Baicalin Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses the Cell Cycle Progression of Lung Cancer Cells Through Downregulating Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Baicalin, as a natural active ingredient extracted and isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi., has been potentially used in various areas for its antioxidative, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities. Although several studies have reported the antitumor effects of baicalin against various cancer types, its beneficial effects on lung cancer have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of baicalin on lung cancer cell lines H1299 and H1650 were investigated. Here, the results of its antitumor activity were shown. We found that Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition was the essential determinant in baicalin-induced cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, when the Akt Agonist SC79 or Akt plasmid transfection was performed, the antitumor effect of baicalin was significantly abrogated in both H1299 and H1650 cells. In conclusion, we found that baicalin exerted its antitumor activity mainly by inducing Akt-dependent cell cycle arrest and promoting apoptosis, which show great potential for developing a new drug for lung cancer treatment.

Automated summary

Baicalin, a natural active ingredient from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has shown potential antitumor effects against various cancer types. The study revealed that baicalin exerts its antitumor activity mainly by inducing Akt-dependent cell cycle arrest and promoting apoptosis in lung cancer cells, suggesting it may be a promising candidate for developing new drugs for lung cancer treatment.