Saucernetin-7 isolated from Saururus chinensis induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of saucernetin-7 (a biologically active compound isolated from the underground parts of Saururus chinensi) on the induction of apoptosis and the putative pathways of its action in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Saucernetin-7-treated HL-60 cells displayed several features of apoptosis, including DNA fragmentation, DNA laddering by agarose gel electrophoresis, and externalization of annexin-V targeted phosphatidylserine (PS) residues. z-VAD-fmk (a broad-caspase inhibitor) almost completely suppressed saucernetin-7-induced DNA ladder formation, thereby implicating the caspase cascade in the apoptotic process.

Anti-inflammatory activities of ent-16alphaH,17-hydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid isolated from the roots of Siegesbeckia pubescens are due to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages via NF-kappaB inactivation.

To isolate the anti-inflammatory components in Siegesbeckia pubescens root, we performed activity-guided fractionation using a carrageenan-induced edema rat model. Antinociceptive effects were followed using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and hot plate tests in mice. Chloroform extract was subjected to silica gel and octadesyl silane (ODS) column chromatography, and a diterpene was isolated which was identified as ent-16alphaH,17-hydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid (siegeskaurolic acid).

Induction of apoptosis by yomogin in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells.

Yomogin is an active compound isolated from Artemisia princep, a traditional Oriental medicinal herb, which has been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated the effects of yomogin on the cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis, and putative pathways of its actions in human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Yomogin-treated HL-60 cells displayed several features of apoptosis, including DNA fragmentation, formation of DNA ladders in agarose gel electrophoresis, and externalization of annexin-V targeted phosphatidylserine residues.

Intermedeol isolated from the leaves of Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis induces the differentiation of human acute promyeocytic leukemia HL-60 Cells.

The present work was performed to investigate the effects of intermedeol on proliferation and differentiation of human leukemia-derived HL-60 cells as well as the underlying mechanisms for these effects. Intermedeol exhibited a potent antiproliferative activity against HL-60 cells. In addition, this compound was found to be a potent inducer for HL-60 cell differentiation as assessed by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test, esterase activity assay, phagocytic activity assay, morphology change, and expression of CD14 and CD66b surface antigens.