Logo-jhp
J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(3): 358-365.
doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.52941
  Abstract View: 22
  PDF Download: 13

Original Article

Enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and wound healing activities of Benjakul in cholangiocarcinoma

Sutthiwan Janthamala 1 ORCID logo, Saranporn Pornpiphat 1 ORCID logo, Anchalee Techasen 2 ORCID logo, Malinee Thanee 3 ORCID logo, Supaporn Wisungre 4 ORCID logo, Sumalin Deechan 4 ORCID logo, Nawarat Meechai 4 ORCID logo, Phakamas Paratang 4 ORCID logo, Kunyarat Duenngai 4* ORCID logo

1 Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
2 Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
3 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
4 Department of Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, Phetchabun Rajabhat University, Phetchabun, 67000, Thailand
*Corresponding Author: Kunyarat Duenngai, Email: Kunyarat.d@pcru.ac.th

Abstract

Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy of the biliary tract with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Current therapies, such as gemcitabine and cisplatin, are associated with notable side effects and limited efficacy. Benjakul (BJK), a traditional Thai herbal formulation, has emerged as a potential anticancer agent. The present study aimed to assess the anticancer effects of BJK on CCA cell lines during cancer progression, focusing on its ability to induce oxidative stress, promote apoptosis and inhibit cell migration.

Methods: BJK extract at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL was applied to CCA, KKU-213B, and KKU-100 cell lines. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis levels were measured using flow cytometry, whilst cell migration was assessed using a wound-healing assay.

Results: BJK extract increased intracellular ROS levels, particularly in KKU-213B cells, leading to apoptosis. At the concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL, BJK significantly induced apoptosis in KKU-213B cells at the rates of 16.2, 51.7 and 56.7% (P<0.05), respectively, whilst its effects on KKU-100 cells were minimal. Furthermore, BJK demonstrated potent anti-migratory effects, significantly inhibiting the migration of KKU-213B cells in the wound-healing assay (P<0.01).

Conclusion: BJK may exert its anticancer effects through intracellular ROS-mediated apoptosis and migration inhibition, with the combination of its constituent herbs enhancing its therapeutic potential. Furthermore, the results highlight the potential of BJK as a promising therapeutic agent for CCA. By leveraging the anticancer properties of traditional herbal formulations, BJK may improve treatment outcomes for patients with this challenging disease.


Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:

This study supports the use of Benjakul as a potential plant extracts treatment for CCA. It enhances understanding of its anticancer effects via intracellular ROS-mediated apoptosis and migration inhibition, informing future research, integrative oncology, and medical education.

Please cite this paper as: Janthamala S, Pornpiphat S, Techasen A, Thanee M, Wisungre S, Deechan S, et al. Enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and wound healing activities of Benjakul in cholangiocarcinoma. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(3):358-365. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.52941.

First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Comments
Security code


Abstract View: 23

Your browser does not support the canvas element.


PDF Download: 13

Your browser does not support the canvas element.

Submitted: 05 Feb 2025
Revision: 03 Apr 2025
Accepted: 13 Apr 2025
ePublished: 01 Jul 2025
EndNote EndNote

(Enw Format - Win & Mac)

BibTeX BibTeX

(Bib Format - Win & Mac)

Bookends Bookends

(Ris Format - Mac only)

EasyBib EasyBib

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Medlars Medlars

(Txt Format - Win & Mac)

Mendeley Web Mendeley Web
Mendeley Mendeley

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Papers Papers

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

ProCite ProCite

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Reference Manager Reference Manager

(Ris Format - Win only)

Refworks Refworks

(Refworks Format - Win & Mac)

Zotero Zotero

(Ris Format - Firefox Plugin)