Bryonia dioica aqueous extract induces apoptosis through mitochondrial intrinsic pathway in BL41 Burkitt's lymphoma cells

Synergistic effects of medicinal plants in combination with spices from algeria: Anticancer, antiangiogenic activities, and embrytoxicity studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bryonia dioica Jacq., Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach., Telephium imperati L., and Aristolochia longa L. are species widely used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases including cancer. Conjugation of two or more extracts is an approach to improve the effectiveness of their pharmacological activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the synergistic anticancer and anti-angiogenic effects of medicinal plants and edible species combinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this work, B. dioica, E. prunastri, Telephium imperati, and Aristolochia longa extracts were conjugated to form four mixtures. The antiproliferative effect of mixtures on several carcinoma cells was examined by MTT assay, and the antiangiogenic activity was estimated through Hen's egg test in vivo. Moreover, in an Ovo model, 35 fertilized Ross eggs were used to test the embryotoxicity of mixtures.

RESULTS

At the highest concentration of 200 μg/mL, both mixtures exerted an important cytotoxic effect against human carcinoma cells. The mixture BETE (Bryonia Evernia Telephium Extract) significantly reduced HT-29, PC-3, and A-549 cell viability. Likewise, this mixture strongly suppressed vascularization in vivo at 200 μg/mL. Interestingly, no signs of toxicity on Perdix embryos were recorded within 21 days of treatment. More importantly, the mixture did not have any cytotoxic effect on non cancerous cells.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results suggest that the synergy between B. dioica, E. prunastri and T. imperati may be promising for developing new anti-cancer treatments.

Cancer and Traditional Plant Knowledge, an Interesting Field to Explore: Data from the Catalan Linguistic Area

Cancer is the second cause of death in the world and is foreseen to be responsible for about 16 million deaths in 2040. Approximately, 60% of the drugs used to treat cancer are of natural origin. Besides the extensive use of some of these drugs in therapies, such as those derived from the genus Taxus, a significant number of plants have revealed themselves as useful against cancer in recent years. The field of ethnobotany focuses on documenting traditional knowledge associated with plants, constituting a starting point to uncover the potential of new plant-based drugs to treat or prevent, in this case, tumour diseases and side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. From a series of extensive ethnobotanical prospections across the Catalan linguistic area (CLA), we have recorded uses for 41 taxa with antitumour effects. The two most quoted botanical families are Asteraceae and Ranunculaceae, and the most frequently reported species is Ranunculus parnassifolius, a high-mountain species, which is widely collected for this purpose. The reported species have been used to treat an important number of cancer types, focusing on preventive, palliative, and curative uses, as well as to deal with the side effects of conventional treatments. Comparing our results in CLA with previous data available in the most comprehensive databases of pharmacology and a review of cytotoxicity assays revealed that for the several species reported here, there was no previous evidence of traditional uses against cancer. Despite the need for further analyses to experimentally validate the information presented here, combining traditional uses and phylogenetically-informed strategies to phytochemical and pharmacological research would represent new avenues to establish more integrative approaches, hence improving the ability to select new candidate taxa in cancer research.

Ethanol Extract of Eryngium Foetidum Leaves Induces Mitochondrial Associated Apoptosis via ROS Generation in Human Gastric Cancer Cells

Background: Eryngium foetidum has long been used as a food ingredient and folk medicine in tropical regions. The anticancer activity of EF extract and the mechanisms remains unclear. Herein, we prepared four solvent extracts of EF leaves, detected the cytotoxic effects, and explored the potential mechanism by which these extracts induce cell death. Methods: The anticancer activity of the EF extracts was measured by MTT, CCK-8 and BrdU assays. The cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry and western blot. Apoptotic events were investigated with Hoechst, Annexin V/PI assays and western blot. The mitochondrial membrane potential was monitored using JC-1 staining, and ROS production was assessed with immunofluorescence. Results: The ethanol extract of EF leaves exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect against SGC-7901 cells. The EFE extract significantly inhibited the SGC-7901 cells viability, arrested the cell cycle, increased the numbers of apoptotic cells, caused the loss of MMP, increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and led to cytochrome c release, and triggered ROS production. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated for the first time that EFE extract induces mitochondrial associated apoptosis via ROS generation in SGC-7901 cells. Thus, EFE extract could be identified as a potential edible phytotherapy for the treatment of human gastric cancer.

