Phytochemical study and Anti-cancer effects of Halocnemum strobilaceum

Abstract

Introduction: With the receding waters of Lake Urmia, it seems that the cultivation of halophytes like Halocnemum strobilaceum, as one of the most abundant halophytes on the shores of Lake Urmia, will be of great economic, therapeutic, and soil regeneration importance. Aim: According to the cytotoxic effects of H. strobilaceum, we aimed to evaluate the phytochemical and cytotoxic effects of H. strobilaceum against A549 lung carcinoma cells. Methods and materials: To pursue this aim, air-dried plants were powdered extracted by petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol, respectively. Anti-proliferate properties of the extracts on A549 cells were evaluated using an MTT cytotoxicity assay. The petroleum ether extract showed the highest cytotoxic effect, hence was subjected to further fractionation using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC). Numerous sub-fractions were obtained, some of which had much better growth inhibitory effects. Final purification of active sub-fractions by preparative TLC method resulted in purification of several compounds. The methanolic extract was fractionated by solid-phase extraction (SPE), further purification of fractions by using preparative HPLC. Structure elucidation of the compounds was accomplished by using 1HNMR and 13CNMR methods. Results: Non-polar extracts of H. strobilaceum had very well cytotoxic effects. Isolation of compounds in the most effective methanolic sub-fractions of polar extracts of H. strobilaceum resulted in the isolation of two flavonoid glycosides. NMR spectrum data suggests that the structure of these 2 flavonoid glycosides were quercetin 3-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside. Unexpectedly the structure of isolated lipophilic compounds from petroleum ether indicated the presence of phthalate derivatives, such as di (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate. Conclusion: Non-polar extracts of H. strobilaceum have significant cytotoxic effects.