Purpose: To investigate the anti-tumor effects of polysaccharides from
Curculigo orchioides
(PDC) on
cervical cancer and the possible mechanisms involved.
Methods: A Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize extraction conditions for PDC. The
anti-tumor effect of PDC on cervical cancer was investigated
in vivo in mice injected with Hela cells. The
parameters measured were tumor volume and weight.
In vitro anti-tumor effects of PDC were assessed
by measuring expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9 and P53 proteins in Hela cells via ELISA assay.
Thymus and spleen indices were calculated for assessment of PDC effect on immune function.
Results: The optimum extraction conditions predicted by the response surface methodology (RSM)
were: extraction time = 1.58 h, ratio-of-water-to-sample = 30.05 mL/g and extraction number = 1.95.
PDC showed significant anti-tumor effect on cervical cancer in mice. It significantly increased thymus
and spleen indices in mice; and significantly up-regulated expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9 and
P53 proteins in HeLa cells.
Conclusion: PDC has significant anti-tumor effect on cervical cancer
in vivo and
in vitro, most probably
through mechanisms involving enhancement on immune function and induction of apoptosis.