Phytochemistry and toxicological assessment of Bryonia dioica roots used in north-African alternative medicine

To investigate the phytochemical composition, acute and sub-acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of B. dioica roots. The phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of B.dioica roots was assessed in mice with single doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg/kg for 14 days. The sub-acute toxicity was carried out with repeated doses ranging from 64.5 to 250 mg/kg for 28 days. Histopathological changes and markers of renal and liver function were investigated. The results of GC-MS analysis showed the presence of interesting phytoconstituents. The clinical symptoms and mortalities that occurred in treated mice were more remarkable due to the increasing sample concentration of the studied extract. However, no mortalities, or histopathological, or biochemical disturbances were observed even at the maximal dose administered (250 mg/kg). The outcome of the present work suggests that the treatment of animals with single doses of B. dioica roots extract higher than 250 mg/kg produces significant toxicities, however, treatment with repeated doses up to 250 mg/kg for 28 days seems to be safe for animals.

Phytochemistry, Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Effect, and Acute Toxicity Testing of Two Moroccan Aristolochia Species

Ethnopharmacological Relevance

Aristolochia baetica (A. baetica) and Aristolochia paucinervis (A. paucinervis) have been largely used in Moroccan folk medicine. The objective of the study was to investigate the phytochemical composition, the antioxidant activity, the antiproliferative effect, and the acute toxicity of the methanolic extract of A. baetica and A. paucinervis roots.

Materials and Methods

Phytochemical composition of the methanolic extract of A. baetica and A. paucinervis roots were studied using qualitative and quantitative methods, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH assay, the antiproliferative effects against human cancer cell lines (T-24, HT-29, and Hep G-2) was assessed using WST1 assay, and the acute toxicity was carried out orally by gavage of single dose 2000 mg/kg to mice for 14 days.

Results

The two studied plants have different classes of secondary metabolites. The concentrations of the total polyphenolic content of A. baetica and A. paucinervis root extracts were estimated at 360 ± 20 mg GAE/g and 280 ± 27 mg GAE/g, respectively. The total flavonoids content of A. baetica and A. paucinervis extracts were estimated at 35 ± 8 mg QE/g and 235 ± 7 mg QE/g, respectively. A. baetica and A. paucinervis extracts exhibited promising DPPH activity with IC₅₀ values of 150 ± 8 μg/ml and 160 ± 10 μg/ml, respectively. The extracts exerted also antiproliferative effects on all tested cancer cell lines (T-24, HT-29, and Hep G-2) with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6 ± 1 μg/ml to 380 ± 7 μg/ml. Regarding the results of acute toxicity study, no signs of toxicities nor mortalities were observed on the oral treated mice with 2000 mg/kg of the two investigated exacts.

Conclusion

The methanolic extracts of A. baetica and A. paucinervis possess several phytochemicals that exhibited promising free radical scavenging activity and antiproliferative effects.

Antitumor Effect of Bryonia dioïca Methanol Extract: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Aim: A large number of plant-derived products have been approved for the treatment of numerous types of cancer, and these products have also shown to reduce the effects of metastatic cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticancer effects of a methanolic extract of Bryonia dioïca root (M extract) against B16F10 melanoma cancer cells in vitro as well as in vivo.Results: It was shown to induce apoptosis, in vitro, and to inhibit cell growth by arresting cell cycle progression in SubG1 phase. Mice bearing the melanoma cells were used to confirm any in vivo effectiveness of the M extract as an antitumor promoting agent. In mice dosed with 50 mg M/kg/d (for 28 days), tumor weight was inhibited by 65.03% compared to that in mice that did not receive the product. Our results demonstrate on the one hand, that this inhibition was accompanied by a drastic decrease regulation of complex FAK, Src, ERK, p130Cas and paxillin. On the other hand, it was marked by a measurable decrease of the metastatic descent in the lungs.Conclusions: These effects could be ascribed to the presence of bryoniosides and cucurbitacins such as cucurbitacin A and cucurbitacin G in M extract.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Herbal Remedies Used for the Treatment of Cancer in the Greater Casablanca-Morocco

