In vitro cytotoxicity of the polar extracts of Potentilla fulgens L. against human cancer cell lines: Detection and isolation of bioactive phenolics

Abstract

Potentilla fulgens L., a locally used medicinal pla nt with reported hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, a nd anti-tumor properties was studied. The polar extracts of P. fu lgens L. were assessed and found to induce cytotoxi c response at different concentrations against a panel of human ccells such as THP-1 leukemia, HEP-2 liver, OVCAR-5 ovary, A-549 lung, PC-3 prostrate, and SF-295 neuro blastoma. Ability of the polar extracts to induce c ytotoxicity was compared with two known anticancer drugs, 5-flu rouracil and mitomycin. We report, the polar fracti ons of P. fulgens L. show in vitro cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines. The anti-oxidant property, assessed by DPPH and H 2O2 scavenging methods, showed significant activities ipolar extracts. Isolation and characterization of the phenolics present in the po lar fractions, using chromatographic and spectrosco pic techniques, led to the detection of some polyphenol s such as (+)-catechin, ellagic acid, kaempferol an d quercetin.