Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent and aggressive malignancies,
characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and high recurrence rates. Despite advancements in therapy,
resistance to conventional treatments remains a major challenge. Piperine, a bioactive alkaloid from black pepper,
has demonstrated anticancer potential in various cancer models through apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest.
However, its specific effects on oral cancer cell lines remain underexplored. This study evaluates the anticancer
activity of Piperine in KB (Human oral cancer) cell line, focusing on its impact on cell viability and apoptotic gene
expression.
Material and Method: KB oral cancer cells were cultured and treated with Piperine at 25 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM.
Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while morphological changes were observed under an inverted
microscope. The expression of key apoptotic genes (Bcl-2, Bax, and p53) was analyzed using quantitative real-time
PCR (qRT-PCR). Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and results were expressed as mean ±
SEM.
Results: Piperine exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, significantly reducing cell viability at higher
concentrations (50 µM and 100 µM). Microscopic observations revealed cell shrinkage, detachment, and membrane
blebbing, indicating apoptotic cell death. Gene expression analysis showed downregulation of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic
gene) and upregulation of Bax and p53 (pro-apoptotic genes), confirming Piperine induced apoptosis.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that Piperine exerts anticancer effects on KB oral cancer cells by inducing
apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Its ability to modulate Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 expression highlights its
potential as a therapeutic agent for OSCC. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to explore its
bioavailability and translational applications in oral cancer therapy.
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