Medicinal plants played an important role in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases since antiquities. The aim of the study is to carry out an ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants used traditionally in cancer treatment in the region of Greater Casablanca-Morocco, and to enhance the traditional herbal medicine knowledge. 110 traditional healers in the study area were interviewed face to face to response a survey questionnaire including the names of plants used in cancer treatment, used parts, methods of preparation, and route of administration. Indices of Fidelity Level (FL), Use Value (UV), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were calculated to identify the most effective plants used for cancer treatment. Eight species were specified including Aristolochia baetica, Aristolochia paucinervis, Bryonia dioica, Aquilaria malaccensis, Marrubium vulgare, Lavandula maroccana, Ephedra alata, and Euphorbia resinifera belonging to 7 families. Aristolochiaceae, Aquilariaceae, and Cucurbitaceae were the most useful families in cancer treatment with high significant indices of UV, FL, and RFC with values of 1, 100%, and 1, respectively. Roots and leaves were the most commonly used plant parts. Decoction and powder mixed with honey were the frequently used method for remedies preparation. The present study showed that the people living in Morocco's economic capital are still highly dependent on traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of cancer. Therefore, it seems that herbal medicine still plays a crucial role in the primary healthcare system for the local population. During this survey, it was reported that even some plant families are highly toxic for humans like Aristolochiaceae that are frequently used in cancer treatment in the study area. As many people still rely on natural traditional medicine considering (it is safe with no side effects), so combined effort between all social categories including scientists and traditional healers should be established for involving the scientific validity of the used plants in the treatment of diseases.

Adverse Effects in Skeletal Muscle Following the Medicinal Use of Nicotiana glauca

Nicotiana glauca is a cosmopolitan shrub, used in medicine to treat swellings, wounds, sores and cancer. However, its users lack of knowledge of the adverse effects. We seek to evaluate the effects of lipid extracts from N. glauca on myoblasts, identifying the compounds which cause undesirable effects. Myoblasts are important in muscle homeostasis, thus a high death rate of them cause myopathies. We performed an ethanolic extraction from leaves of N. glauca and the extract was successively partitioned with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The effects of extracts in C2C12 cells were analysed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL), Mitotracker and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, Western blotting, real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assays. Caspase activity was studied. The fraction with the highest apoptotic effects was analysed by chromatography, NMR and GC-MS spectrometry were used to identify the apoptotic agent, after which its biological activity was evaluated. The extracts from N. glauca induced apoptosis in C2C12 cells involving caspase-3/7. We found that the extracts trigger a defence response in muscle through Akt and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). We identified an apoptotic agent as palmitic acid. These data suggest that the use of N. glauca in hormone replacement therapy, or in other therapies affects skeletal muscle homeostasis, worsening the negative effects of the menopause. Thus, the relevance of this work lies in the fact that it is the first time that a report about the molecular mechanism responsible for the side effects of medicinal use of N. glauca, has been shown. Moreover the compound responsible for these effects has been identified.

Profile on medicinal plants used by the people of North Eastern Morocco: Toxicity concerns

In the North Eastern region of Morocco, many people are interested in medicinal plants and their uses. However, the rationale for the utilization of medicinal plants has remained largely underestimated with little or no scientific data on plant safety. In this paper we attempt to describe and establish a detailed list of current knowledge in relation to the toxicity of these plants and to evaluate the scientific data concerning the harmful effects of the selected natural products. Our approach consists of collecting published data from literature in specialized journals, books and website related to the toxic plants. This research revealed that 89 plant species, retrieved from 287 plants used as medicine in the North-Eastern region of Morocco, are considered toxic or present some kind of toxicity. Our data determines 55 compounds isolated from the plants which are dominated by five groups of toxic compounds: alkaloids followed by glucosides, terpenoids, protides and phenolics. The present work discusses toxicity-related issues arising from the use of medicinal plants by local people. We conclude that the database considered in this study could serve as an important source of information on the toxicity of medicinal plants used by this society.

