In vitro anticancer and anti-angiogenic effects of thymoquinone in mouse neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2a)

Thymoquinone (TQ), the active constituent of Nigella sativa has exhibited cytotoxic effects in several cancer cell lines. TQ has shown promising anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumor activities through different mechanisms. We have recently shown anti-angiogenic activity of TQ via the down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and anti-angiogenic effects of TQ in mouse neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2a). We found that TQ exerted strong cytotoxic effect in Neuro-2a cells. Furthermore, TQ significantly decreased the protein contents of VEGF in Neuro-2a cells, indicating its anti-angiogenic efficacy. These results support the anti-angiogenic activity of TQ and a powerful contributor to its anticancer properties. Further studies are required to investigate the use of TQ as an anticancer drug.