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LC/MS-Based Phytochemical Profiling and Immunomodulatory Evaluation of Three Medicinal Plants With Anticancer and
Taskia Azad Konika1, Md Ekhtiar Uddin2, Rokhsana Jahan2
1Department of Pharmacy, Primeasia University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
Breast cancer, chronic inflammation, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represent major global health challenges that require novel multitarget therapeutic strategies. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, cytotoxic potential, immunomodulatory effects, and antibacterial properties of leaf extracts from Acrostichum aureum, Argemone mexicana, and Ficus religiosa. Sequential solvent extraction followed by LC-MS analysis revealed distinct phenolic profiles among the species. A. aureum was enriched in ferulic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid, whereas A. mexicana contained veratric acid, luteolin, and apigenin. F. religiosa showed elevated levels of chlorogenic and protocatechuic acids along with related metabolites. All extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, with DPPH radical scavenging ranging from 48.12 ± 5.22% to 63.14 ± 6.25% at 100 µg/mL and nitric oxide inhibition from 72.15 ± 6.17% to 78.24 ± 5.24% at 1000 µg/mL. Fractionated extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol) displayed differential cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Notably, ethanolic fractions promoted pro-apoptotic signaling by increasing BAX expression (up to 2.5-fold) while suppressing BCL-2 (0.4-fold) and reducing inflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α. Antibacterial assays further demonstrated species-specific activity patterns: A. mexicana and F. religiosa effectively inhibited Escherichia coli strains (up to 43.79% growth reduction), whereas A. aureum showed the strongest activity against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 17978 (26.88 ± 8.25%). These findings highlight a clear relationship between phytochemical composition and biological activity, indicating that these medicinal plants may serve as promising sources of multitarget phytotherapeutic agents. Further in vivo studies and bioactive compound isolation are required to validate their therapeutic potential.
Insights
This study explores medicinal plants Acrostichum aureum, Argemone mexicana, and Ficus religiosa for novel multitarget therapies. Extracts show antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties, suggesting potential for treating breast cancer, inflammation, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Breast cancer, chronic inflammation, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are significant global health concerns.
- Novel multitarget therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to address these challenges.
- Medicinal plants are a potential source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial properties of leaf extracts from Acrostichum aureum, Argemone mexicana, and Ficus religiosa.
- To investigate the potential of these plant extracts as multitarget phytotherapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Sequential solvent extraction and LC-MS analysis for phytochemical profiling.
- In vitro assays for antioxidant activity (DPPH, nitric oxide inhibition).
- Cytotoxicity assessment against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
- Evaluation of immunomodulatory effects on inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α) and apoptosis markers (BAX, BCL-2).
- Antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Main Results:
- Distinct phenolic profiles were identified for each plant species.
- All extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activity.
- Ethanolic fractions exhibited cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and reducing inflammation.
- Species-specific antibacterial activities were observed, with notable efficacy against E. coli and multidrug-resistant A. baumannii.
Conclusions:
- A clear correlation exists between the phytochemical composition of Acrostichum aureum, Argemone mexicana, and Ficus religiosa and their observed biological activities.
- These medicinal plants represent promising sources for developing multitarget phytotherapeutic agents.
- Further in vivo studies and isolation of bioactive compounds are warranted to confirm therapeutic potential.
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