Antitumor Effects of Turmeric on OVCAR-3 Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy, usually not detected until the late stages. In vitro cell culture is a method used to study the behavior of cells in a controlled environment. Turmeric has attracted the attention of scientists due to its anticancer potential.

Methods: OVCAR-3 cells were cultured in RPMI medium with 100 units/mL-100 μg/mL of penicillin-streptomycin and 10% foetal bovine serum in a CO2 incubator. Turmeric extract was diluted in DMSO. Different concentrations of turmeric extract were prepared. Annexin-V staining was performed to test the translocation of phosphatidylserine to the outer side of the cell membrane as a clear indicator of apoptosis.

Results: Turmeric extract significantly reduced the viability of OVCAR-3 cells both within 24 and 48 hours of exposure. OVCAR-3 cells were treated with IC50 concentration of turmeric extract for 24 hours. 82.60% of cells were viable. The percentages of the dead, early apoptotic, and late apoptotic cells were detected to be 0.80%, 9.70%, and 6.90%, respectively. Untreated OVCAR-3 cells had migration ability. OVCAR-3 cells exposed to an IC50 concentration of turmeric extract for 24 hours did not close the scratch area.

Conclusion: In this research, anticancer effects of turmeric have been demonstrated by different analysis methods.