Effect of capparis spinosa total alkaloid on proliferation and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in an intervertebral disc degeneration rat model / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Capparis spinosa total alkaloids (CSTA) have certain effects on cell growth and extracellular matrix synthesis. The aging and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells are one of the main pathologies of intervertebral disc degeneration. Therefore, it is assumed that CSTA may have certain effect on the degeneration of the intervertebral disc. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of CSTA on intervertebral disc degeneration rat model and nucleus pulposus cells. METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, model, CSTA-H, and CSTA-L groups with eight in each group. Rat models of intervertebral disc degeneration were made in the model group, CSTA-L group and CSTA-H group. The CSTA-L and CSTA-H groups were given intragastric administration of CSTA 225 mg/kg/d and 450 mg/kg/d for 4 weeks respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the intervertebral disc. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to detect the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan. Nucleus pulposus cells from the intervertebral disc of another two Sprague-Dawley rats were separated, cultured and divided into a control group, an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) group and an administration group (OGD+CSTA 10 mg/L). After being cultured for 24 hours, the morphology of nucleus pulposus cells was observed, the cell proliferation ability was detected by cell counting kit-8, the cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan were detected by western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Compared with the sham group, the intervertebral disc tissue of the model group showed fiber ring fissures, aggregation and shrinking of nucleus pulposus cells, and different improvements were found in the CSTA-L and CSTA-H groups. (2) The expression levels of type II collagen and aggrecan in the model group were significantly lower than those in the sham, CSTA-L and CSTA-H groups (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with the control group, the cells in the OGD group showed irregular morphology and death status, whereas the cell morphology in the administration group was improved. (4) Compared with the control group, nucleus pulposus cells in the OGD group showed lower proliferation, higher apoptotic rate, and lower levels of type II collagen and aggrecan (P < 0.05). Compared with the OGD group, nucleus pulposus cells in the administration group showed faster proliferation, lower apoptotic rate, and higher levels of type II collagen and aggrecan. To conclude, CSTA can improve intervertebral disc degeneration by promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells as well as inhibiting the degradation of extracellular matrix.

Identification of Uygur Herb Capparis spinose Based on Sequences of the Plastid psbA-trnH Intergenic Regions / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To provide a reference for molecular biology identification of C. spinosa by comparing and analyzing the sequence of psbA-trnH gene intergenic regions between Capparis spinosa L. and others 8 medicinal plants. METHODS: Total DNA were extracted, psbA-trnH intergenic regions sequences were isolated using PCR amplification, and sequence analysis, evaluation of intraspecific and interspecific genetic distance used the Kimura 2 parameter(K2P)model as well as construction of phylogenetic tree based on UPGMA were conducted by the MEGA7. RESULTS: Compared with C. spinosa, the interspecific genetic distance is 0.045-0.474. The average is 0.238. The interspecific minimum was larger than the intraspecific maximum. The results of UPGMA tree indicated every species was sorted out and C. spinosa was distinguished from the others effectively. CONCLUSION: The sequences of chloroplast psbA-trnH gene intergenic regions is valuable for the identification and study of C. spinosa.

Effects of Capparis spinosa Total Alkaloid on Notch Pathway in Mice with Systemic Sclerosis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of Capparis spinosa total alkaloid on Notch pathways related protein Notch2， Delta-like 3 （DLL3）， Jagged1 and Notch intracellular domain 1 （NICD1） in mice with systemic sclerosis （SSc）. METHODS： BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank control group， model group， positive control group （penicillamine 125 mg/kg）， C. spinosa total alkaloid low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （225， 450， 900 mg/kg）， with 16 mice in each group. Except for blank control group， other groups were given bleomycin subcutaneously for 4 weeks to induce SSc model. C. spinosa total alkaloid groups were given relevant dose of C. spinosa total alkaloid cream for external use. Positive control group was given relevant dose of penicillamine intragastrically. Blank control group and model groups were given cream matrix without drug， once a day， for consecutive 8 weeks. 4 h after last administration， the skin of the administration area of each group of mice was collected. mRNA expression of Notch2 and NICD1 was detected by real-time PCR； the content of DLL3 was measured by ELISA； the protein expression of Jagged1 in skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemstry. RESULTS： Compared with blank control group， mRNA expression of Notch2 and NICD1， DLL3 content， protein expression of Jagged1 were markedly increased， with statistical significance （P＜0.01）. Compared with model group， mRNA expression of NICD1， DLL3 content and protein expression of Jagged1 were decreased significantly in C. spinosa total alkaloid medium-dose and high-dose groups， positive control group， mRNA expression of Notch2 in skin tissue were decreased significantly in C. spinosa total alkaloid high-dose group and positive control group， with statistical significance （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS： C. spinosa total alkaloid can inhibit the abnormal expression of Notch2， NICD1， DLL3 and Jagged1 in skin tissue of SSc model mice， and inhibit over activation of Notch pathway in SSc model mice.

