Inhibition of tumor growth in vitro by the extract of fagopyrum cymosum (fago-c).

Fagopyrum cymosum (Trev.) Meisn has long been used in China to treat various ailments of the lung, including lung tumors. This study investigated whether Fagopyrum cymosum extract (Fago-c) has effects on other organs. Human cancer cells derived from 10 different organs were employed, and their growths as affected by Fago-c were investigated. It was found that the growth of cancer cells from lung, liver, colon, leukocytes and bone is inhibited by Fago-c. However, cancer cells derived from prostate, cervix, ovary and brain are not sensitive to Fago-c, and the extract stimulates the growth of cancer cells from breast (MCF-7). Synergistic inhibition effect of Fago-c and daunomycin was observed in human lung cancer cells (H460). Cellular proteins from H460 cells treated with Fago-c were analyzed by 2D-gel electrophoresis. A protein (M.W./pI = 20K/5.9) was induced. The Fago-c extract was analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Four major and twenty minor components were identified. These studies indicate that the effect of Fago-c in inhibiting the growth of cell lines derived from certain organs.