The effect of extracts from Catharanthus roseus on cholangiocarcinoina in vitro

Abstract

Objective To investigate the potential inhibitory effects of herbal Catharanthus roseus on cholangiocarcinoma in vitro. Methods The whole herbal of Catharanthus roseus was used as the material, and total alkaloid extract and water extract were obtained. The effects of the two extracts on human cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cells were investigated. The inhibition rate of QBC939 cells was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The morphological change of cells was examined by inverted microscopy. The effect on cell cycles was observed by flow cytometry. Results The two extracts could both inhibit the growth of QBC939 cells, but the total alkaloid extract showed stronger proliferation inhibitory effect comparing to the water extract. IC50 value of total alkaloid and water extract was 0. 16 and 49. 02 mg/L, respectively. Obvious morphological changes were both observed after adding the two extracts. Both the two extracts could change the cell cycle of cholangiocarcinoma cells significantly. The ratio of G0/G1 phase cells was decreased greatly from 53. 10% to 5. 87% and that of G2/M phase cells was increased greatly from 26. 4% to 71. 8% , respectively. Compared to the cells treated with the total alkaloid extract, the ratio of Sub-G1 phase cells treated with the water extract changed greatly. The water extract could induce the apoptosis of the cells. Conclusion The extracts from Catharanthus roseus showed the inhibitory effects on proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cells. They also could induce the morphological change and cell arrest. Key words: Catharanthus roseus; Cholangiocarcinoma; Proliferation; Apoptosis