Platycarpha glomerata (Thunb.) Less. has recently become a plant species of interest to researchers due to its biological activities and less toxic effects. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate the in vitro anticancer potential and phytochemical constituents of P. glomerata plant extracts. Phytochemical screening and FTIR were carried out using standard methods. The antioxidant activity was accessed by determining its ability to scavenge the DPPH radical and nitric oxide radical, whereas the anticancer activity against prostate (DU-145 and PC-3), human T-lymphocyte (SKU-T), gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), and human prostatic epithelial (PNTA1) cell line was evaluated using the MTT assay. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. The FTIR spectrum for the aqueous extract displayed characteristic peaks for O–H, C=O, C=C, and =C–H stretch. The aqueous ethanol and methanol extracts showed significant dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts showed minimum NO scavenging activity of 4.3%, 9.6%, and 11.7% at 2500 µg/mL. The water extract demonstrated good activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and B. pumilus with an MIC of 0.195 mg/mL. The ethanol and methanol extracts significantly reduced the percentage proliferation of DU-145, PC-3, and SKU-T cells at 100 μg/mL. These extracts demonstrated strong dose-dependent DPPH and NO scavenging and antibacterial and cell proliferation inhibition activities. The strong bioactivity of P. glomerata makes it a good candidate for the isolation and identification of active compounds for anticancer and related illnesses.

The Asteraceae family represents one of the largest groups of medicinal plants, widely used in traditional medicine and increasingly investigated for its pharmacological potential. This review summarizes current evidence on the botanicals derived from Asteraceae plant species and their molecular mechanisms of action against inflammation and cancer. Major classes of bioactive compounds in extracts are discussed in relation to their modulation of key signaling pathways and therapeutic targets such as NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, COX-2, iNOS, and apoptotic regulators (Bax/Bcl-2, caspases). A literature search covering studies published between 2022 and 2026 was conducted. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies demonstrates that Asteraceae-derived botanicals exert therapeutic effects through antioxidant activity, cytokine suppression, enzyme inhibition, and regulation of gene expression. Overall, the mechanistic insights presented herein support the rational use of Asteraceae medicinal plants and identify promising lead compounds for drug discovery and development.