Effects of ophiopogonin B on the proliferation and apoptosis of SGC-7901 human gastric cancer cells

Ophiopogonin B (OP‑B) is a bioactive component of Radix Ophiopogon japonicus, which is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of OP‑B in gastric cancer. Cell Counting kit‑8, flow cytometry with Annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate, Hoechst staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay were used to detect the biological function of SGC‑7901 gastric cancer cells. The results demonstrated that high concentrations of OP‑B (5, 10 and 20 µmol/l) exerted potent antiproliferative effects on SGC‑7901 cells in a dose‑dependent manner. Furthermore, apoptotic rates were increased and cell morphology was altered following treatment with OP‑B. In addition, OP‑B‑induced apoptosis of SGC‑7901 cells was associated with loss of MMP and increased ROS generation. Western blotting indicated that treatment with OP‑B increased the protein expression levels of caspase‑3 and B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein, whereas the expression levels of Bcl‑2 and the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal‑regulated kinases 1/2 and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinases 1/2 were decreased. These results suggest that OP‑B may be considered a potential inhibitor of gastric cancer progression, and may be used as an alternative compound for its treatment.