IDEA #2PBK9W Synergistic Effects of Plant Compounds on HPV-Induced Cervical Precancer Cells and Bioelectric Signaling. 25A0021

Plant compounds inhibit the growth of W12 cervical precancer cells containing episomal or integrant HPV DNA; tanshinone IIA synergizes with curcumin in cervical cancer cells. The purpose of the invention is to explore the potential of plant-derived compounds for the prevention and treatment of HPV-induced cervical cancer. Specifically, this invention focuses on the identification of phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of W12 cervical precancer cells, which contain episomal or integrated HPV DNA. The invention demonstrates that specific plant compounds, such as tanshinone IIA and curcumin (or carrageenan or ginger), can effectively suppress HPV-related cellular processes and serve as potential therapeutic agents for cervical cancer treatment. The utility of this invention lies in its ability to offer alternative, natural, relatively nontoxic therapeutic options to target HPV infection and associated precancerous lesions or cervical cancers, addressing an important public health challenge. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that a combination of these plant compounds can act synergistically to improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce toxicity. The study offers a novel therapeutic approach for cervical cancer, which may potentially modulate bioelectric signaling in cancer cells.