Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural flavonoid occurring in various plants and foods such as propolis and honey, reportedly opposes inflammation and carcinogenesis, but has rarely been applied in skin care. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the roles of chrysin in protection against UV-induced damage in HaCaT keratinocytes. Results showed that chrysin can attenuate apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression induced by UVB and UVA. Chrysin predominantly reversed the down-regulation of aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) by UVB. It predominantly reversed JNK activation and also mildly inhibited p38 activation triggered by UVA and UVB. Animal studies revealed that chrysin's topical application demonstrated efficient percutaneous absorption and no skin irritation. Overall, results demonstrated significant benefits of chrysin on the protection of keratinocytes against UVA- and UVB-induced injuries and suggested its potential use in skin photoprotection.     

Anthocyanins from black soybean seed coats inhibit UVB-induced inflammatory cylooxygenase-2 gene expression and PGE2 production through regulation of the nuclear factor-kappaB and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause inflammatory changes and may further contribute to skin carcinogenesis. Anthocyanins are known to be powerful antioxidants that help protect plants from UV damage. Recently, we isolated anthocyanins from black soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] seed coats. Thus, we investigated the protective effect of anthocyanins from black soybean seed coats on UVB radiation-induced inflammatory responses and the molecular mechanism responsible for regulation of apoptosis and inflammatory responses. Anthocyanins inhibited UVB-induced cylooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and PGE 2 production through a nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent pathway and regulation of the PI3 kinase/Akt pathway activated by UVB in a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. Topical application of anthocyanins prior to UVB irradiation of hairless mice also inhibited induction of COX-2 and PGE 2. In conclusion, it is suggested that anthocyanins from the seed coat of black soybeans can be used as a useful drug to modulate oxidative disorders including UVB-induced inflammation.     

Protective effect of anthocyanins from black soybean seed coats on UVB-induced apoptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo

UVB radiation proves to be one of the most relevant environmental risks because of its hazardous effects, such as premature skin aging and especially skin photocarcinogenesis. Anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments present in plants, are known to be powerful antioxidants that help protect plants from UV damage. In this study, we aimed at investigating the protective effect of anthocyanins from black soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] seed coats on UVB-induced apoptosis, and furthermore, we investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for regulation of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with anthocyanins reduced UVB-induced reactive oxygen species levels and inhibited UVB-induced apoptotic cell death through the prevention of caspase-3 pathway activation and reduction of proapoptotic Bax protein levels. UVB irradiation induced apoptotic cell death, which was inhibited by topical application of anthocyanins in hairless mice. It is concluded that anthocyanins from the seed coat of black soybeans may be useful compounds to modulate UVB-induced photoaging.     

Protective effect of structurally diverse grape procyanidin fractions against UV-induced cell damage and death

UV radiation leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecules exert a variety of harmful effects by altering key cellular functions and may result in cell death. Several studies have demonstrated that human skin can be protected against UV radiation by using plant-derived antioxidants. Here we evaluated the in vitro capacity of several antioxidant polyphenolic fractions from grape, which differ in their degree of polymerization and percentage of galloylation, to protect HaCaT human keratinocytes against UV-induced oxidative damage. These fractions inhibited both basal and UVB- or UVA-induced intracellular ROS generation in this cell line. Consequently, the same fractions inhibited p38 and JNK1/2 activation induced by UVB or UVA radiation. The highest protective effect was for fractions rich in procyanidin oligomers and gallate esters. These encouraging in vitro results support further research and should be taken into consideration into the clinical pharmacology of plant-derived polyphenolic extracts as novel agents for skin photoprotection.     

In Vitro Suppression of Growth of Murine WEHI-3 Leukemia Cells and in Vivo Promotion of Phagocytosis in a Leukemia Mice Model by Indole-3-carbinol

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a potential anticancer substance, can be found in cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetables, mainly cauliflower and Chinese cabbage. However, the bioactivity of I3C on the apoptotic effects of murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells and promotion of immune responses in leukemia mice model are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of I3C on cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro and immunomodulation in vivo. I3C decreased the viable WEHI-3 cells and caused morphological changes in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. I3C also led to G0/G1 phase arrest, decreased the levels of cyclin A, cyclin D, and CDK2, and increased the level of p21(WAF1/CIP1). Flow cytometric analyses further proved that I3C promoted ROS and intracellular Ca(2+) production and decreased the levels of ΔΨ(m) in WEHI-3 cells. Cells after exposure to I3C for 24 h showed DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation. Comet assay also indicated that I3C induced DNA damage in examined cells. I3C increased the levels of cytochrome c, FADD, GADD153, GRP78, and caspase-12 as well as induced activities of caspase-3, -8, and -9. Moreover, I3C attenuated NF-κB DNA binding activity in I3C-treated WEHI-3 cells as shown by EMSA and Western blotting analyses. In the in vivo study, we examined the effects of I3C on WEHI-3 leukemia mice. Results showed that I3C increased the level of T cells and decreased the level of macrophages. I3C also reduced the weights of liver and spleen, and it promoted phagocytosis by macrophages as compared to the nontreated leukemia mice group. On the basis of our results, I3C affects murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells both in vitro and in vivo.     

