Anticarcinogenic Properties of Piper longum Linn Extract in Combination with 5-Fluorouracil Chemotherapeutic Drug in Colon (DLD1) and Breast (MDA-MB-231) Cancer Cell Lines: Piper longum L. Exhibits Anticarcinogenic Effects in Both Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract

Aim: Piper longum Linn (Piper longum L.) is a mostly used plant in conventional medicine and is well-known for various biological effects. This study investigated the anticancer effects of the extract obtained from P. longum L. on breast and colon cancer cells. Material and Methods: DLD1 colon and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and mouse fibroblast L929 as healthy cell line models were treated with Piper longum L. extract at concentrations of 50 μg/ mL, 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL. Piper longum L. was also treated in combination with a chemotherapeutic drug, 5-Fluorouracil. The anticancer effects were evaluated using cell viability, apoptotic index, and colony formation assays. In addition, FOXM1, an important transcription factor related to cell proliferation and metastasis, and SIRT2 protein expression were examined, as they are recognized to have both oncogenic and tumour suppressor roles. In addition, SIRT3, which contributes to energy metabolism and cellular homeostasis, and PDH protein levels, which support mitochondrial energy production by converting glycolysis into acetyl-CoA, were analyzed. Results: The experiments showed that Piper longum L. extract had low cytotoxic effects on L929 cells but significantly reduced cell viability in colon and breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, extract treatment inhibited colony formation and slowed cell proliferation in the tested cell lines. Increased PDH expression and the presence of apoptosis suggest that energy metabolism is targeted, especially in MDA-MB-231 cells. The experiment with the DLD1 cell line indicates that decreased FOXM1 expression reduces cell proliferation. Conclusion: This study reveals, under in vitro conditions, the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of Piper longum L. on colon and breast cancer cells, as well as its effects on metabolic pathways.

Keywords

• Piper longum L.
• 5-fluorouracil
• anticancer effects
• MDA-MB-231; DLD1; SIRT2; SIRT3

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