Fangchinoline

Radix Step Haniae Tetrandrae containing tetranin (Tet) and Fangchinoline, is traditionally used as an analgesic, anti-rheumatic drug and anti-hypertensive in China. In this study, we studied its effect on the proliferation of breast cancer cells and their possible mechanism of action in vitro. Treatment of the cells with Fangchinoline inhibited MDA-MB-231 proliferation significantly and concentration-dependent and time-dependent. In order to determine the mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative effects of Fangchinoline, we studied its effect on critical molecular events, one of which is known to regulate apoptotic mechanisms. Specifically, we have the possibility of Fangchinoline to induce apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Fangchinoline interucleosomal DNA-induced fragmentation, chromatin condensation, activation of caspases-3, -8 and (ADP-ribose) polymerase -9 and cleavage of poly and enhanced release of cytochrome c Mitochondrial. In addition Fangchinoline increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein of B-cell lymphoma associated with X-2 (BAX) and decreased expression of B-cell anti-apoptotic lymphoma protein (Bcl-2). In addition, the anti-proliferative effect of Fangchinoline with reduced amounts was associated with phosphorylated Akt. Our results show that Fangchinoline can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and the decrease of phosphorylated Akt. Thus Fangchinoline can be a new way, which can be potentially developed clinically to achieve human malignant tumors.