Effects of polyphyllin D, a steroidal saponin in Paris polyphylla, in growth inhibition of human breast cancer cells and in xenograft.

Paris polyphylla is a traditional Chinese Medical herb that has been used in treating cancer for thousands of year. Without studies on the anticancer effects of Paris polyphylla being initiated before, we have first studied the component of Paris polyphylla and have spotted out a steroidal saponin, polyphyllin D. As long as the chemical structure and the improved synthesis of polyphyllin D were ascertained, both in vitro to in vivo studies were performed.