Today we’ll be focusing on a study just recently released about the ability of Flavokavain-C (FKC) to cause cellular death in human colorectal cancer [1]. This study used a culture of cells known as HCT 116. These cells are human colon cancer cells, and are used in various biomedical studies involving colon cancer proliferation, cell biology, intestinal immunity, and inflammation [2]. This study used nude mice, which are genetically modified to have an extremely suppressed immune system. A side effect of this mutation is also the loss of the mouse’s hair. They used this type of animal in this study because they can accept tissue and tumor grafts without producing a reaction immune response. These mice are commonly used in research to test new methods of imaging and treating tumors [3]. This study found FKC inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer in a dose dependent manner. When treated with 3mg/kg of FKC these cancers slowed growth on the order of up to 52%.
(Figure 1, Part B, Image 2 shows tumor size reduction and corresponding doses of FKC)
This fact alone is enough to celebrate in this study, however there is one large implication that shouldn’t be left without emphasizing. Most standard chemo regimens are extremely toxic to the body, as while they may be specific in treating cancer, they tend to kill other cells as well. Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapy drug used in many types of cancer treatment. It was used as a positive control in this study. Cisplatin has common side effects such as kidney damage, vomiting, bone marrow suppression, heart disease and a host of other side effects. Flavokavain-C was studied for toxicity and it was found that 1mg/kg and 3mg/kg dose amounts were found to not cause damage to any organs, and not have a detrimental physiological effect in the mice. Evidence put forth in this study shows FKC being as or more effective than the standard chemo drug, Cisplatin on reducing tumor volume size while providing virtually none of the standard chemo side effects. The closer we look at this amazing plant, the more surprises we find.
[1] Phang, C., Malek, S., & Karsani, S. (2021, February 20). Flavokawain C exhibits anti-tumor effects on in vivo HCT 116 xenograft and identification of its apoptosis-linked serum biomarkers Via PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS. Retrieved February 25, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220310386
[2] Gu C, Wilson MSC, Jessen HJ, Saiardi A, Shears SB (2016) Inositol Pyrophosphate Profiling of Two HCT116 Cell Lines Uncovers Variation in InsP8 Levels. PLOS ONE 11(10): e0165286. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0165286
[3] “Nude Mouse.” Wikipedia, 27 Apr. 2020. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nude_mouse
(Figure 1, Part B, Image 2 shows tumor size reduction and corresponding doses of FKC)
This fact alone is enough to celebrate in this study, however there is one large implication that shouldn’t be left without emphasizing. Most standard chemo regimens are extremely toxic to the body, as while they may be specific in treating cancer, they tend to kill other cells as well. Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapy drug used in many types of cancer treatment. It was used as a positive control in this study. Cisplatin has common side effects such as kidney damage, vomiting, bone marrow suppression, heart disease and a host of other side effects. Flavokavain-C was studied for toxicity and it was found that 1mg/kg and 3mg/kg dose amounts were found to not cause damage to any organs, and not have a detrimental physiological effect in the mice. Evidence put forth in this study shows FKC being as or more effective than the standard chemo drug, Cisplatin on reducing tumor volume size while providing virtually none of the standard chemo side effects. The closer we look at this amazing plant, the more surprises we find.
[1] Phang, C., Malek, S., & Karsani, S. (2021, February 20). Flavokawain C exhibits anti-tumor effects on in vivo HCT 116 xenograft and identification of its apoptosis-linked serum biomarkers Via PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS. Retrieved February 25, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220310386
[2] Gu C, Wilson MSC, Jessen HJ, Saiardi A, Shears SB (2016) Inositol Pyrophosphate Profiling of Two HCT116 Cell Lines Uncovers Variation in InsP8 Levels. PLOS ONE 11(10): e0165286. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0165286
[3] “Nude Mouse.” Wikipedia, 27 Apr. 2020. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nude_mouse
