Autophagy mediates cytotoxicity of human colorectal cancer cells treated with garcinielliptone FC.

The tautomeric pair of garcinielliptone FC (GFC) is a novel tautomeric pair of polyprenyl benzophenonoid isolated from the pericarps of Garcinia subelliptica Merr. (G. subelliptica, Clusiaceae), a tree with abundant sources of polyphenols. Our previous report demonstrated that GFC induced apoptosis on various types of human cancer cell lines including chemoresistant human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. In the present study, we observed that many autophagy-related genes in GFC-treated HT-29 cells were up- and down-regulated using a cDNA microarray containing oncogenes and kinase genes. GFC-induced autophagy of HT-29 cells was confirmed by observing the formation of acidic vesicular organelles, LC3 puncta, and double-membrane autophagic vesicles using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Inhibition of AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling as well as formation of Atg5-Atg12 and PI3K/Beclin-1 complexes were observed using Western blot. Administration of autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine and shRNA Atg5) and apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD showed that the GFC-induced autophagy was cytotoxic form and GFC-induced apoptosis enhanced GFC-induced autophagy. Our data suggest the involvement of autophagy and apoptosis in GFC-induced anticancer mechanisms of human colorectal cancer.

Antiangiogenesis as the novel mechanism for justicidin A in the anticancer effect on human bladder cancer.

Justicidin A (JA) is one of the methanol extracts of Justicia procumbens and was reported to induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of human colon cancer cells. Using bladder cancer as a paradigm, this study was designed to identify the novel molecular basis underlying the antiangiogenic activities of JA and its potential in cancer therapy. Human bladder cancer cell lines (TSGH8301 and RT4) and immortalized uroepithelial cell lines (E6 and E7) were chosen to investigate the efficacy of JA in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in vitro. The biological effects of JA treatment in vivo were examined using a xenograft tumor model in SCID mice. JA showed a dose-dependent and time-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation on TSGH8301 cancer cells, with IC50 values determined to be 0.44 µmol/l. Of interest, TSGH8301 cancer cells were more sensitive to JA than E7 immortalized uroepithelial cells, especially at lower concentrations. We further showed that JA inhibited the autocrine production of angiogenic factors and matrix-degrading enzymes in vitro and microvessel density in SCID mice in vivo (P< 0.01). Both differential cytotoxicity and angiogenesis inhibition of JA were confirmed by SCID mice experiments. Together, JA showed antiangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo through pleiotropic positive and negative regulators of angiogenesis molecules. The current investigation supports the potential of JA as an alternative chemoprevention agent for human bladder cancer.

Justicidin A-induced autophagy flux enhances apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells via class III PI3K and Atg5 pathway.

Our previous reports showed that justicidin A (JA), a novel and pure arylnaphthalide lignan isolated from Justicia procumbens, induces apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells, leading to the suppression of both tumor cell growth in NOD-SCID mice. Here, we reveal that JA induces autophagy in human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells by conversion of autophagic marker LC3-I to LC3-II. Furthermore, LC3 puncta and autophagic vesicle formation, and SQSTM1/p62 suppression were observed. Administration of autophagy inhibitor (bafilomycin A1 and chloroquine) and transfection of a tandem fluorescent-tagged LC3 (mRFP-GFP) reporter plasmid (ptfLC3) demonstrated that JA induces autophagy flux in HT-29 cells. Expression of LC3, SQSTM1, Beclin 1, and nuclear DNA double-strand breaks (representing apoptosis) were also detected in the tumor tissue of HT-29 cells transplanted into NOD-SCID mice orally administrated with JA. In addition, the expression of autophagy signaling pathway-related molecules p-PDK1, p-mTOR, p-p70S6k/p-RPS6KB2 was decreased, whereas that of class III PI3K, Beclin 1, Atg5-Atg12, and mitochondrial BNIP3 was increased in response to JA. Pre-treatment of the cells with class III PI3K inhibitor 3-methyladenine or Atg5 shRNA attenuated JA-induced LC3-II expression and LC3 puncta formation, indicating the involvement of class III PI3K and Atg5. A novel mechanism was demonstrated in the anticancer compound JA; pre-treatment with 3-methyladenine or Atg5 shRNA blocked JA-induced suppression in cell growth and colony formation, respectively, via inhibition of apoptosis. In contrast, administration of apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD did not affect JA-induced autophagy. Our data suggest the chemotherapeutic potential of JA for treatment of human colorectal cancer.

