Saxifragifolin B from Androsace umbellata induced apoptosis on human hepatoma cells

Bioassay-guided phytochemical study of Androsace umbellata led to the successful isolation of saxifragifolin B (SB) for the first time. The anti-tumor effect of SB was firstly reported that it was shown to have potent cytotoxicity on human hepatoma HepG2 cells with IC50 value of 11.9 μM at 24 h. Mechanistic studies were conducted, the accumulation of sub-G1 population and the externalization of phosphatidylserine suggested that SB exerted its cytotoxic effect by induction of programmed cell death, which was confirmed by activation of PARP and caspase-3. Furthermore, SB-induced apoptosis on HepG2 cells was mediated by activation of caspase-8 and -9, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) collapse and the leakage of cytochrome c. In summary, this study provided evidence that SB isolated from A. umbellata could induce apoptosis on human hepatoma HepG2 cells and described the molecular mechanism. Our finding revealed the potential of SB as new chemotherapeutic agent for human hepatoma.