A chalcone derivative SBD-2 exerts anticancer effects in human colorectal cancer cells

Background In this study, the potential anticancer activity and mechanism of action of SBD-2, a chalcone isolated from Shuteria involucrata , was investigated in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Results SBD-2 inhibited the proliferation of Caco-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. It elicited the cells arrested in the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, SBD-2 inhibited Akt phosphorylation, which suppressed the ani-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and cell cycle regulator Cyclin B1, leading to apoptosis ad cycle arrest, respectively. Conclusions The presented chalcone compound SBD-2 from Shuteria involucrata induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through inhibiting Akt pathway, highlighting the possibility to develop as a new agent for CRC treatment.