Therapeutic Potential of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) Pod Extract: Apoptosis Induction and Anti-Inflammatory Action in Colorectal Cancer Cells

<i>Psophocarpus tetragonolobus</i> (L.) DC or winged bean is a nutrient-rich tropical legume that has been a part of the Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries. In this study, phytochemical composition and anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of winged bean pod ethanolic extract (WBE) were investigated with specific emphasis on colorectal cancer. Phytochemical fingerprint of WBE was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis were evaluated in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, morphological observation, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse mononuclear macrophage (RAW 264.7) by determination of pro-inflammatory cytokines. WBE contained high total phenolic (237.33 ± 8.48 mg gallic acid/g) and flavonoid (180.53 ± 6.31 mg quercatin/g) content, with the primary flavonoid being kaempferol (0.012 g%). WBE dose-dependently suppressed viability (IC₅₀ = 117.86 µg/mL) and triggered apoptosis in HT-29 cells, with morphological alterations and DNA fragmentation. In addition, WBE significantly suppressed secretion of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Therefore, WBE displayed therapeutic potential for the induction of apoptosis against colorectal cancer cells and inhibitions of inflammatory cytokines. Despite being traditionally consumed as an edible plant, additional studies are needed to confirm the safety of <i>P. tetragonolobus</i> extract.