Chrysosplenol D can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer by inducing reactive oxygen species and autophagy

OBJECTIVE: To uncover the effects of chrysosplenol D (CHD) on the progression of prostate cancer in vitro as well as in mice. METHODS: DU145 and PC‐3 cells were treated with increasing doses of CHD for 24, 48, or 72 h. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and colony formation assays were conducted to confirm the effects of CHD on cell viability. Flow cytometry (FCM) and immunostaining assays showed the effects of CHD on cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Immunoblot was performed to detect the effects of CHD on autophagy. Besides, tumor growth assays were conducted to confirm the role of CHD in tumor growth in mice. GraphPad 6.0 was used for statistical analysis. All data were represented as mean ± SD. p < .05 and the significant difference was indicated by an asterisk. RESULTS: CHD suppressed the viability of prostate cancer cells in CCK‐8 assays, decreased colony number in colony formation assays, and induced cell apoptosis in FCM and immunostaining assays. CHD also restrained the oxidative stress with a decreased 2′‐7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining intensity. CHD restrained the autophagy of prostate cancer cells, as well as suppressed tumor growth in mice. CONCLUSION: CHD could serve as a drug for prostate cancer.