Proteomic analysis reveals anticancer mechanisms of Bhallataka taila in inhibiting lung cancer progression and metastasis

Abstract

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to its poor prognosis. Despite significant advancements in the understanding of cancer development, improvements in diagnostic methods, and multimodal therapeutic regimens, the prognosis of lung cancer has still not improved. Therefore, it is reasonable to look for newer and alternative medicines for treatment. Bhallataka nut extract, derived from the seeds of Semecarpus anacardium, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting potential as a treatment for cancer. In this study, we investigated the molecular networks associated with the Bhallataka taila-mediated inhibition of lung adenocarcinoma. Treating lung cancer cell lines with Bhallataka taila resulted in decreased colony formation, proliferation, and migration, and increased apoptosis. Using a tandem mass tag (TMT)-based temporal quantitative proteomic analysis, we identified 173 overexpressed and 249 downregulated proteins among a total of 2879 proteins. Significantly altered proteins are associated with lung cancer progression, metastasis, invasion, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The analysis of these altered proteins revealed molecular networks underlying the anticancer mechanisms of Bhallataka taila. Validation of these proteins and pathways affected by Bhallataka taila confirmed its utility in cancer treatment.