Baicalin extracted from Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by regulating B cell lymphoma (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein and activating caspase-3 and caspase-9.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of baicalin in human gastric cancer cells, including apoptosis-inducing effects, and to investigate its underlying mechanisms of action.

METHODS: Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed to investigate the anti-proliferation effects of baicalin in human gastric cancer BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. Real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor properties of baicalin.

RESULTS: In BGC-823 and MGC-803 gastric cancer cells treated with 80, 120, and 160 μmol/L baicalin for 48 h, a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay showed that baicalin significantly inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, while flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that baicalin could induce apoptosis, also in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, baicalin up-regulated the expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, and B cell lymphoma (Bcl-2)-associated X protein and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 at both the mRNA and protein level.

CONCLUSION: Baicalin has potential as a therapeutic agent for gastric cancer by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.