Chemical composition, in vitro assessment of antioxidant properties and cytotoxicity activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ajuga orientalis L. (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

Context: Ajuga orientalis L. (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic herb used in traditional medicine in Jordan and neighboring countries. Aims: To evaluate the cytotoxic potential of ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the aerial parts of A. orientalis against three cell lines MCF-7, Caco-2, and HDFa. In addition to assessing the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity. Further to analyze the phytochemical constituents. Methods: The phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents were assessed using colorimetric methods. The antioxidant properties of both extracts were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power ability. Cytotoxicity was investigated using methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results: The most abundant compounds in the extract were 9-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (E)- (27.2%), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (12.8%), and methyl stearate (9.6%). The ethanolic extract demonstrated higher TPC and TFC than the aqueous extract. Also, the ethanolic extract showed higher antioxidant activity than aqueous extract using DPPH and the reducing power ability. Furthermore, the aqueous extract of A. orientalis has a potent cytotoxic effect against the Caco-2 cell line (IC50 = 2.059 ± 0.10 μg/mL). In contrast, the ethanolic extract demonstrated a cytotoxic effect against the MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 59.32 ± 0.04 μg/mL). Both extracts did not exhibit a toxic effect against normal dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa). Compared to non-cancerous cells, the ethanolic extract of A. orientalis demonstrated high selectivity against MCF-7 cells and limited selectivity against Caco-2 cells. In comparison, the aqueous extract was highly selective against both cancerous cells. Conclusions: A. orientalis demonstrated antioxidant properties and significant antiproliferative potential against breast and colon cancer. Therefore, additional investigations are needed to study the mechanism of the cytotoxicity for this plant.

In vitro Assessment of Cytotoxic Potential of Ajuga orientalis L. Methanolic Extract on MCF-7and MRC-5 cells

“…Doxorubicin showed a significant cytotoxic effect on cancerous and non-cancerous cells (Figure 1-C and D, Table 1). Previously, the chemical composition of methanol extract of A. orientalis have been reported, 11 where the major components were 9octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (E) -(27.2%), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (12.8%), and methyl stearate (9.6%). 11 The results showed that the ethanolic extract had a higher content of phenol and flavonoids than the aqueous extract.…”

“…Both extracts had no toxic effect on the normal dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa). 11 Sadati and others (2012) reported the n-hexane extract of A. chamaecistus ssp. Tomentella showed significant cytotoxic activity against colon carcinoma (HT-29), colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), breast ductal carcinoma (T47D), and Swiss mouse embryo fibroblasts (NIH-3T3), while the diethyl ether fraction was moderately cytotoxic against HT-29.…”

“…7,8 A. orientalis has antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. [6][7][8][9][10][11] This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract of the aerial part of Ajuga orientalis L. on the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).…”

Calamintha incana (Sm.) Helder: A New Phytoextract with In Vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Action

“…Under low pressure, a rotary evaporator was used to remove the solvents efficiently and gently from the samples. The crude extract was prepared and stored in an airtight container at 20 • C until further examination [26]. The ethanolic extract content was 0.17%.…”

“…Even within the same species, plants may differ in their phytochemical composition. These differences are linked to several parameters that might significantly affect the production, composition, and biological activities of the extract, including genetic makeup, ecological factors, habitat, developmental stage, harvesting time, and extraction procedures [20,26].…”