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Effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on apoptosis in A375.S2 melanoma cells
Joo Hyoung Kim1,2, Yong Chan Bae1, Jae Woo Lee1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
Background:
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, and metastatic malignant melanoma is very difficult to treat. Ginsenoside Rg3 extracted from ginseng has been reported to have anticancer effects in various kinds of cancer. It has also been reported that Rg3 induced apoptosis and inhibited metastasis of melanoma cells derived from rats, but studies on the anti-cancer effects of Rg3 on melanoma cells originating from humans have been rarely reported. In this study, to investigate whether Rg3 has anticancer effects in human melanoma cells, A375.S2 cells were used to determine whether Rg3 induces apoptosis of malignant melanoma cells and which signaling pathway leads to apoptosis.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted in vitro experiments. First, we examined the effect of Rg3 on A375.S2 cells to change cell viability, cell morphology, colony formation ability, and cell motility. And then, through the use of flow cytometric assay, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry, we examined that Rg3-treated melanoma cells were killed through apoptosis. Finally, we examined the signaling pathway of apoptosis by measuring cell viability after treatment with apoptotic kinase inhibitor.
Results:
As a result, cell viability, cell morphology, colony formation ability, and cell motility of A375.S2 cells treated with Rg3 were changed. After this experiment, we demonstrated that Rg3 induces A375.S2 melanoma cell apoptosis. Also, this apoptosis can be related to the MEK signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
We have shown that Rg3 can induce apoptosis of A375.S2 human melanoma cells through this study.
Insights
Ginsenoside Rg3 induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells, offering potential for treating aggressive skin cancer. This study explores its anti-cancer effects and the related MEK signaling pathway.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with limited treatment options for metastatic disease.
- Ginsenoside Rg3, derived from ginseng, exhibits anticancer properties in various cancers.
- Previous studies indicated Rg3's anti-melanoma effects in rat cells, but human cell data is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticancer effects of Ginsenoside Rg3 on human melanoma cells (A375.S2).
- To determine if Rg3 induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells.
- To identify the signaling pathway involved in Rg3-induced apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments were performed on A375.S2 melanoma cells.
- Assessed Rg3's impact on cell viability, morphology, colony formation, and motility.
- Utilized flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry to confirm apoptosis induction.
- Investigated the apoptosis signaling pathway using apoptotic kinase inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Ginsenoside Rg3 significantly altered A375.S2 cell viability, morphology, colony formation, and motility.
- Demonstrated that Rg3 treatment effectively induces apoptosis in A375.S2 human melanoma cells.
- Identified a potential link between Rg3-induced apoptosis and the MEK signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
- Ginsenoside Rg3 demonstrates the ability to induce apoptosis in A375.S2 human melanoma cells.
- These findings suggest Rg3 as a potential therapeutic agent for human melanoma.
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