title: Inhibitory Effect of Ginseng on Breast Cancer Cell Line Growth Via Up-Regulation of Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor, p21 and p53
abstract: Objective: Breast cancer is global female health problem worldwide. Most of the currently used agents for breast
  cancer treatment have toxic side-effects. Ginseng root, an oriental medicine, has many health benefits and may exhibit
  direct anti-cancer properties. This study was performed to assess the effects of ginseng on breast cancer cell lines.
  Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity of ginseng extract was measured by MTT assay after exposure of MDA-MB-231,
  MCF-10A and MCF-7 breast cancer cells to concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 mg/well. Expression levels of
  p21WAF, p16INK4A, Bcl-2, Bax and P53 genes were analyzed by quantitative real time PCR. Results: The treatment
  resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner. p53, p21WAF1and p16INK4A expression
  levels were up-regulated in ginseng treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cells compared to untreated controls
  and in MCF-10A cells. The expression levels of Bcl2 in the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were down-regulated. In
  contrast, that of Bax was significantly up-regulated. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that ginseng may
  inhibit breast cancer cell growth by activation of the apoptotic pathway.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Kind Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Email: mohhafez_2000@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Othman A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: AL Shabanah
authors.forename: Moureq rashed
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Alotaibi
authors.forename: Salim S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Al Rejaie
authors.forename: Ali R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Alhoshani
authors.forename: Mashal M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Almutairi
authors.forename: Musaad A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Alshammari
authors.forename: Mohamed M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Hafez
keywords: Ginseng; MDA; 231; MTT assay; gene expression; quantitative real time PCR