EVALUATION OF PHENOLIC CONTENTS, CYTOTOXIC, AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF EUPHORBIA NESEMANII

Aim and Objective:

The aim of study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, phenolic contents and antioxidant potential of Euphorbia nesemanii.

Methods:

The organic extracts were obtained by extraction of whole dried plant with n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol. Pytochemical 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 nesmanii contains significant antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. Further investigation is suggested for isolation of secondary metabolites responsible for reported biological activities

Key words: Euporbia nesemanii, Total phenolics, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.