Polyphenols are bioactive compounds with notable pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and neuroprotective activities. This study investigated the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties of polyphenols extracted from Guiera senegalensis. Phytochemical analyses confirmed high levels of phenolics and flavonoids, with catechins, quercetin, and kaempferol identified using FTIR, GC-MS, and NMR. Toxicity studies validated the safety of these polyphenols at therapeutic doses. Cytotoxicity assays revealed enhanced anti-cancer effects compared to doxorubicin, with reduced cell viability, colony formation, and migration in MCF-7 and OV7 cancer cell lines. Mechanistic insights showed ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, caspase-3 activation, and G2/M cell cycle arrest, indicating apoptosis induction. The polyphenols also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, downregulating TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and NF-κB expression. The neuroprotective activity was evidenced by increased levels of TH, TPH, DAT, SERT, and BDNF, alongside reduced Iba1 expression, suggesting mitigation of neuroinflammation and enhanced neurotransmitter function. These findings highlight the multi-targeted efficacy of G. senegalensis polyphenols in modulating apoptosis, inflammation, and neuroprotection, surpassing doxorubicin. Their dual anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects underscore their potential as safe therapeutic agents. Further research is warranted to explore their translational applications in integrative medicine for cancer and neuroinflammatory disorders.
Guiera senegalensis, polyphenols, cancer therapy, anti-inflammatory activity, neuroprotection, apoptosis
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