Inhibitory effects of polyphenols-enriched extracts from Debregeasia orientalis leaf against human cervical cancer in vitro & in vivo

Debregeasia orientalis, an important Chinese medicinal herb, has a long history for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. In this study, the antitumour activities of D. orientalis leaf polyphenols (DOLPs) against human cervical cancer Hela cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Hela cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were investigated, the results revealed that DOLPs could inhibit Hela cell proliferation by blocking cell-cycle progression, inducing apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. Moreover, Hela cells treated with DOLPs also showed an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. These results suggesting that the apoptotic effect of DOLPs on Hela cells was associated with an increased level of ROS and ROS production mediate apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. This article not only provides a basis for the functional mechanism and future application of DOLPs, but also promotes the high value utilization of D. orientalis leaf.