The synergistic influence of the sea cucumber (Holothuria arenicola) extract and dacarbazine on murine melanoma cancer cells B16F10

Melanoma has been reported a contemporary malignant cancer. Here, anti-cancer effects of sea cucumber extract (SCE) have been examined on melanoma cells and compared with dacarbazine. MTT assay and morphological analysis were performed to evaluate cytotoxic effects of methanolic SCE Also, several methods were exerted to detect cell dying by SCE and dacarbazine. The MTT assay showed that B16F10 cells proliferation were blocked by SCE (IC50=31µg/ml) and dacarbazine (IC50=1600 µg/ml) in a dose and time depended manner. Apoptosis induction yield treatment occurred in IC50 concentration of SCE and dacarbazine using DAPI staining, acridine orange/ propodium iodide, PI flow cytometry and annexin/PI assay. The caspase colorimetric kit indicated that SCE and dacarbazine could induce apoptosis through intrinsic pathway. The results suggested that the methanolic SCE has higher efficient cytotoxicity efficiency compared to dacarbazine. Therefore, SCE may be considered as a futuristic natural product regarding prevention or treatment of melanoma malignancy.