Author(s):
Linda Justin, Sharmila Muthusethupathi, Shree Harini Karthik, Karthick Munusamy, Sanjay Somasundaram, Ezhilarasan Devaraj
Email(s):
ezhilarasand.sdc@saveetha.com , ezhild@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00431 
Address:
Linda Justin, Sharmila Muthusethupathi, Shree Harini Karthik, Karthick Munusamy, Sanjay Somasundaram, Ezhilarasan Devaraj*
Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – 600077.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 7,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Oral cancer is the 16th most common cancer among world. About 30% of all types of cancer in India are oral cancers. Sesamol, a naturally occurring phenolic compound that comes from the seeds of sesame, has shown promising pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, its efficacy in oral cancer cells remains underexplored. The purpose of this study was to assess the cytotoxic potential of sesamol in oral cancer (KB) cells, and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by performing MTT assay. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed morphological changes. Apoptosis was examined via DAPI staining. Antioxidant gene expression (SOD and GPx) was measured using semi-quantitative PCR, and apoptosis marker genes like Bax, Bcl-2, Apaf-1, and cytochrome c were analyzed by RT-PCR. In KB cells, sesamol treatment resulted in cytotoxicity having an IC50 of 700 µM/mL. Sesamol treatment resulted in a significant increase in the expression of apoptotic marker genes. DAPI staining showed clear apoptotic nuclear morphological changes, including chromatin condensation and fragmentation. Sesamol treatment significantly modulated gene expression of SOD and GPx. Further, sesamol decreases Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic gene), while increasing the Bax, Apaf-1, and cytochrome c (pro-apoptotic genes), indicating a shift towards mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis through oxidative stress-induced pathways. This study shows that sesamol exhibits potent anticancer activity against oral cancer cells by producing ROS and inducing mitochondrial apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. These findings highlight sesamol's therapeutic ability as a natural anticancer agent for oral cancer.
Cite this article:
Linda Justin, Sharmila Muthusethupathi, Shree Harini Karthik, Karthick Munusamy, Sanjay Somasundaram, Ezhilarasan Devaraj. Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of Sesamol in Oral Cancer (KB) Cells. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(7):3030-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00431
Cite(Electronic):
Linda Justin, Sharmila Muthusethupathi, Shree Harini Karthik, Karthick Munusamy, Sanjay Somasundaram, Ezhilarasan Devaraj. Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of Sesamol in Oral Cancer (KB) Cells. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(7):3030-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00431 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-7-18
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