title: Study of the anti-proliferative effects and synergy of phthalides from Angelica sinensis on colon cancer cells.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
authors: Winnie Lai Ting
authors: WL
authors: Kan
authors: Chi Hin
authors: CH
authors: Cho
authors: John A
authors: JA
authors: Rudd
authors: Ge
authors: G
authors: Lin
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D001572:Benzofurans; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010936:Plant Extracts; C082022:phthalide