GC-MS analysis, molecular docking, and apoptotic-based cytotoxic effect of Caladium lindenii Madison extracts toward the HeLa cervical cancer cell line

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver

Medicinal plant resources are investigated as potential anticancer options, focusing on Caladium lindenii leaf extracts against cervical cancer cells. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry identifies active phytochemical constituents in ethanol and n-hexane extracts, followed by cytotoxic evaluation on HeLa and HEK-293 T cells using MTT and crystal violet assays. Apoptosis-related mRNA markers (BCL-2 and TP53) are quantified by SYBR Green real-time PCR, and molecular docking maps compound interactions with TP53, BCL2, EGFR, and HER2 targets. The ethanol extract shows strong HeLa growth inhibition (IC50 40 µg/mL) and modulates TP53 and BCL2 expressions, supporting promising anti-cervical activity.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Methods

GC–MS and extract preparation

Cytotoxicity assays

Real-time PCR for apoptosis biomarkers

Molecular docking

Results

Cytotoxic effects on HeLa and HEK-293 T cells

Gene expression changes

Docking interactions with target proteins

Conclusion

[www. nature.com/scientificreports](www. nature.com/scientificreports) OPEN GC–MS analysis, molecular docking, and apoptotic‑based cytotoxic effect of Caladium lindenii Madison extracts toward the HeLa cervical cancer cell line Aasia Kalsoom1,3*, AwaisAltaf1*, Muhammad Sarwar1, Tahir Maqbool1, Muhammad Abdul Basit Ashraf2, Huma Sattar1, Ghulam Shabbir3, QurbanAli4* & Muhammad Arshad Javed4 Utilizing medicinal plants and other natural resources to prevent different types of human cancers is the prime focus of attention. Cervical cancer in women ranks as the fourth most common type of malignancy. The current study used gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify the active phytochemical constituents from Caladium lindenii leaf extracts using ethanol (ECL) and n‑hexane (HCL) solvents. Plant extracts were tested for potential cytotoxic effects on HeLa and HEK‑ 293 T cells using the MTT (3‑(4,5‑Dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) and the crystal violet assays. SYBR Green‑based real‑time PCR was performed to assess the mRNA expression profile of the apoptosis biomarkers (BCL-2 and TP53). The molecular interaction of the compounds with the targeted proteins (TP53, BCL2, EGFR, and HER2) was determined using molecular docking. GC–MS analysis revealed a total of 93 compounds in both extracts. The ECL extract significantly reduced the proliferation of HeLa cervical cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 40 µg/mL, while HEK‑ 293 T cells showed less effect (IC50 = 226 µg/mL). The quantitative RT‑PCR gene expression analysis demonstrated the ethanol extract regulatedTP53 and BCL2 mRNA expressions in treated cancer cell samples. Heptanediamide, N,Nʹ‑di‑benzoyloxy‑(− 10.1) is the best‑docked ligand with aTP53 target found in the molecular docking study, whereas EGFR/Clionasterol had the second highest binding affinity (− 9.7), followed by EGFR/Cycloeucalenol (− 9.6) . It is concluded that ECL extract has promising anti‑cervical cancer potential and might be valued for developing new plant‑derived anticancer agents after further investigations. Keywords Caladium lindenii, Cervical cancer, Phytocompounds, Gene expression, Molecular docking Cancer is one of the most devastating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), and its global burden has risen noticeably over the years based on incidence and prevalence data1. Cervical cancer ranks fourth among female cancers globally, with an estimated 341,831 deaths and 604,127 new cases in 2020. It is devastating that 570,000 women have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, of which 311,000 died from the disease in 2018, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and early detection2. It’s important to be aware of the global statistics surrounding cervical cancer that more than 58% of all cases were assessed in Asia, and 20% in Africa, 10% in Europe, and Latin America. Additionally, more than half of deaths related to cervical cancer were estimated in Asia at 58%, followed by Africa at 22%, and Latin America at 9%. Specifically, 18% of cases and 17% of deaths occur in China, and 21% of cases and 23% of deaths occur in India has been reported. Women should prioritize their health and stay educated 1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan. 2Department of Physiology, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. 3Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Islamabad, Pakistan. 4Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan. * email: [asiyakalsoom0608@gmail.com](asiyakalsoom0608@gmail.com); [awaisaltaf362@yahoo.com](awaisaltaf362@yahoo.com); [saim1692@gmail.com](saim1692@gmail.com) [www. nature.com/scientificreports/](www. nature.com/scientificreports/) about procedures that reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer3. As reported by several studies, many environmental and genetic factors play a r

FAQs

How were Caladium lindenii extracts prepared and analyzed for phytochemical constituents?

Ethanol and n-hexane solvents were used to obtain leaf extracts, and GC–MS analysis was performed to identify the phytochemical constituents. A total of 93 compounds were detected across both extracts.

Which assays were used to evaluate cytotoxicity against cancer and control cells?

Cytotoxic effects were tested on HeLa and HEK-293 T cells using MTT and crystal violet assays to assess changes in cell viability/proliferation.

How were apoptosis biomarkers and molecular targets evaluated in the study?

SYBR Green-based real-time PCR measured mRNA expression of apoptosis biomarkers BCL-2 and TP53. Molecular docking then assessed interactions between compounds and targeted proteins TP53, BCL2, EGFR, and HER2.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver