Sargassum Pallidum Extract Inhibits OSCC Growth through DNA Damage and Apoptosis Induction in Vitro
This study investigated the anticancer efficacy and underlying mechanism of Sargassum pallidum (S. pallidum) extract and evaluated its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). To assess its cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects, human OSCC cell lines were treated with varying concentrations of S. pallidum extract. The extract significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with S. pallidum extract induced DNA damage, evidenced by increased γH2AX protein expression and nuclear foci formation. This DNA damage subsequently triggered apoptosis, as indicated by increased levels of the proapoptotic protein Bak and decreased levels of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2. Furthermore, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay results confirmed apoptotic DNA fragmentation following treatment. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that S. pallidum extract suppresses OSCC cell viability and proliferation by inducing DNA damage–mediated apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a natural anticancer agent in OSCC therapy.