Investigation of anticancer and osteo-inductive potentials of Desmodium gangeticum leaf extract

Breast cancer metastasizes to bones, despite conventional treatments, causing tumor progression and bone loss. This study evaluated multipronged effects of Desmodium gangeticum leaf extract on breast cancer and bone formation. Methanolic leaf extract showed high phenolic and flavonoid content. HPLC identified bioactive compounds—gallic acid, ferulate, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. Leaf extract inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and inhibited migration of breast cancer cells. Extract promoted osteogenic differentiation and ALP activity in osteoblast-like cells. Extract also showed free-radical scavenging, anti-arthritic and anti-diabetic properties. Thus, D. gangeticum leaf extract may inhibit cancer progression and improve bone health.