Anti lung cancer potential of a native garlic cultivar of Kodaikanal

Abstract

Lung cancer is the predominant cancer which leads to death in all developed countries and it is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the tissues of the lung. In recent times plants have once again caught the attention of the researchers and have been successfully used as therapeutic agents. Allium sativum commonly known as Garlic is used worldwide and has extraordinary benefits which promote health and protection against various diseases. It is cultivated in many parts of the world for its distinct flavour and medicinal properties. Kodaikanal hill garlic (Kodaikanal Malaipoondu) is a native garlic cultivar of Kodaikanal, which is unique for its pungent flavour and therapeutic properties. The present study was aimed to identify the bioactive compounds of Kodaikanal hill garlic and explore its Anti-lung cancer potential. Three different forms of garlic powders (Fresh Garlic, Boiled garlic, Aged garlic) were prepared for analysis. Proximate and mineral analysis of garlic powders revealed major and minor elements. Comparative phytochemical analysis of garlic powders revealed that ethanolic fresh garlic (EFG) extract exhibits rich nutritional value and a higher concentration of secondary metabolites. Identification of bioactive compounds in EFG extract was done by using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High resolution liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HR-LCMS) techniques and it proves that its metabolites have the capacity to possess several pharmacological properties. Specifically, HR-LCMS analysis of EFG extract identified Myricetin, a dietary flavonoid which is found to possess greater antioxidant and anticancer activity. Twelve phytocompounds identified from GC-MS analysis of EFG extract were subjected to in silico molecular interactions analysis by AUTODOCK against drug targets of NSCLC. The results revealed effective binding efficiency between them. These compounds can act as potential lead molecules for