Piperlongumine increases the apoptotic effect of doxorubicin and paclitaxel in a cervical cancer cell line

Objective: Piperlongumine (PL) is an alkaloid derived from the edible pepper (Piper longum L) and it has been described to have various biologic activities including anticancer effects. Our aim in this study was to assess the cytotoxic role of PL on a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and to evaluate the effects of PL/doxorubicin and PL/paclitaxel combination therapies on apoptotic cancer cell death. Material and Methods: The cytotoxicity, IC50 doses by MTT assay confirmed by fluorescent imaging, and apoptotic cell rates by Annexin V staining using flow cytometry were determined for PL, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and for their combinations. Results: It was shown that the PL by itself induced the apoptosis in HeLa cells. PL in combination with doxorubicin and paclitaxel increased apoptotic cell death compared to either chemotherapeutic agent alone. Conclusion: We conclude that the PL inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and has a potential anticancer activity in cervical cancer, especially when combined with doxorubicin and paclitaxel.