Ophiopogonin D May Help Fight Cisplatin-Resistant Lung Cancer

observational-study PMID: 28231742

Quick Summary: Researchers found that a Chinese herbal formula containing Ophiopogonin D helped shrink tumors in mice with lung cancer that had stopped responding to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The formula, when combined with cisplatin, was more effective than cisplatin alone.

What The Research Found

This study looked at a modified Chinese herbal formula called NSENL, which includes the compound Ophiopogonin D. The researchers tested this formula on mice with lung cancer that had become resistant to cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug. They found:

The herbal formula, when used with cisplatin, significantly reduced tumor growth.

The formula seemed to work by affecting certain genes and pathways involved in drug resistance.

Study Details

Who was studied: Mice with human lung cancer cells that were resistant to cisplatin.

How long: The study duration isn't explicitly stated, but the researchers observed tumor growth and molecular changes over time.

What they took:

Mice received the herbal formula NSENL (containing Ophiopogonin D) by mouth.
They also received cisplatin, given as an injection.

What This Means For You

This research is promising, but it's important to understand what it doesn't mean:

This study was done in mice, not humans. The results may not be the same in people.

More research is needed. Scientists need to do more studies to see if this herbal formula is safe and effective for people with lung cancer.

Talk to your doctor. If you are considering using herbal supplements, especially if you are undergoing cancer treatment, always discuss it with your doctor first. They can advise you on potential interactions and risks.

Study Limitations

Animal Model: The study was done in mice, so the results may not apply to humans.

More Research Needed: The study does not provide information on the safety or effectiveness of Ophiopogonin D alone.

Combination Therapy: The study focused on the herbal formula with cisplatin, not the formula on its own.

No Human Trials: There is no data on how this formula would work in people.

Key Findings

The study found that NSENL, a modified Chinese herbal formulation containing Ophiopogonin D, significantly reversed cisplatin (DDP) resistance in A549/DDP lung cancer xenografts in nude mice. When combined with DDP, NSENL inhibited tumor growth by 66.8% compared to DDP alone. NSENL monotherapy and combination therapy reduced expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) at both mRNA (e.g., MRP1 mRNA: p < 0.05) and protein levels. It also decreased glutathione S-transferase π (GST-π) protein expression, tumor microvascular density, and phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR (p < 0.01 vs. control). These effects suggest NSENL’s mechanism involves suppressing the bFGF/FGFR and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.

Study Design

This was an in vivo observational study using BALB/c nude mice with subcutaneously implanted DDP-resistant human A549/DDP lung cancer cells. The sample size and treatment duration were not explicitly reported, but tumor growth and molecular markers were evaluated over time. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the presence of six active compounds in NSENL, including Ophiopogonin D.

Dosage & Administration

NSENL was administered via oral gavage at doses of 1.05 g/kg/day and 2.1 g/kg/day. Cisplatin (DDP) was given intraperitoneally at 2 mg/kg twice weekly. Treatments lasted for an unspecified duration, with outcomes measured at study endpoint.

Results & Efficacy

Tumor growth inhibition: NSENL + DDP reduced tumor volume by 66.8% vs. DDP alone (p < 0.05).
Gene/protein downregulation:
MRP1 mRNA: p < 0.05; MRP1 protein: p < 0.01.
bFGF/FGFR1 mRNA: p < 0.05; protein levels also reduced.
GST-π protein expression decreased (p < 0.01).
Signaling pathway inhibition: Phosphorylated Akt and mTOR levels dropped significantly (p < 0.01).
Microvascular density: Reduced in NSENL-treated groups (p < 0.05).

Limitations

Animal model limitations: Results may not translate to humans.
Unspecified sample size: Hinders assessment of statistical power.
Lack of pharmacokinetic/toxicity data: Safety and bioavailability of Ophiopogonin D in NSENL were not evaluated.
Mechanistic inferences only: Pathway analysis was indirect; no direct causality established.
Combination therapy focus: Effects of Ophiopogonin D alone were not isolated.

Clinical Relevance

This study suggests that Ophiopogonin D, as part of NSENL, may enhance cisplatin efficacy in resistant lung cancer by modulating MDR-related genes and angiogenesis pathways. However, human trials are required to confirm these effects and safety. For supplement users, the findings highlight potential synergy between herbal formulations and chemotherapy, but caution is warranted due to the animal model context and lack of data on individual Ophiopogonin D dosing. The results support further research into NSENL’s role in overcoming drug resistance but do not yet justify clinical use without validation.

Source: PubMed (2017)

Ophiopogonin D May Help Fight Cisplatin-Resistant Lung Cancer