Boswellia sacra essential oil manages colon cancer stem cells proliferation and apoptosis: a new perspective for cure

Becer E., Kabadayı H., Başer K. H. C., Vatansever H. S.

Journal of Essential Oil Research, vol.33, no.1, pp.53-62, 2021 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 33 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/10412905.2020.1839586
  • Journal Name: Journal of Essential Oil Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.53-62
  • Keywords: Boswellia sacra, essential oil, apoptosis, colon cancer
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Boswellia sacra Flueck essential oil is obtained from frankincense obtained from Boswellia sacra trees. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro anti-cancer activity of Boswellia sacra (BS) essential oil in CD133+ and CD133- Colo-320 cells. Essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS. CD133+ cells, cancer stem cells, were obtained from the Colo-320 by the MiniMACS system. Cytotoxicity were evaluated with MTT assay. Anti-cancer activity of BS essential oil was investigated by immunocytochemistry. 41 compounds were identified in the essential oil. 1:2 dilution BS essential oil was found to be active against all the cells for 24 h incubation. β-catenin immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in both BS essential oil-treated CD133+ and CD133- Colo-320 cells. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity significantly increased in BS essential oil-treated CD133- Colo-320 cells. We conclude that BS essential oil decreased β-catenin signaling molecules which play a crucial role in cancer cell proliferation. BS essential oil promoted apoptosis in CD133- Colo-320 cells.