Effect of ginger, chamomile, and green tea extracts on prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent form of malignancy in males and is a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Because of this, studying the molecular processes of PCa cell growth and death is crucial. Hence, it is imperative to conduct further research on the regulatory mechanism underlying the progression of PCa to enhance our comprehension and identify innovative therapeutic targets. The present study investigates an experimental approach that utilizes cost-effective and environmentally sustainable plant extracts sourced from Egypt, namely ginger, chamomile, and green tea, which have been solubilized in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), then characterized by using different analytical means and techniques, such as HPLC and GC–MS. The present study employed MTT assay, ELISA, and qRT-PCR techniques to assess the possible impact of the investigated extracts on PCa in PC-3 cells. The findings indicate that ginger exhibited a noteworthy cytotoxic impact on PC-3. Remarkably, the treatment of PCa cells with ginger significantly increased relative lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production compared to those treated with chamomile and green tea extracts. Autophagy may play a crucial role in the context of chemotherapy. Modifying autophagy through its induction or inhibition is a promising and innovative approach to control cancer progression. Accordingly, it was found that ginger extract affects protein expression levels of autophagy markers LC3B, ATg12, and pro‐apoptotic signaling, including the Caspase-3 signaling pathway. The ELISA findings revealed a significant rise in the average levels of IL-1β and IL-8 after a 12-hour interval. To conclude, it can be inferred that ginger extract possesses the capability to control the production of inflammatory cytokines. Alternatively, utilizing herbal remedies containing ginger as a viable and secure means of treating PCa as an anticancer agent is possible.