A Bioactive Extract Against Skin Cancer from the Ethnobotanical Medicinal Plant, Corallocarpus Epigaeus

<p>Introduction: The continued exploration of natural resources holds great potential for identifying novel and effective anticancer compounds. In this study, we aim to analyze the anticancer potential of the methanol extract from the rhizome of the ethnomedicinal plant Corallocarpus epigaeus against skin cancer. </p><p> Methods: A methanol extract of the rhizome (CME) was prepared by successive extraction using a polarity gradient of the dried powder. Anticancer potential of CME was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) - cell viability assay. Antiproliferative activity of CME against skin cancer cells was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy and in vitro scratch assay. The cell death mechanism exhibited by CME was analysed by FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting) and Western blot analysis.</p><p> Results: The MTT assay revealed a significant cytotoxic effect of CME against skin cancer cells, especially the melanoma skin cancer cell line (IC50 0.15 μg/mL), and its non-toxicity towards normal fibroblast cells. In vitro scratch assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining confirmed the cytotoxic effect against the melanoma cell line, A375. FACS analysis of CME-treated A375 cells stained with FITC-Annexin V/PI revealed that the cytotoxic effect was mediated through apoptotic cell death. Additionally, immunoblot analysis revealed the activation of p53 and upregulation of the Bax protein, indicating the involvement of the p53-mediated apoptotic pathway.</p><p> Discussion: The present study highlights the potent anticancer efficacy of a bioactive extract (CME) from Corallocarpus epigaeus against both melanoma and NMSC skin cancer cells, with preliminary evidence of apoptosis induction in melanoma. Ongoing work in our lab aims to isolate the active compound(s), characterize the phytochemicals, elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity, and explore the potential of CME as a topical chemotherapeutic agent for treating melanoma.</p><p> Conclusion: Our study provides evidence for the potential of CME against skin cancer cells, particularly melanoma, and warrants further exploration of its chemotherapeutic efficacy against melanoma.</p>