Tehran University of Medical Sciences Traditional and Integrative Medicine 2476-5104 11 1 2026 03 21 2107 2107 Mishiriya Vallikkaparambil Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Hibasherin Kalakkandan Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Mohammed Saifudheen Koomankottil Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Silmy Shareef Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Musliyarakath Nishida Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Jibin Joy Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 Pattilthodika Suhail 1Department of Pharmacology, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to KUHS, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, INDIA 679325 2025 05 03 2025 09 13 Herbs are useful because of their therapeutic characteristics and efficacy in a variety of conditions, including cancer, when allopathic medications are ineffective. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and anticancer potential of the ethanolic root extract of Asparagus gonoclados Baker for colorectal cancer treatment. Phytochemical screening was conducted through preliminary phytochemical analysis and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) techniques. Molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the interactions of the identified phytoconstituents with key molecular targets, including nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB) and phosphodiesterase which play critical roles in cancer progression. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of the compounds were assessed using the MTT assay on the HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell line. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, including glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are known for their therapeutic properties. LC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents longistylin, nicofetamide, and vomicine, which have varied biological consequences. The docking analysis demonstrated strong binding affinities, with docking scores of -6.62, -6.14 and -4.84 kcal/mol for NF-κB and -7.31, -9.89 and -5.52 kcal/mol for phosphodiesterase, indicating potential inhibitory effects on these targets. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116), which demonstrated significant reduction in cell viability with an IC50 value of 144.1 ± 0.045 µg/mL. Microscopic analysis further confirmed morphological changes such as shrinkage, separation, membrane blebbing, and evident changes in cell shape. These findings highlight the potential of A. gonoclados root extract as a natural source of anticancer agents, offering insights into its mechanisms and supporting its further development as a complementary therapy for colorectal cancer. https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/2107