Harnessing Native Botanicals to Combat Dense Breast Cancer: Targeting Oxidative Stress and Senescence
Molloy Faculty Mentor
Noelle Cutter
Presenter Major
Biology
Presentation Type
Poster
Location
H239, 2nd floor, Barbara H. Hagan Center for Nursing
Start Date
28-4-2025 5:55 PM
End Date
28-4-2025 6:55 PM
Description (Abstract)
Breast cancer rates on Long Island are among the highest in the country, with dense breast tissue increasing both cancer risk and resistance to treatment. Dense breast cancer cells, like MCF-7, often survive chemotherapy by entering a non-dividing, senescent state. This project explores whether native plant-based antioxidants—Echinacea purpurea and Arctium lappa (burdock root)—can reduce oxidative stress and limit senescence in cancer cells, ultimately enhancing their response to chemotherapy.
In vitro studies were conducted to test cell viability, senescence, and oxidative stress levels following treatment with plant extracts, both alone and in combination with chemotherapy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) assays were used to quantify oxidative stress, and β-galactosidase staining was used to detect senescence.
Preliminary Conclusions:
- Treatment with Echinacea and Burdock significantly decreased oxidative stress in MCF-7 cells.
-Co-treatment with plant extracts and chemotherapy reduced the number of senescent cells compared to chemotherapy alone.
- Enhanced cell death and reduced chemoresistance were observed in antioxidant-treated cells.
These findings suggest that native botanicals may be effective in sensitizing dense breast cancer cells to chemotherapy by mitigating oxidative stress and disrupting their ability to enter a treatment-resistant senescent state.
Significance: This research, inspired by themes in The Plant Hunter, bridges cancer biology, environmental health, and plant-based medicine. It offers promising avenues for integrative cancer therapies while supporting student development through the LHVCCUC LSAMP Program and Molloy’s commitment to research and community health.
Related Pillar(s)
Community, Study
Harnessing Native Botanicals to Combat Dense Breast Cancer: Targeting Oxidative Stress and Senescence
H239, 2nd floor, Barbara H. Hagan Center for Nursing
Breast cancer rates on Long Island are among the highest in the country, with dense breast tissue increasing both cancer risk and resistance to treatment. Dense breast cancer cells, like MCF-7, often survive chemotherapy by entering a non-dividing, senescent state. This project explores whether native plant-based antioxidants—Echinacea purpurea and Arctium lappa (burdock root)—can reduce oxidative stress and limit senescence in cancer cells, ultimately enhancing their response to chemotherapy.
In vitro studies were conducted to test cell viability, senescence, and oxidative stress levels following treatment with plant extracts, both alone and in combination with chemotherapy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) assays were used to quantify oxidative stress, and β-galactosidase staining was used to detect senescence.
Preliminary Conclusions:
- Treatment with Echinacea and Burdock significantly decreased oxidative stress in MCF-7 cells.
-Co-treatment with plant extracts and chemotherapy reduced the number of senescent cells compared to chemotherapy alone.
- Enhanced cell death and reduced chemoresistance were observed in antioxidant-treated cells.
These findings suggest that native botanicals may be effective in sensitizing dense breast cancer cells to chemotherapy by mitigating oxidative stress and disrupting their ability to enter a treatment-resistant senescent state.
Significance: This research, inspired by themes in The Plant Hunter, bridges cancer biology, environmental health, and plant-based medicine. It offers promising avenues for integrative cancer therapies while supporting student development through the LHVCCUC LSAMP Program and Molloy’s commitment to research and community health.
