Chemical Composition and Anti-Skin Cancer Potential of Eucalyptus tereticornis Essential Oils from Vietnam: An In Vitro and In Silico Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.12566Keywords:
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Anti-skin cancer, Molecular dockingAbstract
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of Eucalyptus tereticornis essential oil in skin cancer treatment, with E. camaldulensis serving as a well-documented reference, both species collected in Vietnam. A multidisciplinary approach was employed to investigate chemical composition, cytotoxicity, anti-metastatic effects, and molecular mechanisms. The chemical constituents of the oils were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Cytotoxic effects were evaluated on murine melanoma B16F10 cells using the MTT assay. Anti-metastatic potential was investigated through cell migration (wound healing assay) and adhesion assays. To elucidate possible molecular mechanisms, molecular docking simulations were performed against key melanoma-related protein targets, including BRAF, NRAS, AKT3, FAK, and HDAC, and gene expression survival analysis stratified melanoma patient outcomes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to interpret functional roles. In cytotoxicity assays, E. tereticornis displayed a higher IC50 (152.9 µg/mL) compared to E. camaldulensis (182 µg/mL), suggesting higher anticancer efficacy. Moreover, E. tereticornis significantly inhibited B16F10 cell migration and adhesion, indicating potential anti-metastatic activity. GC-MS identified 46 compounds across both species. The dominant constituents in E. tereticornis were β-pinene, caryophyllene oxide, and a-pinene, while β-eudesmol, γ-terpinene, and o-cymene were major in E. camaldulensis. Docking results showed the strongest binding affinity to BRAF with the bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane, 7-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-7-ylidene derivative (−8.5 kcal/mol). Survival analysis revealed significant prognostic associations for alloaromadendrene and caryophyllene-(I1) in melanoma patients (p < 0.05). Eucalyptus essential oils, particularly from E. tereticornis, exhibit promising antioxidant and anticancer activities, suggesting potential in melanoma therapy.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus tereticornis were evaluated for their antioxidant and anticancer potential against skin cancer.
- Eucalyptus tereticornis exhibited stronger cytotoxic and anti-metastatic effects compared to Eucalyptus camaldulensis.
- β-eudesmol, γ-terpinene, and o-cymene predominated in Eucalyptus camaldulensis, whereas β-pinene, caryophyllene oxide, and α-pinene were dominant in Eucalyptus tereticornis.
- Major phytoconstituents demonstrated strong binding affinity toward BRAF kinase in molecular docking analysis.
- These findings suggest a potential mechanistic basis for the anticancer activity of the studied Eucalyptus
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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