The triplet state of tanshinone I and its synergic effect on the phototherapy of cancer cells with curcumin

• The synergic effect of tanshinone I on killing cancer cells with curcumin was studied.
• The excited energy level of tanshinone I was obtained by energy transfer reactions.
• We obtained the molar absorption coefficient and rate constants for energy transfers.
• The characteristic absorption spectra of 3Tan I∗ were recorded.

The excited triplet state of tanshinone I (Tan I) extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge was characterized by laser flash photolysis. The synergic effect of Tan I on the phototherapy of cancer cells with curcumin (Cur) was also investigated by MTT assay because the excited energy transfer from the triplet state of Tan I (3Tan I∗) to Cur occurred. At the same time, the characteristic absorption spectra of 3Tan I∗ were recorded, and its molar absorption coefficient and rate constants for several excited energy transfers were obtained. The photo-therapeutic effect of Cur is enhanced by combination with Tan I.

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