a potential for RG as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer, via a synergistic action.
authors.affiliation: Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Anna B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Fishbein
authors.forename: Chong-Zhi
authors.initials: CZ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xiao-Li
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Sangeeta R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Mehendale
authors.forename: Shi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Han H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Aung
authors.forename: Chun-Su
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Yuan
mesh_terms: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000494:pharmacology*; D036145:Ginsenosides / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045325:HCT116 Cells; D006801:Humans; D005894:Panax / Q000737:chemistry; D018517:Plant Roots
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D036145:Ginsenosides; D005472:Fluorouracil