Synergistic Effects of Zygophyllum coccineum and Taurine on SW480 Colon Cancer Cells

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Biology, Collage of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Since conventional treatments often have limited specificity and significant side effects, this study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of Zygophyllum coccineum C.A.Mey. extracts (aqueous and alcoholic) and taurine, both individually and in combination, against SW480 colon cancer cells. For this purpose, SW480 cells were treated with varying concentrations of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Z. coccineum, taurine, and combinations thereof. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. The expression of apoptosis-related genes p53 and Bcl2 was quantified using real-time PCR. Results showed that the alcoholic extract of Z. coccineum exhibited greater cytotoxicity towards SW480 cells than the aqueous extract. Taurine alone showed a dose-dependent effect on cell viability. Notably, combining taurine (62.5 µg /mL) with both alcoholic and aqueous extracts significantly enhanced cytotoxicity compared to the extracts alone. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that treatment of SW480 colon cancer cells with Z. coccineum extracts (both aqueous and alcoholic) and taurine led to a significant upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene P53, along with either an increase or modulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2. The highest induction of P53 expression was observed with the combination of alcoholic extract and taurine (14.75-fold), while the lowest Bcl2 expression was also recorded in this group (1.07-fold). This pattern indicates a synergistic effect in enhancing apoptotic pathways and controlling cell proliferation, suggesting potential anti-cancer efficacy of these treatments. In conclusion, Z. coccineum extracts, particularly when combined with taurine, demonstrate significant cytotoxic activity against SW480 cells. The synergistic effect of the extract and taurine suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer by promoting apoptosis.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products
Volume 15, Issue 2
January and February 2026
Pages 274-280

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