A dynamic study on reversal of multidrug resistance by ginsenoside Rh2 in adriamycin-resistant human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) dynamic measurements indicate that ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) could inhibit the proliferation of adriamycin-resistant human breast cancer MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/ADR) in a concentration-dependent way. The combined treatment of G-Rh2 with adriamycin (ADR) at non-effect dosage resulted in the higher inhibition efficiencies and the increased cell-death velocity, suggesting excellent ability of G-Rh2 for reversal of multidrug resistance in MCF-7/ADR cells. The cytotoxic effect of the ADR–G-Rh2 combination was evaluated with the modified Bürgi formula (Jin equation) based on the QCM responses. It presented apparent synergism, indicating the potential ability of G-Rh2 in tumor therapy. Fluorescent microscopic inspection and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay were also carried out and exhibited the comparable results to QCM analysis. The present work may lay an experimental foundation for the application of ginsenosides in cancer therapy, especial in multidrug resistance research.