GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS analysis of biologically active fractions from Verbascum letourneuxii; efficient protocol for in vitro propagation

Verbascum species (family: Scrophulariaceae) have a wide range of medicinal properties; one of these species is Verbascum letourneuxii which is an important rarely distributed plant in Egypt. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the 70% aqueous methanol extract and the four successive fractions (diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol) were evaluated. The results of the DPPH assay (100 μg/mL) suggested differential scavenging properties as ordered in descending: methanol > aqueous methanol > diethyl ether > chloroform > ethyl acetate with % values of 85.7, 80, 76, 64 and 23, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid (98.4%). Moreover, the diethyl ether and the chloroform fractions showed significant cytotoxic effects (100 μg/mL). The diethyl ether fraction showed IC50 52.5 μg/mL against HepG2, while the chloroform fraction revealed IC50 70.1, 63.6 and 73.4 (μg/mL) against HepG2, MCF-7 and PC3 compared to doxorubicin with IC50 27.4, 28.2 and 28.7 (μg/mL), respectively. The analysis of the GC/MS for diethyl ether and chloroform fractions led to detection and recognition of 53 chemical compounds, while the LC–ESI–MS analysis of the MeOH fraction revealed the identification and characterization of 21 compounds (eight iridoid glycosides, five phenylethanoids, five phenylpropanoids and three flavonoids). Additionally in this study, a first protocol for in vitro propagation of V. letourneuxii was established for conservation of this plant.