In vitro antioxidant potential of Shemamruthaa (a herbal formulation) and its anticancer activity in the MCF-7 cell line

Abstract

The current study investigates the free radical scavenging activities of Shemamruthaa (Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Emblica officinalis and honey in definite ratio) and its anticancer activity in the breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line ex vivo. The free radical scavenging activities of the Shemamruthaa extracts viz. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reducing power and total antioxidant activities were measured. Furthermore, the in vitro anticancer activities were evaluated for the whole formulation Shemamruthaa and its plant constituents. Results of the study indicated that the methanolic extract held higher radical scavenging activities, reducing power and total antioxidant activity with higher levels of total flavonoids and total phenols than the aqueous extract. Shemamruthaa showed superior anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells compared to the other two plant constituents. The IC₅₀ values were found to be 100, 150 and 175 μg mL⁻¹ for Shemamruthaa, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Emblica officinalis, respectively. Potent antioxidants from natural sources are of great interest to replace the use of synthetic antioxidants. The results of the study indicate that Shemamruthaa might be a good candidate for further investigation in developing new antioxidants and anticancer agents.