Quercetagetin-rich flavonoids from marigold induce apoptosis inhibit metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer via the p53/p21 signaling pathway - Report - MDSpire

Quercetagetin-rich flavonoids from marigold induce apoptosis inhibit metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer via the p53/p21 signaling pathway

  • By

  • Zhihuan Dong

  • Xinying Cheng

  • Yunhe Lian

  • Di Wu

  • Kaihui Liu

  • Xue Feng

  • Qiang Xue

  • Qingliang Chen

  • Limin Wang

  • June 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Flavonoids in Quercetagetin from Marigold and NSCLC

Overview

Quercetagetin-rich marigold flavonoids (QG-MF) were investigated for their effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth via the p53/p21 signaling pathway. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, QG-MF demonstrated concentration-dependent efficacy in suppressing NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major contributor to cancer-related mortality, with limited treatment options and significant side effects from conventional therapies. Flavonoids, such as those derived from marigold, have been studied for their potential anti-tumor properties against NSCLC.

Data Highlights

ExperimentFindings
In vitro (A549 and H661 cells)QG-MF suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion; induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Mechanistic AnalysisUpregulation of p53, p21, Bax, and caspase-3; downregulation of Bcl-2.
In vivo (A549 xenograft model)QG-MF significantly inhibited tumor growth without systemic toxicity.

Key Findings

  • QG-MF significantly suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest was observed in a concentration-dependent manner.
  • QG-MF upregulated p53, p21, Bax, and caspase-3 while downregulating Bcl-2.
  • Silencing p53 abrogated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of QG-MF.
  • In vivo studies showed marked inhibition of tumor growth in A549 xenograft models.

Clinical Implications

Further research is warranted to explore the clinical applicability and safety of QG-MF in human subjects.

Conclusion

QG-MF demonstrates anti-NSCLC activity through apoptosis induction and inhibition of tumor growth.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Frontiers in Immunology — Orchestration of the tumor microenvironment by citrus flavonoids: from preclinical mechanisms to translational therapeutic
  3. Frontiers in Oncology — Epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppressed breast oncogenesis via the miR-27a/Wnt/β-catenin pathway axis
  4. Frontiers in Oncology — Dose-dependent tuning of HSP70–Beclin-1 by kaempferol governs autophagy and chemosensitivity
  5. Frontiers in Oncology — Alkaloids mediated regulation of microRNA in cancer: molecular insights and emerging therapeutic strategies
  6. Therapy for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline
  7. Early and locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline
  8. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Version 4.2026, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines In Oncology
  9. Survival with Osimertinib plus Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutated Advanced NSCLC
  10. CAP/IASLC/AMP Molecular Testing Guideline | IASLC
  11. FDA approves lazertinib with amivantamab-vmjw for non-small lung cancer | FDA
  12. PD-(L)1 Inhibitor Monotherapy vs Chemoimmunotherapy for Advanced NSCLC With High PD-L1 Expression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PubMed
  13. Breathing new insights into the role of mutant p53 in lung cancer | Oncogene
  14. Dietary Flavonoids and Lung Cancer: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Quercetagetin-rich flavonoids from marigold induce apoptosis inhibit metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer via the p53/p21 signaling pathway

  • by Zhihuan Dong, Xinying Cheng, Yunhe Lian, Di Wu, Kaihui Liu, Xue Feng, Qiang Xue, Qingliang Chen, Limin Wang

  • June 26, 2026

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