Brazilin induces FOXO3A-dependent autophagic cell death by disturbing calcium homeostasis in osteosarcoma cells

Purpose Osteosarcoma is a common primary malignant bone tumour, and its cure rate has stagnated over the past 25–30 years. Brazilin, a purified natural product from sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.), has been proved to possess potent anti-cancer effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of brazilin on human osteosarcoma and elucidated the underlying mechanisms.