Development & assessment of polyherbal extracts for treating oral cancer by integrating phytochemistry, bioactivities, and network pharmacology

Abstract

Abstract Oral carcinoma is a major global health concern and a leading cause of carcinoma-related mortality. This study evaluated a methanolic polyherbal extract for its phytochemical composition and biological efficacy, along with mechanistic insights via in silico network pharmacology. GC-MS and UPLC profiling confirmed diverse bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, with UV peaks at 272 nm. The extract showed strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 108 ± 0.17 µg/mL) and significant antimicrobial effects (inhibition zones: 6.00–21.33 mm). Cytotoxicity assays revealed anticancer activity against OECM-1 oral carcinoma cells (IC₅₀ = 18.86 µg/mL). The polyphenolic fraction suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β, TGF-β) with IC₅₀ values of 3.02–6.15 µg/mL. Network pharmacology and molecular docking indicated multi-target interactions of key phytochemicals in pathways relevant to oral carcinoma progression. These findings suggest the polyherbal extract may be a complementary candidate in oral carcinoma management via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects.