📝 SummarXiv

Abstract

The increasing global cancer burden necessitates exploration of effective and affordable treatments. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea catechin, and piperine, a black pepper alkaloid, have demonstrated promising anti-cancer properties. Leveraging the regenerative capacity of Dugesia tigrina (planaria) and their neoblast stem cells as a model for cancer growth, this study investigated the combined effects of EGCG and piperine on cell proliferation. Planaria were exposed to varying concentrations of EGCG and piperine over seven days, with growth changes recorded and compared to a negative control group. Initial trials identified optimal concentrations for growth inhibition, subsequently validated in a second trial using combined EGCG and piperine treatment. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in growth across all experimental groups (p < 0.05), indicating a synergistic effect of EGCG and piperine in limiting planarian growth. These findings suggest the potential of combined EGCG and piperine therapy for cancer and other proliferative diseases like keloids and psoriatic arthritis, warranting further investigation into clinical applications.