Phytoconstituents as apoptosis inducing agents: strategy to combat cancer

Advancement in the field of cancer molecular biology has aided researchers to develop various new chemopreventive agents which can target cancer cells exclusively. Cancer chemopreventive agents have proficiency to inhibit, reverse and delay process of carcinogenesis during its early and later course. Chemopreventive agents can act as antioxidative, antimutagenic/antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory agents or via aiming various molecular targets in a cell to induce cell death. Apoptosis is a kind of cell death which shows various cellular morphological alterations such as cell shrinkage, blebbing of membrane, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, formation of apoptotic bodies etc. Nowadays, apoptosis is being one of the new approaches for the identification and development of novel anticancer therapies. For centuries, plants are known to play part in daily routine from providing food to management of human health. In the last two decades, diverse phytochemicals and various botanical formulations have been characterized as agents that possess potential to execute cancer cells via inducing apoptosis. Data obtained from the research carried out globally pointed out that natural products are the potential candidates which have capability to combat cancer. In the present review, we surveyed literature on natural products which throws light on the mechanism through which these phytochemicals induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

Fatty Acids Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Aristolochia longa L. and Bryonia dioïca Jacq. Growing Wild in Tunisia

The composition of the fatty acids of the roots and aerial parts of Aritolochia longa (Aristolacheae) and Bryonia dioïca (Cucurbutaceae) was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The oils extracted from the aerial parts of both species were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with the essential linolenic and linoleic acids being the most prominent compounds. Oleic and linoleic acids were the majors fatty acids in the roots of both species. Whatever the plant part analyzed and the species, the saturated fatty acids were predominantly composed of palmitic and stearic acids. The antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the lipid extracts were determined against a panel of five bacterial strains. The results showed that the sensitivity to the lipid extracts was different for the test bacterial strains, and the susceptibility of gram positive bacteria was found to be greater than gram negative bacteria. The antibacterial activity of the root lipid extracts was particularly important against Enterococcus feacium (CMI value of 125 µg/mL; CMB values > 250 µg/mL) and Streptococcus agalactiae (CMI value of 125 µg/mL; CMB values 250 µg/mL for A. longa roots). These results indicate that A. longa and B. dioïca could be considered as good sources of essential fatty acids which can act as natural antibacterial agents.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Mascara (North West of Algeria)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants are considered as a rich source of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to document the local knowledge of medicinal plants' use by traditional healers in Mascara, North-west Algeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was carried out in Mascara (North West of Algeria). Ethnobotanical data were recorded from 43 traditional healers practicing in Mascara. Data collected was analysed using quantitative indices such as the use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and Informant Consensus Factor (FIC).

RESULTS

Traditional healers reported 141 medicinal plant species belonging to 54 families and 125 genera for the treatment of different ailments grouped into 14 ailments categories. Lamiaceae were the most represented family with 19 species (13.57%) followed by Asteracea, Apiaceae and Fabaceae. Thymus vulgaris L. was the most frequently used by local informants, with the highest UV of 0.883 (38 use reports). Our findings revealed that 39 species have not been previously reported as medicinal plants in the region. Furthermore, we report for the first time a total of 100 new therapeutic uses for 37 known plant species. FIC values ranged from 0.125 to 0.658. Gastro-intestinal diseases had the highest FIC (0.658) with 60 species and 261 use reports.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed the important local knowledge as showed by the variety of species used to treat several ailments. Recorded species with high UV should be subjects of further pharmacological studies to validate their popular use and to isolate the bioactive compounds.

