Effects of berberine on the proliferation of human pulmonary carcinoma cells

AIM: To study the effect of berberine on the proliferation of human pulmonary carcinoma cells (PG cells). METHODS: The proliferation of PG cells was determined by using MTT assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis of PG cells were determined by using flow cytometry. Confocal scanning imaging system was used to assay the ROS-releasing level of PG cells. RESULTS: Berberine was shown to inhibit proliferation of PG cells directly and in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05，P<0.01). Berberine blocked the cell cycle of PG cells， and beberine at concentration of 40 mg/L induced the apoptosis of PG cells. After 6 or 12 h incubation, berberine began to induce ROS-releasing in PG cells at 10 mg/L. While incubated with berberine for 24 h, PG cells were induced to release ROS at lower concentration. CONCLUSION: Berberine has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of PG cells, and these effect may be carried out by regulating the production of intracellular ROS and the process of cell cycle.