Effects of steamed American ginseng extracts on apoptotic pathways in human colorectal cancer cells

摘要

Aim:The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of steamed American ginseng root extracts,the antiproliferative effects of extracts/ginsenosides on SW-480 human colorectal cancer cells and their apoptotic mechanisms.Methods:American ginseng roots were steamed at 120℃ for 2 h or 4 h.Representative ginsenosides in the unsteamed and steamed extracts were determined using HPLC.The antiproliferative effects of the extracts and ginsenosides Rb1,Rg3 and Rh2 on SW-480 cells were determined by MTS method.The effect of 4 h steamed extract on SW-480 cell apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry after staining with annexin V/PI.The expression of 84 apoptotic related genes regulated by steamed extract were determined using real-time quantitative PCR array analysis.The mitochondrial membrane potential (△ψm) was analyzed after staining with FC-1.Results:Steaming on American ginseng increased Rg3 and Rh2 content and antiproliferative activity significantly.The quantitative PCR array and mitochondrial membrane potential assays demonstrated that the apoptotic induction of steamed extract may act through a mitoehondrial mechanism.Conclusion:The mitochondria apoptotic pathway may act as a key factor in the cancer chemoprevention by steamed American ginseng extract.