Quercus Suber L. Cork Extracts Induce Apoptosis in Human Myeloid Leukaemia HL-60 Cells

Quercus suber L. cork contains a diversity of phenolic compounds, mostly low molecular weight phenols. A rising number of reports support with convergent findings that polyphenols evoke pro-apoptotic events in cancerous cells. However, the literature related to the anti-cancer bioactivity of Q. suber L. cork extractives (QSE) is still limited. Herein, we aim to describe the antitumor potential displayed by cork extractives obtained by different extraction methods in the human promyelocytic leukaemia cells. In order to quantify the effects of QSE on cancer cells viability, phosphatidylserine exposure, caspase-3 activity, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle were evaluated. The results indicated that the QSE present a time-dependent and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in the human promyelocytic leukaemia cells. Such a noxious effect leads these leukaemia cells to their death through apoptotic processes by altering the mitochondrial outer membrane potential, activating caspase-3 and externalizing phosphatidylserine. However, cells cycle progression was not affected by the treatments. This study contributes to open a new way to use this natural resource by exploiting its anti-cancer properties. Moreover, it opens new possibilities of application of cork by-products, being more efficient in the sector of cork-based agriculture. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

(-)-Epigallocatechingallate induces apoptosis in B lymphoma cells via caspase-dependent pathway and Bcl-2 family protein modulation

(−)-Epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) as a representative polyphenol has attracted increasing attention due to its diversified effects, especially its potential as an agent for the prevention or treatment of certain cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms of EGCG-induced apoptosis in B lymphoma cells are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of EGCG on proliferation and apoptosis in the B lymphoma cell lines Jeko-1 and Raji, and determine the underlying mechanisms. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were determined by the cell counting kit (CCK-8) assay; apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry using the Annexin V-PE/7AAD double staining; Fas, Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expression levels were determined by real-time PCR; caspase activity was measured by the caspase activity assay kit; the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins were determined by western blot analysis. We demonstrated that EGCG induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In agreement, EGCG upregulated the mRNA expression of Fas and Bax while downregulating Bcl-2. Protein expression levels of Bax, activated caspase-3, -7, -8, and -9, and PARP were increased, while Bcl-2 protein levels were reduced by EGCG treatment. Taken together, EGCG induces B lymphoma cell apoptosis by triggering caspase-dependent intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) pathways. These findings suggest that EGCG may be a potential agent for the treatment of B lymphoma.

Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaf extracts in sensitive and multidrug-resistant tumor cells

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has been used to cure a wide variety of ailments. However, only a few studies have reported its anticancer effects. In this study, extracts were obtained from alfalfa leaves and their cytotoxic effects were assessed on several sensitive and multidrug-resistant tumor cells lines. Using the mouse leukaemia P388 cell line and its doxorubicin-resistant counterpart (P388/DOX), we showed that the inhibition of cell growth induced by alfalfa leaf extracts was mediated through the induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by DNA fragmentation analysis. The execution of programmed cell death was achieved via the activation of caspase-3, leading to PARP cleavage. Fractionation of toluene extract (To-1), the most active extract obtained from crude extract, led to the identification of 3 terpene derivatives and 5 flavonoids. Among them, (-)-medicarpin, (-)-melilotocarpan E, millepurpan, tricin, and chrysoeriol showed cytotoxic effects in P388 as well as P388/DOX cells. These results demonstrate that alfalfa leaf extract may have interesting potential in cancer chemoprevention and therapy.

Apoptogenic activity of ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Memecylon edule on human gastric carcinoma cells via mitochondrial dependent pathway

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-proliferative and apoptogenic activity of ethyl acetate extract from the leaves of Memecylon edule (EtAc-LME) in MKN-74, NUGC gastric cancer cells and non cancerous gastric mucous cells (GES-1), and to explore the mechanism of EtAc-LME induced apoptosis.

