<i>In vitro</i> pharmacological screening of antioxidant, cytotoxic and enzyme inhibitory activities of <i>Citrus aurantifolia</i> Linn. Dried fruit extract

Abstract

The Lime Basra (<i>Citrus aurantifolia</i> Linn., Rutaceae) plant also known as dried lime, and Limoo Omani, is used both as a spice in meals and as an herbal tea in the treatment of some diseases in the Middle East. It was aimed to determine the biological activity screening of the 70% methanol, ethanol extracts and infusion which were prepared from dried fruits. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^●) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS+^●) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing activity, cytotoxicity on A 549, MCF 7 and L929 cell lines and α-amylase inhibitory effects were determined. According to the results, 70% methanol extract was more active in antioxidant activity tests and ethanol extract was more active in cytotoxicity tests. Interestingly both 70% methanol and ethanol extracts were found to have potent hypoglycemic activity. The present findings shed light on the fact that it is important to research and scientifically evaluate plants with traditional medicinal use.