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such as 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, α-tocopherol (vitamin E), β-caryophyllene, β-

caryophyllene oxide, sitosterol, stigmasterol, scopoletin, and palmitic acid present in the plant
have been reported to exhibit anticancer effects through various mechanisms such as

induction of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis, suppression of other
signalling pathways and cell cycle arrest [28-34]. The sesquiterpenes β-caryophyllene and β-

caryophyllene oxide exhibited anticancer effects through activation of mitogen-activated
protein kinase (MAPK) and inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/S6K1 and STAT3 signalling

pathways [28]. Palmitic acid also showed anticancer effects on lung adenocarcinoma and

leukaemic cells by inducing apoptosis [32]. Moreover, 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol inhibited
anomalous growth of NIH 3T3 cells treated with carcinogenic Benzo[a]pyrene by preventing

hyper-phosphorylation of retinoblastoma. The process was accompanied with modulation of

expression of cell cycle related mediators such as cyclins and kinase inhibitors [35]. Kim et
al. (2019) also reported anticancer effect of 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol on pancreatic cancer

cell lines [29]. It reduced proliferation and metastasis of Panc-1 and SNU-213 cells by
inhibiting both the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and

phosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK). Neophytadiene is a diterpenoid compound
that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It reduced the production of NO and

inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in LPS induced raw macrophages

[36,37]. In-vivo trial on mice illustrated dose dependant down-regulatory effects of the
compound on the expression of several inflammatory markers including TNF-α, IL1β, iNOS,

NF-κB, PI3k/Akt and MAPK [36].
Similarly, α-tocopherol is also a potential antioxidant that also acts as anti-

inflammatory candidate through inhibition of NF-kB in mice [38]. Vitamin E supplements
could modulate immune function and improved protection against various diseases including

cardiovascular diseases and cancer [39]. Eitsuka et al. 2016, further reported synergistic

anticancer effects of vitamin E in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and
dietary polyphenolic components [40]. The highest cytotoxic effect of S. acmella flower

extracts against the cancer cell lines may be due to the presence of abundant organic acids

and α-tocopherol along with the bioactive compounds. The presence of substantial amounts
of potential bioactive compounds in the plant underscores the efficiency of traditional

therapeutic application of the plant for treatment of a number of infections and diseases.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interest

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