Abstract:

Chrysin, a natural flavonoid found in passionflower, honey, and propolis, is gaining attention for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study evaluates chrysin’s anticancer efficacy against HepG2 liver cancer cells. We assessed its antioxidant potential using DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging assays, which revealed significant, concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity, emphasizing chrysin’s strong antioxidant properties. These effects are likely to reduce oxidative stress, a factor that promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival. Cytotoxicity was measured with the MTT assay, and gene expression analysis through RT-qPCR showed that chrysin upregulated pro-apoptotic genes such as Bax, Caspase 3, and Caspase 9, while downregulating the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2. Notably, chrysin also increased the expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53, essential for cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in response to stress and DNA damage. Molecular docking studies were performed to investigate chrysin’s interactions with key apoptotic proteins. The docking results showed strong binding affinities between chrysin and Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and p53. Particularly high binding affinities with Caspase 9 and p53 suggest that chrysin may effectively trigger the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, leading to cancer cell death. The interaction with p53 is significant as it may stabilize and activate p53, enhancing the transcription of pro-apoptotic genes. These findings highlight chrysin's potential as a therapeutic agent for liver cancer, primarily through the p53-mediated apoptotic pathway. While these in vitro results are promising, further in vivo studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm chrysin’s efficacy and safety in a clinical setting.

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