<i>Moringa stenopetala</i> leaf extract improves the efficacy of doxorubicin in the breast cancer therapy by suppressing the expression of MDR-1, Raf-1, and Top-II

The aim of this work was to explore the bioactive properties of <i>Moringa stenopetala</i> leaves (Baker f.) Cufod. Methanol and ethanol extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity with the lowest IC₅₀ values. MS leaves were found to be a good supplement for K, Fe and Ca. The obtained results indicated that ethanolic leaf extract exhibits growth inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cell line, and induction of apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest. Also, there was a significant effect on cytotoxicity against a breast cell line when the ethanolic extract was combined with doxorubicin. At the molecular level, changes in gene expression were detected <i>via</i> qPCR. Thirty-two compounds were identified in the ethanolic extract using HPLC ESI-MS/MS and classified into: hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, fatty acids, and other miscellaneous compounds. Molecular docking predicted that the main component in the ethanolic extract (apigenin-7-O-rutinoside) has multiple inhibitory effects on MDR-1, Raf-1 and Top-II proteins.