Therapeutic potential of Hyoscyamus niger-derived compounds: Targeting ovarian cancer through antioxidant activity and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition

Abstract

Ovarian cancer poses a significant challenge to women's health, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of compounds derived from Hyoscyamus niger, a medicinal plant with a history of traditional use, focusing on their antioxidant properties and their ability to inhibit epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase a promising target in cancer therapy. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of H. niger extract revealed the presence of 21 phenolic compounds, with luteolin and p-coumaric acid notably exhibiting the highest concentrations. The extract displayed robust antioxidant activity across multiple assays, and its performance in the Reducing Power assay highlights its potential in reducing oxidative stress. Molecular docking results indicate that several phenolic compounds may serve as EGFR inhibitors, offering promising avenues for further investigation in cancer therapy. Notably, hyperoside emerged as a strong candidate due to its favorable binding energy and interactions within the EGFR active site. This study demonstrates the therapeutic promise of H. niger-derived compounds in targeting ovarian cancer through antioxidant activity and EGFR inhibition. Further research is warranted to validate their efficacy and safety, potentially opening up new avenues for ovarian cancer treatment.