Anticancer potential of iron-based polyherbal formulation against lung and colon cancer cell lines

Evidence-based research could unlock novel, safe drugs from medicinal plants. Ancient herbal formulations remain largely unproven limits their modern use.

Following a review of extensive ancient literature, "Kantha Chenduram (KC)" was selected. The current investigation involved a comprehensive characterisation utilising Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopic Analysis. Subsequently, the formulation's efficacy was evaluated in vitro against two prevalent lethal cancer cells, namely lung (A549) and colon (HT 29) cancer cells, then through a series of cellular assays, including DNA fragmentation, Fluorescence microscopy, cell cycle studies, and Apoptosis studies. Furthermore, cytotoxicity profile of the formulation was assessed using Vero cells, and its anti-inflammatory potential was investigated.

KC showed crystalline particles, ranging from 200 nm to 7 μm, with the presence of iron and oxygen. Exhibiting potent anticancer activity, the compound showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) IC₅₀ values of 24.75 ± 0.028 μg/mL and 28.8 ± 0.032 μg/mL against lung and colon cancer cell lines, respectively. KC potentially targeted both lung and colon DNA, and fluorescent microscopic studies revealed that apoptotic cells were higher than necrotic cells. Lung cancer cell cycle studies demonstrated G₀-G₁ phase arrest. Furthermore, Apoptotic studies demonstrated a higher proportion of apoptotic cells in lung (24.33 %) and colon (59.73 %) cancer cells, suggesting a more aggressive cell death pathway. The formulation exhibited a favourable safety profile in Vero cell assays, indicating its safe potential for in vivo administration (P < 0.001). KC evidenced potent anti-inflammatory effects in egg albumin and bovine albumin with IC₅₀ of 73.78 and 81.62 μg/mL, respectively (P < 0.05).

These scientific data support the claim that the herbal formulation possesses significant anticancer properties, improving human health. Consequently, the formulation is a promising candidate for clinical trials and global application.