Anti-tumor Effects of Loureirin A Treatment in Colorectal Cancer Cells via Inhibition of AKT Phosphorylation

Background/Aim: Loureirin A, a bioactive monomer derived from Sanguis Draconis flavones, is a traditional Chinese medicine extract recognized for its potent antioxidant properties. Although pharmacological therapies for colorectal cancer (CRC) continue to advance, the overall prognosis of CRC patients remains dismal. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies, such as complementary and alternative medicine, should be considered to aid in the management of this malignancy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of Loureirin A treatment in CRC. Materials and Methods: We performed various in vitro experiments, including cell proliferation, colony formation, and apoptosis assays, following treatment of two CRC cell lines (HCT116 and HT29) with increasing concentrations of Loureirin A. Results: Loureirin A exerts anti-cancer effects in CRC by significantly inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing colony formation, and enhancing apoptotic activity compared with the control group. These effects occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Loureirin A treatment could significantly reduce the levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT) in both CRC cell lines by western blot analysis. Conclusion: Loureirin A exhibits anti-cancer effects in CRC cells and may serve as a potential adjunctive treatment option for this disease.