In Vitro Anticancer Effect of Silibinin on Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives: Background

Silibinin (SBN) is the most active component of silymarin present in milk thistle (Sylibum marianum). It has been studied against various cancer cell types other than oral cancer such as prostate, lung, liver etc. Oral cancer is one of the significant health problems worldwide.

Objective
To evaluate the anticancer efficacy of silibinin (SBN) against human oral squamous carcinoma SCC-25 cells
Methods: Methods
Cytotoxic effect of SBN was determined by MTT assay, concentrations were determined for twenty four hours. Syringic acid was used to treat SCC-25 cells with 50 and 100 µM/L. At the end of treatment period, apoptotic markers such as caspase 8, 9, Bcl-2, Bax and cytochrome c were evaluated by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Morphological changes of SBN treated SCC-25 cells was evaluated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining. Nuclear morphology was evaluated by propidium iodide (PI) staining.
Results:
Results
Silibinin treatment caused significant cytotoxicity in SCC-25 cells. Caspases 8 and 9, cytochrome c, Bax gene expressions were significantly increased upon SBN treatment indicate the apoptosis induction. Staining with AO/EB and PI shows membrane blebbing and nuclear membrane distortion further confirm the apoptosis induction by SBN in SCC-25 cells.
Conclusions: Conclusion
Silibinin caused cytotoxicity and apoptosis in SCC-25 cells by upregulation of caspases, Bax, and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and down regulation of Bcl-2 expressions. These results suggest that SBN can be used as a modulating agent in oral squamous cell carcinoma.