Juniperus communis Suppresses Melanoma Tumorigenesis by Inhibiting Tumor Growth and Inducing Apoptosis

Abstract

Melanoma, which has a high metastatic capacity and death rate, is a common skin cancer in Western countries. The purpose of this study was to address whether Juniperus communis (JCo) extract is effective in the suppression of melanoma and to elucidate the anticancer mechanisms involved in vitro and in vivo. The antitumor capacities of JCo extract on tumor suppression and toxicity were evaluated and the results demonstrated that the tumor burden was reduced via mediation of cell cycle, reduction of autocrine signaling, and induction of apoptosis. Moreover, JCo extract significantly prolonged the survival rate of the test subjects with only low pathological and physiological toxicity. Additionally, JCo extract also reduced cancer stem cell-related angiogenic and metastatic proteins in the process of tumor elimination. Based on these results, this study suggests that JCo extract suppresses tumor growth and induces apoptosis, and JCo extract may be useful for the prevention of melanoma tumorigenesis.