Anti-tumor mechanisms of Luteolin, a major Flavonoid oF Chrysanthemum Morifolium

SHI RANXIN

Publication

Anti-tumor mechanisms of Luteolin, a major Flavonoid oF Chrysanthemum Morifolium

SHI RANXIN

Abstract

Luteolin was identified as one of the most abundant components in the chrysanthemum fraction showing the most potent cytotoxicity against human cancer cells. In addition to its anti-tumor effect when used alone, luteolin significantly sensitized TNFI?-induced apoptosis through inhibition of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB and augmentation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation. Luteolin also significantly sensitized the apoptosis induced by TRAIL through down-regulation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, which was due to enhanced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, luteolin was able to enhance the anti-cancer effect of cisplatin through stablization of p53 protein. Finally, the anti-cancer potential of a combination of luteolin and cisplatin was confirmed in a xenograft nude mice model. The evidence from both in vitro and in vivo experiments clearly demonstrates the anti-tumor potential of luteolin as a chemo-sensitizer in cancer therapy.