Induction of apoptosis by Angelica decursiva extract is associated with the activation of caspases in glioma cells

The Angelica decursiva has been used in Korean traditional medicine as an antitussive, an analgesic, an antipyretic and a cough remedy. However, its anti-tumor activity has been completely unknown. In this study, therefore, we have examined the cytotoxic activity of ethanol extract of Angelica decursiva root (EEAD), and the mechanism of cell death exhibited by EEAD in C6 rat glioma cells. Treatment of EEAD in C6 cells induced the apoptotic cell death in a concentrationand a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the proteolytic processing of caspase-3, -7, and -9 was increased by EEAD treatment in C6 cells. In addition, activation of caspase-3 and -7 was detected in living C6 cells by fluorescence microscopy. These results suggest that EEAD can induce the suppression of cell growth and cell apoptosis in C6 rat glioma cells, and therefore, that it may have potential properties for anti-tumor drug discovery.