Gambogic acid exerts anti-tumor activity in lung cancer cells primarily by targeting and inhibiting mTOR signaling, demonstrated through integrated computational docking and in vitro experimental validation.
| Evidence tier | D Mechanistic / in vitro / review |
| Study type | 5 - Mechanistic / In Vitro |
| Model system | Human lung cancer cell lines |
| Journal | 3 Biotech |
| Year | 2026 |
| Peer reviewed | Yes |
| Source | DOI 10.1007/s13205-026-04938-1 · PMID 42459409 · Free full text (PMC13369087) |
Gambogic acid (GA), a natural xanthonoid compound, was investigated for its anticancer activity in lung cancer via mTOR signaling inhibition using computational and in vitro approaches. GA demonstrated high lipophilicity and docking interactions with mTOR pathway components, resulting in anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in lung cancer cell lines.
| Intervention | Gambogic acid |
| Target | mTOR signaling pathway |
| Model | Human (cell line) |
| Effect | Inhibition of mTOR signaling; anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in lung cancer cells |