Phytol induces programmed cell death in human lymphoid leukemia Molt 4B cells

The exposure of human lymphoid leukemia Molt 4B cells to phytol which was i solated from Lolium multiflorum Lam and identified by MS, and H-1- and C-13 -NMR, led to both growth inhibition and the induction of programmed cell de ath (apoptosis). Morphological change showing apoptotic bodies was observed in the cells treated with phytol. The fragmentation by phytol of DNA to ol igonucleosomal-sized fragments that are characteristics of apoptosis was ob served to be concentration- and time-dependent. These findings suggest that growth inhibition by phytol of Molt 4B cells results from the induction of apoptosis in the cells.