Ameliorative Effect of Lycopene and Capsaicinoid Glucoside in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy with limited therapeutic efficacy, particularly in elderly and chemotherapy-resistant patients. Although cytarabine and daunorubicin are the conventional treatments, their 5-year survival rate is less than 15% in some populations. Nonetheless, natural bioactive substances with antileukemic properties might be a viable treatment strategy. The antileukemic potential of lycopene (Lyc) and capsaicinoid glucoside (CG), individually and in combination, is examined in this study as a possible adjuvant or alternative treatment. This study employed both in-vitro (HL-60 cell line) and in-vivo (benzene-induced leukemia rat model) methods. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and proliferation were evaluated in-vitro using MTT assays, Trypan blue, crystal violet staining and flow cytometry (Annexin-V/PI). Hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, neutrophils), oxidative stress indicators (SOD, GSH), qPCR and ELISA for anti-apoptotic/proliferative markers (Bcl-2, NF-κB, Ki-67, PCNA) were assessed in in vivo tests. To verify morphological alterations, blood smear analysis was carried out. Lyc and CG showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro, synergistically Lyc+CG showed lowest cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values of 21.35. Synergistic effects were shown by the Lyc+CG combination, which dramatically decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis (40.59% early apoptosis, 18.72% late apoptosis). In-vitro and in-vivo study showed that Lyc+CG reduced proliferation and anti-apoptotic effect, restored SOD and GSH levels, and normalized haematological parameters (p < 0.001). The Lyc+CG group's blood smears revealed more apoptotic bodies and fewer blast cells. By causing apoptosis, lowering oxidative stress, and preventing proliferation in cell line (HL-60) and animal models (benzene-induced leukemia in rats), the combination of Lyc and CG demonstrates strong antileukemic action. These results encourage more research into Lyc+CG as a possible AML treatment approach. To completely clarify its therapeutic potential, future research should concentrate on clinical trials and molecular insights.