Black Horehound (Ballota nigra Linn) Induces Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3) Through Intrinsic Signalling Cascade

Background: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. The disease varies widely in its clinical aggressiveness. Ballota nigra Linn (Black horehound) is a three-foot, perennial herb of the family Lamiaceae and it has been shown to have various pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, neuro-sedative, antibacterial, insecticidal and anticholinesterase activities. However, the elucidation of B.nigra for its anticancer activity in prostate cancer has not been studied so far. Methodology: Prostate cancer PC3 cells were treated with different concentrations of B.nigra (50, 100, 200 & 400μg/ml) for the analysis of Bcl-2, Phosphorylation of Bcl2 (p-Bcl2) and tumor suppressor protein p53, Case pase-3 and caspase-9 in PC3 cells. Results: The B.nigra ethanolic leaf extract reduced the levels of anti apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, p-Bcl2) and increased the level of tumor suppressor protein p53, caspase-3 and 9 significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results of the study show that B.nigra has potential anticancer activity by modulating intrinsic activity of apoptotic signaling in PC-3 cells. Thus, B.nigra may have a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of prostate cancer.