Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract induces anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects in ovarian cancer

Plant bioactives are necessary for human health owing to their many biological impacts. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx extract is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Extracellular matrix 1 (ECM1) is a glycoprotein with distinct biological activities ranging from immunological to physiological roles. The impact of calyx extract on ECM1 in ovarian cancer has not been thoroughly investigated, particularly in cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis. MTT assay was performed to determine anticancer activity in Rosella extract. The cell and nuclear morphology were examined along with colony formation, and migration assay. The effect of the extract on the molecules involved in the cell signaling mechanism was evaluated using western blotting and PCR. Calyx extract cytotoxicity presented by the MTT assay at a 2.8 mg IC50 value, with atypical nuclear morphology and reduced cell migration. Rosella crude extract influences ECM1 glycoprotein, AKT1, and Cyclin D1 suppressing colony-forming ability. Apoptosis gets triggered, resulting in upregulation of different caspases, BID, and suppression of Bcl-2. The Rosella crude extract inhibited cell growth in OVCAR3 cells regulating the ECM1/AKT1/Cyclin D1 pathway, suggesting a potential approach for treating ovarian cancer.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-025-06267-2.