Mitochondria-mediated apoptotic induction by Chionanthus virginica Q: A cytotoxic and oxidative stress-driven approach in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Authors

Arun R. Nair, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Salem, Tamil Nadu, IndiaFollow
Venkateshan Hariram, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Salem, Tamil Nadu, IndiaFollow
Vettrivel Arul, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Salem, Tamil Nadu, IndiaFollow

Author ORCID Identifier(s)

Arun R. Nair: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5218-177X

Venkateshan Hariram: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2237-7071

Vettrivel Arul: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2319-726X

Corresponding Author

Vettrivel Arul

Keywords

Bioactive compounds, Chionanthus virginica, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Intrinsic apoptosis, Mitochondrial depolarisation

Article Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with current therapeutic options limited by late-stage detection, recurrence, and toxicity. Alternative treatments derived from medicinal plants are gaining attention due to their potential anticancer properties. Chionanthus virginica, traditionally used for liver disorders, contains bioactive compounds with hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. However, its anticancer potential remains largely unexplored. Objective: This study evaluates the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects of Chionanthus virginica in mother tincture (Q) and potentised (12C) forms on HepG2 liver cancer cells to determine its efficacy as a natural anticancer agent. Materials and methods: HepG2 cells were treated with Chionanthus virginica Q and 12C across defined exposure levels (50–1000 μL/mL; extract-equivalent for Q and volume-equivalent for 12C). Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay, while MTT and LDH assays assessed cytotoxicity. Mitochondrial dysfunction was analysed via MMP and cytochrome c release assays, ROS generation was measured by DCFH-DA fluorescence, and caspase activity was quantified using a colorimetric assay. Results: Chionanthus virginica Q showed the strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 101.49 μg/mL) and higher cytotoxicity (CTC₅₀ = 330.35 μg/mL), while the response observed with Chionanthus virginica 12C was interpreted only as a biological effect under volume-equivalent exposure conditions. One-way and two-way ANOVA were performed for statistical significance. LDH release, cytochrome c translocation, and ROS levels increased significantly (p < 0.001), leading to mitochondrial depolarisation and caspase activation, confirming apoptosis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Chionanthus virginica Q induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells via oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, supporting its potential as a natural anticancer agent. Further studies should focus on bioactive compound isolation and in vivo validation.

Digital Object Identifier

10.53945/2320-7094.2427

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

Nair AR, Hariram V, Arul V. Mitochondria-mediated apoptotic induction by Chionanthus virginica Q: A cytotoxic and oxidative stress-driven approach in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Indian J Res Homoeopathy. 2026;20(1):45–59.