The Role Of Plants Secondary Metabolites In Anti – Cancerous Drug

  • Dr. Deepmala Babasaheb Tambe
  • Dr. Seema Narkhede
  • Mrs. Marina Albuquerque
  • Dr. Jyotsana Mishra
Keywords: Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activity, Medicinal Plants, DPPH Assay, ABTS Assay, FRAP Assay, Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Anticancerous Activity

Abstract

Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense mechanisms, is a contributing factor in various chronic diseases and aging processes. Medicinal plants, with their diverse phytochemical profiles, offer a promising source of natural antioxidants that can mitigate oxidative damage. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant potential of extracts from selected medicinal plants, traditionally used for their therapeutic properties. We conducted a comprehensive phytochemical screening of extracts from Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), and Coriandrum sativum (Coriander) to identify their antioxidant activity and correlate it with their phytochemical composition. Plant materials were extracted using ethanol and aqueous solvents, and the extracts were analyzed for their content of key phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and tannins. Quantitative assessment revealed high concentrations of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in extracts of Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum. To evaluate antioxidant activity, we employed three in vitro assays: the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the ABTS radical cation decolorization assay, and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. The results demonstrated that Curcuma longa exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 25 µg/mL, indicating a potent ability to neutralize free radicals. Similarly, the ABTS assay revealed that Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum had significant radical cation decolorization capabilities, with IC50 values of 22 µg/mL and 30 µg/mL, respectively. The FRAP assay further confirmed the strong reducing power of Curcuma longa, making it the most effective among the tested extracts. These findings highlight the substantial antioxidant potential of the selected medicinal plants and suggest a strong correlation between high phytochemical content, particularly phenolics and flavonoids, and enhanced antioxidant activity. The study provides valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of these plants and supports their use in the development of antioxidant-rich herbal formulations. Future research should focus on isolating specific bioactive compounds and exploring their mechanisms of action to fully harness the therapeutic benefits of these medicinal plants.

Author Biographies

Dr. Deepmala Babasaheb Tambe

Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Adv. M.N.Deshmukh Arts, Commerce and Science College Rajur, Tal-Akole, District-Ahmednagar (M.S.)

Dr. Seema Narkhede

Assistant Professor, Royal College of Arts Science and Commerce, Mira Road East, Thane 401107

Mrs. Marina Albuquerque

Associate Professor of Microbiology, HOD, Government College of Arts Science and Commerce, Khandola, Marcela Goa 403107

Dr. Jyotsana Mishra

Assistant Professor (Guest), College of Forestry, Mahatma Gandhi University of Horticulture and Forestry, Sankara-Patan, Durg(C.G), Pin: 491111

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Published
2024-10-01
How to Cite
Dr. Deepmala Babasaheb Tambe, Dr. Seema Narkhede, Mrs. Marina Albuquerque, & Dr. Jyotsana Mishra. (2024). The Role Of Plants Secondary Metabolites In Anti – Cancerous Drug. Revista Electronica De Veterinaria, 25(2), 221 - 227. https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i2.1261