In vitro elucidation of antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of thymol against prostate cancer LNCaP cells

Abstract

Recent research suggested the role of plant-derived bioactive compounds as potent anticancer agents. Thymol, a monoterpene phenol, possesses numerous pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. However, the inhibitory potential of thymol on prostate cancer cells still elusive. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of thymol against prostate cancer LNCaP cells. Our results indicated dose-dependent growth inhibitory effects of thymol on prostate cancer LNCaP cells. Morphological analysis and DAPI staining revealed that thymol induces marked morphological and nuclear alterations in LNCaP cells. Moreover, thymol could induce significant apoptosis in LNCaP cells through caspase-3 activation and modulation of mRNA expression of apoptotic-related genes. Overall, these findings showed that thymol could offer a novel therapeutic approach against prostate cancer.