Hepatoprotective and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Algerian Capparis spinosa. L

The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of methanolic extracts from fruits and leaves of Capparis spinosa. For hepatoprotective activity, liver injury was induced in male Wistar mice by administration of CCl4 (1 ml / kg of CCl4 30% in olive oil,), while C. spinosa leaf extract (CSLE) and fruit extract (CSFE) were administered orally to the experimental animals. Haematoxylin and Eosin based histology was performed to evaluate the histological changes in the liver. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using albumin denaturation assay and membrane stabilization inhibitory activity at different concentrations. The methanol extracts showing effective in vitro anti-inflammatory activity were also tested for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice model. At a dose of 400 mg / kg, both extracts showed significant reduction of edema in the early and late phases of acute inflammation with a maximal effect at 6 hours after induction of the inflammation. Also and at the concentration of 400 µg / ml, the CSFE and CSLE exhibited significant protection of erythrocyte membrane against the lysis induced by heat (35.4% and 28.4%, respectively) and induced hypotonicity (58.9% and 72.8%, respectively). They also showed a significant protective effect, with a maximum percent of inhibition of the denaturation of albumin of 61.78% and 61.12%, respectively. Moreover, both extracts showed significant hepatoprotective activity that was evident by enzymatic examination and histopathological study. These findings proved that CSFE and CSLE have an anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities, although slightly better for the leaf extract.

Anti-inflammatory and Immuno-modulatory Effects of Capparis spinosa Flower Bud Extract

Aims: Capparis spinosa L. is a plant widely used in traditional medicine for its different purpose including the anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant and to define its possible mechanism of action by verifying its effect on the production of some inflammatory mediators. Methodology: The anti-inflammatory activity of Capparis spinosa bud methanolic extract was evaluated in vivo, using paw edema and air pouch inflammation models. In vitro, the ability of the extract to modulate the production of some pro and anti-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8 and IL-10 released from peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by concanavalin A was evaluated. Moreover, the effect of the extract on LTB4 and superoxide anion released from neutrophils was tested. Results: Results showed that the oral administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of Capparis spinosa methanolic extract reduced significantly carrageenan-induced paw edema. Above 2 h, both doses of the extract exerted a significant (P < 0.001) anti-edematous effect, with 52%-69%. In addition, this extract inhibited the neutrophil migration into the air pouch. The inhibition exerted by 1 mg/pouch of the extract (48.92%) was better than that exerted by indomethacin, used as reference. On the other hand, the extract inhibited significantly the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, LTB4 and superoxide anion generation. At 100 µg/mL, the inhibition values were 21.28%, 38.04%, 20.84% and 71.16%, respectively. In contrast, the extract did not show any significant effect on the release of IL-8 and IL-10. Conclusion: Capparis spinosa bud extract inhibited the inflammatory process by modulating the pro-inflammatory mediator release. Thus this extract can offer a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Effects of Capparis Spinosa Total Alkaloid on Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Smad4 Signaling Pathways in Systemic Sclerosis / 医药导报

Objective To evaluate the effects of capparis spinosa total alkaloid on transforming growth factor-β( TGF-β)/Smad4 signalling pathways in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods A total of 90 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, penicillamine ( 125 mg·kg-1) group and Capparis spinosa total alkaloid low (225 mg·kg-1),medium (450 mg·kg-1) and high ( 900 mg·kg-1) dose group. Except for the normal control group,SSc mouse model was established by daily subcutaneous injection of bleomycin in the back of the mice.After the establishment of the model,Capparis spinosa total alkaloid emulsifiable paste was externally applied to Capparis spinosa total alkaloid group,ground substance was externally applied to the mice in normal control group and model control groups, and penicillamine was intragastrically administrated in the penicillamine group for 60 days,once daily.After the treatment,The expression of TGF-β1in skin tissue was detected by Western-blotting and the levels of actin / in receptor-like kinase / Smad4, nuclear factor-κB in skin tissue were measured by ELISA. Results The expression of TGF-β1was significantly decreased after administration of 225,450 and 900 mg·kg-1capparis spinosa total alkaloid, and the levels of ALK1 and Smad4 were significantly decreased after administration of 900 mg·kg-1capparis spinosa total alkaloid as compared with model control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01),but the content of NF-κB was not influenced (P>0.05). Conclusion Capparis spinosa total alkaloid can accommodate abnormal expression of TGF-β1/Smad4 signalling pathways in SSc.

