Chemotherapeutic activity of silymarin combined with niclosamide in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line

Elewa, Sara Ahmed; Elsisi, Alaa; Mohamadein, Mohamed Mokhtar; Abouresha, Sally

doi:10.21608/jcbr.2025.353326.1381

Chemotherapeutic activity of silymarin combined with niclosamide in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

² Department of Molecular Biology, The Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/jcbr.2025.353326.1381

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. The recurrent tumor is a critical problem, responsible for patient mortality. There is a vital need to study new drug combinations that may have anticancer effects on the signaling pathways that drive tumor dormancy or recurrence. Aims: This study examined the anti-tumor effects of the silymarin and niclosamide combination on the MCF-7 cell line. It also explored their impact on breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Materials and Methods: The MCF-7 cell line was treated with various concentrations of silymarin and niclosamide alone and in combination. The cells were incubated for 24 hr. and 48 hr. The results were compared to control and cisplatin-treated cells. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. The study also measured the telomerase and ALDH1 expression by quantitative RT-PCR. Apoptosis evaluation was performed using flow cytometry. The CD44 and CD133 expressions on BCSCs were examined with the cellular morphological changes using the confocal laser scanning microscope. Results: Silymarin showed a significant anticancer effect when compared to the control. Still, it was not as effective as cisplatin. Niclosamide, in comparison to the control and cisplatin, showed a significant anticancer effect. The most potent combination was silymarin and niclosamide 1:2 ratio. It showed a significant anticancer effect compared to cisplatin, silymarin, and niclosamide. Conclusion: The study provides promising evidence for the silymarin and niclosamide combination as an adjuvant breast cancer therapy. The study supports that the combination treatment is a revolutionary strategy that targets CSCs by combining phytochemicals and repurposed pharmaceuticals, with anticipated therapeutic applications.

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