Study of Phytochemical constituents and cytotoxic effects of Halanthium rarifolium

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a global problem that accounts for almost 13% of deaths worldwide. For a number of years natural products have been a good resource of compounds against cancer. Scope: Due to the importance of medicinal properties of Halophytes and limited studies on the phytochemistry of Halanthium rarifolium, the plant was selected for phytochemical analysis along with anticancer effect. Methods and materials: The aerial parts of Halanthium rarifolium were extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol, respectively, and then dried by rotary evaporator. Based on the preliminary results of MTT test on A549 cell line, methanolic extract was selected and fractionated by Solid Phase Extraction. After evaluating the anti-proliferative properties of sub-fractions, the methanol fraction (20% v/v) was selected for more fractionation by vacuum liquid chromatography and its sub-fractions were re-examined by MTT assay. Potentially sub-fractions were analyzed by HPLC chromatography. Results: Methanolic extract of Halanthium rarifolium had more anti-proliferative properties compared to negative control. The n-Hexan extract of the plant showed less inhibitory effect in the initial experiments than the control group and other extracts. Isolation of compounds in the most effective subfractions of methanolic extract resulted elucidation of two flavonoid glycosides. NMR spectrum data of these two compounds suggests the structures of Kaempferol 3-rutinosyle- 7-glucoside, Quercetin 3′-glucoside and Verbascoside. Conclusion: The phytochemical analysis of H. rarifolium showed presence of flavnoids. Methanolic extractions of H. rarifolium have acceptable anti-proliferative properties.