Natural Monoterpene Stylosin Induced Anticancer Effects on Human Colon Carcinoma Cells

Sep 22, 2026

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Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with high incidence and poor outcomes. This study evaluates stylosin (STL), a natural monoterpene, focusing on its interaction with the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), a tyrosine kinase oncoprotein central to tumor progression. HGFR expression, STL pharmacokinetics, and STL–HGFR binding were examined by tissue analysis, computational prediction, and molecular docking. In LoVo cells, STL reduced viability in a dose-dependent manner and increased apoptosis, supporting anticancer activity with possible HGFR involvement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages10

Reading Time25 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Colorectal carcinoma burden and risk factors

Current CRC treatment approaches and challenges

HGFR/MET in CRC progression and therapeutic targeting

Pharmacology Research & Perspectives ORIGINAL ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS Natural Monoterpene Stylosin Induced Anticancer Effects on Human Colon Carcinoma Cells Sara Seyedshazileh1,2 | Amirabbas Abdollahi1,2 | Mehrdad Iranshahi3 | Fatemeh B. Rassouli1,2 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran | 2Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran | 3Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Correspondence: Fatemeh B. Rassouli ([behnam3260@um.ac.ir](behnam3260@um.ac.ir)) Received: 16 October 2025 | Revised: 25 May 2026 | Accepted: 1 June 2026 Keywords: apoptosis | colorectal carcinoma | hepatocyte growth factor receptor | natural monoterpene | stylosin ABSTRACT Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) ranks among the top five most common malignancies globally, characterized by a high incidence and poor prognosis. Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), a tyrosine kinase oncoprotein, plays a critical role in tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of stylosin (STL), a natural monoterpene, on human CRC cells, with focus on its potential interactions with HGFR. For computational analysis, the expression of HGFR was assessed in CRC tissues, pharmacokinetics of STL were predicted, and the interaction between STL and HGFR was determined by molecular docking. For experimental studies, STL was isolated from Ferula ovina roots via thin layer chromatography, and its structure was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. LoVo cells were treated with STL at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μM for 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. Cell viability was assessed by alamarBlue, while apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V-FITC/PI staining followed by flow cytometry analysis. Results demonstrated significant overexpression of HGFR in CRC tissues relative to normal samples. The pharmacokinetic analysis of STL predicted high bioavailability, favorable distribution, and low toxicity risks. Molecular docking predicted a favorable binding affinity of STL to the active site of HGFR. Treatment with STL led to a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability, with the most pronounced cytotoxic effect observed at 100 μM. This was supported by notable morphological changes and increased apoptosis in treated cells. Collectively, the present findings show anticancer activity of STL in CRC cells, with computational predictions suggesting possible HGFR involvement and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. These results provide initial evidence supporting further investigation and position STL as a potent agent against CRC. 1 | Introduction Cancer remains one of the most critical global public health challenges, with the number of new cases and deaths rising each year. Projections indicate a substantial increase in its burden over the next two decades [1] . Notable disparities exist in cancer epidemiology between developing and developed countries; in regions with a higher Human Development Index (HDI), gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most commonly diagnosed [2] . Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) accounts for approximately 11% of all cancer diagnoses and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The CRC burden is projected to increase by 63% in new cases and 73% in deaths by 2040 compared to 2020 levels [3, 4] . Common risk factors for CRC include genetic predisposition, aging, dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Additionally, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis contribute to increased risk [5] . The treatment strategy for CRC depends on the cancer subtype, stage, and the patient's clinical background, and includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery is typically the first-line treatment in early-stage disease where the tumor has not metastasized, while chemot

FAQs

What is the main focus of the study on colorectal cancer cells?

The study investigates how stylosin (STL) affects human colon carcinoma/colorectal carcinoma cells, with attention to its potential interaction with HGFR.

How was HGFR involvement assessed in this work?

HGFR expression was assessed in CRC tissues, pharmacokinetics of STL were predicted computationally, and the STL–HGFR interaction was evaluated using molecular docking.

What experimental evidence supports STL’s anticancer effect?

LoVo cells treated with STL showed reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis, supported by morphological changes and annexin V-FITC/PI staining with flow cytometry.

Sep 22, 2026

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