Thailand Medical Researchers Study Seaweed Caulerpa lentillifera for Oral Cancer Treatments

Thailand Medical: In recent years, researchers have turned to natural resources to discover effective treatments for complex diseases like cancer. One intriguing area of focus is marine algae, known for their rich bioactive compounds. Among these, Caulerpa lentillifera, commonly called sea grapes, has drawn attention for its potential to combat oral cancer. Researchers from Burapha University in Thailand have uncovered promising anti-cancer properties in this edible seaweed.

This Thailand Medical News report explores the groundbreaking study conducted to analyze the chemical composition of Caulerpa lentillifera extracts and their effects on cancer cells. The findings shed light on how natural compounds from marine algae can open new doors to more accessible and less harmful treatments.


Thailand Medical Researchers Study Seaweed Caulerpa lentillifera for Oral Cancer Treatments

Understanding Oral Cancer and the Need for Novel Treatments
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a severe form of cancer originating in the oral mucosa, accounts for about 90% of oral malignancies globally. In 2020 alone, more than 377,000 cases were reported, with Asia witnessing the highest prevalence. Despite advancements in surgical and chemotherapeutic interventions, OSCC remains challenging to treat due to its high recurrence rate and resistance to existing therapies.
 
Radiation and chemotherapy, though effective in killing cancer cells, often fail to prevent relapse. This necessitates the development of innovative therapeutic options. Increasingly, natural products such as phytochemicals and marine compounds are being explored for their anti-cancer properties due to their safety and lower toxicity compared to conventional treatments.
 
Exploring the Power of Caulerpa lentillifera
Caulerpa lentillifera, widely consumed as a ‘vegetable’ in Southeast Asia, has been celebrated for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Packed with vitamins, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds, it has been linked to anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and antioxidant properties. The latest research by scientists at Burapha University delved into its potential as a cancer-fighting agent.
 
The study employed maceration extraction methods using methanol, ethanol, and acetone to obtain seaweed extracts. These solvents, known for their ability to isolate bioactive compounds, allowed the researchers to compare the efficacy of different extraction methods. Using advanced analytical techniques such as LC-QTOF MS/MS, the team identified ten key phytochemicals in the acetone extract, including Jubanine C, 11,12-Dihydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, and Momordicoside K. Each of these compounds has been linked to anti-cancer activity.
 
The Study's Breakthrough Findings
To evaluate the impact of these extracts on cancer cells, the research team tested their effects on KON oral cancer cells. Here are the major findings:
 
-Cytotoxic Effects on Cancer Cells
The ext racts exhibited significant cytotoxicity, particularly the acetone variant, which was most effective at inducing cancer cell death. The methanol and ethanol extracts also demonstrated anti-cancer properties, but their potency was comparatively lower. When applied in increasing concentrations, all three extracts were found to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
 
-ROS-Mediated Cell Death
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in maintaining cellular health. However, excessive ROS can damage cancer cells. The study revealed that the extracts triggered ROS production in KON cells, leading to oxidative stress and cell death. Among the extracts, the acetone variant caused the highest accumulation of ROS.
 
Induction of Apoptosis
A vital aspect of the research was the ability of the extracts to induce apoptosis - a programmed cell death mechanism that eliminates damaged or harmful cells. Using fluorescent staining techniques, the researchers observed characteristic apoptotic changes such as cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and DNA fragmentation in the treated cancer cells. This highlights the potential of Caulerpa lentillifera as an agent that specifically targets cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
 
-Cell Cycle Arrest
Cancer cells grow uncontrollably by evading the normal cell cycle checkpoints. Interestingly, the study found that the extracts arrested the cell cycle in the sub-G and G0-G1 phases, effectively halting cell division and preventing the spread of cancer. This discovery underscores the role of seaweed extracts in disrupting cancer cell growth at multiple stages.
 
-Inhibition of Migration and Invasion
Cancer’s ability to spread or metastasize makes it particularly dangerous. Using migration and invasion assays, the researchers demonstrated that the extracts significantly impaired the mobility of cancer cells. The acetone extract was particularly effective, reducing the invasive capacity of KON cells by over 94% in laboratory conditions.
 
The Role of Phytochemicals in Anti-Cancer Activity
The research identified several bioactive compounds in Caulerpa lentillifera responsible for its anti-cancer effects. Key findings included:
 
-Polyphenols: Known for their antioxidant properties, these compounds contribute to ROS production and apoptosis in cancer cells.
 
-Chlorophyll: Higher concentrations of chlorophyll a and b in the acetone extract were linked to its superior efficacy.
 
-Unique Metabolites: Compounds like Jubanine C and D-Vacciniin showed potential as novel anti-cancer agents.
 
These findings align with previous studies that have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of marine algae, further validating the therapeutic promise of Caulerpa lentillifera.
 
The Road Ahead for Cancer Treatment
The conclusions drawn from this research are promising. Caulerpa lentillifera extracts demonstrated potent anti-cancer effects, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cancer cell migration. The study lays the foundation for future investigations into the clinical application of these natural compounds.
 
Conclusions:
This groundbreaking research underscores the potential of Caulerpa lentillifera as a powerful natural ally in the fight against oral cancer. By leveraging its unique phytochemical profile, the seaweed has demonstrated a multi-faceted approach to inhibiting cancer growth and spread. Importantly, these findings open the door to the development of affordable and less toxic therapies that could complement or even replace traditional treatments. While more research is needed to translate these findings into clinical practice, the study represents a significant step forward in the quest for natural cancer therapies. For patients with limited access to expensive medical treatments, such advancements offer hope and a potential lifeline.
 
The study findings were published on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed.
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4548924/v1
 
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