Anticancer activity of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench against lung cancer cell: A literature review

Abstract

Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench (okra), a member of the Malvaceae family, is gaining recognition for its potential as a natural anticancer agent due to its diverse bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. This review investigates its therapeutic potential in lung cancer prevention and treatment. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science to identify studies published between 2000 and 2025. The inclusion criteria focused on research examining the effects of A. esculentus extracts on lung cancer cell lines, particularly A549, emphasizing on apoptosis and antiproliferative activities. Results demonstrate strong cytotoxic effects, with IC₅₀ values as low as 1.74 µg/mL for flower extract, while bioactive compounds such as quercetin derivatives effectively inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. Despite these promising preclinical outcomes, the exploration of A. esculentus in cancer therapy is still in its early stages, with limited clinical data. These findings suggest its potential as an adjunct therapy, providing enhanced outcomes with minimal toxicity. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm its therapeutic efficacy and safety in humans.