Abstract
Andrographolide (1), a diterpenoid lactone isolated from a traditional herb (Andrographis paniculata), is known to possess potent anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of 1 on various cancer cell lines in vitro. It induced apoptosis of prostate cancer (PC-3) cells (the most sensitive cell line among the cell lines screened) via the activation of caspase 3, up-regulation of bax, and down-regulation of bcl-2. Furthermore, its inhibitory activity on the level of vascular endothelial growth factor was also verified by ELISA.
Acknowledgements
This work is supported by Yantai Science and Technology Bureau (2007158). We are grateful to the NMR Center in the School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, for their generous help.