Licochalcone A: an inducer of cell differentiation and cytotoxic agent from Pogostemon cablin.

Licochalcone A (1), ombuin (2), and 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavanone (3) were isolated from the aerial parts of Pogostemon cablin by cytotoxicity-guided fractionation. Compound 1 showed in vitro cytotoxicity and Pl-PLC gamma 1 inhibition activity. Treatment of promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) with compound 1 induced terminal differentiation with the generation of monocyte using nonspecific acid esterase assay.