Induction of mitochondrial-dependent and caspase-activated apoptotic pathways in osteosarcoma by waste-derived Nephelium lappaceum and Cocos nucifera phytochemicals

Osteosarcoma is the commonest primary malignant tumour of the bone in young adults and children, and its treatment remains challenging due to drug resistance and metastasis. The present study presents the first demonstration of the possibilities of extracts derivative from Nephelium lappaceum (rambutan) peel and Cocos nucifera (coconut) mesocarp to induce osteosarcoma cell apoptosis through mitochondrial and caspase-mediated pathways, with minimal toxicity to normal cells. Treatment with 0.1 mg/ml extract significantly suppressed cell proliferation, and a 60% inhibition rate was maintained over eight days. Flow cytometry and western blotting indicated that apoptosis was linked to altered total cellular cytochrome c, altered expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Fourteen proteins with differential expression were identified in proteomic analysis, which included caspase-10 and Rho GTPase-activating protein 22, which are linked to apoptosis and cell differentiation. Notably, the extracts selectively targeted cancer cells were targeted by these extracts, which did not have toxic effects on normal cells. The N. lappaceum and C. nucifera extract therapeutic potential for treating osteosarcoma and the promotion of sustainable utilisation of by-products from agriculture were highlighted by these results. The present study presented a base for the development of anti-cancer agents that are natural and derived from waste.