Tanshinol: A Potential Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Agent, and a Potent Apoptosis Inducer in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Abstract

Advances in therapy have yet to substantially improve the 5-year survival metrics for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, underscoring a significant gap that necessitates novel and efficacious treatment solutions. In this study, we demonstrated that tanshinol significantly diminished A549 cell viability and disrupted their proliferative and metastatic capabilities, while simultaneously promoting apoptosis. These cellular responses were linked to suppression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, tanshinol contributed to the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species via modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidative pathway. Simultaneously, it diminished the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings indicate that tanshinol combats NSCLC by promoting apoptotic cell death via suppression of the PI3K/AKT pathway, alongside alleviating oxidative damage and inflammatory responses. Our findings lay the groundwork for subsequent in vivo research aimed at validating tanshinol as a promising agent for NSCLC therapy.