Mechanistic insights into the anti-aging and anti-cancer potential of rosemary via P53, SRC, and AKT1 through a network pharmacology perspective

This study investigates the anti-aging and anticancer properties of rosemary extract, focusing on its bioactive compounds and their interactions with key proteins through network pharmacology and molecular docking. Bioactive compounds were identified using LC-HRMS and GC-MS, and in vitro assays tested antityrosinase activity and cytotoxicity on B16 melanoma cells. Results showed rosemary extract inhibited tyrosinase by 70.4% at 10,000 ppm and reduced melanoma cell growth by 74.7% at 200 ppm. Network pharmacology identified interactions between rosemary compounds and aging/cancer-related proteins, including p53, SRC, and AKT1. Molecular docking highlighted flavonoids like cynaroside, myricetin, and kaempferol, and terpenoids like gibberellin A7 as modulators of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Cynaroside, in particular, showed strong binding with key proteins, underscoring its therapeutic potential. This study supports rosemary’s bioactive compounds as promising anti-aging and anticancer agents, laying groundwork for future in vivo studies and enhanced delivery methods.