Evaluation of Phenolic contents, Cytotoxic, and Antioxidant potential of Euphorbia nerrifolia

Abstract

Objective: The researchers wanted to see how cytotoxic, phenolic, and antioxidant potential of Euphorbia nerrifolia were. Methods: The organic extracts were obtained by extraction of whole dried plant with n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol. Phyto-chemical screening was carried out by using standard methods. Total phenolics contents were measured by using the Folin-CioEcalteu reagent method. Cytotoxic action was evaluated by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. DPPH radical assay was employed for antioxidant activity. Results: Phytochemical investigations confirmed the presence of anthraquinones, saponins, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids. Highest phenolic content (276.41 ± 64 mg GAE/g dry extract wt) was observed in methanol extract. Significant antioxidant potential was exhibited by methanol extract by means of 78.8% inhibition with IC50 value of 35.71µg/ml). In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, methanol extract demonstrated prominent cytotoxicity at highest level of dose with LD50 471.05. Conclusion: The study concluded that Euphorbia nerrifolia contains significant antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. Further investigation is suggested for isolation of secondary metabolites responsible for reported biological activities.