Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Luffa Cylindrica Extract in Oral Carcinoma: An In Vitro and In Silico Analysis

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Luffa cylindrica extract in vitro and investigate beta-carotene's molecular interactions with BAX, BCL2, and CDH1 proteins relevant to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and methods: Luffa cylindrica peel was shade-dried, powdered, and extracted with distilled water through heating and filtration. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify key bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH scavenging assay at various concentration (20, 40, 80, 160, 320 µg/mL), while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated via protein denaturation inhibition at various concentration (50, 100, 200, 400, 800 µg/mL). Molecular docking of beta-carotene, a bioactive compound of the extract, with apoptosis-associated proteins BAX, BCL2, and CDH1 was performed using AutoDock 1.5.6, with interaction visualization via BIOVIA Discovery Studio. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA (SPSS v23), with results expressed as mean ± S.E.M.

Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids. Antioxidant activity increased dose-dependently, with 69.34% inhibition at 320 µg/mL. Anti-inflammatory analysis showed 85.23% inhibition of protein denaturation at 800 µg/mL. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding of beta-carotene a bioactive compound of the extract with BAX (-6.8 kcal/mol) and moderate binding with BCL2 (-5.8 kcal/mol), suggesting potential apoptosis-inducing activity.

Conclusion: Luffa cylindrica peel extract exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, likely due to its phytochemical profile. The interaction of beta-carotene, a compound from the extract, with apoptotic proteins supports its potential role in anticancer activity.

Clinical significance: Oral carcinoma requires safer, plant-based therapeutic adjuncts. Luffa cylindrica extract showed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while beta-carotene exhibited binding affinity with apoptosis-related proteins. These findings suggest its potential for clinical application in oral carcinoma treatment, warranting further investigation. How to cite this article: Bharathidasan P, Ranganathan P, Singh R, et al. Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Luffa cylindrica Extract in Oral Carcinoma: An In Vitro and In Silico Analysis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(4):356-361.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory; Antioxidant; DPPH assay; Flavonoids; Luffa cylindrica; Phytochemical Protein denaturation assay..