Kinase gene expression and subcellular protein expression pattern of protein kinase C isoforms in curcumin-treated human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep 3B cells.

Curcumin, a yellow component of turmeric or curry powder, has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-carcinogenic effects in vitro, in vivo, and in human clinical trials. One of its molecular targets is protein kinase C (PKC) which has been reported to play essential roles in apoptosis, cell proliferation, and carcinogenesis. In this study, PKC mRNA expression was significantly inhibited in curcumin-treated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Hep 3B cells identified using a kinase cDNA microarray. Furthermore, curcumin decreased total protein expression of all PKCs in a time-related manner by immunoblotting of whole cell lysates, nuclear, membrane, and cytosolic fractions. In cytosolic fraction, the expression of PKC-α was totally inhibited by curcumin. In contrast, the expression levels of PKC-ζ and -µ were dramatically increased. Increases in expression of PKC-δ and PKC-ζ in the membrane and nucleus, and PKC-ι in the membrane were detected. In summary, the changes in expression and distribution of subcellular PKC isoforms in curcumin-treated Hep 3B cells suggest possible PKC-associated anti-tumor mechanisms of curcumin and provide alternative therapies for human HCC.

Involvement of apoptosis and autophagy in reducing mouse hepatoma ML-1 cell growth in inbred BALB/c mice by bacterial fermented soybean products.

Followed by the results of our previous in vitro report (Food Chem. Toxicol., 2007), the efficacy of the soybean fermentation products containing live bacteria (SCB) was demonstrated using a syngeneic animal model. Murine HBV-related hepatoma ML-1 cells, derived from inbred animals and tumorigenic in BALB/c mice, were implanted subcutaneously to the flank of BALB/c mice on day 0. Three days after implantation, SCB (1.0 or 1.3 ml/mouse/day) or vehicle (water) was orally administrated daily until day 60. The results indicate that SCB significantly reduced (P<0.05) the volumes and weights of tumors during the experimental periods. Examination using TUNEL staining on section of tumors revealed apoptotic phenomenon of nuclear DNA double-strand breaks in the groups of mice received SCB. Immunohistochemistry further revealed an autophagic LC3-II punctate pattern. Of note, SCB induced autophagy in the absence or presence of apoptosis, whereas, apoptosis was observed only in combination with autophagy. In vitro study using autophagy inhibitor indicated that the induction of autophagy promoted apoptosis. These data imply that the suppression in tumor volumes and tumor weights by oral administration of SCB was due to the induction of apoptotic and autophagic cell death, which suggests therapeutic potential of SCB on HBV-related HCC.

New diterpenoids and cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory diterpenoids from Amentotaxus formosana.

Two new abietane diterpenoids, ramentoxide (1) and ramentoxidone (2) and a new icetexane diterpenoid, amentonone (3) were isolated from the barks of Amentotaxus formosana. The structures of 1-3 were determined by spectroscopic methods. Known compounds brevitaxin (4), and (+)-ferruginol (5) and ent-kaur-16-en-15-one (6) isolated from this plant revealed potent cytotoxic activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cells, MCF-7 cells with an IC(50) value of 0.08 ± 0.05 µg/mL, and significant anti-inflammatory activities, respectively.

