Chemical Characterization of Different Extracts of Justicia secunda Vahl and Determination of Their Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, Anti-Viral, and Cytotoxic Properties

Abstract

Justicia secunda Vahl. is a traditional medicinal plant in tropical regions, including West Africa. The present study examined the chemical profiles and biological properties of J. secunda extracts obtained with different solvents (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanolic and aqueous: macerated and infused). Chemical components were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and over 50 compounds were identified, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids. Antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic, and antiviral properties were selected as biological properties. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanol (58.07 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 13.07 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g) and water (infused) (36.34 mg GAE/g and 8.52 mg RE/g) were higher than in other extracts. Consistent with the levels of total bioactive components, the methanol and water extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant abilities. However, the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts were more active on α-amylase and α-glucosidase than other extracts. Aqueous extracts exerted selective anticancer properties toward human pharyngeal cancer cell lines, whereas the methanolic extract decreased the human herpesvirus type-1 (HHV-1) infectious titer by 2.16 log and the viral load by 1.21 log. Overall, J. secunda could be considered a multifunctional bioactive raw material in the preparation of potent applications to manage diseases related to oxidative stress, including cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

Elevated Levels of Gonadotrophic Hormones and Antioxidant Biomarker in Male Rats Following Administration of Hydromethanol Leaf Extract of Justicia secunda in Response to 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine Induction

“…The incidence of some diseases, including cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular problems as well as infertility, has reached a perilous point universally, hence, need to find a global remedy. [ 1 ] Synthetic drugs topped the list, but their long-term use raises serious concerns. Hence, the importance of finding efficient drugs points out the opportunity to study natural products, especially un-investigated plants.…”

“…In recent years, the prevalence of some diseases, including anaemia and infertility has been on the increase worldwide; hence, need to find a global remedy. [ 1 ] In general, occupations involving the manufacture of some non-degradable chemicals, intensive exposure to radiation and use of toxic solvents are reported to be associated with reproductive dysfunction. [ 2 ] Alteration in the reproductive system may occur at the hypothalamic, anterior pituitary gland or gonads, and may likely lead to reproductive dysfunction.…”

Exploring Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory and Cytotoxic Properties of Glaucium acutidentatum Hausskn. & Bornm. from Turkey Flora: A Novel Source of Bioactive Agents to Design Functional Applications

“…Cytotoxicity was tested using an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)-based assay according to the previously described methodology [ 33 ]. Cells were acquired from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and included non-cancerous VERO cells as well as cancer-derived cells, namely AGS (ATCC: CRL-1739, human gastric adenocarcinoma), FaDu (ATCC: HTB-43, human hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma), and RKO (ATCC: CRL-2577, human colon cancer).…”

Herbal medicines in Alzheimer’s disease and the involvement of gut microbiota

“…Extracts from Justicia secunda Vahl, a traditional medicinal plant in India, include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids ( Swiatek et al, 2023 ). Some extracts could exert neuroprotective properties by inhibiting activities of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) ( Oboh et al, 2013 ), indicating its potential application to manage AD.…”