UVB exposure does not accelerate rates of litter decomposition in a semi-arid riparian ecosystem

Aboveground litter decomposition is controlled mainly by substrate quality and climate factors across terrestrial ecosystems, but photodegradation from exposure to high-intensity ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation may also be important in arid and semi-arid environments. We investigated the interactive effects of UVB exposure and litter quality on decomposition in a Tamarix-invaded riparian ecosystem during the establishment of an insect biological control agent in northern Nevada. Feeding by the northern tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) on Tamarix spp. trees leads to altered leaf litter quality and increased exposure to solar UVB radiation from canopy opening. In addition, we examined the dynamics of litter decomposition of the invasive exotic Lepidium latifolium, because it is well-situated to invade beetle-infested Tamarix sites. Three leaf litter types (natural Tamarix, beetle-affected Tamarix, and L. latifolium) differing in substrate quality were decomposed in litterbags for one year in the field. Litterbags were subjected to one of three treatments: (1) Ambient UVB or (2) Reduced UVB (where UVB was manipulated by using clear plastic films that transmit or block UVB), and (3) No Cover (a control used to test for the effect of using the plastic films, i.e. a cover effect). Results showed a large cover effect on rates of decomposition and nutrient release, and our findings suggested that frequent cycles of freeze-thaw, and possibly rainfall intensity, influenced decomposition at this site. Contrary to our expectations, greater UVB exposure did not result in faster rates of decomposition. Greater UVB exposure resulted in decreased rates of decomposition and P release for the lower quality litter and no change in rates of decomposition and nutrient release for the two higher quality litter types, possibly due to a negative effect of UVB on soil microbes. Among litter types, rates of decomposition and net release of N and P followed this ranking: L. latifolium > beetle-affected Tamarix > natural Tamarix. Altered nutrient dynamics with beetle introduction as well as the rapid decomposition rates exhibited by L. latifolium are consistent with vulnerability to secondary invasion. In this desert ecosystem, decomposition and nutrient release were strongly affected by litter type and much less so by UVB exposure.     

Antioxidant activities of phenolic acids on ultraviolet radiation-induced erythrocyte and low density lipoprotein oxidation

The exposure of mammalian cells to UV light induces various deleterious responses. Some of the major harmful effects are DNA damage, cell membrane peroxidation, systemic immune suppression, and aging acceleration. Reactive oxygen species and free radicals are believed to be largely responsible for some of the deleterious effects of UV upon cells. Typical administration of antioxidants has recently proved to represent a successful strategy for protecting the cells against UV-mediated oxidative damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid) on oxidative damage in human erythrocytes and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by UVB radiation. The results revealed that the thiobarbituric acids reactive substances induced by UVB were decreased from 2.78 to 0.12-0.89 nmol MDA/mg protein in erythrocyte ghost and from 0.72 to 0.14-0.43 nmol MDA/mg protein in LDL by the addition of phenolic acids (100 muM). Caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and gallic acid exhibited over 85 and 60% inhibitory effect toward UVB-induced oxidation in erythrocytes and LDL, respectively. Phenolic acids, especially gallic acid, could maintain the normal glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in hemolysate from erythrocytes that were exposed to UVB radiation in comparison with untreated control. The results indicate that the antioxidant activities of caffeic acid and ferulic acid play a potential role in protection against UVB oxidative damage to human erythrocytes and LDL.     

Vitamin D mushrooms: comparison of the composition of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) treated postharvest with UVB light or sunlight

This study compared the compositional changes in mushrooms exposed to sunlight with those occurring after commercial ultraviolet (UV) light processing. Button mushrooms (75 kg) were processed in the presence or absence of UVB light; a third group was exposed to direct sunlight. Mushroom composition was evaluated using chemical analyses. Vitamin D concentrations were 5, 410, and 374 μg/100 g (dw) in control, UVB, and sunlight groups, respectively. On a dry weight basis, no significant changes in vitamin C, folate, vitamins B(6), vitamin B(5), riboflavin, niacin, amino acids, fatty acids, ergosterol, or agaritine were observed following UVB processing. Sunlight exposure resulted in a 26% loss of riboflavin, evidence of folate oxidation, and unexplained increases in ergosterol (9.5%). It was concluded that compositional effects of UVB light are limited to changes in vitamin D and show no detrimental changes relative to natural sunlight exposure and, therefore, provide important information relevant to the suitability and safety of UVB light technology for vitamin D enhanced mushrooms.     

