Phytochemical constituent analysis, antioxidative activity, and cytotoxic effects of Caulerpa lentillifera extracts inducing cell apoptosis and sub-G/G0-G1 cell cycle arrest in KON oral cancer cells

Background The purpose of this study was to explore the anti-cancer properties of Caulerpa lentillifera ( C. lentillifera ) in order to gain insights into possible treatment approaches. Using the maceration method, which included solubilizing chemicals such as methanol, ethanol, and acetone, C. lentillifera was extracted. The chemical composition of acetone extracts of C. lentillifera was investigated and their anti-oxidative activity was evaluated. Methods The phytoconstituents of acetone extracts were screened using the LC-QTOF MS/MS technique, and the cytotoxic effect was assessed using the MTT test. We used Hoechst 33258 and AO double staining to investigate morphological changes and apoptosis, and DAPI and FDA double labeling to look at the nucleus and cytoplasm. Using a flow cytometer, the percentage of cell cycle arrest was calculated and the fraction of cell death was examined. Results The LC-QTOF MS/MS analyses results revealed ten main phytochemicals in the acetone extracts. The KON cells exhibited sensitivity to acetone, ethanol, and methanol in that order. By causing ROS-mediated cell death, concentrations of C. lentillifera methanol, ethanol, and acetone extract at IC ₄₀ , IC ₆₀ , and IC ₈₀ can cause apoptosis and cell death in less than a day. KON cells were prevented from advancing past the sub-G and G0-G1 stages by all three extracts. Furthermore, the extracts significantly impeded colony growth, migration, and invasion. The increase in cellular uptake was measured using the TEER test. Conclusion This work advances our understanding of the anti-tumor characteristics of C. lentillifera extract, which will benefit patients suffering from oral cancer.