Phytochemicals to Pharmacology: Potential Cytotoxic and Tumor Inhibitory Activity of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Extract in Preclinical Models

Abstract Elaeocarpus ganitrus, popularly known as Rudraksha, is of immense holistic importance in traditional Indian culture with spiritual and medicinal benefits. The present study aims to characterize and explore the cytotoxic and tumor inhibitory potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Rudraksha beads in preclinical models. Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared from powdered Rudraksha beads and was characterized through qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, FT-IR, and LC-MS/MS analysis. In vitro cytotoxic activity of Rudraksha bead extract was evaluated in PC3, U87MG, A549, HCT116, FaDu, MCF-7, and LLC1 cell lines by MTT assay. Apoptotic activity was assessed by Western blot analysis of Bax, Caspase-3, and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins in the HCT116 cell line. In vivo antitumor efficacy was evaluated in the LLC1 allograft and HCT116 xenograft mouse model. Hydroalcoholic extract of Rudraksha bead showed abundance of polyphenolic compounds and their subtypes like phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in different analytical techniques. Treatment with hydroalcoholic extract elicited a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability in all the tested cell lines, with the best response in HCT116 (CC50 = 47.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 42.75 – 49.06 µg/mL), with upregulated expression of pro-apoptotic markers, Caspase-3 (1.53-fold), Cleaved Caspase-3 (1.47-fold), and Bax (6.4-fold). Treatment with 500 mg/kg of Rudraksha extract in the LLC1 tumor allograft model (QD × 9 days) and HCT116 xenograft model (QD × 21 days) demonstrated significantly reduced tumor volume in comparison to the vehicle control. Hydroalcoholic extract of Rudraksha demonstrated a promising tumor inhibition response in preclinical settings, therefore making it a potential therapeutic candidate for cancer treatment.