Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology News | Feature | 27 June 2016
Summary: 5'-Methoxyhydnocarpin shows selective anti-cancer effect (leukemia) and induces apoptosis in THP-1 human leukemia cancer cells via mitochondrial disruption, suppression of cell migration and invasion and cell cycle arrest.
Source: Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University
The chemical compound 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin was originally isolated from the Indian and Chinese medicinal plants Berberis and Hydnocarpus wightianus. It is known to potentiate the antimicrobial effect of berberine. The Chinese researcher Dr. Xu and his team have suggested that 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin has anti-leukemic effect. The result is published in a recent issue of Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology. They also explained the anti-leukemic effect is due to induction of apoptosis. The possible mechanisms of apoptosis are mitochondrial disruption, suppression of cell migration and invasion and cell cycle arrest using the THP-1 human leukemia cell.
Photograph: Phase contrast microscopic image on cell viability in THP-1 human leukemia cells by 5-methoxyhydnocarpin