Effect of ingested concentrate and components of sake on epidermal permeability barrier disruption by UVB irradiation

Daily topical applications of the concentrate of sake (CS) have been shown to reduce epidermal barrier disruption in murine skin caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, while one of the components of sake, ethyl alpha-D-glucoside (alpha-EG), also reduces barrier disruption. We confirmed the effect of oral ingestion of various doses of CS on epidermal barrier disruption caused by UVB irradiation in hairless mice. Then, to identify the effective components, we quantitatively analyzed alpha-EG, organic acids, and glycerol, the main components of CS, and examined the effect of various concentration of each on barrier disruption. alpha-EG and organic acids showed comparable results to CS itself, and transepidermal water loss levels in murine skin were significantly decreased as compared with the control. Furthermore, an investigation of the dose dependency of these agents was performed and the results showed the significant effectiveness of alpha-EG. In addition, red wine concentrate (WC) and beer concentrate (BC) were examined in order to confirm the unique effects of CS. Similar effects were not found with WC and BC.     

Effect of short-term UVB exposure on vitamin D concentration of eggs and vitamin D status of laying hens

Vitamin D deficiency in humans is widespread, and only a few food items are important natural sources of vitamin D. This study investigated the effect of UVB exposure of laying hens on the vitamin D content in egg yolk. In a two-factorial design, hens fed a vitamin D-deficient (-D) or -adequate (+D) diet were nonexposed or exposed to UVB light over a period of 4 weeks. UVB exposure of the -D group caused nearly normal egg production rate and egg shell quality; exposure of the +D group did not further improve these parameters. UVB exposure tended to improve the concentration of plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D(3)), but had no effect on 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in plasma or on cholecalciferol and 25(OH)D(3) in egg yolk. The present study shows that a short-term exposure of laying hens to UVB light is not an appropriate way to improve the vitamin D content of egg yolk.     

Chemopreventive activity of polyphenolics from black Jamapa bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on HeLa and HaCaT cells

The antiproliferative effects of 100% methanol crude extract and of Toyopearl and silica gel fractions from the seed coats of black Jamapa beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were evaluated using HeLa, human adenocarcinoma cells, and HaCaT, human premalignant keratinocytes. The 100% methanol crude extract [172.2 microM equiv of (+)-catechin] increased adhesion of HeLa cells; however, 3- and 5-fold higher concentrations decreased the number of cells attached as a function of the treatment time. The highest concentration tested diminished the cell adhesion until 40% (after 24 h) to almost 80% (after 72 h). The IC50 values showed that the 100% methanol crude extract was the most effective inhibitor of HeLa cell proliferation, even when it was dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) [34.5 microM equiv of (+)-catechin] or in medium [97.7 microM equiv of (+)-catechin]. The Toyopearl 5 (TP5) fraction and silica gel 2 (SG2) fraction inhibited 60% of the HeLa cell proliferation. The IC50 was 154 microM equiv of (+)-catechin of the 100% methanol crude extract on HaCaT cells. Toyopearl fractions TP4 and TP6 significantly inhibited HaCaT cell proliferation, but the silica gel fractions did not have a significant effect. The 100% methanol crude extract (35 microg of dry material/mL) decreased the number of HeLa cells in the G0/G1 phase from 68.9% (for control cells) to 51.4% (for treated cells) and increased apoptosis (2.9 and 21.2% for control and treated cells, respectively). The results indicated that black Jamapa beans could be a source of polyphenolic compounds, which have an inhibitory effect toward HeLa cancer cells but are less aggressive on HaCaT premalignant cells.     

