Potentials of Scoparia dulcis and Vernonia cinerea to interfere with cell cycle and alleviate tumour burden

Abstract

Scoparia dulcis and Vernonia cinerea were explored for their chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potentials, focusing on their effects on cell cycle and tumor reduction. Extracts were obtained using ethyl acetate, ethanol and water, to test their bioactivities. Phytochemical screening using advanced methods like GC-MS and LC- MS identified 17 compounds in S. dulcis ethyl acetate extract (SDEA) and 6 compounds in V. cinerea ethyl acetate extract (VCEA). Genoprotective potentials were evaluated using bacterial reverse mutation and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assays, showing strong antimutagenic properties in SDEA and VCEA. Both extracts exhibited low antioxidant activity but significant anti-cancer potential against lymphoma cells, with IC50 values of 15.41 μg/ml (SDEA) and 61.24 μg/ml (VCEA). Cell cycle analysis revealed S and G2/M phase arrests, and pro-apoptotic properties were confirmed via flow cytometry by the treatment of these extracts. In silico studies showed strong binding affinity of SDEA constituents to topoisomerase I, indicating S phase arrest, while VCEA constituents indicated ferroptosis induction, later confirmed by in vitro assays. Toxicological evaluations in mice showed no mortality or toxic effects, deeming lower dosages safe for further pharmacological testing. DLA-induced solid tumor model studies in mice showed significant tumor volume reduction with SDEA and VCEA treatments. Histopathological and TUNEL analysis of tumor tissues confirmed the apoptotic cell death in treated mice, highlighting the potential of S. dulcis and V. cinerea ethyl acetate extracts in reducing tumor burden. These findings underscore the potential of these plants in cancer prevention and treatment.