Abstract
Phytochemical investigation of Ficus benghalensis L., Moraceae, leaves revealed three known compounds, carpachromene, mucusoside, and 2-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(2R)-hydroxyhexacosanoate-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester. Herein, the cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was measured against the HL60 cancer cell line. Our findings revealed that carpachromene exerted potent anti-proliferative activity. Also, this compound induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Docking analysis revealed the potential interaction of carpachromene with topoisomerase I. This was confirmed by western blotting where carpachromene inhibited topoisomerase I protein expression. Additionally, carpachromene upregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic genes. In conclusion, F. benghalensis leaves exerted potent anti-proliferative activity against HL60 cancer cells.