Apoptosis induced by Melia dubia Cav. leaf extract through oxidative stress and mitochondrial destabilization in HeLa cervical cancer cells
1Priyanka N and 2*S. Uma Gowrie
Department of Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology Principal and Secretary2* Ethiraj College for Women (Autonomous), Chennai Corresponding Author: umagowrie_s@ethirajcollege.edu.in 1Priyanka N – Research Scholar, Email ID: npriyanka0512@gmail.com *2S Uma Gowrie – Research Supervisor, Head, Principal & Secretary, Department : Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Postal and Present Address of Authors : Ethiraj College for Women (Autonomous), (Affiliated to University of Madras) No. 70, Ethiraj Salai, Chennai - 600008 (India)
ABSTRACT
Cervical cancer continues to pose a significant global health problems, underscoring the demand for bioactive phytochemicals capable of modulating key oncogenic pathways. Melia dubia Cav. - Meliaceae also known as Malabar neem is a perennial tree. The leaves contain rich source of bioactive limonoids and other major pharmacological phytoconstituents such as linoleic acid, palmitic acid, caryophyllene, probucol and aromadendrene. In this study, the anticancer potential of Melia dubia leaf extract was investigated in HeLa cervical cancer cells with a focus on oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Treatment with the extract significantly elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, disrupting the cellular redox balance. This ROS surge triggered a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating compromised mitochondrial integrity. These events collectively promoted cytochrome C release and subsequent activation of apoptotic pathways. Morphological alterations with apoptosis, including cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation and membrane blebbing were also observed. Overall, our findings demonstrate that Melia dubia leaf extract induces potent cytotoxic effects in HeLa cells by initiating oxidative stress and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for cervical cancer therapeutics.