Decursin and decursinol angelate from Angelica gigas Nakai induce apoptosis via induction of TRAIL expression on cervical cancer cells

Aim of the studyThe root of Angelica gigas Nakai (Korean “Dang-Gui”) has been used to treat female afflictions and anemia in traditional oriental herbal medicine since ancient times in Korea. The objective of this study is to identify the anti-cancer mechanism induced by A. gigas extract including decursin and decursinol angelate in human cervical cancer cells for scientific evidence regarding herbal therapy.Materials and methodsThe extract of A. gigas, decursin, and decursinol angelate was used to evaluate the anti-cancer effects on HeLa cells. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay and cell cycle regulation was analysed by FACS program. The expression of apoptotic proteins was confirmed by Western blot analysis and proteome profiler array.ResultsThe extract of A. gigas containing decursin and decursinol angelate exhibited anti-cancer effect on HeLa cells through the significant activation of caspases and the cleavage of PARP. Expression of TRAIL and TRAIL receptors was also increased by two active components of A. gigas, respectively. In particular, two components regulated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-2, Bcl-x, survivin, cIAP-1, -2, XIAP, etc.ConclusionsThese results suggest that TRAIL expression induced by extract of A. gigas stimulates the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathway by activating caspase-8 and caspase-9, respectively. Thus, extract of A. gigas including decursin and decursinol angelate takes a role in inhibition of cell-proliferation and activation of apoptosis in cervical cancer and could be developed as therapeutic anti-cancer agent against cervical cancer.