In vitro anticancer effects of ethanolic extract of Pandanus odorifer flower on HT-29 colon cancer cells by targeting p53 pathway

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of fatalities worldwide. Plant-derived constituents decrease colon cancer by reducing tumours, chemotherapeutic effects and exerting their actions at the molecular level. The objective of the study was to investigate the cytotoxic potential of ethanolic extract of Pandanus odorifer flower (EEPO) on HT-29 colon cancer cells. The cytotoxic assay, enzymatic antioxidant determination, gene expression and cell cycle analysis were performed to determine the effect of EEPO on HT-29 cells. The cytotoxic activity showed an IC50 value of 12.2 +/- 0.19 mu g/mL for 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) and 17.6 +/- 0.21 mu g/mL for EEPO on HT-29 cells, which indicates potent cytotoxic potential. The determination of enzymatic antioxidants revealed a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, along with an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), leading to apoptosis in EEPO treated cells. Further, the cell cycle analysis exhibited interphase arrest at the G1/S phase, which prevented the cells from proliferation. The RT-PCR showed the upregulation of p53-Upregulated Modulator of Apoptosis (PUMA) gene and downregulation of Bcl-2 gene, thereby enhancing apoptosis through the p53 pathway. These outcomes suggest that EEPO was an effective natural agent for triggering apoptosis on HT-29 colon cancer cells. By targeting the p53 pathway, EEPO shows a potential as a natural compound therapeutic agent. The findings highlight the wider significance of EEPO in creating potent plant-based treatments for colon cancer.