Comparative anti- cancerous activity and cytotoxic Effects of Curcuma longa, Ocimum sanctum, and Withania somnifera Extracts

Abstract

Plant-derived bioactive compounds are gaining attention as potential anticancer agents due to their safety and diverse therapeutic effects. This study comparatively evaluated the anticancer and cytotoxic activities of methanolic extracts of Curcuma longa (turmeric), Ocimum sanctum (holy basil), and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) against selected human cancer cell lines. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which are known contributors to anticancer activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay, and cellular morphology was observed microscopically to identify apoptosis-related changes. All extracts exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic effects, with Curcuma longa showing the highest growth inhibition, followed by Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum. Among tested concentrations, Curcuma longa significantly reduced cell viability (p < 0.05), correlating with its curcuminoid content, while Withania somnifera induced notable apoptotic features linked to withanolides. In contrast, Ocimum sanctum demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity but displayed strong antioxidant potential, suggesting utility as an adjuvant therapy. These comparative results highlight that the three medicinal plants possess distinct yet complementary anticancer activities. Findings suggest that Curcuma longa and Withania somnifera could serve as strong primary candidates for anticancer phytopharmaceutical development, while Ocimum sanctum may provide synergistic benefits. Further in vivo and mechanistic studies are recommended to validate their therapeutic efficacy and clinical application.