Potent anti-cancer activity of Sphaerocoryne affinis fruit against cervical cancer HeLa cells via inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis

Abstract Background Cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic strategies. Given that Sphaerocoryne affinis (SA) has shown potential anti-cancer activity in several types, herein, we investigate effects of SA fruit (SAF) on human cervical HeLa cells and their underlying mechanisms action. Methods SAF extract cytotoxicity was assessed various cell lines. The hexane fraction (SAF-Hex) viability, cycle protein expression, apoptosis, DNA damage were evaluated using assays, Western blotting, quantitative PCR, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results SAF-Hex selectively inhibited viability with an IC50 4.20 ± 0.36 µg/mL selectivity index 5.11 0.58. time-dependent assay showed decreased survival after 48 h treatment, accompanied by morphological changes apoptotic bodies cells. also suppressed proteins (Cyclin E, CDK2, CDK1), reduced PCNA transcription, diminished AKT mTOR activation, thus inhibiting proliferation. increased γH2AX fragmentation, caspases-3 -9 activation indicated SAF-Hex-induced apoptosis. However, BAX/BCL-2 ratio remained unchanged, BAX BCL2 expression attenuated. Conclusion effectively inhibits proliferation induces line activating apoptosis through intrinsic pathway. Interestingly, unchanged while transcription Hence, further research is required to explore this unexpected finding facilitate development novel therapies targeting