The effect of andrographis paniculata on the growth of malignant cancer cells

Abstract

There are a variety of plants that have been recognized and used in traditional medicine for their health benefits. Among these plants is Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as the king of bitters because of its bitter taste. In the past, Andrographis paniculata has been used to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, the common cold, snake bites, inflammation and diarrhea. We have tested the effect of Andrographis paniculata extracts on the growth of malignant cancer cells and its potential benefits towards cancer treatment. Cancer cells, including B16- BL6, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, 4T1, and ASPC-1 cells, were treated with 70% ethanol extracts or aqueous extracts of Andrographis paniculata with a range in concentration from 0.1 to 1%. Treatment with the ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata inhibited cell growth when added at 0.25% to 1%. The aqueous extract was less potent and inhibited cell growth at only 1%. Treatment of B16- BL6 cells with 1% of the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata for 48 h induced apoptosis as detected using the acridine orange/ ethidium bromide cell staining assay. On the other hand, treatment with the ethanol extract had a much stronger effect and cell staining showed late stage apoptosis and loss of membrane integrity. We have shown that treatment of B16- BL6 cells with Andrographis paniculata extracts altered cell survival pathways and promoted apoptosis by using western blot analysis for ERK ½, phosphorylated-ERK and Caspase 3. Similarly, the treatment of B16-BL6 with the ethanol extract for 48 h increased the number of cells in the Sub-G1 phase, in comparison to treatment with the aqueous extract, by using flow cytometry of propidium iodide-stained cells. Overall, this study demonstrated that Andrographis paniculata had successfully suppressed the growth of malignant cancer cells.