Abstract

Cancer remains a major global cause of death, necessitating ongoing research for effective treatments. Traditional herbal medicine is being explored for novel anti-cancer compounds. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of Cestrum nocturnum ethanolic extract on A549 lung cancer cells, a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is a significant health concern in India, affecting even non-smokers. Cestrum nocturnum, known as Night-blooming jasmine, has shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth in mice, and its active compound, apigenin, exhibits anti-cancer properties. Apigenin modulates epigenetic mechanisms involved in cancer development and progression, including DNA methylation, histone modification, signaling pathways, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. The ethanolic extract demonstrated concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, indicating potential anti-cancer properties. This study underscores Cestrum nocturnum’s potential as an anti-cancer agent and provides insights into apigenin’s mechanisms of action, warranting further research for therapeutic applications in NSCLC treatment.

Keywords: A549, MTT assay, Cestrum nocturnum, lung cance

INTRODUCTION

Ongoing research efforts are imperative to unveil new and effective treatments, as cancer continues to persist as a prominent global cause of death. Traditional herbal medicine has gained attention as a potential source of novel anti-cancer compounds. Numerous herbs and natural products have been explored for their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, with the aim of identifying promising candidates for further investigation and potential therapeutic development.

In India, lung cancer is the leading site in men [1]. Assessing the cytotoxic effects of herbs on the A549 cell line provides valuable insights into their potential anti-cancer properties and their viability as treatment options for NSCLC. According to recent estimates, a significant portion of lung cancer cases worldwide, specifically 15% in men and 53% in women, occurs in individuals who have never smoked [2]. The predominant risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco smoking, and the likelihood of developing the disease increases in correlation with both the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking. Tobacco smoking is the cause of more than 90% of lung cancers in men and between 74% to 80% of lung cancers in women. It is named “non-small cell” to distinguish it from small cell lung cancer, another major type of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) typically begins in the lung tissues and can potentially metastasize to other areas of the body if it remains undetected and untreated in its early stages. NSCLC includes various distinct subtypes, such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Every subtype possesses unique characteristics and might exhibit varying responses to treatment strategies [3].

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Refrences:

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