Investigation of the anticancer effects of Euphorbia petrophila on breast and lung cancer cells

ABSTRACT Investigation of the Anticancer Effects of Euphorbia petrophila on Breast and Lung Cancer Cells Aim: This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of E. petrophila and evaluate its anticancer potential on breast and lung cancer cells. Materials and Methods: E. petrophila was identified and deposited at İnönü University Herbarium. The plant was dried, and extracts were prepared via maceration; essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS were used to analyze essential oil and extract compositions, respectively. Cell viability (MDA-MB231, MCF10A, A549, BEAS-2B) was assessed using the MTT assay. RT-PCR evaluated the expression of, P53, P21, BRCA1, ATM, CDK4, and CyclinD1. Apoptosis, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion were examined using flow cytometry and Boyden chamber assays. Results: The ethanol extract of E. petrophila showed high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. LC–MS/MS and GC–MS analyses indicated richness in phenolics and bioactive fatty acids. The extract exhibited selective cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects in A549 and MDA-MB-231 cells, with limited impact on non-cancerous cells. RT-PCR confirmed activation of the p53/p21 pathway and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1. Migration and invasion assays showed suppressed cancer cell motility. Conclusion: E. petrophila ethanol extract, rich in phenolic compounds, showed significant antioxidant, cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-migratory effects in breast and lung cancer cells. These effects are likely mediated through the p53/p21 axis and G0/G1 arrest, suggesting its potential as a natural anticancer agent. Keywords: Lung cancer, Apoptosis, E. petrophila, Breast canc