Studies on in vitro antitumor activity of total steroidal glycoside from the root of Cynanchum auriculatum

In vitro cytotoxicity of total steroidal glycoside (CG) from the root of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight was studied on Hce-8693, PC_(3), Hela and PAA solid tumor cells by determining cell growth curve, MTT test, protein content assay and morphological observation. The results showed that CG exhibited potent cytotoxic effect on all four solid tumor cells lines in a concentration-dependent manner. After 4 d of treatment with CG, Hela cells proliferation distinctly declined with dramatic morphologic alteration, including some cell membrane shrinkage and nuclei pyknosis.