Inhibition of human neuroblastoma cells through ROS-activation by naringin

Current remedial options for recurrent neuroblastoma have poor outcomes that warrant the development of novel restorative methodologies. Naringin (4',5,7-trihydroxy-flavanone-7-rhamnoglucoside), a naturally occurring flavonoid present in various Indian medicinal spices, has been shown anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. In this paper, naringin was used to evaluate its anti-proliferative impact on human SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cell lines. Cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) test, respectively. It was found that naringin induced 100% cancer cell inhibition at 120 μM, hence, 30, 45 and 60 μM doses were chosen for anticancer examinations. Significant apoptosis was recorded at 60 μM dose of naringin which was found associated with the generation of ROS. Overall, the investigation indicated that naringin induces apoptosis in SK-N-MC cells to produce ROS in a mitochondria-dependent and independent manner. In conclusion, at high doses, naringin adequately inhibits the growth of solid neuroblastoma tumour and has high bioavailability, particular toxicity and a high margin of security, making it a possible candidate for a potential clinical treatment of neuroblastoma.