Antineoplastic potential of Lepisanthes rubiginosa (Roxb.) Leenh. leaves extract against ehrlich ascites carcinoma: A...

This study evaluated the antineoplastic potential of L. rubiginosa leaves by integrating phytochemical, antioxidant, in vivo, and in silico approaches. The methanolic extract of L. rubiginosa leaves (LRLME) contained high levels of phenolics (61.292 ± 0.902 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (130.718 1.862 mg CAE/g) and exhibited strong antioxidant activity in the total antioxidant capacity, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Cytotoxicity assessment using the brine shrimp lethality assay indicated low toxicity, with an LC₅₀ of 661.278 μg/mL. In vivo antitumor studies revealed that intraperitoneal administration of LRLME (40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell proliferation by 54.31% (p < 0.001) and extended the lifespan of mice implanted with tumors by 97.30% (p < 0.001). Treatment with LRLME also significantly restored hematological parameters, including red and white blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels, toward normal values compared with untreated controls. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling revealed 54 phytochemical constituents, which were thereafter screened through molecular docking, ADMET profiling, and molecular dynamics simulations targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Three compounds, namely (-)-norephedrine, cathine, and phenylephrine, demonstrated the highest binding affinities (-6.644, -6.474, and -6.000 kcal/mol, respectively) and favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles. Molecular dynamics studies further affirmed the sustained stable interactions and conformational stability of these compounds within the EGFR active site. Collectively, these findings suggest that L. rubiginosa exhibits significant anticancer activity against EAC cells and may serve as a potential natural reservoir of EGFR inhibitors for future therapeutic development.