Polyphenol content, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of a plant mixture composed of four medicinal plants with hepatoprotective potential

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), known as normal by-products of various cellular processes, are involved in several human diseases, including cancer and liver diseases. The present study aimed to (i) determine the polyphenol contents, (ii) assess the antioxidant, and (iii) antiproliferative effects of a mixture composed of Balanites aegyptiaca, Calotropis procera, Cochlospermum tinctorium, and Acanthospermum hispidum. These plants are reported to elicit various properties, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer. The phytochemicals were screened qualitatively, and Folin and Ciocalteu as well as aluminium chloride were used as reagents, to measure the total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC), respectively. The antioxidant assay used four assays: DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and LPO. The antiproliferative effect of the mixture was investigated on the human hepatocarcinoma cell line Hep3B. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, coumarins, and triterpenes. The mixture seems richer in total phenolics (208.81 ± 1.13 mg GAE/g extract) than flavonoids (10.74 ± 1.44 mg QE/g extract). Regarding the radical scavenging activity, the mixture significantly inhibited ABTS radicals with an IC 50 value of 11.61 ± 0.0006 µg/ml. Moreover, it was potent in reducing ferric iron (133.06 mol AAE/g) and inhibiting lipid peroxidation (inhibition percentage equal to 56.39%). The mixture showed a considerable antiproliferative effect against the Hep3B cells with an IC50 value of 1.1 ± 0.75 µg/mL The beneficial effects attributed to the mixture may be explained by the presence of phenolics known for their potent antioxidant properties. The study findings suggest a promising synergistic plant combination for protecting the liver from oxidative stress and cancer. However, more detailed studies are needed to identify and confirm the antioxidant and antiproliferative mechanisms of action.