Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Increased colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and osteosarcoma prevalence, low survival rate, poor prognosis, and the limitations of existing anticancer therapies like side effects of drugs, non-specificity, short half-life, etc., pose a need for novel anticancer drugs. Farnesol, an organic sesquiterpene compound, found in the essential oils of various plants has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the anticancer effect of farnesol against CRC and osteosarcoma has not yet been adequately elucidated. AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze the anticancer effects of farnesol against human osteosarcoma and CRC cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human osteosarcoma (Saos-2) and colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines were procured and cultured at 37(o)C and 5% CO(2). The cells were treated with 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µM/ml and 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µM/ml of farnesol for 24 hours, respectively. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of farnesol on Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining was carried out to analyze apoptosis. 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining was done to observe the nuclear changes. Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate staining was performed to assess the farnesol-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell death. RESULTS: Farnesol reduced the viability and proliferation of Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Farnesol was able to alter the cellular and nuclear morphology of Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells, promoting cell death. Farnesol-induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma and colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Early apoptosis was observed in farnesol-treated HCT-116 cells. Additionally, ROS-mediated apoptotic cell death was reported in Saos-2 cells. CONCLUSION: Farnesol has the potential to induce cytotoxicity against human osteosarcoma and CRC cell lines.