Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Properties of Rubia cordifolia L. Extracts Prepared with Improved Extraction Conditions

Abstract

Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiaceae) is an important plant in Indian and Chinese medical systems. Extracts prepared from the root, stem and leaf have been used traditionally for the management of various diseases. Some of the known effects are anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, anti-proliferation, immunomodulation and anti-tumor. A comparative account of the extracts derived from different organs that lead to the identification of the most suitable solvent is lacking. We explored the presence of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and anti-proliferative properties of a variety of solvent-based extracts of root, and methanol extracts of stem and leaf of R. cordifolia L. The antioxidant potential was determined by DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and total antioxidant assays. The anti-proliferative nature was evaluated by MTT assay on HeLa, ME-180 and HepG2 cells. The composition of the extracts was determined by UPLC-UV-MS. We found that the root extracts had the presence of higher amounts of antioxidants over the stem and leaf extracts. The root extracts prepared in methanol exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. The main compounds identified through UPLC-UV-MS of the methanol extract give credibility to the previous results. Our comprehensive study corroborates the preference given to the root over the stem and leaf for extract preparation. In conclusion, we identified the methanol extract of the root to be the most suited to have bioactivity with anti-cancer potential.

Alizarin old and new: Extraction techniques for coloration, advances in detection methods for historical textiles and novel applications as a functional dye

“…50%) towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide. 171 The anti-oxidant activity of the dye extracts was most likely attributable to the hydroxyanthraquinone nature of alizarin, in which two -OH groups are in the ortho position and enhance the radical scavenging capability of the compound. 172,173 Studies reporting the radical scavenging activity of various natural-dyed fabrics using ABTS and DPPH, [174][175][176][177] as well as recent research on the reduction of reactive oxygen species production in human keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts (in vitro) using a natural colourant released from natural-dyed textile, 178 indicate the potential of natural dyes to be effective anti-oxidants and support human health through textile media.…”

“…In addition, alizarin was reported to contribute to the anti‐oxidant behaviour of an aqueous extract from Rubia cordifolia L. roots, where the extract (100 μg mL −1 concentration) scavenged the free radicals ( ca . 50%) towards 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide 171 . The anti‐oxidant activity of the dye extracts was most likely attributable to the hydroxyanthraquinone nature of alizarin, in which two –OH groups are in the ortho position and enhance the radical scavenging capability of the compound 172,173 .…”