Azadirachta indica A. Juss Fruit Mesocarp and Epicarp Extracts Induce Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Effects against Prostate (PC-3), Breast (MCF-7), and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) Cancer Cell Lines through Upregulation of Proapoptotic Genes

Abstract

Effective alternative strategies and methodological approaches are critically necessary for cancer prevention and therapy. In this study, we investigated the antitumor potential of neem fruit mesocarp and epicarp extracts. The chemical composition of the derived extracts was characterized using GC–MS. Data were collected on the antimicrobial activity of the extracts in addition to the cytotoxicity effect evaluated against PC-3, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cancer cell lines, compared with the normal Vero cells. Cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, and expression of apoptosis-related genes were assessed on PC-3 cells. Both extracts had significant antiproliferative effects on all tested cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with the mesocarp extract being more potent. Both extracts also showed high antibacterial and antifungal activities. These results were related to the chemical constituents of the extracts identified by the GC–MS analysis. The extract of neem fruit mesocarp caused cell-cycle arrest at G2/M phase of PC-3 cells. The cytotoxicity of neem mesocarp extract is strongly correlated with the induction of apoptosis, where it caused downregulation of the antiapoptotic BCL2 gene but upregulation of the proapoptotic P53 and BAX genes. This study showed that neem fruit extract is potential anticancer material in the future.

Antifungal activity of Lysinibacillus macroides against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium proliferatum and analysis of its mycotoxin minimization potential

“…All compounds are well-known microbial biomolecules that have strong antagonistic activities against toxigenic as well as phytopathogenic fungi [ 68 ] [ 69 ] [ 70 ] [ 71 ]; [ 62 , 72 ] [ 66 ]. While 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 2,3-bis[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]propyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- (6.57%) was the second molecule found with a large peak area and has been linked to antimicrobial activity [ 73 ], hexadecenoic acid has recently been linked to antifungal activity [ 74 ]. In addition, the 1-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-ethanediyl ester (1.65%) had antifungal action [ 75 ], as did Glycerol 2-acetate 1,3-dipalmitate (1.14) [ 76 ], and Ethyl iso-allocholate (1.07%).…”

Investigation of Potential In Vitro Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile Fruit Extract and Its Phytochemical Components

“…In vitro cytotoxicity of B. aegyptiaca extract was studied using MTT assay as per the method described in detail in our previously published work [ 46 , 47 ]. Concisely, cultured cells were harvested and plated in 96-well plates containing a final volume of 100 µL/well (1 × 10 5 cells/mL) and incubated for 24 h at 37 °C in a CO 2 incubator.…”

Assessment of Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Aqueous Ethanol Extract and Fractions of Azadirachta indica Stem Bark

“…Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is an evergreen tree of the Meliaceae family which is widely cultivated and distributed throughout Asia, Africa, and other tropical regions of the world (Ibrahim et al, 2022). It usually grows to a height of 30-60 feet, with a straight trunk and long, spreading branches, forming a broad, round crown (Shakib et al, 2020).…”