Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: March 3, 2023
[Inhibition activity of Scutellariae barbata extracts against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells]
Jing-ming Lin1, Yu Liu, Rong-cheng Luo
1Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Objective:
To investigate the inhibition effect of Scutellariae barbata extracts on the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line QGY-7701.
Methods:
The inhibition activity of the extracts against cell line QGY-7701 was estimated by MTT assay. Morphologic changes of the cells were observed under light microscope and electronic microscope. Cell cycle distribution, cell apoptosis and expressions of apoptosis-associated genes as Bcl-2, Bax and Fas were analyzed by flow cytometry.
Results:
Extracts of Scutellariae barbata could inhibit the proliferation of QGY-7701. When treated with the extracts for 72 h, cells at the early stage of apoptosis showed morphologic changes, apoptotic cells increased, cells at G0/G1 phase decreased and those at G2/M phase increased, the expression of Bax significantly up-regulated and that of Bcl-2 down-regulated with no change in Fas gene.
Conclusion:
The extracts of Scutellariae barbata inhibit the proliferation of QGY-7701, which may relate to the activation of anti-oncogene Bcl-2, induction of cell apoptosis and inhibition of G to S phase cell cycle progress.
Insights
Scutellariae barbata extracts show potential in inhibiting human hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth. These extracts induce apoptosis and alter cell cycle progression, offering a novel therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health challenge.
- Identifying novel therapeutic agents for HCC is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the inhibitory effects of Scutellariae barbata extracts on the proliferation of the QGY-7701 human HCC cell line.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.
Main Methods:
- MTT assay to assess cell proliferation inhibition.
- Microscopy for observing morphologic changes.
- Flow cytometry for cell cycle distribution, apoptosis analysis, and gene expression (Bcl-2, Bax, Fas).
Main Results:
- Scutellariae barbata extracts significantly inhibited QGY-7701 cell proliferation.
- Induced morphologic changes indicative of early apoptosis.
- Increased apoptotic cells and altered cell cycle distribution (decreased G0/G1, increased G2/M).
- Modulated expression of apoptosis-related genes: upregulated Bax, downregulated Bcl-2, with no change in Fas.
Conclusions:
- Scutellariae barbata extracts demonstrate anti-proliferative effects on HCC cells.
- Mechanisms involve Bcl-2 activation, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest.
- Potential for Scutellariae barbata as a therapeutic agent against HCC.