The Phytochemical Analysis of Vinca L. Species Leaf Extracts Is Correlated with the Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antitumor Effects

Abstract

The phytochemical analysis of <i>Vinca minor</i>, <i>V. herbacea</i>, <i>V. major</i>, and <i>V. major</i> var. <i>variegata</i> leaf extracts showed species-dependent antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects correlated with the identified phytoconstituents. Vincamine was present in <i>V. minor</i>, <i>V. major</i>, and <i>V. major</i> var. <i>variegata</i>, while <i>V. minor</i> had the richest alkaloid content, followed by <i>V. herbacea</i>. <i>V. major</i> var. <i>variegata</i> was richest in flavonoids and the highest total phenolic content was found in <i>V. herbacea</i> which also had elevated levels of rutin. Consequently, <i>V. herbacea</i> had the highest antioxidant activity followed by <i>V. major</i> var. <i>variegata</i>. Whereas, the lowest one was of <i>V. major</i>. The <i>V. minor</i> extract showed the most efficient inhibitory effect against both <i>Staphylococcus</i><i>aureus</i> and <i>E. coli</i>. On the other hand, <i>V. herbacea</i> had a good anti-bacterial potential only against <i>S. aureus</i>, which was most affected at morphological levels, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy. The <i>Vinca</i> extracts acted in a dose-depended manner against HaCaT keratinocytes and A375 melanoma cells and moreover, with effects on the ultrastructure, nitric oxide concentration, and lactate dehydrogenase release. Therefore, the <i>Vinca</i> species could be exploited further for the development of alternative treatments in bacterial infections or as anticancer adjuvants.