Detection of anticancer activity from the root of Angelica gigas in vitro

Abstract

Anticancer activity of a fraction of the ethanol extract from the root of Korean angelica (Angelica gigas Nakai) was recognized in human cancer cell lines HeLa , K-562, and Hep . The extract blocked the phorbol ester-inducing megakaryocytic differentiation of K-562 cells, which indicated the modification of protein kinase C (PKC) activity. In vitro assay showed the activation of PKC by the extract. An effective fraction of the Angelica gigas extract, of which value was 0.64 in a thin layer chromatography, was a different component from those of European angelicas. The value of the fraction was 8, 9, and against HeLa , and K-562 cells, respectively, while the fraction showed higher values against normal cell lines.