Objective: To explore the effects of Juglandis Immaturum Exocarpium polysaccharide(JIP) on the proliferation

apoptosis and phosphatidylinositol 3'-OH kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway of human colon carcinoma cell line HCT-116. Method: The HCT-116 cells in logarithmic growth phase were treated with JIP(10

20

50

100 mg·L-1)

and another blank group was set up. The inhibition rates of proliferation at 24

48

72

96 h post-treatment were measured by MTS assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis rate at 48 h post-treatment were detected by PI single staining and Annexin-FITC/PI double staining methods

and the protein levels of Akt and p-Akt at 48 h post-treatment were detected by Western blot assay. Result: JIP presented significant inhibitory effect on HCT-116 cell proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner. As compared with the blank group

the cells ratio in G0/G1 phase was increased and cells ratio in S phase and G2/M phase was declined with significant differences in various groups(P<0.05). As compared with the blank group

the early apoptosis rate of JIP in all the groups except 10 mg·L-1 group was significantly increased

and the apoptosis rate of late phase and total apoptosis rate in various groups were significantly increased with statistical significance(P<0.05). As compared with the blank group

the ratio of p-Akt/Akt was decreased in various treatment groups

and there was statistically significant difference in ratio of p-Akt/Akt between various concentrations(P<0.05). Conclusion: JIP can directly inhibit or kill human colon cells HCT-116 cellsin vitro

and present ability to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. The mechanism might associated with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.