Apigenin exerts anticancer effects on human cervical cancer cells via induction of apoptosis and regulation of Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway

Purpose: To investigate the anticancer activity of apigenin on human cervical cancer cells. Methods: The anti-proliferative effects of apigenin on HeLa cervical cancer cells were determined by 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and clonogenic assays, while its effect on apoptosis was assayed by DAPI and annexin V/PI double staining. Expression of proteins was assessed by immunoblotting. Results: Apigenin exerted anticancer effects on HeLa cervical cancer cells with an IC50 of 15 mu M, and also reduced the colony formation of HeLa cells. These antiproliferative effects were due to induction of apoptosis as indicated by DAPI and annexin V/PI staining. Apigenin altered Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, thereby triggering apoptosis, and also inhibited the Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway. Conclusion: These results indicate that apigenin suppresses the growth of cervical cancer cells and may prove to be an important molecule for the treatment of cervical cancer.