Triptonide facilitates autophagy-mediated apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the AMPK-mTOR-ULK1 axis

• Triptonide (TN) induces autophagy-dependent apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells by modulating the AMPK-mTOR-ULK1 signaling axis. • TN significantly inhibits ESCC cell viability and colony formation, as demonstrated by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. • Mechanistic studies reveal that TN activates AMPK, suppresses mTOR, and promotes ULK1-mediated autophagy, leading to apoptosis in ESCC cells. • TN emerges as a promising phytomedicine candidate for ESCC therapy, offering a potential alternative or adjunct to conventional treatments.