Japonicone A inhibits the growth of non-small cell lung cancer cells via mitochondria-mediated pathways.

Japonicone A, which is a natural product isolated from the aerial part of Inula japonica Thunb., has a wide range of clinical applications, including anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. This study investigated the effects of japonicone A on the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. The results showed that japonicone A significantly inhibited the growth of NSCLC cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This product also blocked cell cycle progression at S phase and induced mitochondrial-related apoptosis by upregulating Bax, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein levels and by downregulating Bcl-2, cyclin D1, CDC25A, and CDK2 protein levels. In vivo, japonicone A suppressed tumor growth via the same mechanism as that observed in vitro. In conclusion, our study is the first to report that japonicone A has an inhibitory effect on the growth of NSCLC cells, indicating that japonicone A administration is a potential therapeutic approach for future NSCLC treatments.