Symptom → Plant Sources
Common yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta) as a tool for helping with Cancer (anticancer research)
inferred from anticancer action
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Background: Recently, the non-toxic properties of natural plant products have gained more focus as anticancer agents. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the apoptosis effects of the ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, aerial parts of O. corniculata were collected in Lahijan city (Iran), and after confirmation, they were dried and extracted with ethanol for 24 h. Then, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were measured. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay was used to measure the antioxidant properties of the extract. Selected cell lines (MCF-7 and human dermal fibroblast) were cultured in 6-wells dishes (1×10 6 cells/well). After 72 h of treating the extract, cytotoxicity was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of apoptotic genes (such as p53 , bcl-2 , bax , and CD95 ) was studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The extract's total phenolic content was 31.30±02 μg of gallic acid equivalents/mg of dry extract, and the total flavonoid content was 49.61±04 μg of quercetin as equivalents/mg of extract. The antioxidant activity of O. corniculata was measured at the dose of 619.2 μg/μl, indicating that it decreases cancer cell viability and enhances apoptosis. Within the half maximal inhibitory concentrations, real-time PCR revealed substantial increases in p53 (P CD95 (P bcl-2 expression (P O. corniculata . Conclusion: This study suggests that O. corniculata may cause apoptosis by oxidative stress in cancer cells.[GMJ.2022;11:e2484].
Bioactive chemicals isolated from plants have attracted considerable attention over the years and overwhelmingly increasing laboratory findings are emphasizing on tumor suppressing properties of these natural agents in genetically and chemically induced animal carcinogenesis models. We studied in vitro anticancer activity of organic extracts of Cynodon dactylon and Oxalis corniculata on Hep2 cell line and it was compared with normal human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) by using MTT assay. Real Time PCR was conducted for p53 and PTEN genes in treated cancer cell line. DNA fragmentation assay was also carried out to note DNA damaging effects of the extracts. The minimally effective concentration of ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon and methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata that was nontoxic to HCEC but toxic to Hep2 was recorded (IC50) at a concentration of 0.042mg/ml (49.48 % cell death) and 0.048mg/ml (47.93% cell death) respectively, which was comparable to the positive control. Our results indicated dose dependent increase in cell death. P53 and PTEN did not show significant increase in treated cell line. Moreover, DNA damaging effects were also not detected in treated cancer cell line. Anticancer activity of these plants on the cancer cell line showed the presence of anticancer components which should be characterized to be used as anticancer therapy.
2 sources supporting Common yellow woodsorrel for Cancer (anticancer research). Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's anticancer (preclinical) action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
Colon cancer is among the most common colorectal malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, often cause severe side effects and drug resistance, underscoring the need for safer and more effective alternatives. Green nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach in cancer therapy, offering sustainable and biocompatible therapeutic options. In this study, Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Oxalis stricta leaf extract via an eco-friendly green synthesis approach and evaluated for their anticancer potential against colon cancer. Characterization by UV-VIS spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy confirmed the nanoscale size, stability, and surface functionalization of the ZnO NPs. Cytotoxicity evaluation using the MTT assay revealed a dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect on colon cancer cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 30.27 µg/mL. Hemolysis assay indicated good biocompatibility with minimal red blood cell lysis. Apoptosis induction was evidenced by fluorescence staining techniques, including DAPI, AO/EB, DCF-DA, and Rhodamine 123, revealing nuclear condensation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial membrane disruption. In silico molecular docking demonstrated strong binding interactions between phytoconstituents of Oxalis stricta and cancer-related targets MMP-9, GSK3β, and Bcr-Abl. Furthermore, ZnO NPs inhibited cell migration and matrix metalloproteinase activity, as evidenced by wound healing and gelatin zymography assays. These findings suggest that Oxalis stricta mediated ZnO NPs hold significant promise as a biocompatible, multi-targeted nanotherapeutic agent for colon cancer treatment.