Essential oil of Ruta chalepensis L. from Djibouti: Chemical Analysis and Modeling of In Vitro Anticancer Profiling

Abstract

Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) is a tropical medicinal plant traditionally used in the Republic of Djibouti to treat several diseases, including tumors. In this study, the anticancer activities of this plant from Djibouti were investigated according to an in vitro evaluation method and statistical modeling. The results obtained will make it possible to complete the previous work already published on this genus of plant, in particular by using untested cancer cell lines, such as U87-MG, U2OS, RT4, PC3, NCI-N87, MRC-5, MIA-Paca2, K562, JIMT-T1, HEK293, HCT116, A549, and A2780. The main volatile compound turned out to be 2-undecanone (51.3%). Correlation modeling was performed from the principal component analysis (PCA) of IC50 of the essential oil and four active substances (vinblastine, doxorubicin, combrestatin A4, and monomethyl auristatin E) versus the cancer cell lines tested, which confirmed the effectiveness of the oil against 6 lines: U2OS, NCI-N87, MRC-5, MIA-Paca2, JIMT-T1, and HEK293. These data reveal promising prospects for good biomass management through the future exploitation of the R. chalepensis L. essential oil as a potential source of natural anticancer agents for targeted investigations.

An Overview of Cancer in Djibouti: Current Status, Therapeutic Approaches, and Promising Endeavors in Local Essential Oil Treatment

“…In the specific context of the utilization of Djibouti's essential oils in cancer treatments, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) serves as a mathematical tool aimed at unraveling intricate interdependencies among diverse parameters. The primary aim within this framework was to effectively visualize and consolidate data concerning the efficacy of IC50 values, as previously referenced, pertaining to Djibouti's essential oils, along with vinblastine, doxorubicin, combrestatin A4, and monomethylauristatin E [19][20][21][22]. This endeavor was carried out to highlight divergences in values observed across the tested cancer cell lines, thereby facilitating a concise and comprehensible presentation.…”

“…Specifically, PCA facilitated the categorization of the scrutinized cell lines into clusters, thus revealing associ-ations through the active compound. In pursuit of this objective, coding methodologies were strategically employed [22], anchored in the IC50 values extracted from each sample within the cancer cell lines. The intricate numerical dataset that underpins the foundation of this model was meticulously recorded and is detailed in Table 1.…”

“…With this perspective in mind, our study focused on evaluating the therapeutic potential of seven essential oils extracted from local medicinal plants in Djibouti as potential treatments against cancer. To provide context to our research, we compared these extracts to active compounds commonly used in cancer treatment protocols [19][20][21][22].…”

The efficiency of fabricated Ag/ZnO nanocomposite using Ruta chalepensis L. leaf extract as a potent protoscolicidal and anti-hydatid cysts agent

“…10 Recent research shows that the essential oil of R. chalepensis could be used in the future as a resource for a natural anticancer drug. 11 Hydatid cyst disease is a serious illness which affects people as well as several domesticated animals. As there are no safe and effective treatments, this therapeutic gap needs to be addressed with new and more effective treatments.…”

“…10 Recent research shows that the essential oil of R. chalepensis could be used in the future as a resource for a natural anticancer drug. 11…”