Effects of crude extract of Capparis spinosa L. fruit alkaloids on the maturation of murine dendritic cells / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of crude extract of Capparis spinosa L. fruit alka-loids (CSFA) on the maturation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Methods CSFA was prepared and the contents were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. DCs were trea-ted with different doses (1, 2, 3 mg/ml) of CSFA. The viability of DCs, the expression of surface mole-cules and the ability of phagocytosis were detected by flow cytometry. The secretion of cytokines was meas-ured by ELISA. Western blot assay was performed to analyze the activation of key molecules in mitogen-acti-vated protein kinases ( MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B ( NF-κB) signaling pathways. Results The re-sults showed that CSFA alone had no significant influence on the expression of surface molecules and cyto-kines in DCs. However, it significantly decreased the expression of CD40, CD80, CD86 and MHC Ⅱ as well as the secretion of IL-12p40 and TNF-αthat were induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), but increased IL-10 secretion and the ability of phagocytosis after treating DCs with both CSFA and LPS. Further, the phosphorylation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and the nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65 induced by LPS were inhibited by CSFA. Conclusion CSFA could inhibit the maturation of DCs and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS while in-creasing the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and the ability of phagocytosis, which might in-volve MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. This study suggests that CSFA could be used as a potential im-munosuppressant.

Effects of Capparis Spinosa Total Alkaloid on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Endothelin-1 and Soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Levels in Mice with Systemic Sclerosis / 医药导报

Objective To observe the effects of Capparis spinosa total alkaloid on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),endothelin-1(ET-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels in systemic sclerosis (SSc) mouse model and explore the therapeutic mechanism of Capparis spinosa total alkaloid for the treatment of SSc. Methods A total of 90 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank control group,model control group,penicillamine (125 mg·kg-1) group and Capparis spinosa total alkaloid low(225 mg·kg-1),medium(450 mg·kg-1) and high(900 mg·kg-1) dose group. Except for the blank control group,SSc mouse model was established by daily subcutaneous injection of bleomycin in the back of the mice.After establishing model successfully,Capparis spinosa total alkaloid emulsifiable paste was externally applied with Capparis spinosa total alkaloid group,ground substance was externally applied to the mice in blank control group and model control groups,penicillamine was intragastrically administrated in the penicillamine group for 60 days,once daily.After the treatment,the content of VEGF in skin tissue and ET-1,sVCAM-1 in serum were measured by ELISA. Results The levels of VEGF and ET-1 were significantly decreased in Capparis spinosa total alkaloid high dose group as compared with model control group(P<0.05, P<0.01),but the content of sVCAM-1 wasn't influenced(P>0.05). Conclusion Capparis spinosa total alkaloid is effective in adjusting abnormal expression of VEGF and ET-1 in SSc mice.

Profile of bioactive compounds of Capparis spinosa var. aegyptiaca growing in Egypt

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to investigate polyphenolic and sulphur contents of the aerial parts of Capparis spinosa var. aegyptia (Lam.) Boiss., Capparaceae, wildly growing in Egypt. The chemical compositions of the water distilled essential oil were investigated by GC/MS analysis where the major constituent of the oil was methyl isothiocyanate (24.66%). Hydroethanolic extract was evaluated by LC-HRESI-MS–MS in both positive and negative modes. Forty-two compounds were identified including quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives in addition to myricetin, eriodictyol, cirsimaritin and gallocatechin derivatives. Quercetin tetrahexoside dirhamnoside as well as kaempferol dihexoside dirhamnoside have not been identified before in genus Capparis. Phenolic acids, such as quinic acid, p-coumaroyl quinic acid and chlorogenic acid were also identified. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity of hydroethanolic extract against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7; breast adenocarcinoma cells, Hep-G2; hepatocellular carcinoma cells and HCT-116; colon carcinoma) using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed significant effect with IC50 values 24.5, 24.4 and 11 µg/ml, compared to Doxorubicin as a standard cytotoxic drug. C. spinosa revealed itself as a promising candidate for nutraceutical researches.

