The HepG2 cells growth inhibitory capacity from the leaves of Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr. a natural dye in food culture

There is increasing interest in medicinal use of Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr (PM) in traditional medicine practical applications. The in vitro HepG2 cells growth inhibitory capacity from ethanol 70% extract (E70) of the leaves of Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr was firstly investigated. The results indicated that E70 extract inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. When the effect of E70 on intracellular signaling was measured, E70 stimulated the apoptotic factors bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 in HepG2 cells. The results demonstrated that E70 induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in HepG2 cells. The further research to determine pharmacokinetics of the main components, the definitve mechanism and clinical trial should be caried out more to firm evidence. Keywords: Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr, natural dyes, food coloring, HepG2.