In Vitro Antioxidant and In Vivo Anticancer Activities of TrigonellaFoenum-graecum Seeds Against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells

Introduction: Numerous investigations have revealed the biological activities of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). This study aims to extract fenugreek seeds using methanol, screen their phytochemicals, and assess their antioxidant properties and anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. Methods: Phytochemicals were analyzed using standard methods, and antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. Cell growth inhibition, survival time, tumor weight, haematological parameters, and gene expressions were used for anticancer activity analysis. Results: Total flavonoid, flavonol, and phenolic content of the extract were determined as 53.16 mg, 45.24 mg, and 42.95 mg/g of extract, respectively. DPPH assay of the extract showed significant scavenging activity, having an IC50 value of 58.323 μg/mL compared to the standard (ascorbic acid) 14.497 μg/mL. It showed a significant cell growth inhibition of 50.12% (p< 0.001) at a dose of 200 mg/kg (i.p.) when compared to the control group. EAC-bearing mice receiving the extract (200 mg/kg) showed a longer lifespan of 45.81% (p < 0.05) compared to untreated EAC-bearing mice. Also, treatment with the extract at 200 mg/kg decreased 61.90% tumor weight on day 20 compared to the control group. Furthermore, treatment of EAC cells with the extract promoted upregulation of pro-apoptotic (p53, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9) and downregulation of anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) genes in comparison to the control group. Discussion: The extract possesses several phytochemicals, including flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, which contribute to its anticancer properties. Conclusion: The extract shows potential apoptotic activity in EAC cells by modulating the apoptotic signaling pathway.