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Objective: The aim of this study is the estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the evaluation of cytotoxic, hemolytic and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract obtained from the species Nonea vesicaria (L.) Rchb. Methods: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu and trichloroaluminum methods respectively. The cytotoxic effect was tested by Brine shrimp lethality assay and the hemolytic activity was assessed by spectrophotometric test on human erythrocytes. Moreover, the antioxidant activity was determined by seven different technics. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of many classes of secondary metabolites, a moderate level of polyphenols and a low content of flavonoids. The methanolic extract showed a significant cytotoxic effect with a value of LC50 at 35.7 ± 0.5 µg/mL and induced hemolysis in a dose-dependent manner with a value of EC50 at 175.6 ± 0.08 μg/mL. The results of antioxidant activities indicated an important effect in nonpolar systems especially in ferric thiocyanate test and β-carotene bleaching inhibition assay. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of N. vesicaria could constitute an important source of antioxidant and cytotoxic compounds but a prudent use is recommended in order to reduce the adverse effects related to the possible hemolysis.

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