Antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of Caesalpinia sappan L. heartwood extract against glioblastoma cells: an in vitro study

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains a formidable oncological challenge in the realm of brain diseases. The inherent limitations of contemporary GBM treatment options have spurred scientific exploration of natural compounds as potential alternatives or adjunct therapies. In this study, we present findings that shed light on the presence of various bioactive constituents in Caesalpinia sappan heartwood (CsHw-EtOH) identified by GC-MS analysis. Further, the anticancer potential of CsHw-EtOH was evaluated against GBM. In vitro studies demonstrated a significant reduction in the viability of rat glioblastoma C6 cells, accompanied by marked morphological alterations, particularly at an extract concentration of 60 µg/mL (p < 0.01). DCFH-DA-based analysis revealed a dose-dependent increase in intracellular ROS levels, with a pronounced elevation observed at 60 µg/mL. Moreover, enhanced activities of caspases-8, -9, and -3 confirmed the induction of apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that CsHw-EtOH effectively promotes apoptotic cell death, highlighting its therapeutic potential against GBM.