Asparagus extract in inhibiting the proliferation of melanoma A₃₇₅ cells

Objective: To explore the effects of asparagus extract on the inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis in human melanoma A₃₇₅ cells.Methods: The cell proliferation inhibition was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) colorimetric assay;apoptosis and necrosis in A₃₇₅ cells were analysed by flow cytometry.Results: There was obviously a concentration-dependent relationship between the asparagus extract and the inhibition of A₃₇₅ cells proliferation(P<0.01).The rates of apoptosis and necrosis in A₃₇₅ cells were 2.39%, 8.85%,8.71%,5.16% and 1.65%,1.51%,22.10%,82.80% respectively as treated at doses of asparagus extract 200 mg/ml,400 mg/ml,600 mg/ml and 800 mg/ml.Conclusions: Asparagus extract can obviously inhibit the proliferation of A₃₇₅ cells.There exists a concentration dependent relationship between asparagus extract and the total rates of apoptosis and necrosis.