METHODS

The mechanism of EtAc-LME induced apoptosis was explored by analysing the activation of pro-caspases, PARP cleavage, expression of cytochrome-c (Cyt-c) was determined by western blotting, mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Bax by RT-PCR, loss of mitochondrial potential using DiOC6 dye, annexin binding assay and its influence on cell cycle arrest by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The results indicated that EtAc-LME inhibited the gastric cancer cell growth in dose-dependent manner and cytotoxicity was more towards the gastric cancer cells (NUGC and MKN-74) compared to normal gastric cells (GES-1), suggesting more specific cytotoxicity to the malignant cells. Over expression of Cyt-c and subsequent activation of caspases-3 and down regulation of Bcl-2 and loss in mitochondrial potential in EtAc-LME treated MKN-74 and NUGC cells suggested that EtAc-LME induced apoptosis by mitochondrial dependent pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that ethyl acetate extract of Memecylon edule induces apoptosis selectively in gastric cancer cells emphasizing the importance of this traditional medicine for its potential in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Induction of apoptosis in human pancreatic MiaPaCa-2 cells through the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by Gentiana kurroo root extract and LC-ESI-MS analysis of its principal constituents

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the methanolic root extract of Gentiana kurroo for antioxidant and antiproliferative activities as well as to study the effect of the extract on the induction of apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cell line (MiaPaCa-2). The extract exerted significant antioxidant activity as verified by DPPH, hydroxyl radical, lipid peroxidation and protective oxidative DNA damage assays. The results were comparable to standard antioxidants like α-tocopherol, catechin and BHT used in such experiments. Antioxidant potential of G. kurroo may be attributed to the presence of high phenolic and flavonoid content (73±1.02 and 46±2.05 mg/g extract respectively). The anti-proliferative property of Gentiana kurroo root extract was determined by sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay against Human colon cancer cell line (HCT-116), Lung carcinoma cell line (A-549), Pancreatic cancer cell line (MiaPaCa-2), Lung cancer cell line (HOP-62) and acute monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP-1). G. kurroo root extract inhibited cancer cell growth depending upon the cell line used and in a dose dependent manner. The extract induced potent apoptotic effects in MiaPaCa-2 cells. The population of apoptotic cells increased from 11.4% in case of control to 49.6% at 100 μg/ml of G. kurroo root extract. The extract also induced a remarkable decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) leading to apoptosis of cancer cells used. The main chemical constituents identified by the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MSMS) were found to be iridoid glucosides (iridoids and secoiridoids), xanthones and flavonoids. Iridoid glucosides are the bitter principles of Gentiana species. Loganic acid, Sweroside, Swertiamarin, Gentiopicroside, Gentisin, Isogentisin, Gentioside, Norswertianolin, Swertianolin, 4″-O-β-D-glucosyl-6'-O-(4-O-β-D-glucosylcaffeoyl)-linearoside and Swertisin were the principal compounds present in the methanol root extract of G. kurroo.

Laminarin induces apoptosis of human colon cancer LOVO cells through a mitochondrial pathway

Many scientific studies have shown that laminarin has anti-tumor effects, but the anti-tumor mechanism was unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of laminarin on the induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer LOVO cells and the molecular mechanism involved. LOVO cells were treated with different concentrations of laminarin at different times. Morphology observations were performed to determine the effects of laminarin on apoptosis of LOVO cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pH. Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) was used to analyze intracellular calcium ion concentration, mitochondrion permeability transition pore (MPTP) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Western blotd were performed to analyze the expressions of Cyt-C, Caspase-9 and -3. The results showed the apoptosis morphology, which showed cell protuberance, concentrated cytoplasm and apoptotic bodies, was obvious after 72 h treatment. Laminarin treatment for 24 h increased the intracellular level of ROS and Ca²⁺; decreased pH value; activated intracellular MPTP and decreased MMP in dose-dependent manners. It also induced the release of Cyt-C and the activation of Caspase-9 and -3. In conclusion, laminarin induces LOVO cell apoptosis through a mitochondrial pathway, suggesting that it could be a potent agent for cancer prevention and treatment.