Advancing cost-effective phytochemical cytotoxicity research in cervical cancer through cellular and embryonic studies

Cervical carcinoma remains a major contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, with persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) identified as the principal etiological factor. The present study investigated the anticancer efficacy of six phytoconstituents—quercetin, scopoletin, sulforaphane, icarrin, InUa, and Standard—through combined in vitro and ex vivo approaches. HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines were treated with graded concentrations (30-100 ug/mL) of each compound, using methotrexate as a pharmacological reference. Cytotoxicity was assessed via viability staining, metabolic assays, and clonogenic survival, all of which demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity and reduced colony formation (p<0.05). Complementary chicken embryo assays substantiated these findings, revealing dose-dependent embryotoxicity. At submaximal doses, quercetin and InUa induced medium turbidity, protein denaturation, necrotic foci, and impaired vascularisation, while higher doses precipitated tissue disintegration, coagulative necrosis, vascular obliteration, and complete embryonic lethality. Sulforaphane, scopoletin, and InUa further caused absolute developmental arrest. Collectively, these results confirm the robust, dose-responsive anticancer and embryotoxic properties of the tested phytocompounds. The findings underscore their translational promise in cervical cancer therapeutics, while highlighting the necessity of precise dose calibration to balance efficacy with biosafety. Future in vivo studies are essential to validate these preliminary observations and refine dosing regimens for clinical application.