Bioactive fatty acids and anticancer potential of leaf extracts from Stachys byzantina K. Koch

Stachys byzantina is a plant species of culinary and ethnomedicinal relevance, recognized for its versatility and as a source of essential micronutrients. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the hexane leaf extract, as well as evaluate the anticancer activity of the hexane, ethanolic, hydroethanolic, acetone, and hydroacetone extracts of Stachys byzantina. The fatty acid profile was determined using gas chromatography, and characterization was carried out according to quality and identity indices of crude oil, including iodine, acidity, and peroxide values. Anticancer activity was assessed through the Sulforhodamine B cytotoxicity assay. The results revealed that the hexane extract was predominantly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as α-linolenic and linoleic acids, along with the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid. . UV-Visible spectrophotometric analysis indicated the presence of tocopherols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll in the hexane extract. Regarding anticancer activity, the hexane extract demonstrated efficacy against glioma, breast adenocarcinoma, and murine melanoma cells, while the hydroethanolic and hydroacetone extracts were active against murine melanoma cells. Importantly, the tested extracts showed no cytotoxic effects on normal human umbilical cord cells or murine fibroblasts, suggesting that their consumption can be considered safe.