Anticancer Potential of Ligustilide Derived from Extract of Angelica sinensis against Colon Cancer: In vitro and Computer Molecular Docking Studies

Background

Colorectal cancer is a substantial global health issue, requiring the advancement of innovative therapeutic strategies beyond traditional methods. Despite progress in treatment options, colorectal cancer continues to be the second most fatal cancer worldwide, with anticipated increases in incidence and mortality rates over the coming decades.

Objectives

The present study explored the anticancer effects of ligustilide against colon cancer HT-29 cells using in vitro and in silico studies.

Materials and Methods

The cytotoxic effect of ligustilide at various concentrations (2.5-100 µM) against HT-29 cells was investigated using the MTT assay. The apoptosis in the ligustilide-treated HT-29 cells was evaluated using a dual staining technique. The caspase enzyme activities in the ligustilide-treated cells were evaluated using kits.

Results

The growth of HT-29 cells was considerably diminished after treatment with ligustilide at increasing dosages. The findings of the dual staining assay revealed that ligustilide treatment significantly elevated apoptotic incidences in the HT-29 cells. Moreover, the ligustilide treatment significantly elevated caspase enzyme activities in the HT-29 cells. The molecular docking studies revealed that the ligustilide could interact with the target's caspase-3, -8, and -9 with the binding affinity of -5.9 kcal/mol, -4.8 kcal/mol, and -4.0 kcal/mol with the RMSD of 2.109Å, 1.199Å, and 1.507Å through the hydrogen bonds. These in vitro and in silico results described that the ligustilide could potentially enhance the caspase-3, -8, and -9 expression.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate that ligustilide treatment effectively suppresses growth and triggers apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Thus, it was clear that ligustilide has the capacity to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in colon cancer cells.