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Therapeutic Potential of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) Pod Extract: Apoptosis Induction and Anti-Inflammatory Action in Colorectal Cancer Cells
by
Pongsathorn Dhumtanom
1,
Anurak Wongta
2,
Wasin Wongwilai
3,
Siriporn Okonogi
4,5 and
Wantida Chaiyana
4,5,6,*
1
Herbs and Functional Products Research Unit, Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
2
School of Health Science Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
3
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Research Unit, Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
4
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
5
Center of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
6
Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biology 2025, 14(12), 1646; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121646 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 4 October 2025
/
Revised: 15 November 2025
/
Accepted: 20 November 2025
/
Published: 22 November 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature's Pharmacy: Ethnobotanical Approaches to Medicinal Plant Research for the Discovery and Development of Potential Phytochemicals)
Simple Summary
Colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of cancer in the world, and greater emphasis has been placed on natural foods with the capacity to prevent or slow its onset. The winged bean is a local food crop commonly consumed in Southeast Asia, and it contains numerous natural plant components with established health effects. Through this research, we established whether winged bean pod extract can inhibit cancer and inflammation. We discovered that the extract contained extremely high concentrations of natural antioxidants, i.e., molecules that are known to protect cells against damage. When the extract was applied to human colorectal cancer cells, growth of cancer cells was suppressed and programmed cell death was initiated, a process where the abnormal cells or damaged cells undergo apoptosis. Moreover, when applied to immune cells, the extract suppressed production of molecules that induce inflammation. These findings indicate winged bean pods could produce health impacts beyond plain nutrition. With more research, they might be created as a functional food or natural supplement to the promotion of colorectal cancer prevention and general well-being.
Abstract
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC or winged bean is a nutrient-rich tropical legume that has been a part of the Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries. In this study, phytochemical composition and anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of winged bean pod ethanolic extract (WBE) were investigated with specific emphasis on colorectal cancer. Phytochemical fingerprint of WBE was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis were evaluated in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, morphological observation, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse mononuclear macrophage (RAW 264.7) by determination of pro-inflammatory cytokines. WBE contained high total phenolic (237.33 ± 8.48 mg gallic acid/g) and flavonoid (180.53 ± 6.31 mg quercatin/g) content, with the primary flavonoid being kaempferol (0.012 g%). WBE dose-dependently suppressed viability (IC50 = 117.86 µg/mL) and triggered apoptosis in HT-29 cells, with morphological alterations and DNA fragmentation. In addition, WBE significantly suppressed secretion of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Therefore, WBE displayed therapeutic potential for the induction of apoptosis against colorectal cancer cells and inhibitions of inflammatory cytokines. Despite being traditionally consumed as an edible plant, additional studies are needed to confirm the safety of P. tetragonolobus extract.
