PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CALOTROPIS LEAF EXTRACT FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS: A BIOACTIVE SCREENING AND MOLECULAR DOCKING APPROACH

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to defective chloride ion transport and thick mucus accumulation, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. Current treatment options focus on managing symptoms, yet there remains a strong demand for novel, cost-effective therapeutics with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study explores the phytotherapeutic potential of Calotropis gigantea and Calotropis procera, two traditional medicinal plants known for their bioactive compounds. Methanolic leaf extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and column chromatography. Fractionated samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified key compounds such as pinoresinol and neophytadiene. Molecular docking studies were performed to assess their interactions with CFTR-related protein domains. Pinoresinol exhibited strong binding affinity, suggesting its potential to modulate CFTR function and reduce inflammation. These findings highlight the potential of Calotropis-derived compounds as a promising source for CF therapy. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are recommended to validate their therapeutic mechanisms and efficacy. This study contributes to the growing interest in plant-based drug discovery for genetic and inflammatory disorders.