Journal of PhytoPharmaceutical and Advanced Chemistry
Short Name: JPPAC• ISSN: 3139-9266• Peer-Reviewed Open Access
Phytochemical Screening and Anticancer Activity of Blumea lacera: A Promising Ayurvedic Medicinal Plant
Abstract
Blumea lacera is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes and considered a potential source of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and anticancer potential of aqueous, ethanolic, and hexane leaf extracts of B. lacera. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins, predominantly in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts. HPLC analysis showed a complex phytochemical profile, including major peaks corresponding to gallic acid and rutin, while HPTLC profiling further confirmed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid constituents. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical, nitric oxide scavenging, and reducing power assays. The ethanolic extract exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity (81.83 ± 1.36%), nitric oxide scavenging activity (72.50 ± 0.72%), and reducing power (287.10 ± 1.62), whereas the aqueous extract showed superior hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities. In vitro anticancer activity, evaluated by MTT assay, demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa 229, HCT-15, HL-60, and HEP 3B cancer cell lines. Among these, HeLa 229 cells were the most sensitive to the extract, while normal Chang liver cells showed comparatively lower toxicity, indicating selective anticancer activity. The results suggest that B. lacera possesses significant antioxidant and anticancer properties, owing to its rich phytochemical composition, and may serve as a promising candidate for the development of plant- based therapeutic agents against cancer.
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Journal of PhytoPharmaceutical and Advanced Chemistry
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