Catalyser-21 TM , a mineral water derived from leaf soil, inhibits tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis

Catalyser-21TM is a mineral water derived from natural leaf soil containing various organic and inorganic substances. Previous reports suggested a possibility that Catalyser-21TM has antioxidative potential and could inhibit angiogenesis and cancer cell invasiveness. Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for cancer cells to spread to surrounding tissues. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major angiogenic factor in the formation of blood capillaries by cancer cells to supply nutrients and oxygen for their sustained growth. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is another key enzyme for cancer cell metastasis. To assess the anti-angiogenic activity of Catalyser-21TM, we first examined cell viability using a human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, and a fibrosarcoma cell line, HT1080. The results showed that Catalyser-21TM decreased the viability of both cell types in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis proved that Catalyser-21TM scavenges intracellular H2O2 in both cell types. RT-PCR demonstrated that both VEGF and MMP-2 gene transcription was suppressed after Catalyser-21TM treatment. Both Matrigel and tubule formation experiments showed an effect of Catalyser-21TM. These results suggest that Catalyser-21TM has potential as an anti-tumor agent.