Work

In vitro bioactivity and phytochemical characterization of a polyherbal extract with antioxidant and anticancer properties

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Herbal extracts are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential due to their rich phytochemical composition and associated bioactivities. This study evaluates the antioxidant and anticancer properties of a compound extract derived from Sidr ( Ziziphus spina-christi ), Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum ), and Black Seed ( Nigella sativa ), Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed high total phenolic (89.35 ± 0.36 mg GAE/g) and tannin content (88.60 ± 0.51 mg GAE/g), along with moderate flavonoid (28.67 ± 0.09 mg QE/g) and flavonol (10.52 ± 0.51 mg QE/g) levels, indicative of robust antioxidant potential. The extract demonstrated notable free-radical scavenging activity, with IC 5 0 values of 359.93 ± 9.91 µg/mL and 292.93 ± 4.24 µg/mL in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays, respectively. Cytotoxicity evaluation against Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells showed an IC 5 0 value of 103.40 ± 4.51 µg/mL, supporting its anticancer potential. UV–Vis spectral analysis identified a prominent peak at 323.14 nm, suggesting the presence of phenolic and aromatic compounds, while zeta potential analysis (−22.1 ± 6.92 mV) indicated moderate dispersion stability. These results provide preliminary evidence supporting the extract’s potential as a multifunctional bioactive formulation and offer a foundation for future mechanistic and in vivo investigations.

Source: PeerJ

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.20824

Authors: Aiman Abdullah Ammari, Hossam Mohammed Aljawdah, Ramzi Ahmed Amran, Ahmad Rashed Alhimaidi

Institution: King Saud University

Language: English

Topic: Medicinal Plant Research

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,395