DOI: 10.26650/istanbuljpharm.2026.1932230 ISSN: 2587-2087

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic, Pro-Apoptotic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Euphorbia oblongifolia (K.Koch) K.Koch Methanolic Extract

Sevde Nur Biltekin Kaleli, Hikmet Gülben Güç, Fatma Tosun
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Background and Aims: The genus Euphorbia L. is widely recognised for its diverse secondary metabolites with potent biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic content as well as the cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory potential of the methanolic extract of Euphorbia oblongifolia (K.Koch) K.Koch against various human cancer cell lines and inflammatory models to determine its therapeutic viability.Methods: The total phenolic content was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT assay on A549, U87MG, PC3, MCF7 and HEK293 cell lines. Apoptotic induction in PC3 cells was quantified through caspase-3 activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by measuring protein levels in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and evaluating the enzymatic inhibition of COX-2 enzyme assays.Results: The E. oblongifolia extract possessed a substantial total phenolic content of 98.95 ± 6.11 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry extract. The extract exhibited selective cytotoxicity against PC3 cells (IC50 = 27.33 ± 1.24 μg/mL) and HEK293 cells (IC50 > 100 μg/mL). Treatment of PC3 cells led to a >2-fold increase in caspase-3 levels, confirming apoptosis. Additionally, the extract suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α production and demonstrated significant COX-2 inhibition, achieving a reduction of over 60% in enzymatic activity.Conclusion: These findings suggest that E. oblongifolia possesses a significant dual-action pharmacological profile underpinned by its rich phenolic yield. By selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and modulating key inflammatory mediators, the extract serves as a promising source for the development of new anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents.

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