Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis of bioactive compounds of Cichorium intybus L. seed against hepatocellular carcinoma

In this article, bioactive compounds present in Cichorium intybus L. seeds were collected from literature review and analyzed for probable remedy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cichorium intybus L. is a traditional plant used all over the world mainly in hepatic disorders and renal diseases. This therapeutic plant has many bioactive compounds like chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, sesquiterpne lactones, stigmasterols etc are found in seeds. Here, the target protein p53 (PDB ID: 2OCJ) which is involved in many cancerous pathways, is chosen. The preADMET study filtered out some compounds which were then subjected to molecular docking studies by Autodock tool 4.2. Afterwards, two best compounds (Esculetin and Isochlorogenic acid) were screened out on the basis of binding energy as compared to the standard compound (Doxorubicin). All these complexes were then analyzed for stability by molecular dynamics using online GROMACS tool. In the comparative simulation study, the compound Esculetin shows a stable interaction with the p53 over the 100 ns trajectory. Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for high mortality of cancer related death worldwide. These findings suggest that these compound can be used to treat the hepatocellular carcinoma.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma