Anticancer Effects of

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant global health concern.
• Natural products, including Carica papaya L. (papaya), are increasingly investigated for their therapeutic potential.
• Identifying novel anticancer agents is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anticancer properties of Carica papaya L. extracts (leaves and seeds) and benzyl isothiocyanate.
• To compare the effects of male and female papaya plant extracts on oral cancer cells.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of action, including apoptosis and cell cycle modulation.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and quantification of benzyl isothiocyanate and alkaloid fractions from papaya seeds and leaves.
• Treatment of the SCC-25 oral cancer cell line with various extracts and compounds.
• Assessment of anticancer effects using MTT assays, apoptosis analysis, cell cycle profiling, and mitochondrial membrane potential determination.

Main Results:

• The ethanol:water extract of papaya seeds yielded the highest benzyl isothiocyanate concentration.
• Male papaya leaves contained higher alkaloid levels compared to female leaves.
• Papaya leaf and seed extracts induced apoptosis and differential cell cycle arrest (S-phase for male leaves, G2M-phase for female leaves and seeds).

Conclusions:

• Carica papaya L. extracts and benzyl isothiocyanate exhibit significant anticancer activity against OSCC.
• Distinct anticancer effects were observed between male and female papaya leaf extracts.
• Papaya-derived compounds hold promise as adjunct therapies for oral cancer, potentially improving patient prognosis and reducing recurrence.