Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata shows anti-proliferative activity and anti-inflammatory effects in human monocytic leukemia cells

Abstract

Objectives: Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) is a major medicinal herb, and andrographolide (Andro) is the main component of A. paniculata. Here we evaluated the anti-proliferative activity and anti-inflammatory effects of Andro on THP-1human monocytic leukemia cell line. Methods: THP-1 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of Andro, Ara-C or vincristine. The anti-cancer activities of Andro were assessed by cell morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, MTT assay, annexin V positive rate and caspase-3/7 activities. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured after addition of Andro. Results: MTT assays showed that Andro inhibited cell proliferation of THP-1 cells. Further, annexin V and caspase-3/7 positive rates were increased by Andro compared with untreated cells, indicating induction of apoptosis. IL-6, TNF-α and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were increased by LPS, but the addition of Andro blocked the induction of cytokines by LPS. Conclusions: These results suggest that Andro has anti-proliferative effects and anti-inflammatory activities via induction of apoptosis and the suppression of NF-κB, respectively.

Keywords

• andrographis paniculata
• andrographolide
• human monocytic leukemia cells
• inflammatory cytokine
• nf-κb