Evaluating the multifarious anti-cancer activity of Laos Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger) on human melanoma cell lines

Abstract Cancer has become a consistent concern globally and has become increasingly fatal. Malignant melanoma is a rising concern, with its increased mortality. Kaempferia parviflora (KP) commonly known as black ginger is well known for its medicinal contributions. Methods: For the first time, in the following study we have investigated the anti-melanoma potential of Laos KP extracts in human cell lines. KP extracts in methanol, DCM, ethyl acetate and hexane were tested against two melanoma cell lines. The Mu-2-related death-inducing gene (MUDENG, MuD) protein association with the KPE extracts were also investigated. The results showed that KPE enhanced apoptotic cells in the absence and presence of pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Interestingly, these apoptotic cells were significantly suppressed by the caspase inhibitor. Moreover, elevated Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, suggestive of KPEs mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in melanoma cells, were also confirmed. KPE treatment increased MMP levels, upregulated the generation of ROS in A375 cells but not in A2058 cells. However, pretreatment with an ROS scavenger (NAC) suppressed KPE-induced cell death and ROS generation. These results clearly pointed out to KPE-induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic cell death as the mechanism behind the inhibition of the human melanoma cells.