Antiproliferative Activity of Combined Biochanin A and Ginsenoside Rh(2) on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. The antiproliferative activities of biochanin A (BA) and ginsenoside Rh(2) were determined by evaluating their inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell proliferation. The combination of BA with Rh(2) was also assessed. In MDA cells, combination treatment led to a decrease in the EC(50) values of BA and Rh(2) to 25.20 μM and 22.75 μM, respectively. In MCF-7 cells, the EC(50) values of combined BA and Rh(2) decreased to 27.68 μM and 25.41 μM, respectively. BA combined with Rh(2) also improved the inhibition of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell migration and invasion compared to the individual compounds. Western blot analysis demonstrated upregulation in p-p53, p-p38, and p-ASK1 proteins while levels of TRAF2 were downregulated. These results suggest that BA combined with Rh(2) exhibits synergistic effects against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell proliferation.