Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities Of Some Plants Species Derived From The Northwestern Coast Of Egypt

Cancer is a grave problem. Searching for treatment from plants is vital. The aim of this study is to estimate the phytochemicals, antioxidants, and the cytotoxicity of nine different plants on human cell lines: liver (HEPG-2), breast (MCF-7), and colorectal (CACO-4). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics in all extracts. Alkaloids were the maximum in Marrubium alysson L (4.5 g % w/w). Flavonoids were the maximum in Achillea santolina L. (0.04 g % w/w). Tannins were the highest in Echinops spinosus Roxb (2.88 g % w/w). Phenolics were the maximum in Echinops spinosus Roxb (0.23 g % w/w). The maximum antioxidants and free radical scavenging activities were in Haplophyllum tuberculatum Forsake A. (0.26 ppm), and (0.083 mg/ml) respectively. The ethanolic extracts (mu g/mL) of all plants showed cytotoxicity. Withania somnifera L. Dunal (WS) showed the maximum cytotoxicity against (HEPG-2) IC50 (8.6 mu g/ml) and (MCF-7) IC50 (9.4 mu g/ml). Thus undergo fractionation using successive polar solvents. The fractions were tested on the same cell lines. Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) had the maximum cytotoxicity against (MCF-7) IC50 (6.63 mu g/ml). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 40 compounds as phytol, farnesol, and others that have anticancer action through different mechanisms. It could be concluded that the total plants' extracts showed cytotoxicity against (HEPG-2), (MCF-7) and (CACO-4). WS estimated maximum action against (HEPG-2) and (MCF-7). EAF had the highest action against (MCF-7). EAF contained certain compounds which have cytotoxic action especially on (MCF-7). Further investigation can lead to the production of new drug molecules.