Extract ofJuniperus indica BertolSynergizes with Cisplatin to Inhibit Oral Cancer Cell Growth via Repression of Cell Cycle Progression and Activation of the Caspase Cascade

Oral cancer-a type of head and neck cancer-is estimated to be the fifth most common cancer in Taiwan. However, efficacious therapies for oral cancer are still lacking due to drug resistance and recurrence. Consequently, the identification of new anticancer agents for clinical treatment is needed.Juniperus indica Bertolis a plant of theJuniperusgenus often used as a treatment in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and diuretic functions. The biofunctions ofJuniperus indica Bertolincluding its anticancer potential, have not been fully explored. As a result, the aim of this research was to investigate the anticancer activity ofJuniperus indica Bertolextract (JIB extract) and determine whether JIB extract has synergistic effects with cisplatin in oral cancer. These results are the first to demonstrate that JIB extract exhibits anticancer capacity and synergizes with cisplatin to treat oral cancer. Our findings indicate that JIB extract has a potential to develop anticancer agent and chemo therapeutic adjuvant for oral cancer.