Effects of Capparis Spinosa Total Alkaloid on MMP-9 and TIMP-1 Levels in Systemic Sclerosis Mice / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of capparis spinosa total alkaloid on type collagen (ColⅣ - ),Ⅳmatrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in bleomycin-induced systemic sclerosis (SSc) mice; To explore the effective mechanism of capparis spinosa total alkaloid on fibrosis of SSc. Methods Totally 90 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, penicillamine group and capparis spinosa total alkaloid low-, medium- and high-dose group. Mice models with SSc were established by repeated local injections of bleomycin in mice back, except for the control group. Mice in medication groups received external application with capparis spinosa total alkaloid cream;mice in penicillamine group were given penicillamine for gavage; mice in the control and model group received external application without substance, one time a day, for 60 days. The contents of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and PAI-1 in serum and Col- in skin tissue were dⅣ etected respectively by ELISA after the last medication. Results Compared with the model group, the levels of MMP-9 and ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 markedly increased and the levels of Col-Ⅳand TIMP-1 markedly decreased in medium and high- dose of capparis spinosa total alkaloid group (P0.05). Conclusion Capparis spinosa total alkaloid is effective in treating fibrosis of SSc by adjusting imbalance of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and decreasing expression of Col-Ⅳ.

Effects of Capparis Spinosa Total Alkaloid on TypeⅢ Collagen Expression in Systemic Sclerosis Mice / 中国医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the effects of capparis spinosa total alkaloid on the pathological changes and the type Ⅲ collagen(COL?Ⅲ)expression in systemic sclerosis(SSc)mice. Methods Mice models with SSc were established by repeated local injection of bleomycin in BALB/c mice back. After administration of capparis spinosa total alkaloid ,the pathological changes of skin and lung tissue were observed ,and the COL?Ⅲ expression was detected by ELISA. Results Compared with the model group,the inflammation and fibrosis of skin and lung tissue were improved,and the level of COL?Ⅲ was markedly reduced by treatment of high dose capparis spinosa total alkaloid(P<0.05). Conclusion Cap?paris spinosa total alkaloid is effective in treating fibrosis of SSc.

Analysis of chemical constituents in Capparis spinosa by GC-MS / 药学实践杂志

Objective To analyze the chemical constituents in fruits of Capparis spinosa by GC-MS analysis .Methods The compounds were extracted from Capparis spinosa by 70% ethanol after smash .After extraction by petroleum ether (boil-ing range was from 60 to 90 ℃) ,the compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography with a VF-5ms capillary column .The column was heated up from 80 ℃ to 300 ℃ ,15 ℃/min ,then maintained for 10 minutes ,vaporization temperature was 250 ℃ , carrier gas was Helium and the flow rate was 1 ml/min .The detection was carried out by mass spectrometry using electron im-pact ion source with 70 eV ionization voltages .The ion source temperature was 200 ℃ and split ratio was 30∶1 .The injection volume was 1 .0 μl .The content of the compounds was determined with peak area normalization method .Results 53 chroma-tographically peaks were separated and 48 chemical constituents were identified including hexadecanoic acid (21 .82% ) ,octade-canoic acid (7 .49% ) ,oleinic acid (42 .93% ) and monoolein (2 .39% ) .These chemical constituents were mainly saturated fatty acid ester ,unsaturated fatty acid ester and alkanes .Conclusion The method is rapid ,accurate and sensitive with the usage of GC-MS ,which could be used to identify main chemical constituents of Capparis spinosa in fruit .

Content Determination of 4 Index Components in Uygur Medicine Capparis spinosa by HPLC / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish the method for determining the contents of protocatechuic acid,rutin,gallic acid and kaempferol in Uygur medicine Capparis spinosa. METHODS:HPLC was performed on the column of Agilent C18 with the mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid solution(7∶93,V/V)at the flow rate of 1.0 ml/min,the detection wavelength was 327 nm,column temperature was 30 ℃ and volume was 10 μl. RESULTS:The linear range was 0.260 0-50.0 μg for protocatechuic ac-id(r=0.995 6),3.109 0-102.0 μg for rutin(r=0.999 9),1.018 0-40.0 μg for gallic acid (r=0.998 9) and 0.063 0-36.0 μg for kaempferol(r=0.998 8);RSDs of precision,stability and reproducibility tests were all no more than 1.20%;average recoveries were respectively 101.51%(RSD=1.85%,n=6),99.70%(RSD=1.23%,n=6),98.28%(RSD=1.86%,n=6) and 100.97%(RSD=1.74%,n=6). CONCLUSIONS:The method is specific,and can fast and accurately determine the contents of protocate-chuic acid,rutin,gallic acid and kaempferol in Uygur medicine C. spinosa.

In Vitro Bronchorelaxant Effects of Capparis Spinosa Aqueous Extracts on Rat Trachea.