Formosanin C-induced apoptosis requires activation of caspase-2 and change of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Formosanin C is a pure compound isolated from Paris formosana Hayata (Liliaceae). The antitumor efficacy of formosanin C has been observed in cultured cells and animal systems. However, the molecular mechanisms of formosanin C remain unknown. The results of the present study indicate that formosanin C induced apoptosis of HT-29 cells characterized by exposure of phosphatidylserine, accumulation of cells at the sub-G(1) phase, fragmentation of DNA, and change of nuclear morphology in a time- and dose-related manner. The apoptotic signaling cascades may proceed via proteolytic activation of caspase-2, change of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)), release of cytochrome c and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase/direct IAP binding protein with low pI (Smac/DIABLO), activation of caspase-9 and -3, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Increase in apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G expressions in nuclei, and increase in Bax and Bak expressions and decrease in Bcl-X(L) expression on mitochondria were also observed in formosanin C-treated HT-29 cells. Attenuation of formosanin C-induced change of Deltapsi(m) by caspase-2 inhibitor (Z-VDVAC) implies that caspase-2 acts upstream of the mitochondria. Blockage of formosanin C-induced apoptotic process by using either permeability transition pore inhibitor (cyclosporine A) or caspase-9 inhibitor (Z-LEHD) demonstrates the necessity of mitochondria and caspase-9 in formosanin C-induced apoptosis of HT-29 cells. Taken together, the apoptotic mechanism of formosanin C in human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells involves activation of caspase-2 and the dysfunction of mitochondria.

Involvement of caspases and apoptosis-inducing factor in bufotalin-induced apoptosis of Hep 3B cells.

Bufotalin is one of the bufadienolides isolated from Formosan Ch'an Su, which is made of the skin and parotid glands of toads. Ingestion of toad venom results in severe morbidity and high mortality. Although Ch'an Su is clinically toxic, it has been used as an important traditional Chinese medicine for heart failure and pains. In this study, bufotalin-induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep 3B cells was investigated. The results indicate that externalization of phosphatidylserine, accumulation of sub-G(1) cells, fragmentation of DNA, and formation of apoptotic bodies were observed in bufotalin-treated Hep 3B cells. The signaling pathway might be via the activation of caspase-8, increase in mitochondrial tBid, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). Active caspase-8 might activate caspase-9 and caspase-3 leading to the cleavage of nuclear PARP. Presence of AIF and cleaved PARP in the nuclei might lead to DNA fragmentation. Caspase-8 inhibitor (Z-IETD) or wide-ranging caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD) significantly suppressed the bufotalin-induced apoptosis, while the anti-Fas neutralization antibody had no effect. These data suggest that bufotalin-induced apoptosis in Hep 3B cells might involve caspases and AIF.

Synthesis and cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities of 2',5'-dialkoxylchalcones as cancer chemopreventive agents.

In an effort to develop novel anti-tumor, or cancer chemopreventive agents, a series of 2',5'-dialkoxylchalcones were prepared by Claisen-Schmidt condensation of appropriate acetophenones with suitable aromatic aldehyde. In vitro screening revealed low micromolar activity (IC(50)) against several human cancer cell lines. Selective compound 10 induced an accumulation of A549 cells in the G(2)/M phase arrest which was well correlated with inhibitory activity against tubulin polymerization. Cytotoxic compounds 3 and 12 showed significant inhibitory effects on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells while cytotoxic compound 10 revealed potent inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha formation in RAW 264.7 cells in response to LPS. Compounds 3 and 10 also showed significant inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase. The present results suggested that compounds 3 and 10 were potential to be served as cancer chemopreventive agents.

Morusin induces apoptosis and suppresses NF-kappaB activity in human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells.

