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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells
Published on: May 9, 2025
Screening of Potential Phytocompounds From Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Leaves Targeting Human Epidermal Growth Factor
Chella Perumal Palanisamy1, Anofi Omotayo Tom Ashafa1
1Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa.
Background:
Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) plays an important role in the development and progression in a variety of cancers and it is a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Euclea crispa (E. crispa) is a South African medicinal plant in the family Ebenaceae used in the management of different human diseases and disorders.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential inhibitors against HER2 from hexane extract of E. crispa leaves.
Materials And Methods:
Chemical fingerprinting method was used to identify the presence of natural compounds from the extract whereas their inhibitory activities were analyzed by molecular docking analysis against HER2. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties also predicted to establish the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics profiles of the selected compounds.
Results:
The molecular docking analysis expressed that phenyl glucuronide, hydrocortisone acetate, and 6-(4,6-dioxo-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-yl-amino)hexanoic acid trifluoroacetate possess good inhibitory activities with good glide score of -6.63, -5.41, and -5.40 and glide energy of -35.03, -42.51, and -31.38 kcal/mol, respectively when compared with standard Food and Drug Administration-approved drug and other compounds. All the screened compounds were within the acceptable and permissible limits of ADME properties.
Conclusion:
Thus, from this study it can be concluded that, these screened natural compounds from E. crispa leaves may serve as potential inhibitors for HER2 and they might lead to development of new therapeutic agents against cancer and its associated complications.
Insights
Natural compounds from Euclea crispa leaves show potential as HER2 inhibitors. This research identifies promising candidates for developing new cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression drives various cancers, making it a key therapeutic target.
- HER2 is a significant target in breast cancer and ovarian cancer treatment.
- Euclea crispa (E. crispa), a South African plant, is traditionally used for various ailments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential HER2 inhibitors from the hexane extract of E. crispa leaves.
- To identify natural compounds with inhibitory activity against HER2.
- To explore novel therapeutic agents for HER2-driven cancers.
Main Methods:
- Chemical fingerprinting to identify compounds in E. crispa extract.
- Molecular docking analysis to assess inhibitory activity against HER2.
- Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) prediction for pharmacokinetic profiling.
Main Results:
- Phenyl glucuronide, hydrocortisone acetate, and a pyrimidine derivative exhibited strong inhibitory activity against HER2.
- These compounds showed favorable glide scores and glide energies in molecular docking.
- Predicted ADME properties for the screened compounds were within acceptable ranges.
Conclusions:
- Selected natural compounds from E. crispa leaves demonstrate potential as HER2 inhibitors.
- These findings may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.
- E. crispa represents a potential source for new anti-cancer drug discovery.
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