Search for a lead compound based on antiausteric activity

Preferential cytotoxicity of 24 extracts was determined against PANC-1 and PSN-1 human pancreatic cancer cells and extracts of Andrographis Herba, Isodonis Herba, and Licopodium showed activities. Then, phytochemical investigation of the 70% EtOH extract of Andrographis Herba led to the isolation of 21 known compounds consisting of six labdane-type diterpenes, six flavones, three flavanones, two sterols, a fatty acid, a phthalate, a triterpene, and a monoterpene. Among them, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide displayed the most potent preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1 and PSN-1 cells with PC50 values of 10.0 microM and 9.27 microM, respectively. Microscopical observation, double staining with ethidium bromide (EB) and acridine orange (AO), and flow cytometry with propidium iodide/annexin V double staining indicated that 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide triggered apoptosis-like cell death in NDM with an amino acids and/or serum-sensitive mode.