Vanillin an Active Constituent from Vanilla Bean Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation in Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of vanillin (VL) an active constituent from Vanilla bean in colon cancer (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line [HT-29]) cells. Methodology: We demonstrated the cell growth and apoptosis in HT-29 cells. The apoptotic measures were analyzed by analyzing mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) level; apoptotic bodies by acridine orange/ethidium bromide and Hoechst staining. Results: Our results indicated that VL induces apoptosis as evidenced by cell viability loss, resulting in the altered Δψm in HT-29 cells. Further, the prooxidant role of VL inhibit B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) expression with the simultaneous upregulation of BCL-2 associated X, Cytochrome c, Capspase-9 and 3 protein expressions in HT-29 cells. Conclusion: Thus, in this regard, we have concluded that VL induces apoptosis in HT-29 cells through inducing oxidative damage and modulates apoptotic marker expressions. VL may therefore be used as a therapeutic agent for colon cancer treatment.