A Hot Water Extract of Adzuki (Vigna angularis) induces Apoptosis in Cultured Human Stomach Cancer Cells

Abstract

The exposure of human stomach cancer KATO III cells to a hot water extract of adzuki beans led to both growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Morphological changes showing apoptotic bodies were observed in the cells treated with the extract. The fragmentation by the extract of DNA to oligonucleosomal-sized fragments that is a characteristics feature of apoptosis occurred concentration- and time- dependently. These data suggest that the extract of adzuki beans might exert anti-tumor activity by triggering apoptosis.