Apoptosis and G(2)/M arrest induced by Allium ursinum (ramson) watery extract in an AGS gastric cancer cell line

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to determine whether Allium ursinum L (ramson) could inhibit the proliferation of human AGS gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, we attempted to determine whether this inhibition could occur by targeting regulatory elements of the cell cycle. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to observe apoptosis and the cell cycle in AGS cell lines treated or not treated with ramson watery extract. Proteins related to the cell cycle were detected by Western blotting. Caspase activity was measured using a colorimetric assay kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. RESULTS: Ramson watery extract induced apoptosis and G(2)/M phase arrest in AGS cells. Western blotting showed that cyclin B was inhibited by ramson watery extract. However, G(1) phase-related proteins remain unchanged after treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that ramson effectively sup pressed proliferation and induced apoptosis and G(2)/M arrest in AGS cells by regulating elements of the cell cycle.