Chemical constituent, cytotoxicity, and radical scavenging activity of Neonauclea calycina (Bartl. ex DC) leaves

Objectives: To evaluate cytotoxic and chemical stable radical scavenging activities of the hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extract of Neonauclea calycina (Bartl. ex DC) leaves. Methods: cytotoxic activity was explored in vitro (proliferative inhibition method). Chemical stable radical scavenging activity was determined by assessing the DPPH scavenging assay. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS was done to check chemical constituents in the hexane and ethyl acetate extract of N. calycina (Bartl. ex DC) leaves. Results: The in-vitro studies showed that the ethyl acetate extract of leaves of N. calycina (Bartl. ex DC) Merr exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity with IC50 = 16.73 µg/mL were compared to hexane and methanol extracts. The in-vitro studies also showed that the hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extract of leaves of N. calycina (Bartl.ex DC) Merr exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, and chemical stable radical scavenging potential. LC-MS/MS showed several compounds in the N.calycina (Bartl. ex DC) leaves. Qualitative analysis of the compound by LC-MS/MS ascertained that sample content stigmasta3-6-dione, viscoside lactam and caempferol -3-O-rutinoside in hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extract. The cytotoxicity of the extracts against MCF-7 was also confirmed. Conclusions: Ethyl acetate extracts of N. calycina (Bartl. ex DC) Merr leaves showed strong cytotoxic and chemical stable radical scavenging activities. They may have untapped therapeutic values, these justifying the traditional use of the herbal drug.