Photodynamic and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Euphorbia anacampseros Methanolic Extract: Chemical Characterization, Molecular Docking, and Light‐Activated Anticancer Activity

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to characterize the chemical constituents of the methanolic extract of Euphorbia anacampseros using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC–DAD) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses. The cytotoxic activity of the extract was assessed using the MTT assay, and its light‐enhanced cytotoxic effects were evaluated to investigate its potential for future photodynamic applications. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate interactions between the identified compounds and the porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) enzyme. The mean inhibitory concentration (IC ₅₀ ) values were 54.72 µg/mL for HT‐29, 50.34 µg/mL for MCF‐7, and 58.97 µg/mL for A549 cell lines. In the dark, the extract exhibited moderate and nonselective baseline cytotoxicity across all tested cell lines, with IC ₅₀ values ranging from 46.95 to 58.97 µg/mL. However, the cytotoxic activity of the extract in HT‐29 cells was significantly enhanced following irradiation with blue, green, yellow, or red light, suggesting its potential for future photodynamic applications. Molecular docking targeting PBGD revealed that rutin and epicatechin exhibited the highest binding affinities, with binding energies of –9.9 and –7.8 kcal/mol, respectively. These findings suggest that E. anacampseros constituents may act as photosensitizing agents, potentially enhancing photodynamic therapy through interactions with enzymes involved in porphyrin metabolism.