Angelica sinensis inhibits colon cancer cells. - GreenMedInfo Summary

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 [(3)H] 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 IC(50) values for inhibition of cell proliferation for SKA, LGT and BLP were 54.17+/-5.10, 60.63+/-6.79 and 236.90+/-18.22muM, 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.