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Background <p>Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) continues to be a significant clinical challenge because of radioresistance and treatment-related toxicities. Safer radiosensitizers are urgently needed.</p> Objective <p>This study assessed the radiosensitizing effects of crocin and eugenol on OSCC-1 cells in vitro.</p> Methods <p>OSCC-1 cells were treated with crocin, eugenol, ionizing radiation, or their combinations. Cell viability (MTT assay), apoptosis (Annexin V/PI), and cell cycle distribution (PI staining) were assessed, along with transcriptional expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Cyclin A, and Cyclin B measured by RT-qPCR. The effects of the combinations were analyzed using the Chou–Talalay method.</p> Results <p>Both crocin and eugenol independently decreased OSCC cell viability and triggered apoptosis in a dose-dependent way. When used with IR, they worked together to boost cytotoxicity at moderate doses (CI &lt; 1). Crocin caused early G1 arrest followed by G2/M accumulation, while eugenol strongly induced G2/M arrest and increased sub-G1 fractions. Molecular analysis showed activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway (↑Bax, ↑Caspase-3, ↓Bcl-2) and reduced levels of Cyclin A/B transcripts.</p> Conclusion <p>Crocin and eugenol effectively sensitize OSCC cells to IR by regulating apoptotic factors and promoting checkpoint arrest. Their favorable safety profiles and ability to enhance radiosensitivity support further in vivo studies and translational development as natural adjuncts in radiotherapy.</p>

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Crocin and eugenol enhance radiosensitivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via apoptotic pathways and cell cycle regulation. Type of study: in vitro

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月28日

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  • Mohammad Taha Heidari,
  • Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi,
  • Samira Hajisadeghi,
  • Elham Keykha

摘要

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) continues to be a significant clinical challenge because of radioresistance and treatment-related toxicities. Safer radiosensitizers are urgently needed.

Objective

This study assessed the radiosensitizing effects of crocin and eugenol on OSCC-1 cells in vitro.

Methods

OSCC-1 cells were treated with crocin, eugenol, ionizing radiation, or their combinations. Cell viability (MTT assay), apoptosis (Annexin V/PI), and cell cycle distribution (PI staining) were assessed, along with transcriptional expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Cyclin A, and Cyclin B measured by RT-qPCR. The effects of the combinations were analyzed using the Chou–Talalay method.

Results

Both crocin and eugenol independently decreased OSCC cell viability and triggered apoptosis in a dose-dependent way. When used with IR, they worked together to boost cytotoxicity at moderate doses (CI < 1). Crocin caused early G1 arrest followed by G2/M accumulation, while eugenol strongly induced G2/M arrest and increased sub-G1 fractions. Molecular analysis showed activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway (↑Bax, ↑Caspase-3, ↓Bcl-2) and reduced levels of Cyclin A/B transcripts.

Conclusion

Crocin and eugenol effectively sensitize OSCC cells to IR by regulating apoptotic factors and promoting checkpoint arrest. Their favorable safety profiles and ability to enhance radiosensitivity support further in vivo studies and translational development as natural adjuncts in radiotherapy.