Bioactive and anticancer potential of Pisum sativum seed extracts: phytochemical profiling, cytotoxicity, and molecular docking insights

The present study explores the bioactive potential of Pisum sativum seed extracts with a focus on their anticancer efficacy. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of pharmacologically significant secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. GC–MS analysis identified more than 100 bioactive constituents, notably flavonoids such as genistein and eicosane, which have been widely reported for their potential anticancer activity. Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, achieving 79.12% cell inhibition with an IC50 value of 1.914 mg/mL. This extract also induced the highest apoptotic rate (63%) along with notable necrotic effects. JC-1 and comet assays demonstrated mitochondrial membrane depolarisation and DNA damage, confirming apoptosis-mediated cell death. Molecular docking further showed strong interactions of genistein, formononetin, and eicosane with breast cancer target receptors. Overall, the study highlights P. sativum seed extracts as promising natural candidates for anticancer drug development.