Muskan Kumari, Mohd. Suleiman and Gunjan

Cancer continues to be one of the most significant health challenges worldwide, prompting an ongoing search for safer and more effective treatment options. While modern medicine has made remarkable strides in cancer therapy, the adverse effects of synthetic drugs highlight the need for alternative, plant-based treatments. Natural compounds derived from medicinal plants have gained increasing attention for their potential in cancer prevention and therapy. Among these, Manilkara zapota (commonly known as Sapodilla) and Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Pointed Gourd) have long been recognized in traditional medicine for their diverse pharmacological benefits. This study investigates their phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and anticancer effects on the HEC-1 endometrial cancer cell line.

Phytochemical screening of the fruit extracts of M. zapota and T. dioica confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. These compounds are known to possess significant medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anticancer activities. To evaluate their free radical scavenging ability, multiple antioxidant assays were conducted, including DPPH free radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferric thiocyanate assay, and xanthine oxidase inhibition. The results revealed that both plant extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity, largely attributed to their rich flavonoid and polyphenol content. These antioxidants play a critical role in neutralizing free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress-a key contributor to cancer development.

To assess their anticancer potential, the cytotoxic effects of the fruit extracts were tested against the HEC-1 endometrial cancer cell line using the MTT assay. The findings demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell growth, suggesting that increasing concentrations of the extracts enhanced cytotoxicity. This indicates that certain bioactive compounds in M. zapota and T. dioica may effectively suppress cancer cell proliferation. Further, molecular docking studies revealed that phytochemicals such as quercetin, catechin, and zapotin from M. zapota, along with carotenoids and flavonoids from T. dioica, interact with key cancer-related proteins, potentially disrupting cell survival pathways and promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death).

The significance of these findings extends beyond basic research, offering promising insights into the potential development of natural, plant-based therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. With increasing concerns over the side effects of conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, medicinal plants like M. zapota and T. dioica present a compelling alternative due to their bioavailability, minimal toxicity, and broad pharmacological spectrum. While the study provides strong preliminary evidence, further in-depth research, including in vivo studies and clinical trials, is necessary to validate these effects and explore their precise mechanisms of action.

In conclusion, Manilkara zapota and Trichosanthes dioica emerge as promising sources of natural antioxidants and potential anticancer agents. Their ability to mitigate oxidative stress and inhibit cancer cell growth underscores their medicinal value. As research progresses, these plants could play a crucial role in the development of novel, plant-derived therapies for cancer, offering a more holistic, safer, and potentially effective approach to disease management.

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