The molecular mechanism of HepG2 cell apoptosis induced by the total saponins from Xanthoceras sorbifolia bunge kernel (XSTS) was explored through XSTS treatment on the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Firstly, the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential in HepG2 cells were measured by the fluorescence probe of JC-I.Then, the levels of reactive oxygen species and NO content in the HepG2 cells were detected using flow cytometry and colorimetric methods.Finally, the Western blot method was used to detect the effect of XSTS on the apoptosis-related proteins in HepG2 cells. Results showed that the apoptosis of cells was achieved by mitochondrial-mediated endogenous apoptotic pathway after XSTS treatment (concentration of 8~12 mg/L) on HepG2 cells, and this pathway was mediated by PI3K/Akt approach. At the same time, the XSTS can stimulate cells to produced oxidative stress rather than nitrification stress and induce the apoptosis of HepG2 cells. The experimental result provides a theoretical basis for exploring the anticancer activity of Xanthoceras sorbifolia bunge kernel saponins.

total saponins of Xanthoceras sorbifolia bunge kernel； HepG2 cells； cell apoptosis； mitochondrial pathway； PI3K/Akt pathway