Aloin-induced cell growth arrest, cell apoptosis, and autophagy in human non-small cell lung cancer cells

Aloin, the major anthraquinone in aloe exudates and gels, has been shown to be an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. We studied the antitumor effects of aloin in human non-small cell lung cancer cells. The treatment of lung cancer cells with aloin suppressed cell growth in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Aloin-induced apoptosis also showed a concentration-dependent behavior when studied by flow cytometry. In addition, autophagy occurred after treatment with aloin. Taken together, our data demonstrate that aloin induces apoptosis and autophagy in human lung cancer cells. Aloin is therefore a potential therapeutic agent for human lung cancer and is worthy of further investigation.