Optimizing Camelina sativa oil extraction and its cytotoxicity using RSM by emphasis on antioxidant properties, physical characteristics, and molecular docking insights

Abstract

Camelina sativa oil has garnered significant interest due to its potential as a source of natural bioactive compounds. This study focuses on optimizing the extraction of C. sativa oil and evaluating its cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be a ratio of 9:1 mL/g, with an extraction time of 13.78 min at 60.06℃ for oil extraction (11.69 %, p-value ≤ 0.05), and also a ratio of 6.5:1 mL/g with a time of 10.64 min at 70.18℃ for cytotoxic effect (63.80 %, p-value ≤ 0.05). Gas chromatography analysis identified key components of the oil, including oleic acid (23.44 %), 8,11-octadecadienoic acid (13.48 %), and palmitic acid (6.31 %). The physical properties of the oil, such as refractive index (1.469), density (0.9132 g/cm³), and viscosity (0.9103 g/cm³) were also characterized. The extracted oil displayed antioxidant activity with a DPPH IC₅₀ value of 78.40 µg/mL. Molecular docking studies revealed stable interactions between the oil components and critical residues in the active sites of estrogen and progesterone receptors linked to breast cancer. ADMET analysis indicated compliance with Lipinski's Rule of Five, although varying solubility and absorption characteristics were noted. Overall, C. sativa oil exhibited promise as a dual-functioning agent with both anticancer and antioxidant properties, highlighting the necessity for further research to confirm its therapeutic potential.