Scutellarein apoptosis mediated by mitochondria in oral squamous cell carcinomas

Background: The growth of several cancers can be inhibited by naturally occurring medicinal plants. A flavone called Scutellarein found in the perennial herb Scutellaria lateriflora does have a wide range of biological functions. Scutellarein was studied to determine whether it could induce apoptosis and cause cytotoxicity. Methods: On oral squamous cell carcinoma KB cell lines, Scutellarein's cytotoxic activity was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Scutellarein was added to KB cells at concentrations ranging from 25 to 125 g/mL for 24 h. The real-time polymerase chain reaction was also used to investigate apoptotic induction potential in Scutellarein-incubated KB cell lines by analyzing Bcl-2 protein and gene expression. Results: In KB-cell lines treated with scutellarein, cytotoxicity and anticancer effects were observed, as well as inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In comparison to the cells not treated with scutellarein, KB cells that had been exposed to scutellarein displayed reduced Bcl-2 expression. Conclusion: KB cells were treated with scutellarein to induce apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a chemo preventative agent. This activity appears to be mediated through the modulation of Bcl-2, a cytotoxic gene.