Cyclamen persicum Bulb Extract Modulates NF-κB, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptotic Pathways in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Background/

Objectives

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype associated with poor prognosis and limited targeted therapeutic options. Natural products, rich in bioactive phytochemicals, represent a potential source of novel anticancer agents. This study examined the phytochemical profile and anticancer activity of an ethanolic bulb extract of Cyclamen persicum (CPE), with a primary focus on TNBC.

Methods

The phytochemical composition of CPE was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay. The anticancer effects of CPE were assessed mainly in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells using MTT cell viability assays, Ki-67 immunoblotting, Western blot analysis of signaling proteins, wound healing migration assays, Matrigel invasion assays, adhesion assays and cell-cell aggregation assays. Antiproliferative activity was also examined in 22RV1 (prostate), Capan-2 (pancreatic), and HCT116 (intestinal) cancer cell lines using MTT assays.

Results

LC-MS analysis indicated that the extract contains multiple polyphenolic and organic acid constituents commonly associated with bioactivity. Consistent with this profile, CPE demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. In MDA-MB-231 cells, CPE significantly reduced cell viability and proliferation, accompanied by decreased Ki-67 expression. Treatment was associated with modulation of proteins involved in proliferative and survival signaling, induction of apoptosis-related markers, and reduced migratory and invasive capacities. CPE also promoted cell-cell homotypic aggregation, suggesting a shift toward a less aggressive phenotype. These effects were associated with reduced phosphorylation of p65, indicating possible modulation of NF-κB signaling. Additionally, CPE decreased proliferation in 22RV1, Capan-2, and HCT116 cancer cell lines.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings indicate that C. persicum bulb extract exerts multimodal anticancer effects in vitro, particularly in TNBC cells, and highlights its potential as a source of bioactive compounds warranting further mechanistic and translational investigation.