Nardostachys jatamansi Root Extract Attenuates Tumor Progression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Inhibition of ERK/STAT3 Pathways

Abstract

Background/Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly prevalent disease and treatment is limited. Therefore, development of new therapeutic agents is urgent. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effects of Nardostachys jatamansi root extract (NJRE) against HCC and underlying mechanisms involved in such effects. Materials and Methods: Effects of NJRE on viability of HCC cell lines were determined by MTT analysis and annexin/PI apoptosis assays. Expression levels of proteins in MAPK and STAT3 pathways and caspase-3 and PARP after treatment with NJRE in HCC cell lines were determined by western blotting. In a syngeneic model using mouse HCC cells Hepa1-6, inhibition of tumor formation after oral administration of NJRE was determined and expression levels of phospho-ERK and phospho-STAT3 in liver tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Results: NJRE reduced the activation of STAT3 by inhibiting the expression of ERK and finally attenuated the proliferation of HCC. Conclusion: NJRE has anti-cancer effects against HCC. It has potential to be used in the treatment of human HCC.