Effect of β-elemene on proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of β-elemene,extracted from curcuma wenyujin,on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells. METHODS: The effect of β-elemene on the growth of human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells was studied through MTT assay,cell cycle and apoptosis was studied by combined Annexin-V protein iodide staining,The morphological changes was studied by combining Hoechst33342-PI staining. RESULTS: β-elemene inhibited the proliferation of RPMI-8226 cells in a time-and dose- dependent manner. Compared with the control cells,the proportions of the RPMI-8226 cells in the G0 /G1 phase rose,and the proportions of the RPMI-8226 cells in the S and G2 /M phases fell decreased. RPMI-8226 cells treated with β-elemene for 48 h induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: β-elemene is able to inhibit the proliferation of RPMI-8226 cells by arresting the cell cycle and inducing the cell apoptosis.