Effects of (-)epigallocatechin gallate and thymoquinone on proliferation of a PANC-1 cell line in culture.

The limited ability of current treatments for pancreatic cancer prompted us to examine the effects of antioxidants on proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Antioxidants have been reported to possess antioxidant activity in vitro. The specific aim of this study was to investigate the role of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea and thymoquinone on the proliferation and viability of PANC-1 cell line using a standard method of treatment. The PANC-1 cells were treated with three predetermined doses of thymoquinone and EGCG (5, 25, and 50 ug/dL) for 24, 48, and 72 hours in culture medium. Determination of viability and morphology was examined microscopically after each 24 hour interval. Data collected from this study indicated a dose dependent relationship with direct administration of EGCG alone or in combination with thymoquinone. However, a rebound effect was observed after 48 and 72 hours during direct administration of both antioxidants. These results indicate that direct administration of EGCG alone or in combination with thymoquinone can limit PANC-1 cell proliferation (p < 0.05). EGCG and thymoquinone may be a potent biologic inhibitor of human pancreatic carcinomas, reducing their propagation activities.