Anticancer and antioxidant potential of Morinda citrifolia L. leaf and fruit extracts against lung adenocarcinoma cells

Abstract

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, necessitating safer therapeutic alternatives. This study examines the antioxidant and anticancer effects of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) leaf (MC-L) and fruit (MC-F) extracts on A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Hydromethanolic extracts were analyzed for phytochemicals, revealing alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids. The DPPH assay confirmed strong antioxidant activity, particularly in MC-L. The MTT assay showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with MC-L exhibiting a lower IC50 (32.14±0.45 µg/ml), indicating higher efficacy. Apoptotic induction was confirmed by DAPI and AO-EtBr staining, along with DNA fragmentation analysis. The distinct bioactivities of MC-L and MC-F correlate with their phytochemical profiles. These results highlight M. citrifolia extracts as potential complementary agents for lung cancer treatment due to their antioxidant and antiproliferative properties.