South African Journal of Botany, cilt.174, ss.40-48, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Globally, the mortality rate attributed to cancer is on a concerning upward trajectory. Cancer, characterized by aberrations in the normal cell cycle, excessive proliferation, and abnormal differentiation, poses a formidable health challenge. Notably, breast cancer, constituting over one-third of all cancers in women, stands out as a prevalent malignancy. While diverse treatment modalities are deployed in the battle against cancer, herbal remedies emerge as a compelling option for those seeking treatments with minimal side effects. Cuscuta campestris Yunck, a staple in traditional medicine renowned for its efficacy in addressing cancer and various ailments, assumes a pivotal role in herbal medicine. Our investigation delved into assessing the anticancer potential of ethanol extracts from Cuscuta campestris Yunck, employing MDA-MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer cells), RL-95-2 (endometrium cancer cells), MCF-7 (ER positive breast cancer cells), SH-SY5Y (Neuroblastoma cancer cells), COLO 205 (Colon cancer cells), and A-549 (lung cancer cells) cell lines. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract was gauged through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests. Phenolic compounds of the extract was determined HPL-DAD analysis. The research delved further into the practical implications of Cuscuta campestris Yunck extract by employing a solid Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAT) model in mice. Furthermore, our study extended to scrutinizing the ethanol extractʼs anticancer efficacy across distinct phases (proliferation phase: 0–14 days, plateau phase: 14–28 days) of the solid Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAC) model in mice. Isorhamnetin was found the highest flavonol amount as 16.97 ± 1.27 mg.g−1 in the Cuscuta campestris Yunck extract. DPPH SC50 values of 0.021 ± 0.001 mg/mL, ABTS SC50 values of as 0.653 ± 0.071 mg/mL and FRAP values of as 20.122 ± 0.708 (µmol trolox/g ext), respectively. Cuscuta campestris Yunck extract significantly decreased the cell viability beginning from the 1 mg/ml concentration at the MDA-MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer) and RL-95-2 (endometrial cancer) cell lines. The research delved further into the practical implications of Cuscuta campestris Yunck extract by employing a solid Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAT) model in mice. Here, the extract exhibited a significant reduction in tumor volumes compared to the control group, pointing towards its tangible efficacy in impeding tumor growth. This multifaceted study not only sheds light on the intricate phenolic composition and antioxidant capabilities of Cuscuta campestris Yunck but also underscores its promising role as a botanical source for potential cancer treatment.