Dual in vitro and in silico evaluation of the apoptosisinducing and migration-inhibiting potential of Capparis spinosa methanol extract in prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Background: Capparis spinosa L., rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, has limited mechanistic evidence regarding its anticancer effects. This study evaluated the methanol extract of C. spinosa in PC3 prostate cancer cells using combined in vitro and in silico analyses. Methods: Cytotoxicity in PC3 and HUVEC cells was assessed by MTT, followed by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis of Bcl-2/Bax. Colony formation and wound-healing assays evaluated functional effects. Kaempferol and quercetin were analyzed via SwissADME, admetSAR, PASS Online and docking against apoptosis-related proteins. Results: The extract showed selective cytotoxicity toward PC3 cells (IC₅₀: 12.4 mg/mL at 24 h; 10.6 mg/mL at 48 h) with minimal HUVEC toxicity. Treatment suppressed Bcl-2 and increased Bax, reduced colony formation (~ 70%), and inhibited migration. Docking showed strong binding of kaempferol and quercetin to Bcl-2 (≈ − 8.1 kcal/mol). Conclusion: C. spinosa extract induces mitochondrial apoptosis and inhibits PC3 proliferation, supporting its potential as a phytotherapeutic candidate.