A triterpenoidal saponin fraction of Conyza blinii H.Lev. is a dual-targeting autophagy inhibitor for HeLa cells

Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular process in eukaryotic cells, which allows the orderly degradation and recycling of cellular components via lysosomal pathway. It is believed that autophagy is highly relevant to oncogenes and oncotherapy. Increasing evidence suggests that pharmacological modulation, especially inhibition of autophagy is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancers. In current study, we have demonstrated that the saponins fraction (Conyza blinii saponins, CBS) isolated from a medicinal plant Conyza blinii H.Lev. is a dual-targeting autophagy inhibitor for HeLa cells. The inhibition effect of CBS is derived from its mTOR activation and autophagic degradation blockage effects. Our novel finding not only expands the bio-activity spectrum of saponins but also creates potential for anti-cancer drug development.