Morusin is a pure compound isolated from root bark of Morusaustralis (Moraceae). In this study, we demonstrated that morusin significantly inhibited the growth and clonogenicity of human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. Apoptosis induced by morusin was characterized by accumulation of cells at the sub-G(1) phase, fragmentation of DNA, and condensation of chromatin. Morusin also inhibited the phosphorylation of IKK-alpha, IKK-beta and IkappaB-alpha, increased expression of IkappaB-alpha, and suppressed nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and its DNA binding activity. Dephosphorylation of NF-kappaB upstream regulators PI3K, Akt and PDK1 was also displayed. In addition, activation of caspase-8, change of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO, and activation of caspase-9 and -3 were observed at the early time point. Downregulation in the expression of Ku70 and XIAP was exhibited afterward. Caspase-8 or wide-ranging caspase inhibitor suppressed morusin-induced apoptosis. Therefore, the antitumor mechanism of morusin in HT-29 cells may be via activation of caspases and inhibition of NF-kappaB.

Staphylococcal enterotoxin C1-induced pyrogenic cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells is mediated by NADPH oxidase and nuclear factor-kappa B.

The staphylococcal enterotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus are associated with pyrogenic response in humans and primates. This study investigates the role of NADPH oxidase and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) on enterotoxin staphylococcal enterotoxin C1 (SEC1)-induced pyrogenic cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The results indicate that the febrile response to the supernatant fluids of SEC1-stimulated PBMC in rabbits was in parallel with the levels of interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 in the supernatants. The release of interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6, nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and its DNA binding activity in the SEC1-stimulated PBMC were time-dependent and were completely eliminated by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or SN-50 (NF-kappaB inhibitors). The release of reactive oxygen species in the supernatants and translocation of the NADPH oxidase p47(phox) subunit to the plasma membrane of SEC1-stimulated PBMC were time-dependent. Administration of apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor) attenuated the febrile response to the supernatants in rabbits and decreased the translocation of NADPH oxidase p47(phox) subunit and NF-kappaB activity in the SEC1-stimulated PBMC, and suppressed reactive oxygen species and pyrogenic cytokine production in the supernatants. Taken together, SEC1 may act through an NADPH oxidase mechanism to release reactive oxygen species, which activate NF-kappaB in PBMC to stimulate the synthesis of pyrogenic cytokines that trigger a fever response in rabbits.

Synthetic 2',5'-dimethoxychalcones as G(2)/M arrest-mediated apoptosis-inducing agents and inhibitors of nitric oxide production in rat macrophages.

In an effort to develop novel antitumor or chemopreventive agents, a series of 2',5'-dimethoxychalcone derivatives were prepared by Claisen-Schmidt condensation of appropriate acetophenones with suitable aromatic aldehyde. In vitro screening revealed low micromolar activity (IC(50)) against several human cancer lines. Activity in MCF-7 cells correlated with the ability to induce G(2)/M arrest-mediated apoptosis following drug treatment by the most potent agent, 8, an observation further reinforced by fluorescence microscopy. Compounds 3, 8, and 10 showed potent inhibitory effect on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells. The present results demonstrated that 3, 8, and 10 are potential anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents.

Supernatant of bacterial fermented soybean induces apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep 3B cells via activation of caspase 8 and mitochondria.

SC-1, the aqueous phase of soybean fermentation products by bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus brevis), significantly inhibited the growth and clonogenesity of human hepatocellular (Hep 3B), mouse hepatocellular (ML-1), and human colorectal (HCT 116 and HT-29) carcinoma cells. Cytotoxicity of SC-1 in Hep 3B cells was through the process of apoptosis characterizing by increase in cell population of sub-G(1) phase, fragmentation of DNA, and change of nuclear morphology. Treatment of Hep 3B cells with SC-1 activated caspase 8 and caspase 3. Elevation of nuclear DNA fragmentation factor 40 (DFF40) and cleavage form of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were also observed. SC-1 also activated intrinsic pathway via increase of pro-apoptotic (tBid, Bak and Bax) and decrease of anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L)) proteins on mitochondria, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and Smac (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase/direct IAP binding protein with low PI) from mitochondria, and activation of caspase 9. Inhibition on protein expression of Ku70 in cytosol and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, but not COX-1, in whole cell lystes were revealed in SC-1-treated Hep 3B cells. These results suggest caspase 8, Ku70 and mitochondria are involved in the antitumor mechanism of SC-1 in Hep 3B cells.

