GC-MS Metabolites of Duku (Lansium domesticum) Leaves and Bark Extract as Anticancer against MCF-7, Hela Cancer Cell, and Molecular Docking Revealed its Potential

Authors: Fitry Tafzi, Surhaini, Dian Wulansari, Indra Lesmana Tarigan, Madyawati Latief, Sofia Nurjannah

Abstract

Lansium domesticum (L. domesticum) is a tropical fruit widely cultivated in Indonesia, with its leaves and bark known to contain bioactive compounds. However, their biological activities remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and cytotoxic potential of ethanol extracts from L. domesticum leaves and bark against breast cancer (MCF-7) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in vitro. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, while cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay. The results revealed that the leaf extract exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than the bark extract. Cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated that both extracts were toxic to MCF-7 and HeLa cells, with the bark extract exhibiting higher potency. The IC50 values for the leaf extract were 71.77 µg/mL against MCF-7 cells and 37.45 µg/mL against HeLa cells, while the bark extract showed IC50 values of 58.65 µg/mL and 17.54 µg/mL against MCF-7 and HeLa cells, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed that allo-aromadendrene exhibited the strongest binding affinity to both the MCF-7 (3ERT) and HeLa (5DXU) receptors, with the lowest Gibbs free energy values and inhibition constant. Ɛ-muurolene also demonstrated a notable interaction with the HeLa receptor. These findings suggest that L. domesticum bark extract, particularly due to the presence of allo-aromadendrene and Ɛ-muurolene, has significant cytotoxic potential and could serve as a promising candidate for the development of natural anticancer agents, particularly against cervical cancer. Further studies are warranted to explore its mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications.