In vitro activity: Licochalcone A markedly inhibits the in vitro growth of L. major amastigotes in human MDMs and U937 cells. Licochalcone A shows antibacterial effects against all gram-positive bacteria tested and especially against all Bacillus spp. Tested with MICs of 2 to 3 micrograms/mL. In CT-26 colon cancer cells, Licochalcone A reduces the cell viability and DNA synthesis. Licochalcone A also interferes with MAPK signaling cascades, initiates ROS generation, induces oxidative stress and consequently causes BGC cell apoptosis.

Cell Assay: The viability of CT-26 mouse colon cancer cells is determined via a MTT assay. In brief, colon cancer cells are seeded onto each well of a 96-well plate with DMEM containing 10% FBS and cultured to adhere overnight. The cells are then treated with various concentrations of LCA in serum-free medium for 24 and 72 hr, respectively. Twenty microlitres of a MTT solution (5 mg/ml) is added to each well, and the cells are incubated for 4 hr at 37°. The medium is then removed, and 200 µL of dimethyl sulfoxide is added to each well. The absorbance is determined at 570 nm using a microplate reader.