Abstract: To illustrate the effects of Sonchus branchyotus DC (SBDC) aqueous extracts on human lung cancer A549 cells,assays,including morphologic changes observed by microscope, cell proliferation vitality tested by cell growth assay using cck8 kit,the apoptosis detected by Flow Cytometry,mitochondrial membrane potential assessed with the fluorescent probe JC-1 and reactive oxygen species formation measured by DCFH-DA staining,were performed. Observed with microscope,cells treated with high dose (≥1 mg/mL) of SBDC were shrunken and the morphological characteristics of apoptosis was obvious compared with the control group. Also, cell proliferation was significantly inhibited compared with the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis revealed the apoptosis cells treated with high dose of SBDC (≥1mg/mL) for 48 hours were significantly increased compared with the control group.Finally,it was found in all treatment groups that the significant decrease of cell mitochondrial membrane potential and the increase of reactive oxygen species level.These results demonstrated that SBDC may induce human lung cancer A549 cells apoptosis and inhibit the cells growth and proliferation.SBDC is a potential edible herb for cancer prevention and treatment.

Key words: Sonchus branchyotus DC, lung cancer cell, apoptosis, proliferation