Unveiling the Anticancer Potential of Curcuma Caesia Roxb. Against Ovarian Cancer: An Indigenous Plant of Assam

Background: Curcuma caesia Roxb., (Black turmeric), a distinct variety of medicinal herb belonging to Zingiberaceae family is an underexplored plant of Assam, India whose essential oil composition and historic uses set it apart from other members of its family. This study aims to explore the anticancer potential of the phytoconstituents of this herb against ovarian cancer cell line. Method: In-silico Molecular docking was carried out using PyRx for assessing the effectiveness of active constituents (Isoborneol, Alloaromadendrene, (+)-2-Bornanone, α- Santalol, Ar-tumerone, Megastigma-3,7(E),9-triene, 5,8,11,14,17-Eicosapentaenoic acid methyl ester, Retinal,9-cis, Androstenediol, Camphor, Benzene-1-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-4-methyl, 1,8-Cineole, β-elemene, Bornyl acetate & α-terpineol) against ovarian cancer protein (PDB ID:2NS2) and the potential 2D interaction of the active constituents with binding site of receptor was visualized using Biovia Discovery Studio software. For anticancer study, the rhizomes of Curcuma caesia Roxb., were extracted successively using Soxhlet extraction by hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts respectively and the methanol extract (MECC) containing Androstenediol fraction was assessed for cytotoxicity against PA-1 ovarian cancer cell line by employing the MTT assay. Result: The outcome of the in-silico analysis demonstrated the highest binding affinity of Androstenediol with a binding score of -7.1 kcal/mol and the 2D interaction revealed that the favorable interacting residues are GLN A:210, ALA A;132, PRO A:135 and VAL A:211 respectively. In cytotoxicity analysis, it was found that there was a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability with an IC50 value of 610 µg/ml. Apoptosis analysis through flow cytometry further revealed that MECC induced significant levels of early apoptosis (23.09%) and late apoptosis (3.50%) with negligible necrosis indicating that the extract primarily triggers programmed cell death. Conclusion: This study suggests that the presence of bioactive compounds in Curcuma caesia Roxb. holds promising anticancer properties which provides a foundation for the development of novel plant-based anticancer therapies.