Capparis spinosa (Capparidaceae) dicotyledons from the class of spermaphytes, is a shurb, enduring and woody plant, typically Mediterranean, largely used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean countries including Algeria. The aim of the present research is to assess the in vitro effects of aqueous extract of different parts of Capparis spinosa (leaves, fruits and seeds) on rat trachea in order to establish them as a real source for the isolation of bioactive compounds with potential use as anti-obstructive or anti-allergic agents. Rings of windpipes of rat Wistar were isolated, streamlined cut and suspended in organ bath containing 10 ml of Krebs physiological solution. The addition of Capparis spinosa extracts (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/ml) during the step of contraction by acetylcholine showed various effects on trachea. Incubation of the windpipe for 30 mn with extracts proves to be so efficient. The dose of 10 mg/ml showed a significant relaxant effect for fruits and seeds, and constrictor effect for the leaves. The results showed a potent relaxant effect of the fruit aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa, on rat trachea, with a dose dependant manner. However, the leaf aqueous extract has a contractive effect. A muscarinic receptor blockade/stimulation was suggested for caper/leaf extracts.

Study on processing method for fruits of Wei Medicine Capparis spinosa / 中草药

Objective: To optimize the processing method and technology for the fruits of Capparis spinosa. Methods: The determination methods for the effective fractions (total phenolic acids and total glucosinolates) and the stimulating ingredients in the fruits of C. spinosa were established by UV and GC, respectively. Four processing methods (steaming, decocting, baking, and stir-frying) were optimized with the contents of effective fractions and the stimulating ingredients as indexes. The processing technology was optimized by the single factor and orthogonal design, and the data treated by the desirability functions. Results: The best processing method for the fruits of C. spinosa was stir-frying, and the best processing technology was suggested as follows, stir-fried for 15 min at 80°C with the drug powder of 40-50 meshes. Conclusion: The processed fruits of C. spinosa could ensure the effective components and reduce their stimulation.

Efficacy of Capparis Spinosa extracts in the treatment of scleroderma:an experimental study in animal models / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To observe the effect of ethanol extract and ethyl acetate extract of Capparis Spinosa on the thickness of dermis,synthesis of collagen type Ⅰ,type Ⅲ,and expression of transforming growth factor-β1 in mouse models of scleroderma.Methods Mouse models of scleroderma were established through local injection of bleomycin on the back once a day for 4 weeks.After confirmation of model establishment,72 mouse models were equally and randomly divided into three groups.Two groups received topical treatment with ethanol extract of Capparis Spinosa and ethyl acetate extract of Capparis Spinosa,respectively,no treatment was given to the rest of the control group.After 2-,4-,6-week treatment,8 mice were sacrificed and tissue samples were obtained from the back,and subiected to the measurement of dermal thickness by HE staining,as well as to the analysis of expression of collagen type Ⅰ,collagen type Ⅲ and transforming growth factor-β1 by immunohistochemical staining.Results On week 2,4,6,the thickness of dermis was 23.22,24.94,19.97 μm respectively in mice treated with ethanol extract of Capparis Spinosa,27.66.26.15,22.13 μm respectively in those treated with ethyl acetate extract of Capparis Spinosa.Compared with the mouse models without treatment,the thickness of dermis significantly decreased(F=12.99,P＜0.01),the expression of collagen type Ⅰ(F=7.47,P＜0.01)and transforming growth factor-β1(F=11.76,P＜0.01)were also inhibited in those receiving treatment.However,the expression of collagen type Ⅲ was not affected obviously by the treatment.Conclusion The ethanol extract and ethyl acetate extract of Capparis Spinosa have the effect against skin fibrosis.

Relationship between apoptosis and [Ca~(2+)]_i in HepG2 induced by Capparis spinosa alkaloid / 中草药

Objective To study the mechanism of killing and apoptosis-inducing effects of Capparis spinosa alkaloid (CSA) on human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Methods The killing effect of CSA on human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 was studied by MTT method. Morphological observation of HepG2 cells was carried out by fluorescence microscope. Results The CSA had obvious cytotoxicity on the HepG2 in a dose-dependent manner and its IC50 value was 142.82 ?g/mL. The HepG2 cells showed the characteristic morphologic changes of apoptosis by the function of CSA and the apoptosis percentage is higher than that of the natural one. The progress of cells cycle from S phase to G2 phase had been blocked by CSA. The intracellular Ca2+ level had been increased by the function of CSA, which was positively related with drug concentration. Conclusion CSA has obviously killing and apoptosis-inducing effects on human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 and calcium overload might also be invovled in these events.