Effects of Cannabis sativa extract and radiation in melanoma cells in vitro

Abstract

Introduction : Melanoma causes the highest number of skin cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although considerable research has been conducted, prevention and early detection are the only effective ways against melanoma. Thus, new treatment methods are essential for the management of this life-threatening disease. Materials and methods: In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Cannabis sativa ( C. sativa) extract alone or in combination with single radiation dose (6 Gy) in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells in an extract dose-dependent manner. Administration of C. sativa extract alone or alongside radiation substantially inhibited melanoma cell viability and proliferation in the extract dose response-dependent manner. The inhibition of melanoma cell viability was paralleled with an increase in necrosis but not apoptosis when melanoma cells were treated with C. sativa extract alone. Results: Radiation alone did not have any antiproliferative effects, and radiation also did not synergize antiproliferative effects of the extract when the extract and radiation were combined . Our data suggest that C. sativa extract may have important health and physiological consequences on melanoma. The results of this study also suggest that B16F10 mouse melanoma cells are radio-resistant. Conclusion: These findings in turn may lead to identification of new therapeutic strategy for the management of melanoma. DOI: 10.18869/MPHBS.2016.12 Â