Analysis and Identification of Active Compounds from Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix Toxic to HCT-116 Human Colon Cancer Cells

Bohyung Kang,Ki Sung Kang,Chang-Seob Seo,Sullim Lee,You-Kyung Choi

doi:10.3390/app10041304

Bohyung Kang, Ki Sung Kang + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app10041304

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Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. The aim of the present study was to simultaneously analyze compounds of Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix (SMR) and determine their cytotoxic effects on HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells. We established a simultaneous analysis method of five compounds (salvianic acid A, salvianolic acid B, caffeic acid, tanshinone IIA, and rosmarinic acid) contained in SMR, and found that among the various compounds in SMR, tanshinone IIA significantly decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Hoechst staining also showed that both SMR and tanshinone IIA increased nuclear condensation, suggesting induction of apoptosis. By Western blotting, we found that tanshinone IIA induced apoptotic cell death, significantly increased Bax, but decreased Bcl-2 in the course of apoptosis. Tanshinone IIA increased the expression of cleaved caspases-7 and -8. Tanshinone IIA was shown to be an active ingredient of SMR that may be a useful chemotherapeutic strategy for patients with colorectal cancer.

Highlights

Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide [1]
Surgery plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, there are still increasing attempts to stop the progression of this cancer via the application of new synthetic and naturally-occuring compounds [2,3]
The use of natural phytochemicals for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis contributes to promoting cancer cell death [8,9]

Summary

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide [1]. Surgery plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, there are still increasing attempts to stop the progression of this cancer via the application of new synthetic and naturally-occuring compounds [2,3]. 50–60% of cancer patients in the United States utilize complementary and alternative medicines with traditional therapeutic regimens, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy [6]. Apoptosis pathways are important targets in cancer-related therapies, and insufficient apoptosis results in uncontrolled cancer cell proliferation [7]. The use of natural phytochemicals for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis contributes to promoting cancer cell death [8,9]

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