The effect of Sinensetin and Imperatorin on A-549 lung cancer cell viability in vitro

Introduction: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, so research is ongoing to discover new therapeutics, such as plant-derived bioactive compounds. For example, Sinensetin, a plant-derived polymethoxylated flavonoid, and Imperatorin, a natural furanocoumarin, have anti-cancer properties. This study assessed the effects of sinensetin and imperatorin separately and in combination on A-549 lung cancer cell viability. Method: The A-549 lung cancer cell line was treated with sinensetin (60 μM), imperatorin (30 M), or a combination of both compounds (Sin:Imp 30:30 μM; 50:50 μM and 60:30 μM) for 48 hours. Cell viability was then assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and apoptosis was determined using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) Annexin-V/Propidium iodide staining. Results: The combination treatment of Sin:Imp 50:50 and Sin:Imp 60:30 μM reduced cell viability more than the individual treatment of sinensetin and imperatorin, with the lowest cell viability observed for the combination treatment of Sin:Imp 50:50 μM. Likewise, the combination treatment of Sin:Imp 50:50 μM induced the most apoptosis compared to individual treatment. Conclusion: Sinensetin and imperatorin can decrease A-549 lung cancer cell viability and are potent apoptotic inducers, especially when they are used in combination, therefore they are potential lung cancer therapeutics.