Individual- and scattered-tree influences on ultraviolet irradiance

Many of the potential effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR)—damage to materials, altered herbivory of insects and activity of microbes, modified growth of vegetation, and adverse or beneficial effects on human health—are modified by the presence of trees that influence UVR exposure to various degrees. Though tree effects on total solar irradiance have been investigated often by measurements and modeling, tree influences on UVR, particularly in the ultraviolet B (UVB, 320–280 nm), differ substantially from tree influences on the rest of the solar spectrum, and thus the ratio of UVB to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is altered. Trees greatly reduce both UVB and PAR irradiance in their shade when they obscure both the sun and sky. Beneath dense forest canopies, relative irradiance (I_r=irradiancebeneath trees/above-canopy irradiance) for both UVB and PAR radiation may be 0.01–0.02. In the shade of a single tree, I_r on the horizontal in the PAR and total shortwave (SW) was about 0.1, whereas in the UVB and ultraviolet A (UVA, 320–400 nm), I_r was about 0.4. Conversely, where direct beam radiation came through gaps between crowns in a group of deciduous trees in winter, PAR I_r values averaged 0.95 and UVB I_r averaged only 0.41. In comparisons of minimum values of I_r on horizontal and the south-facing vertical surfaces in tree shade for UVB, UVA, SW, and PAR, where UVB I_r on the horizontal ranged from 0.22 to 0.62, depending on solar zenith angle, UVB I_r on the vertical ranged from 0.05 to 0.27. UVB I_r consistently exceeded UVA I_r on both the horizontal and vertical surfaces. PAR and SW I_r differed little between horizontal and vertical surfaces in tree shade. Modeled average I_r on the horizontal below a regular grid of ellipsoidal tree crowns was given byI_p=1−m−(θ^0.711/5.05)sin(πm), where m is fraction of area covered by tree crowns and θ is solar zenith angle. The tree influences will vary with pollutants in the boundary layer, which affect scattering of UVR.     

Effect of postharvest ultraviolet irradiation on resveratrol and other phenolics of cv. Napoleon table grapes

In the skin of cv. Napoleon table grapes, the anthocyanins malvidin 3-glucoside (and its acetyl and p-coumaroyl derivatives), cyanidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, petunidin 3-glucoside, and delphinidin 3-glucoside were identified by HPLC-DAD-MS. In addition, quercetin 3-glucoside and 3-glucuronide, caffeoyltartaric, piceid, and resveratrol were also detected. The content of most phenolics remained quite constant during postharvest refrigerated storage (10 days at 0 degrees C) while the resveratrol derivatives increased 2-fold. Postharvest treatments of grapes with UVC and UVB light induced a large increase in resveratrol derivatives (3- and 2-fold, respectively). This means that a serving of mature Napoleon grapes (200 g) provides approximately 1 mg of resveratrol, which is in the range of the amount supplied by a glass of red wine. This can be increased to 2 or 3 mg of resveratrol per serving in grapes that have been irradiated with UVB or UVC, respectively. These results show that refrigerated storage and UV irradiation of table grapes can be beneficial in terms of increasing the content of potentially health-promoting phenolics.     

Lucidenic acid B induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells via a mitochondria-mediated pathway

Ganoderma lucidum is known as a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, the effect of lucidenic acids (A, B, C, and N) isolated from a new G. lucidum (YK-02) on induction of cell apoptosis and the apoptotic pathway in HL-60 cells were investigated. The results demonstrated that lucidenic acids decreased cell population growth of HL-60 cells, assessed with the MTT assay. The cell cycle assay indicated that treatment of HL-60 cells with lucidenic acid A, C, and N caused cell cycle arrest in the G 1 phase. Lucidenic acid B (LAB) did not affect the cell cycle profile; however, it increased the number of early and late apoptotic cells but not necrotic cells. Treatment of HL-60 cells with LAB caused loss of mitochondria membrane potential. Moreover, the ratio of expression levels of pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members was changed by LAB treatment. LAB-induced apoptosis involved release of mitochondria cytochrome c and subsequently induced the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, which were followed by cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Pretreatment with a general caspase-9 inhibitor (Z-LEHD-FMK) and caspase-3 inhibitor (Z-DEVD-FMK) prevented LAB from inhibiting cell viability in HL-60 cells. Our finding may be critical to the chemopreventive potential of lucidenic acid B.     

Yield and yield formation of field winter wheat in response to supplemental solar ultraviolet-B radiation

The stratospheric ozone decrease has heightened concern over the ecological implications of increasing solar UV-B radiation on agricultural production and natural plant ecosystems. UV-B is absorbed, and can damage many important plant species through a variety of interacting mechanisms. The effects of enhanced UV-B exposure on yield and yield formation of winter wheat associated with photosynthetic activity and total biomass development were investigated in this study. The overall experimental design included three UV-B treatments (two supplemental UV-B treatments and an ambient level) with three replicates of each treatment. Results suggested that the supplemental UV-B can cause the decrease of yield of winter wheat up to 24% with 11.4% increased UV-B. Supplemental UVB decreased dry matter accumulation most during the jointing–booting stage when the leaf area index (LAI) was the greatest. In addition, the supplemental U-VB appeared to effect the distribution of dry matter but did not effect the net assimilation ratio of the wheat.     

