Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology

The stem bark of Neolamarckia cadamba, a traditional medicinal plant, has garnered attention for its diverse pharmacological properties, particularly its potential anticancer activity. This study focuses on the phytochemical profiling and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of the methanolic extract of N. cadamba stem bark to identify bioactive compounds responsible for its anticancer effects. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and saponins, which are known contributors to anticancer activity. LC-MS analysis provided a detailed chemical fingerprint of the extract, identifying key secondary metabolites with potential pharmacological significance. Compounds such as Afzelin, 3α(S)-strictosidine, 3α-dihydrocadambine, Apigenin, Desulphosinigrin, and Cinchonain Ib were detected, known for various pharmacological activities. The findings underscore the phytochemical richness of N. cadamba and its potential as a source of natural bioactive agents for cancer therapy. The identified compounds may act through multiple pathways, including apoptosis, free radical scavenging, inhibition of P-gp, by acting as phytoestrogen, etc. These results offer a scientific basis for the traditional use of N. cadamba in herbal medicine and provide a foundation for further research into its therapeutic potential. This study not only advances our understanding of the phytochemical landscape of N. cadamba but also highlights the relevance of natural products in the development of novel anticancer agents.