Abstract
This study investigates the anticancer properties of the starter culture from Tripura using in-silico analysis focused on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Proximate analysis reveals the starter culture's suitability for fermentation, with a moisture content of 26.6 ± 0.5%, ash content of 1.52 ± 1.9%, carbohydrate content of 30 ± 0.5 mg/ml, crude protein content of 35.12 ± 0.4 µg/ml, and total soluble sugar content of 29 ± 0.3, which collectively ensure optimal microbial stability and activity. Antioxidant analysis demonstrated moderate capacity, with an IC(50) value of 48.5 µg/mL and significant flavonoid content (15 ± 0.23 mg quercetin equivalent/g%), enhancing the nutritional and sensory qualities of rice beer. GC-MS analysis identified over twenty bioactive compounds, including trans-13-octadecenoic acid, sitostenone, Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one, N-Hexadecenoic acid, and 2-Pentadecanone. These compounds exhibit diverse bioactivities such as antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. Molecular docking studies showed that Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one had the highest binding affinity for the ErbB2 (HER-2) receptor, with a binding energy of - 8.5 kcal/mol, suggesting significant potential to inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation. Drug-likeness assessment based on Lipinski's Rule of Five indicated favorable properties for oral bioavailability, although some compounds exceeded the MolLogP threshold. Pharmacokinetic studies highlighted high gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier permeability for trans-13-octadecenoic acid, despite potential challenges related to drug metabolism inhibition. This work highlights the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches for the development of innovative anticancer drugs, underscoring the importance of traditional starter cultures in the production of rice beer with enhanced health benefits and therapeutic potentials.