Tingenin B, the plant-derived triterpenoid tingenin B is a potent anticancer agent due to its cytotoxic activity on cancer stem cells of breast cancer in vitro. This compounds target cancer stem cells (CSCs), Tingenin b was cytotoxic against MCF-7s (IC50 value for 48 h was found to be 2.38 μM) by inducing apoptosis. It was evident by Annexin V staining positivity, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and Bcl-2 dephosphorylation with a concomitant increase in Bax protein expression. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum stress was also found to be involved in tingenin b-induced cell death.
