Growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effect of Perilla frutescens extract on human hepatoma HepG2 cells

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (Lamiaceae) has traditionally been used to treat diseases, including tumors, but the antitumorigenesis mechanism is unclear. We evaluated the effects of Perilla frutescens leaf extract (PLE) on proliferation and apoptosis inducing in human hepatoma HepG2 cells using a cell proliferation assay, flow cytometry, and cDNA microarrays. Gene expression and apoptosis were also assessed in HepG2 cells treated with a major constituent of PLE, rosmarinic acid (RosA). In the PLE-treated HepG2 cells, antiproliferative activity (105 μg/mL) were observed, flow cytometry revealed significant apoptosis, and microarray data indicated that the expression of a lot apoptosis-related genes were regulated in a time-dependent manner. Compared with PLE, RosA (10 μg/mL; a dose equivalent to 105 μg/mL of PLE) was less effective in increasing the expression of apoptosis-related genes and apoptosis inducing in HepG2 cells. Thus, additional PLE constituents may influence apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The results of our study suggest that the PLE should be further investigated as a promising to treat hepatocellular carcinoma.