Cytotoxic, Apoptotic, and Antiproliferative Effects of Raphanus sativus Extract on MDA- MB-231 Cells: A Translational Perspective for Exercise Therapy in Cancer Rehabilitation

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of Raphanus sativus methanolic extract (RME) in triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells and to provide a novel translational perspective by linking the findings with physiotherapy-based oncological rehabilitation. Methods: Cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antiproliferative effects of RME were simultaneously assessed using MTT assay, Annexin V staining, and AgNOR analysis. Cell viability, apoptosis induction, and nucleolar activity were quantified following RME exposure across a range of concentrations. Results: RME significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 140.5 µg/mL), induced apoptosis, and suppressed proliferative activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to combine these three complementary methods in the evaluation of Raphanus sativus extract. Beyond cellular findings, apoptosis induction and reduced proliferative activity conceptually align with physiotherapy goals by mitigating systemic inflammation, cancer-related fatigue, and cachexia, while supporting muscle strength preservation and functional independence. Moreover, radish-derived phytochemicals are known to reduce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, paralleling the physiological effects of aerobic and resistance exercise interventions. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that RME exerts significant cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antiproliferative effects in MDA-MB-231 cells. Its originality lies not only in the methodological novelty but also in being the first to propose a translational framework linking phytotherapy with physiotherapy. Although limited to in vitro data, these findings provide preliminary evidence and an innovative interdisciplinary perspective, encouraging future studies to investigate integrated phytotherapy–physiotherapy strategies in cancer rehabilitation.