Phytochemical and Biological Activities of Euphorbia clavarioides Boiss., a Traditional Wound-Healing Plant
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Euphorbia clavarioides Boiss. is traditionally used in wound healing and other medicinal applications. Its bioactive compounds and pharmacological potential remain underexplored. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of E. clavarioides Boiss. traditionally used in wound healing. Plant extracts were characterized using phytochemical screening, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated via DPPH and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays, anti-inflammatory effects through nitrite inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and anticancer potential using the MTT assay against DU-145, PC-3, SKU-T, and AGS cell lines. Phytochemical screening confirmed tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. FTIR spectra of aqueous extracts revealed peaks at 2990.66 cm−1 (O–H), 1738.68 cm−1 (C=O), 1217.22 cm−1 (C–N), and 527.37 cm−1 (C–Cl). LC-MS profiling identified diverse metabolites, including phenolics (pseudolaroside B, cinnamtannin A2, (−)-medicarpin, butyrolactol A) and terpenoids (zerumbone, sclareol isomer, diterpenoid-like compounds), underpinning the plant’s bioactivity. Methanol extracts exhibited the strongest DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 755.71 µg/mL), whereas aqueous and ethanol extracts demonstrated superior NO scavenging. Ethanol extracts showed maximal anti-inflammatory activity, while aqueous extracts induced pro-inflammatory effects. Cytotoxicity assays indicated negligible toxicity. In anticancer assays, ethanol and methanol extracts significantly inhibited the proliferation of all tested cell lines at 100 µg/mL, exceeding drug control, whereas aqueous extracts displayed lower activity. The bioactive compounds in E. clavarioides support its traditional wound-healing use and demonstrate mechanistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, highlighting its potential as a source of multi-target natural therapeutics.
Source: Plants
Authors: Khulile Ngcukana, Siphamandla Qhubekani Njabuliso Lamula, Thando Bhanisa, Sandisiwe Maposa, Anathi Dambuza, Martha Wium, Juliano Domiraci Paccez, Luiz Fernando Zerbini, Lisa V. Buwa-Komoreng
Language: English
Topic: Medicinal Plant Research
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7161641032