Abstract: AIM:To examine the effects of ginsenoside-Rh₂(GS-Rh₂)on proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cell lines T47D and to explore its potential action mechanism.METHODS:Cell growth inhibition was evaluated by MTT colorimetric assay. Cellular morphology was observed under microscope. Apoptotic cells and the changes of cell cycle were determined by flow cytometry (FCM), and the expression of Caspase-3 protein was detected with FCM, too.RESULTS: MTT colorimetric assay revealed that the inhibition of G-Rh₂ to the growth of T47D cells was in a time-and dose-dependent manner. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) value was 21. 6 μg/mL. GS-Rh₂ was capable of arresting the cell cycle at G₁ phase. The expression of Caspase-3 protein was up-regulated after exposure to GS-Rh₂.CONCLUSION:GS-Rh₂ exhibits the growth inhibition effects and induces apoptosis in the test concentration on T47D cell lines. Apoptosis of T47D cells induced by GSRh₂ may be related to arresting cell cycle up-regulating Caspase-3 protein expression.

Key words: ginsenoside-Rh₂, breast cancer, proliferation, apoptosis, Caspase-3