Study of the anti-proliferative effects and synergy of phthalides from Angelica sinensis on colon cancer cells.
Angelica sinensis is a Chinese medicinal herb for treating gynecological and gastrointestinal disorders, and also in conjunction with cancer chemotherapy.


OBJECTIVE
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.


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.
Kan
Winnie Lai Ting
WL
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
Cho
Chi Hin
CH
Rudd
John A
JA
Lin
Ge
G
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D029969:Angelica / Q000737:chemistry*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D019073:HT29 Cells; D006801:Humans; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D001572:Benzofurans; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010936:Plant Extracts; C082022:phthalide