Thymus serpyllum extract exerts anticancer activities against colorectal cancer by modulating metastasis, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although previous studies have suggested that Thymus serpyllum may improve gastrointestinal function and exhibit anticancer properties, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its potential effects on CRC remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer efficacy of T. serpyllum extract (TSe) by assessing its effects on CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The influence of TSe on HT-29 cells was determined using the MTT assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, Boyden chamber assay, cell cycle analysis, TUNEL assay, and western blotting. The effects and mechanisms of action of TSe on CRC progression were further validated using a subcutaneous tumor model. This study demonstrated that TSe significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, TSe induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by modulating regulatory proteins, including p21, cyclin-dependent kinase 4, and cyclin D1. Furthermore, TSe enhanced apoptotic signaling, as evidenced by increased caspase activity, SubG1 cell populations, and TUNEL-positive cells, and upregulated pro-apoptotic markers such as Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3. In in vivo studies, TSe significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice without inducing any observable toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TSe exerts potent antitumor effects by arresting the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent against CRC.