Anticancer Effects of Key Constituents of <em>Pileostegia tomentella via</em> ROS-Mediated Classical Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

This study explores the anticancer potential of Pileostegia tomentella, with a particular focus on its ability to induce classical apoptosis in H1299 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pathways. Using a bioactivity-guided isolation approach, two active compounds, umbelliferone (UMB) and epi-Vogeloside, were identified as the major cytotoxic constituents. Both compounds exhibited significant inhibitory effects on cell viability and effectively triggered apoptotic cell death in H1299 cells. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that treatment with UMB and epi-Vogeloside led to a marked increase in intracellular ROS levels, implicating oxidative stress as a key mediator. Western blot analysis revealed increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 and decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, indicating activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Additionally, transcriptomic profiling showed widespread alterations in gene expression, further supporting disruption of cellular homeostasis. These results suggest that Pileostegia tomentella and its active constituents hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for lung cancer.