Effects of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) Extract on Human Prostate Cancer Cells (PC۳)

Introduction: Prostate cancer is characterized by the presence of malignant cells in the prostate gland and is often associated with increased androgen levels, leading to urinary obstructions. Common symptoms include frequent urination, weak urinary stream, inability to urinate, blood in the urine, and painful ejaculation. Approximately ۱ in ۶ men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, with the risk increasing with age. Conventional treatments include prostatectomy, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and androgen deprivation therapy. However, the overuse of chemical drugs has led to the emergence of resistant microbial strains, highlighting the need for alternative treatments. Plants and their extracts, such as safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), offer potential therapeutic benefits with fewer side effects. This study investigates the effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of safflower on the growth and proliferation of human prostate cancer cells (PC۳). Methods and Materials: Plant Material and Extract Preparation: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) was obtained and authenticated. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts were prepared using standard extraction procedures. Cell Culture: Human prostate cancer cells (PC۳) were cultured under standard conditions. Treatment: Cells were treated with varying concentrations of safflower extracts for specified durations. Assays: Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were performed using flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the significance of the results. Results: Cell Viability: Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of safflower significantly reduced the viability of PC۳ cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis: Flow cytometry analysis indicated an increase in apoptotic cell populations following treatment with safflower extracts. Cell Cycle Arrest: Treatment with safflower extracts resulted in cell cycle arrest at specific phases, indicating interference with cell cycle progression. Conclusion and Discussion: The findings suggest that safflower extracts possess potent anti-proliferative effects on human prostate cancer cells. The ability of these extracts to induce apoptosis and cause cell cycle arrest highlights their potential as therapeutic agents in the treatment of prostate cancer. Future studies should focus on isolating specific active compounds from safflower and evaluating their mechanisms of action in vivo.

کلیدواژه ها:

Prostate cancer ، PC۳ cells ، Carthamus tinctorius ، Herbal medicine ، Anti-cancer therapy