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Alisol A Exerts Anti-Proliferative Activity against Human Oral Cancer Cells through Triggering JNK/p38 MAPK-Mediated

Yi-Tzu Chen1,2,3, Shao-Hsuan Kao4,5, Chun-Yi Chuang6,7

  • 1School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.

Oncology Research
|November 3, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Alisol A, a natural compound, effectively combats oral cancer by inducing apoptosis through the JNK and p38 signaling pathways. This research highlights Alisol A

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Molecular Biology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Alisol A, derived from Alismatis Rhizoma, possesses known anticancer and neuroprotective properties.
  • Oral cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of natural compounds like Alisol A is crucial for drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticancer effects of Alisol A on oral cancer cell lines.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for Alisol A's cytotoxic activity.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of Alisol A in oral cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability assessed via MTT assay.
  • Cell cycle analysis conducted using flow cytometry.
  • Apoptosis evaluated through Annexin V/PI staining and caspase activation assays.
  • Signaling pathway analysis employed apoptosis-related protein arrays, immunoblotting, and kinase inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Alisol A significantly reduced oral cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis.
  • Alisol A modulated apoptosis-related proteins, including HO-1, cIAP1, and XIAP.
  • Activation of caspase-3, -8, -9, and PARP cleavage was observed.
  • Alisol A activated MAPK pathways, specifically JNK and p38, which were critical for apoptosis induction.

Conclusions:

  • Alisol A demonstrates potent anticancer activity against oral cancer cells.
  • Apoptosis induction, mediated by caspase activation and JNK/p38 signaling, underlies Alisol A's efficacy.
  • Alisol A shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for oral cancer.
Keywords:
Alisol Aapoptosisc-Jun N-terminal kinaseoral squamous cancer cellp38

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