Sanshool from Zanthoxylum L. induces apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells

Abstract

Anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction activities of sanshool isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Rutaceae) in HepG2 cells were investigated. Cell proliferation was analyzed using MTT assays. Apoptotic bodies were observed under scanning electron microscopy. Nucleus staining using dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DAPI) was performed and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) using rhodamine-123 was observed under laser confocal microscopy. Sanshool inhibited cell proliferation in both a dose and time-dependent manner. The anti-proliferation activity was stimulated with apoptosis induction based on an increase in the sub-G1 cell population, DNA fragmentation, and typical apoptotic morphological changes. Sanshool also disrupted ΔΨm and up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of p53 and caspase-3. Sanshool induced apoptosis via a mitochondrion-dependent pathway. Thus, sanshool is a potential anticancer medicine.