The Effect of the Peruvian Plant Extract, Croton lechleri (Dragon’s Blood), on PC3 Prostate Tumor Cell Apoptosis
Poster Number
050
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
Cancer can develop when normal cells continue to divide uncontrollably and avoid the normal process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Traditional Western cancer treatments include medications, radiation, and chemotherapy, each of which are not entirely effective all the time. Croton lechleri, or Dragon’s Blood, is a commonly used Peruvian treatment for hemorrhaging, open wounds, and tumor growth. Peruvian shamans use Dragon’s Blood to help alleviate the symptoms associated with prostate cancer. Previous investigations in our lab have shown that Dragon’s Blood can significantly reduce cell proliferation in PC3 cells. To further determine if Dragon’s Blood affects prostate cancer progression, I investigated the effectiveness of Dragon’s Blood on inducing cellular apoptosis on the prostate cancer cell line PC3. Latex extracts of Dragon’s Blood were prepared in water, according to methods described by Peruvian shamans. PC3 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of the extract for varying times and the amount of apoptosis was determined using a Molecular Probes EnzChek Caspase 3 Assay kit. Dragon’s Blood induced apoptosis with whole extract and a one-to-one ratio of Dragon’s Blood to media at six hours. We conclude that Dragon’s Blood does induce cell apoptosis in PC3 cells.
Honors Thesis Committee
Laura Glasscock, Ph.D.; Janice Chism, Ph.D.; and Cynthia Tant, Ph.D.
Previously Presented/Performed?
Fourth Annual Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE), Winthrop University, April 2018
Start Date
20-4-2018 2:15 PM
End Date
20-4-2018 4:15 PM
The Effect of the Peruvian Plant Extract, Croton lechleri (Dragon’s Blood), on PC3 Prostate Tumor Cell Apoptosis
Richardson Ballroom (DIGS)
Cancer can develop when normal cells continue to divide uncontrollably and avoid the normal process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Traditional Western cancer treatments include medications, radiation, and chemotherapy, each of which are not entirely effective all the time. Croton lechleri, or Dragon’s Blood, is a commonly used Peruvian treatment for hemorrhaging, open wounds, and tumor growth. Peruvian shamans use Dragon’s Blood to help alleviate the symptoms associated with prostate cancer. Previous investigations in our lab have shown that Dragon’s Blood can significantly reduce cell proliferation in PC3 cells. To further determine if Dragon’s Blood affects prostate cancer progression, I investigated the effectiveness of Dragon’s Blood on inducing cellular apoptosis on the prostate cancer cell line PC3. Latex extracts of Dragon’s Blood were prepared in water, according to methods described by Peruvian shamans. PC3 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of the extract for varying times and the amount of apoptosis was determined using a Molecular Probes EnzChek Caspase 3 Assay kit. Dragon’s Blood induced apoptosis with whole extract and a one-to-one ratio of Dragon’s Blood to media at six hours. We conclude that Dragon’s Blood does induce cell apoptosis in PC3 cells.
