Aktivitas Antikanker Ekstrak Kaya Terpenoid dan Minyak Atsiri Kulit Buah Jeruk Jungga (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) Terhadap Sel T47d

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Indonesia. Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and abnormal proliferation that disrupts normal cell structure and function. Citrus fruit peel is known to contain terpenoid compounds, including that of Jungga orange (Citrus jambhiri Lush.), which contains bioactive constituents such as D-limonene, γ-terpinene, and β-pinene with potential anticancer properties. Objective: To evaluate the anticancer activity of terpenoid-rich extract and essential oil from Jungga orange peel through cell cycle inhibition, apoptosis induction, and suppression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR expression. Methods: Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay, while cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR protein expression were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: The IC₅₀ values of the terpenoid-rich extract (TRE) and essential oil (EO) were 39.80 µg/mL and 68.49 µg/mL, respectively, both demonstrating strong and selective cytotoxic activity against T47D cells (selectivity indices of 4.73 and 4.67), which were higher than that of doxorubicin (SI 2.13). Treatment with TRE at 10 µg/mL resulted in greater cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction compared to EO at 20 µg/mL. TRE also significantly downregulated PI3K, Akt, and especially mTOR expression, whereas EO showed a comparatively weaker inhibitory effect. Conclusion: Terpenoid-rich extract and essential oil from Jungga orange peel exhibit selective anticancer potential against T47D cells. TRE demonstrated stronger activity than EO, although both were less effective than doxorubicin.