Preventive Activity of Patchouli Alcohol Against Colorectal Cancer and Diabetes

Abstract

Patchouli alcohol (PA) is a tricyclic sesquiterpene and the dominant bioactive component in oil extracted from the aerial parts of <i>Pogostemon cablin</i> (patchouli). It has been reported to possess diverse health-beneficial activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiobese, and anticancer activities. However, preclinical studies are required to explore the possibility of developing PA as a promising functional and promising drug for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. In this study, we used animal models to examine whether PA shows benefits in inflammation-induced colorectal cancer and obesity-induced diabetes. <i>Apc^Min/+</i> mice for colorectal cancer model were treated PA 0, 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight three times a week for 6 weeks along with 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 1 week. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice were treated with PA 0, 25, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight three times a week for 8 weeks. Oral administration of PA to <i>Apc^Min/+</i> mice treated with DSS significantly suppressed formation and development of tumors in both small and large intestines. In cell culture using Caco-2 human colorectal cancer cells, treatment of culture media with PA suppressed proliferation and induced G1-phase growth arrest. In a mouse model of HFD-induced obesity, glucose tolerance tests indicated the same orally administered dose of PA to significantly reduce blood glucose. <i>In vitro</i> assays in differentiated C2C12 myocytes further demonstrated PA to significantly enhance glucose uptake and increase phosphorylation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and protein kinase B. This study demonstrates that PA might possess health beneficial effects on colorectal cancer and obesity-induced diabetes.