Andrographolide from the herb Andrographis paniculata induces apoptosis on cultured human leukemic cells

Objectives: Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) is a widely used herb that has potential medical properties. Andrographolide (Andro) is the major component of A. paniculata. We evaluated the anti-tumor activity of Andro using leukemic cell line cells. Methods: Leukemic cell lines U937, HL60 or H929 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of Andro and compared with the effects of Ara-C or vincristine. The anti-tumor activity was assessed by morphological observations of the cells, DNA fragmentation, MTT assay, Annexin V positive rate, caspase-3/7 activity, and cell cycle analysis. Results: After addition of Andro, the morphology of cells changed to characteristic shapes with apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, the Annexin V positive rate and caspase-3/7 activities were increased compared with untreated cells. The G1 phase of cell cycle was also similarly increased compared with cells treated with Ara-C. Conclusions: Our results show that Andro has an anti-tumor activity against leukemic cell lines, very possibly by inducing apoptosis.