Antioxidant and Molecular Insights into the Anticancer Potential of Argemone Mexicana L. Seed Extract on HepG2 Cell Line

Objective: Argemone Mexicana L., a medicinal plant rich in isoquinoline alkaloids, is investigated for its anticancer and antioxidant potential. The study explored the effect of the seed extract on hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells using an integrated in silico and in vitro approach. Materials and Methods: Chloroform extraction of A. mexicana seeds via Soxhlet apparatus was followed by column chromatographic separation to yield alkaloid-enriched fractions. The methanolic fraction (AM-M1) was characterized by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) to identify its phytochemical constituents. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses of Plk1 and mTOR proteins were performed to identify key targets and pathways. Results: In vitro cytotoxicity of AM-M1 fraction was assessed using the MTT assay. And antioxidant capacity of chloroform seed extract of AM was determined by DPPH assay. The AM-M1fraction exhibited cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells with an IC50 value of 1509.6 µg/mL and showed 75.26% antioxidant activity at 500 µg/mL. Conclusion: The integrated in silico and in vitro results indicate that A. mexicana seeds exhibit potent anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma, likely mediated through modulation of PI3K/AKT, mTOR, p53, and cell-cycle signaling pathways. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of its bioactive constituents as promising anticancer leads.