Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Seseli transcaucasicum (Schischk.) Pimenov & Sdobnina
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Species belonging to the genus Seseli have long been known to be used in traditional medicine as herbal remedies for various purposes such as relieving colds, inflammation, pain, and gas. Therefore, in this study, the aerial parts of S. transcaucasicum have been extracted in methanol and acetone to investigate their phytochemical composition and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. For this purpose, the total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (RSA), phenolic component profile, volatile component composition, antimicrobial effect, and cytotoxic potential on the HT29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line have been evaluated. When the results have been examined, it has been observed that the methanol extract has shown a higher total phenolic content (77.389 ± 1.389 mg GAE/g extract) and higher radical scavenging activity (40.933 ± 0.067 mg TE/g extract) compared to the acetone extract. HPLC analysis of the phenolic components have revealed that rosmarinic acid, catechin, and quercetin have been particularly high in both extracts. Among these, rosmarinic acid has been detected in the highest amount, reaching levels of 15.195 mg/g in the methanol and 14.929 mg/g in the acetone extracts, respectively. The volatile components of our plant have been determined by GC-MS, and a total of 29 volatile compounds have been identified. Among these, β-pinene (220.792 mg/kg), Δ3-karen (81.898 mg/kg), α-sedrene (63.331 mg/kg), elixen (44.535 mg/kg), sabinene (40.822 mg/kg), and D-limonene (38.422 mg/kg) have been determined as the most dominant compounds. The antimicrobial activity results of the plant extracts have shown a moderate inhibitory effect against the tested microorganisms. The highest antimicrobial activity has been determined as the 16 mm inhibition zone created by the methanol extract at a concentration of 100 mg/mL against S. aureus. When the study conducted to determine the cytotoxicity properties has been examined, it hs been determined that both extracts have shown a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect on HT29 cells. When we have examined the difference between our solvents, we have seen that the acetone extract at a concentration of 500 µg/mL has reduced cell viability by 18.03%, while the methanol extract at the same concentration reduced viability by 30.56%. Considering our results as a whole, it is seen that S. transcaucasicum is rich in phenolic and terpenic compounds and exhibits significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer properties. Therefore, it is thought that this plant species could be a promising source for the development of naturally occurring biologically active compounds.
Source: Plants
Authors: Mehmet Şirin Karan, Mustafa Yunus Emre
Institution: Mardin Artuklu University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7204197542