Study of the anti-proliferative effects and synergy of phthalides from Angelica sinensis on colon cancer cells.

Abstract

UNLABELLED:

Angelica sinensis is a Chinese medicinal herb for treating gynecological and gastrointestinal disorders, and also in conjunction with cancer chemotherapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY:

In the present study, the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects of three main Angelica sinensis phthalides, namely n-butylidenephthalide (BLP), senkyunolide A (SKA) and z-ligustilide (LGT), and their synergy on colon cancer HT-29 cells were investigated. Moreover, the results obtained in both human colon cancer HT-29 and normal colon CCD-18Co cells were compared for the investigation of selectivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

MTT and [3H] thymidine incorporation assays were used for the evaluation of cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions among phthalides were determined by median-effect analysis.

RESULTS:

All three phthalides dose-dependently decreased cell viability more potently in HT-29 than in CCD-18Co cells. The IC50 values for inhibition of cell proliferation for SKA, LGT and BLP were 54.17+/-5.10, 60.63+/-6.79 and 236.90+/-18.22microM, respectively, in HT-29 cells. Angelica sinensis extract demonstrated significant synergy in inhibiting cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The three phthalides might have anti-cancer potential, yet the phthalides, in combination with other ingredients in Angelica sinensis extract, display significant synergy leading to a stronger anti-tumor effect.

• Authors: Winnie Lai Ting Kan, Chi Hin Cho, John A Rudd, Ge Lin
• Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology (J Ethnopharmacol) Vol. 120 Issue 1 Pg. 36-43 (Oct 30 2008) ISSN: 0378-8741 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 18718517 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Benzofurans
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• Plant Extracts
• phthalide

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (drug therapy, pathology)
• Angelica (chemistry)
• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (administration & dosage, isolation & purification, pharmacology)
• Benzofurans (administration & dosage, isolation & purification, pharmacology)
• Cell Line
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Colorectal Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Synergism
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• HT29 Cells
• Humans
• Inhibitory Concentration 50
• Plant Extracts (administration & dosage, pharmacology)