Caspase-8 acts as a key upstream executor of mitochondria during justicidin A-induced apoptosis in human hepatoma cells.

Justicia procumbens is a traditional Taiwanese herbal remedy used to treat fever, pain, and cancer. Justicidin A, isolated from Justicia procumbens, has been reported to suppress in vitro growth of several tumor cell lines as well as hepatoma cells. In this study, justicidin A activated caspase-8 to increase tBid, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta psi(m)), and caused the release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO in Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells. Justicidin A also reduced Bcl-x(L) and increased Bax and Bak in mitochondria. Caspase-8 inhibitor (Z-IETD) attenuated the justicidin A-induced disruption of Delta psi(m). Growth of Hep 3B implanted in NOD-SCID mice was suppressed significantly by oral justicidin A (20 mg/kg/day). These results indicate that justicidin A-induced apoptosis in these cells proceeds via caspase-8 and is followed by mitochondrial disruption.

Cytotoxic prenylflavonoids from Artocarpus elasticus.

Five new prenylated flavonoids, artelastoheterol (1), artelasticinol (2), cycloartelastoxanthone (3), artelastoxanthone (4), and cycloartelastoxanthendiol (5), along with five known compounds, were isolated from the root bark of Artocarpus elasticus. The structures of 1-5 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and through comparison with data reported in the literature. The previously known compound artonol A (6) exhibited cytotoxic activity against the A549 human cancer cell line, with an ED50 value of 1.1 microg/mL.

Constituents of the pericarp of Garcinia subelliptica.

A new benzophenone, garcinielliptone FA (1), and a new benzoylphloroglucinol, garcinielliptone FB (2), along with six known compounds, were isolated from the pericarp of Garcinia subelliptica. The structures and relative configurations of 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and supported by computer-generated molecular modeling. Compound 2 exhibited cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines.

Justicidin A decreases the level of cytosolic Ku70 leading to apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells.

The natural product justicidin A, an arylnaphthalide lignan isolated from Justicia procumbens, significantly inhibited the growth of human colorectal cancer cells HT-29 and HCT 116 at day 6 post-treatment. Further study revealed that justicidin A-treated HT-29 and HCT 116 colorectal cancer cells died of apoptosis. Justicidin A treatment caused DNA fragmentation and an increase in phosphatidylserine exposure of the cells. The number of cells in the sub-G1 phase was also increased upon justicidin A treatment. Caspase-9 but not caspase-8 was activated, suggesting that justicidin A treatment damaged mitochondria. The mitochondrial membrane potential was altered and cytochrome c and Smac were released from mitochondria to the cytoplasm upon justicidin A treatment. The level of Ku70 in the cytoplasm was decreased, but that of Bax in mitochondria was increased by justicidin A. Since Ku70 normally binds and sequesters Bax, these results suggest that justicidin A decreases the level of Ku70 leading to translocation of Bax from the cytosol to mitochondria to induce apoptosis. Oral administration of justicidin A was shown to suppress the growth of HT-29 cells transplanted into NOD-SCID mice, suggesting chemotherapeutic potential of justicidin A on colorectal cancer cells.

Design, synthesis and cytotoxic effect of hydroxy- and 3-alkylaminopropoxy-9,10-anthraquinone derivatives.