Tangeretin reduces ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in mouse epidermal cells by blocking mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation

The present study examined the effects of tangeretin, a polymethoxylated flavonone present in citrus fruits, on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in JB6 P+ mouse skin epidermal cells. Tangeretin suppressed UVB-induced COX-2 expression and transactivation of nuclear factor-κB and activator protein-1 in JB6 P+ cells. Moreover, tangeretin blocked UVB-induced phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38, and attenuated the phosphorylation of MAPK kinases 1/2, 3/6, and 4. Tangeretin also limited the endogenous generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby protecting the cells against oxidative stress. However, tangeretin did not scavenge the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and influence the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of tangeretin stem from its modulation of cell signaling and suppression of intracellular ROS generation. Tangeretin may have a potent chemopreventive effect in skin cancer.     

Inhibitory effect of phenolic acids on the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in relation to their antioxidant activity

Obesity is an important topic in the world of public health and preventive medicine. Inhibition of preadipocyte proliferation plays an important role in the mechanisms of proposed antiobesity. In this in vitro study, the inhibitory effect of phenolic acids on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was evaluated, and a relationship analysis was then conducted. The results showed that the addition of phenolic acids to the growth medium decreased the cell population growth of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The IC50 values of chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, o-coumaric acid and m-coumaric acid on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were 72.3, 43.3, 48.2, and 49.2 microM, respectively. A relationship analysis indicated that there is a significant linear correlation between the influence of phenolic acids on cell population growth and their antioxidant activity (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). The cell cycle assay indicated that the treatment of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with chlorogenic acid, o-coumaric acid, and m-coumaric acid caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Gallic acid did not affect the cell cycle profile; however, it increased the number of apoptotic cells (sub-G1 phase) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis flow cytometric assay showed that gallic acid increased the number of early apoptotic (annexin V-FITC+/PI-) and late apoptotic cells (annexin V-FITC+/PI+) but not necrotic cells (annexin V-FITC-/PI+). The treatment of cells with gallic acid caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi(m)). These results indicate that the inhibition of preadipocyte population growth by some phenolic acids might have further implication in in vivo antiobesity effects.     

Different effects of five catechins on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

Five catechins [(-)-epigallocatechins gallate (EGCG), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin (EC), and (+)-catechin (C)] were compared with regard to their effects on 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells--the vitro model of Parkinson's disease. Measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, 6-OHDA inhibited cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. When PC12 cells were pretreated with the five catechins for 30 min before exposure to 250 microM 6-OHDA, MTT results showed that the five catechins had different effects: EGCG and ECG had obvious concentration-dependent protective effects at 50-400 microM; EC and (+)-C had almost no effects; and EGC especially decreased cell viability. Catechins also had different effects on apoptotic morphology. Only 200-400 microM EGCG and ECG kept cells adhering well. When pretreated with other catechins at any concentration, PC12 cells became round and some of them were detached as when treated with 6-OHDA. In addition, typical apoptotic characteristics of PC12 cells were determined by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and DNA fragment electrophoresis after the cells were treated with 250 microM 6-OHDA for 24 h or pretreated with catechins before it. Preincubation with 200-400 microM EGCG and ECG led to significant inhibitory effects against PC12 cell apoptosis, as shown by flow cytometry. The other catechins have little protective effect. Therefore, at 200-400 microM, the classified protective effects of the five catechins were in the order ECG > EGCG > EC > (+)-C > EGC. The data also indicated that EGCG and ECG might be potent neuroprotective agents for Parkinson's disease. The results of fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragment analysis supported the conclusion.     

Pretreatment with an ethanolic extract of Taiwanofungus camphoratus (Antrodia camphorata) enhances the cytotoxic effects of amphotericin B

Taiwanofungus camphoratus, a well-known Chinese medicine used in Taiwan, possesses several pharmacological functions, including anticancer effects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate a novel anticancer effect by pretreating cancer cells with an ethanolic extract of T. camphoratus (TCEE) followed by the administration of an antifungal agent amphotericin B (AmB). Both TCEE and AmB showed significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HT29 cells. Pretreatment with a nontoxic dose of TCEE enhanced the cytotoxicity of AmB. Furthermore, significant apoptotic cell death was found in cells treated with TCEE and AmB. A combination treatment with AmB plus TCEE resulted in a significant repression of tumor growth in HT29 xenografts. Collectively, our results indicated that combined treatment with AmB and TCEE effectively induced apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth. In the future, TCEE may serve as a potential complementary and alternative medicine to treat patients suffering from colorectal cancer.