Evaluation of the Effects of Date Palm Leaf Extract (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>) on EGFR Gene Expression in the MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15% - 20% of breast cancer cases and is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. Consequently, the effectiveness of targeted therapies is limited, and most patients require chemotherapy. TNBC is associated with a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 77%. Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which occurs in up to 60% of TNBC cases, promotes tumor growth and metastatic spread, making EGFR an important therapeutic target. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of Phoenix dactylifera leaf extract on EGFR gene expression in the MDA-MB-231 cell line to investigate its potential as an anticancer herbal medicine. Methods: The extract was prepared by lignin removal, cellulase hydrolysis of the plant material, and concentration via vacuum distillation, resulting in a 1% yield. MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with the extract at 10, 50, and 250 μg/mL for 24 hours. Cell viability was assessed using the Alamar Blue assay. Total RNA was extracted using RNX-Plus reagent, and EGFR gene expression was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Phoenix dactylifera leaf extract significantly reduced EGFR gene expression in the TNBC MDA-MB-231 cell line at a concentration of 250 μg/mL (P = 0.010). Cell viability did not differ between the treated samples and the control group. Conclusions: Phoenix dactylifera leaf extract may have potential as a low-toxicity nutraceutical alternative to conventional EGFR inhibitors. Identification of the active components and additional studies are required to validate its clinical application.