Antioxidant Activities, Total Polyphenol Profile and Anticancer Activity, of Leaf, Bulb and Root Extracts of Tulbaghia violacea from Bloemfontein

Abstract

In this study, the effects of the home remedy herb Tulbaghia violacea on antioxidants, total polyphenol activity, and cancer were investigated. Using methanol/dichloromethane and aqueous solvents, the extracts were produced. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl assay, and their phenol content by the gallic acid method. The extracts were found to be inactive or weak against the HeLa (cervix), human cancer cell lines TK-10 (renal), and PC3 (prostate). It is suggested that these three human cell lines be tested against extracts of water and methanol/ dichloromethane at higher concentrations. The plant's leaf extract would also be the best substance to test against the human cell lines TK-10, PC-3, and HeLa. The IC50 values for two to three cell lines show that T. violacea plant extracts (>100 g/ml) have no effect on cells. T. violacea extract has greater antioxidant activity than the control. A thorough phenolic analysis showed that water leaf extract had the highest quantity of phenolics whereas bulb methanol/dichloromethane extract had the lowest. Both the methanol/dichloromethane and the aqueous extracts have the same characteristics for antioxidant activity. In order to enhance food's nutritional content and quality while also supporting excellent health, it has been found that phenolic compounds alter the color, flavor, and other sensory characteristics of the meal. Additionally, they help plants defend themselves against harm from ROS, molecular damage, microbial invasion, insects, and herbivores. Key words: Antioxidants, Tulbaghia violaceae, Medicinal plants, Anticancer activity, Polyphenol