6C potency of Terminalia chebula reveals secondary metabolites and induces apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells (TNBCs)

Authors

Apoorva Parimoo, Cancer Research Lab, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra, IndiaFollow
Shama Aphale, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Erandwane Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, IndiaFollow
Prajakta D. Patil, Cancer Research Lab, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra, IndiaFollow
Ruchika Kaul Ghanekar, Cancer Research Lab, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra, IndiaFollow

Author ORCID Identifier(s)

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1542-1038

Corresponding Author

Ruchika Kaul Ghanekar

Keywords

Complementary & alternative medicine (CAM), JC-1, LCMS, LDH, Terminalia chebula, Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Article Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy in women globally, and TNBCs, being ER-/PR-/Her2-, pose challenges in treatment options. Complementary and alternative medicines, including homoeopathic remedies, have gained popularity as potential anti-cancer agents to mitigate the side e ects of conventional drugs. Previously, the anticancer activity of homoeopathic potencies of Terminalia chebula (MT, 3X, 6C, and 30C) against breast cancer cell lines has been reported. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of anticancer activity of 6C potency of T. chebula against the TNBC cell line, MDAMB231 and to understand the phytochemical composition of 6C potency. Methods: Lactate release was studied by LDH assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated by JC- 1 assay. The mRNA expression of tumour suppressor and pro-apoptotic genes was done by qRT-PCR assay. Mother Tincture (MT) and 6C potencies were phytochemically characterised by LCMS analysis. Results: The 6C potency of TC increased lactate release in TNBCs, indicating a shift towards glycolysis and potentially inducing metabolic changes that contribute to its anticancer activity. The increased lactate release led to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic markers (caspase 3, caspase 9, and cytochrome c) and tumour suppressor proteins (p53 and pRb). LCMS analysis of 6C potency revealed phytocompounds with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Conclusion: The 6C potency of T. chebula induced apoptosis in TNBCs, however, further in vivo efficacy and safety studies are warranted to understand the anti-cancer mechanism of 6C in-depth.

Digital Object Identifier

10.53945/2320-7094.2075

Publisher

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

How to cite this article

Parimoo A, Aphale S, Patil PD, et al. 6C potency of Terminalia chebula reveals secondary metabolites and induces apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells (TNBCs). Indian J Res Homoeopathy. 2025;19(4):383–400.