Phytochemical correlation networks and synergistic insights in prostate cancer therapy: integrative profiling of four Kenyan medicinal plants

Abstract

Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of male cancer mortality, necessitating safer, multi-targeted therapeutic approaches. This study profiled methanolic extracts of Prunus africana, Bridelia micrantha, Psidium guajava, and Tylosema fassoglensis using LC-QTOF-MS, identifying 113 metabolites across flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and triterpenoids. 11 were tentatively annotated as first reports in the respective species. A phytochemical correlation and systems-synergy model integrated metabolite co-occurrence patterns with prostate cancer–related bioactivities. Clusters of quercetin, luteolin, catechin, and β-sitosterol suggested coordinated modulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, androgen signaling, and metastasis pathways. These findings support a multi-compound phytotherapeutic rationale and highlight Kenyan medicinal plants as promising sources for prostate cancer drug discovery. Further in vitro and in vivo validation is necessary to confirm the predicted synergy mechanisms.