In previous paper, we have reported the synthesis and the cytotoxic effect of 1,3-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone derivatives. For further design of more potent compounds, a new series of 1-hydroxy-3-(3-alkylaminopropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinones and 3-(3-alkylaminopropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinones have been synthesized. The cytotoxicity of synthetic compounds were evaluated against human Hep G2, Hep 3B and HT-29 cells. Almost all compounds indicated significant inhibitory activity against Hep G2, Hep 3B and HT-29 cell lines in vitro. Compound 5 exhibited selective cytotoxicity against Hep G2 in a concentration-dependent manner with ED50 value of 1.23 +/- 0.05 microM. Structure-activity analysis revealed that most of the 1-hydroxy-3-(3-alkylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone showed stronger cytotoxic effects than those of 1-hydroxy-3- or 3-(3-alkylaminopropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinones against Hep 3B cell line in vitro. A sub-G1 cell stage and DNA fragmentation in MCF-7 cells were significantly observed after 72 h incubation with selective compound 16. The results show that 16 causes cell death by apoptosis.

Free radical scavenging and apoptotic effects of Cordyceps sinensis fractionated by supercritical carbon dioxide.

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) was used as the elution solvent for fractioning ethanolic extract (E) of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, into R, F1, F2, and F3 fractions. This extractive fractionation method is amenable to large scale and is nontoxic. These four fractions were characterized in terms of total polysaccharides and cordycepin concentrations, scavenging ability of free radicals, and anti-tumor activities. Experimental results demonstrated that fractionation altered the distributions of total polysaccharides and cordycepin in fractions. Fraction R was the most active fraction to scavenge free radicals and inhibit the proliferation of carcinoma cells, followed by the fraction F1 and the extract E. The effect of scavenging on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) of CS extract and fractions at 2 mg/ml was R (93%), F1 (75%), E (66%), F2 (47%), and F3 (27%). The IC50 (50% cell growth inhibitory concentration) of tumor cell proliferation and colony formation on human colorectal (HT-29 and HCT 116) and hepatocellular (Hep 3B and Hep G2) carcinoma cells by fraction R were around 2 microg/ml. Conversely, R did not affect the growth of normal dividing human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by exhibiting a large value of IC50 over 200 microg/ml. Accumulation of tumor cells at sub-G1 phase and the fragmentation of DNA, typical features of programmed cell death, were observed in a time and dose dependent manner. Scavenging of free radicals and anti-cancer activity (value of IC50) correlated closely with the quantities of polysaccharides (Spearman's rho=0.901 and -0.870, respectively). Taken together, our findings suggest that fraction R, obtained by SC-CO2 fluid extractive fractionation, showed strong scavenging ability and selectively inhibited the growth of colorectal and hepatocellular cancer cells by the process of apoptosis.

Synthetic chalcones as potential anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents.

In an effort to develop potent anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents, a series of chalcones were prepared by Claisen-Schmidt condensation of appropriate acetophenones with suitable aromatic aldehyde or prepared with appropriate dihydrochalcone reacted with appropriate alkyl bromide or prepared in one-pot procedure involving acetophenone and convenient aromatic aldehyde using ultrasonic agitation on basic alumina. The synthesized products were tested for their inhibitory effects on the activation of mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and microglial cells. The potent inhibitors of NO production in macrophages and microglial cells were further evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic effects against several human cancer cell lines. 2'-Hydroxychalcones 1-3, and 2',5'-dihydroxychalcone 7 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the release of beta-glucuronidase or lysozyme from rat neutrophils stimulated with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)/cytochalasin B (CB). Two 2'-hydroxychalcones (1 and 3) showed potent inhibitory effects on superoxide anion generation in rat neutrophils in response to fMLP/CB. The previously reported chalcone, 5, 6, and 12, exhibited potent inhibitory effect on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-activated N9 microglial cells or in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells. The potent inhibitors 5, 6, and 12 of NO production in macrophages or microglial cells revealed significant or marginal cytotoxic effects against several human cancer lines. Compound 12 manifested potent selective cytotoxicity against human MCF-7 cells and caused cell death by apoptosis. The present results demonstrated that 1-3, and 7 have anti-inflammatory effects and 5, 6, and 12 are potential anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents.