Nat Prod Sci.  2023 Jun;29(2):98-103. 10.20307/nps.2023.29.2.98.

Assessment of In vitro Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Cytotoxic Activities of Sphaeranthus africanus Extracts

• Huyen TT
• Dujardin J
• Thu Huong NT
• My Duyen CT
• Minh NH
• Thanh HQ
• Mong DT
• Trieu LH
• Truc Tien NM
• Chung MT
• Minh NN
• Ngoc Dan NT
• Loi H

• KMID: 2544458
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.20307/nps.2023.29.2.98

Abstract

Sphaeranthus africanus is commonly used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and pain treatment in Vietnam. The aerial parts have been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. However, the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the plant has not been explored. In this work, hydrophilic extracts of the plant's aerial parts were prepared in order to investigate its antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Also, the cytotoxicity of the root was evaluated and compared to that of the aerial parts. All of the extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation with IC ₅₀ values ranging from 2.05 to 3.56 µg/mL, indicating substantial antioxidant activity. At an IC ₅₀ value of 4.80 μg/mL, the 50% ethanol extract exhibited the most potent inhibition of α-glucosidase. The cytotoxic activity of root extracts is 2 to 5-fold less than that of the aerial parts. Nevertheless, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the root demonstrated a selective effect on leukemia cells, with no harm towards the normal HEK-293 cell line. This work provides a scientific support for the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the plant. Hence, it may find a promising material for the development of novel antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. More research can be conducted on the phytochemistry and anticancer activities of the plant’s root.

Keyword

Sphaeranthus africanus; Antioxidant; Antidiabetic; Anti-proliferative activities