Exploring the phytochemicals and in-vitro anticancer activities of Torenia crustacea

Abstract

Recent advances in herbal medicine have given it a unique place within society. This is perhaps due to its less harmful effects and plant-based products' use. The plants that we now call herbal remedies were used for centuries by many communities who relied on their traditional healers. The current study examines the phytochemicals and in-vitro anticancer activities properties of the Torenia crustacea after it have been extracted using various solvents. The plant was collected and authenticated, followed by drying, grinding and extraction using liquids with increasing polarity. The extracts obtained were subjected to phytochemical screening and TLC. The results were interpreted and used as a basis for the in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activities. The presence of phytoconstituents was further proved by TLC analysis, during which it was seen that the acetone extract exhibited two spots on the TLC plate, and the chloroform extract exhibited seven spots on the TLC plate. Various identification tests showed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinone glycosides. This was used as a basis for the in vitro studies, including antioxidant and anticancer studies. The results suggest that the plant under research exhibits promising in vitro antioxidant activity compared to the standard ascorbic acid with a low IC50 value. The in vitro anticancer experiments also yielded good findings, indicating that this plant has the potential to be used as a strong anticancer agent.