Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
4
Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
5
Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
6
Applied cellular and molecular research center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
Azar-Choob, scientifically known as Solenanthus circinnatus Ledeb., belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Traditionally, its root has been used topically for pain relief and to reduce inflammation. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of various extracts obtained from the roots of Solenanthus circinnatus Ledeb. Following the collection and drying of the plant roots, phytochemical screening was conducted. The dried roots were sequentially extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with a series of solvents with increasing polarity: n-hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol. The total phenolic content (TPC) of each extract was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Subsequently, the DPPH radical scavenging assay was performed. Finally, the cytotoxic effects of all extracts were assessed on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HT-29, A549, and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts via the MTT assay. The highest extraction yield was obtained with the ethanolic extract (25.2 ± 0.85 %). After phytochemical screening, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tannins, steroids, and carbohydrates was also confirmed in the plant root. The ethyl acetate extract not only contained the highest TPC but also demonstrated the most potent antioxidant activity. Regarding cytotoxicity, most extracts had no significant effect on cell viability. However, dichloromethane and chloroform extracts at 125 μg/mL significantly reduced the viability of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. This study showed that the ethyl acetate extract of Solenanthus circinnatus Ledeb. may be considered a potentially safe and effective natural antioxidant source for further applications in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
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