| abstract |
Analogs of thymoquinone, an active compound extracted from Nigella n sativa (black seed oil) are 2,5-bis (alkyl/aryl amino) 1, 4-benzoquinones, are more potent than the naturally-occurring compound (e.g, have a lower IC 50 ) in terms of inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of transcription fact NF-ĸB. Used in conjunction with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, such as gemcitibine or oxaliplatin, the analogs sensitize gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine-induced apoptosis. A preferred compound is 2,5-dichloro- 3,6-bis[3-methoxyphenyl)amino]cyclohexa-2,5,-diene- 1,4-dione. |