Descrição:
Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) has high nutritional value, containing bioactive compounds such
as betalains and flavonoids. Scientific evidence points to the use of these natural
compounds in the treatment of several types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, one
of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in men. Here, we compared beet roots
and leaves extracts, and their main compounds, apigenin, and betanin, respectively, in
DU-145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. Both cells presented the proliferation
decreased for beetroot and beet leaves extracts. The apigenin treatment also
reduced the proliferation of both cell lines. Regarding cell migration, beet leaves
extract was able to decrease the scratch area in both cell lines, whereas apigenin
affected only PC-3 cells' migration. In colony formation assay, both extracts were
effective in reducing the number of colonies formed. Besides, the beet leaves
extracts and apigenin presented strong inhibition of growth-related signaling path
ways in both cell lines, and the beetroot extract and betanin presented effects only in
DU-145 cells. Furthermore, the extracts and isolated compounds were able to reduce
the levels of apoptotic and cell cycle proteins. This study reveals that beet extracts
have important anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer cells.