Ethanol Extract from Ziziphus nummularia Stem Shows Promise in Inhibiting Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation

Research conducted at the University of Indonesia has shed light on the potential of an ethanol extract from the stem of Ziziphus nummularia in inhibiting the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The study focused on the p53 signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and senescence. The researchers used real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to evaluate the mRNA expression of downstream genes linked to cell cycle and senescence, and molecular docking simulations to assess the potential inhibitory activity of metabolite compounds from the stem against p53-regulating kinase (TP53RK).

Key Takeaways:

• The ethanol extract from the stem of Ziziphus nummularia exhibited anti-proliferative effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells by affecting cell cycle-related genes and inhibiting apoptosis protection mediated by overexpression of p53 through TP53RK activity.
• The IC50 value of the stem ethanol extract against MCF-7 cells was 38.27 ± 0.72 mg/mL.
• Molecular docking results suggested that squalene and nummularine B had potential as TP53RK inhibitors, with Rerank scores of -112.70 kJ/mol and -110.68 kJ/mol, respectively.
• The study confirmed the in silico results through a decrease in mRNA expression of downstream genes linked to cell senescence and cell cycle arrest.
• The research team identified Ajeng M. Fajrin, Berna Elya, Aryo Tedjo, Nur A. Ramadanti, Norma N. Azizah, and Najihah Bm Hashim as co-authors, in addition to the lead researcher Rosmalena Rosmalena.
• The study compiled a list of relevant keywords, including Asia, Jakarta, Alcohols, Genetics, Oncology, p53 Gene, Indonesia, Breast Cancer, Ethanolamines, Women's Health, Cell Proliferation, Health and Medicine, Enzymes and Coenzymes.

Statistics:

• The IC50 value of the stem ethanol extract against MCF-7 cells was 38.27 ± 0.72 mg/mL.
• The Rerank score of squalene was -112.70 kJ/mol, while the Rerank score of nummularine B was -110.68 kJ/mol.
• The decrease in mRNA expression of downstream genes linked to cell senescence and cell cycle arrest was confirmed through RT-qPCR analysis.

Sources:

• Narra J. Ethanol extract from Ziziphus nummularia stem inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation through TP53 regulating kinase (TP53RK)-mediated p53 activation: In silico and genes expression investigations. 2025;5(1).
• NewsRx. University Indonesia Reports Findings in Breast Cancer [Ethanol extract from Ziziphus nummularia stem inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation through TP53 regulating kinase (TP53RK)-mediated p53 activation: In silico and genes expression ...]. Chemicals & Chemistry. May 30, 2025; p 3682.