Paris saponin VII (Chonglou Saponin VII) is a steroidal saponin isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Trillium tschonoskii. Paris saponin VII-induced apoptosis in K562/ADR cells is associated with Akt/MAPK and the inhibition of P-gp. Paris saponin VII attenuates mitochondrial membrane potential, increases the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, such as Bax and cytochrome c, and decreases the protein expression levels of Bcl-2, caspase-9, caspase-3, PARP-1, and p-Akt. Paris saponin VII induces a robust autophagy in K562/ADR cells and provides a biochemical basis in the treatment of leukemia[1].
