Toxicity of bioactive compounds from Halocnemum strobilaceum against A549 lung cancer cells

This study investigates the toxicity of bioactive compounds isolated from the halophytic plant Halocnemum strobilaceum against A549 lung cancer cells. Sequential extraction using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol yielded various fractions, with the petroleum ether extract demonstrating the highest cytotoxicity. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation techniques, including vacuum liquid chromatography and column chromatography, three compounds were identified: (1) Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, (2) isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, and (3) quercetin-3-glucoside. The cytotoxic effects of these compounds were assessed using the MTT assay, revealing significant toxicity on A549 cells, with quercetin-3-glucoside exhibiting 78% cytotoxicity and isorhamnetin-3-glucoside showing 69% cytotoxicity at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. These findings suggest that the toxic effects of H. strobilaceum may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, known for their antioxidant and free-radical scavenging capabilities. This highlights the potential of H. strobilaceum as a source of novel anti-cancer agents, warranting further studies to elucidate the mechanisms of action and explore therapeutic applications.