Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human colorectal carcinoma by Litchi seed extract

J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012:2012:341479. doi: 10.1155/2012/341479. Epub 2012 Oct 3.

Abstract

The Litchi (Litchi chinensis) fruit products possess rich amounts of flavanoids and proanthocyanidins. Its pericarp has been shown to inhibit breast and liver cancer cell growth. However, the anticolorectal cancer effect of Litchi seed extract has not yet been reported. In this study, the effects of polyphenol-rich Litchi seed ethanol extract (LCSP) on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of two colorectal cancer cell lines Colo320DM and SW480 were examined. The results demonstrated that LCSP significantly induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner and arrested cell cycle in G2/M in colorectal carcinoma cells. LCSP also suppressed cyclins and elevated the Bax : Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3 activity. This study provides in vitro evidence that LCSP serves as a potential chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / drug effects*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Litchi / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Seeds / chemistry*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Plant Extracts