The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(3):188-202 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14310

Research Article

Evaluation of anticancer activity and phytochemical characterisation of Musanga cecropioides R. Br. ex Tedlie (Urticaceae) leaf extract

Olubusola Omobolanle Olaleye^1,2,3 , Dong-Hyun Kim^1,2 , Keith A Spriggs⁴

Olubusola Omobolanle Olaleye,Dong-Hyun Kim,Keith A Spriggs

1. School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
2. Centre for Analytical Bioscience, Advanced Materials & Healthcare Technologies Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
3. Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Medicine Campus, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
4. School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 4th May, 2025 / Accepted: 12th July, 2025 / Published : 31st July, 2025

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a leading global health challenge, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths annually. While conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are widely used, medicinal plants offer promising alternatives due to their bioactive constituents. Musanga cecropioides R. Br. ex Tedlie (Urticaceae), a plant native to West Africa, has been traditionally used for various ailments but remains underexplored for its anticancer potential. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer activity of Musanga cecropioides leaf (MCL) extract against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, elucidate its mechanisms of action, and identify bioactive compounds responsible for its cytotoxic effects. Materials and Methods: Ethanol extract of MCL was prepared and tested on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and non-cancer MRC-5 cells using the MTT assay to determine cell viability and selectivity. Flow cytometry was employed to assess cell cycle progression, apoptosis (Annexin V-FITC/PI), and DNA damage (γ-H2AX assay). Caspase-3/7 activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were measured using chemiluminescence assays. Bioassay-guided fractionation was performed using solvent partitioning and chromatographic techniques. Structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was conducted using ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: MCL extract inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells with GI?? values of 3.42±1.80 µg/mL and 24.59±3.33 µg/mL, respectively, showing selectivity over non-cancer lung fibroblasts, MRC-5 cells. Flow cytometry revealed G1 phase arrest in MCF-7 cells and possible G2/M arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells. Apoptosis was induced in both cell lines, with caspase-3/7 activation observed in MDA-MB-231 but not in MCF-7 cells. ROS generation and DNA double-strand breaks were significantly elevated in treated cells. Bioassay-guided fractionation yielded 28 compounds, with docosanoic acid and α-tocopherol identified as major bioactive constituents. Conclusion: Musanga cecropioides leaf extract exhibits potent and selective anticancer activity against breast cancer cells through mechanisms involving cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, ROS generation, and DNA damage. The identification of docosanoic acid and α-tocopherol supports its potential as a source of chemotherapeutic agents, warranting further preclinical investigation.