Moringa stenopetala leaf extract improves the efficacy of doxorubicin in the breast cancer therapy by suppressing the expression of MDR-1, Raf-1, and Top-II.

The aim of this work was to explore the bioactive properties of Moringa stenopetala leaves (Baker f.) Cufod. Methanol and ethanol extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity with the lowest IC₅₀ values. MS leaves were found to be a good supplement for K, Fe and Ca. The obtained results indicated that ethanolic leaf extract exhibits growth inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cell line, and induction of apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest. Also, there was a significant effect on cytotoxicity against a breast cell line when the ethanolic extract was combined with doxorubicin. At the molecular level, changes in gene expression were detected via qPCR. Thirty-two compounds were identified in the ethanolic extract using HPLC ESI-MS/MS and classified into: hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, fatty acids, and other miscellaneous compounds. Molecular docking predicted that the main component in the ethanolic extract (apigenin-7-O-rutinoside) has multiple inhibitory effects on MDR-1, Raf-1 and Top-II proteins.