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Abstract

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the top global malignancies, with limited treatment options for advanced, microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors resistant to immunotherapy. oleo-gum-resin, a traditional medicinal plant from Iran, exhibits promising anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties. This study investigates its effects on HCT-116 CRC cells, focusing on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and potential synergy with immunotherapy via PD-L1 modulation.

Methods

Oleo-gum-resin extract from authenticated was applied to HCT-116 cells at 0.1–1000 μg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. mRNA expression of , , , , , , , and was quantified by real-time PCR. Statistical analysis employed ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests.

Results

Asafoetida induced dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability to 5% at 1000 μg/mL by 72 hours ( 0.01). It significantly downregulated , , , , , and , while upregulating pro-apoptotic and ( 0.01), indicating inhibited proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune evasion, alongside apoptosis induction.

Discussion

Asafoetida bioactive compounds, including ferulic acid, likely suppress oncogenic pathways and enhance immune surveillance by reducing PD-L1 expression, potentially complementing immunotherapy for MSS CRC. These findings align with prior studies on its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects.

Conclusion

shows potent anti-cancer effects against HCT-116 cells, with PD-L1 suppression suggesting immunotherapy synergy. Further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic role in CRC.

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2026-04-03
2026-04-17

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Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ferula assa-foetida Oleo-gum-resin in Colon Cancer: Emerging Links to Immunotherapy
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0113862073434090251212115137
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073434090251212115137
/content/journals/cchts/10.2174/0113862073434090251212115137
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: angiogenesis ; HCT-116 ; Colorectal cancer ; oleo-gum-resin ; cytotoxicity ; anticancer therapy ; Ferula assa-foetida ; apoptosis ; immunotherapy ; PD-L1

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