Phytochemical Investigation, Evaluation of Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity of the Methanol Extract of Cuscuta Reflexa (Stem)

Abstract

Cuscuta reflexa is used for treating constipation, flatulence, body pains, itchy skin, frequent urination, dry eyes, ringing in the ears, lower back pain, blurred vision, tired eyes, hair growth promoters ability to prevent certain cancer cells and thus reduce the incidence of cancer. Its can build protection from cerebral ischemia, advance heart blood, tonify kidney. The present study was carried out to investigate phytochemical, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of stem of Cuscuta reflexa methanolic extracts. The cytotoxic activity was determined by using brine shirmp lethality bioassay. For cytotoxic activity, extracts showed LC 50 183.64 µg/ml. On the other hand, the reference standard Vincristine sulphate showed LC 50 value was 7.27 µg/ml. It is also revealed that the extract of Cuscuta reflexa possess antioxidant activity IC50 157.80 µg/ml compare to standard IC50 64.38 µg/ml. The potential of these activities may be due to the presence of most of the phytochemicals which supports previous claims and validate its uses as an expected folk medicine.