Cytotoxic activity of two natural sesquiterpene lactones, isobutyroylplenolin and arnicolide d, on human colon cancer cell line ht-29

Abstract

In this study, we found that two sesquiterpene lactones, isobutyroylplenolin and arnicolide D, from Centipeda minima L. (Compositae) exerted stronger cytotoxic activity than cisplatin on the human colon carcinoma HT-29 cell line. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of these two compounds on normal cells was weaker than that of cisplatin. Treatment with isobutyroylplenolin and arnicolide D increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and decreased the levels of nuclear factor-kB protein, resulting in cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and apoptosis. We also discuss the difference in structure and activity between these two compounds. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.