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Polyphyllin I is a steroid saponin that has been found in P. polyphylla and has anticancer activity. It decreases proliferation of, and induces apoptosis in, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (IC₅₀s = 5 and 2.5 μM, respectively). It disrupts the mitochondrial membrane potential, activates caspase-3, and increases protein levels of the caspase-3 substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in HepG2 and drug-resistant R-HepG2 cells. Polyphyllin I (2.05 and 2.73 mg/kg for 10 days) reduces tumor growth in an MCF-7 mouse xenograft model.

White crystalline powder, easily soluble in methanol and water, derived from Paris polyphylla.

Polyphylin II is a natural saponin extracted from the plant, Paris polyphylla, and displays antiproliferative activity in vivo. Used in the treatment of lung and cervical cancers.

[1] MEI-SZE LEE. Effects of polyphyllin D, a steroidal saponin in Paris polyphylla, in growth inhibition of human breast cancer cells and in xenograft.[J]. Cancer Biology & Therapy, 2005, 4 11: 1248-1254. DOI: 10.4161/cbt.4.11.2136
[2] ROSE C.Y. ONG . Polyphyllin D induces mitochondrial fragmentation and acts directly on the mitochondria to induce apoptosis in drug-resistant HepG2 cells[J]. Cancer letters, 2008, 261 2: Pages 158-164. DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2007.11.005