Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities, and Phytochemical Analysis of Methanol Extract of Euphorbia cotinifolia

Muhammad Rashad ^1,2*, Malik Saadullah ²

This study determined the antioxidant, cytotoxic potential of Euphorbia cotinifolia and suggested its therapeutic applications.

Abstract

Background: Plants contain complex and structurally different phytochemicals. The popularity of herbal medicinal products for a variety of disorders in recent years has prompted researchers to study the therapeutic activities of several medicinal plants. The current study was carried out to investigate the cytotoxic and antioxidant activity, and various phytochemicals present in Euphorbia cotinifolia. Material & Methods: Crushed whole plant was used and extraction was performed by using methanol. Different physicochemical and identification tests were performed to determine the presence of phytochemicals, folin-ciocalteu principle for phenolic compounds and standard quercetin method was used to determine total flavonoid contents. FTIR for functional groups, DPPH method for antioxidant activity and MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity. Results: Methanol extract contained a significant amount of phenolics (62.81 ± 1.94 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (33.75 ± 1.98 mg QE/g) contents. FTIR spectrum stipulated the occupancy of carboxylic acids, alkenes, and aromatic groups. Antioxidant activity was 82 % at 1000 µg/ml having IC₅₀ value 18.61±0.25 µg/ml as compared to standard (ascorbic acid). Cytotoxic activity showed percent inhibition 69.50 % and IC₅₀ value 17.15 ±0.3 against standard (doxorubicin). Conclusion: It was concluded that Euphorbia cotinifolia contains phenolic and flavonoids compounds that are responsible for antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. It can be used for isolation of novel compound responsible for anticancer activity and other pharmacological actions.

Keywords: Euphorbia cotinifolia, Antioxidant, Total Phenolic contents, Total Flavonoids contents, cytotoxic activity.

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