Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Study of Protocatechuic Acid Nanosuspensions Assessed by in silico Molecular Analysis and AO/EB Staining Technique
1, 2, 2, 3, 2, 4
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Kalam College of Pharmacy, Avanam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
- 2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, Dr. Kalam College of Pharmacy, Avanam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
- 3Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA.
- 4Department of Pharmaceutics, Narasaraopeta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Autonomous), Narasaraopet, Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA.
CORRESPONDENCE
Vijayaraj Surendran
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, Dr. Kalam College of Pharmacy, Avanam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
Received: 13-04-2026; Accepted: 25-08-2026.
Volume 60, Issue 4s · pp. s1594-s1603 · 2026 · DOI: 10.5530/ijper.20263446
ABSTRACT
Background: Bone cancer, particularly osteosarcoma, is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis, often resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Protocatechuic Acid (PCA), a plant-derived polyphenol, holds anticancer potential but suffers from poor bioavailability.Materials and Methods: This study investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of PCA Nanosuspensions (PCA-NS) on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells and evaluated its molecular interactions via docking with two target proteins, topoisomerase II alpha (1ZXN) and p53 (1TUP).Results: PCA-NS exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity with an IC₅₀ of 46.10 µg/mL, and AO/ EB dual staining revealed apoptosis as the predominant mode of cell death. Molecular docking confirmed stable binding interactions with both targets, supporting the anticancer potential of PCA.Conclusion: These results highlight PCA-NS's significance as a viable option for treating bone cancer.
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Subramanian, N., Surendran, V., Selvam, R., Vanangamudi, M., Azhagarsamy, T., & Gunda, R. K. (2026). Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Study of Protocatechuic Acid Nanosuspensions Assessed by in silico Molecular Analysis and AO/EB Staining Technique. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 60(4s), s1594-s1603. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijper.20263446
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