http: www.lwwonline.com pt pt core template journal lwwgateway images pmlogo Gedunin, a novel natural substance, inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation.

Gedunin, a novel natural substance, inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation.

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2009 Dec;19(9):1564-9

Authors: Kamath SG, Chen N, Xiong Y, Wenham R, Apte S, Humphrey M, Cragun J, Lancaster JM

The discovery of more active therapeutic compounds is essential if the outcome for patients with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer is to be improved. Gedunin, an extract of the neem tree, has been used as a natural remedy for centuries in Asia. Recently, gedunin has been shown to have potential in vitro antineoplastic properties; however, its effect on ovarian cancer cells is unknown. We evaluated the in vitro effect of gedunin on SKOV3, OVCAR4, and OVCAR8 ovarian cancer cell lines proliferation, alone and in the presence of cisplatin. Furthermore, we analyzed in vitro gedunin sensitivity data, integrated with genome-wide expression data from 54 cancer cell lines in an effort to identify genes and molecular pathways that underlie the mechanism of gedunin action. In vitro treatment of ovarian cancer cell lines with gedunin alone produced up to an 80% decrease in cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and, combining gedunin with cisplatin, demonstrated up to a 47% (P < 0.01) decrease in cell proliferation compared with cisplatin treatment alone. Bioinformatic analysis of integrated gedunin sensitivity and gene expression data identified 52 genes to be associated with gedunin sensitivity. These genes are involved in molecular functions related to cell cycle control, carcinogenesis, lipid metabolism, and molecular transportation. We conclude that gedunin has in vitro activity against ovarian cancer cells and, further, may enhance the antiproliferative effect of cisplatin. The molecular determinants of in vitro gedunin response are complex and may include modulation of cell survival and apoptosis pathways.

BOTTOM LINE: Gedunin is a "tetranortriterpenoid" isolated from the Indian neem tree (Azadirachta indica), and has shown anticancer activity recently against several cancer cell lines in the lab. In this case, the study shows that it may be effective against ovarian cancer and help one of the main ovarian cancer chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin) work better. Remember, the main drug we use against ovarian cancer today (Taxol) was derived from a ewe tree. Another, currently being studied, is from a sea squirt. So, no question that the anti-cancer war is not just a synthetic pharmaceutical battle. In fact, the anti cancer war is right in the middle of many natural substances that potentially will help us win this "war". The difference is that the "natural" front is attacking BOTH the anticancer cell attack strategy and strengthening the body from which cancer cells need to be driven from.......or prevented from gaining a foothold in the first place.