GC-MS and LC-QTOF-MS Phytochemical analysis, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of stems extracts of Retama monosperma grown in Algeria

Abstract

Retama species have been used in traditional Algerian medicine for a very long time. In this study, extracts of Algerian Retama monosperma stem were examined for their phytochemical composition by GC-MS and LCQTOF- MS analysis, then screened for their antioxidant activities and antiproliferative effects. Antioxidant activity has been evaluated in-depth using DPPH radical-scavenging activity test, ABTS•+ radical cation scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity and the β-carotene bleaching test. Antiproliferative activity was assessed by using four human cancer cell lines: A549, HEK-293, SKOV-3, HeLa and a non-malignant human cell line MRC-5. Interestingly, our results revealed a high amount of phenolic compounds and alkaloids in the methanolic extract. Indeed, the rates of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and tannins were higher in the methanolic extract rather than aqueous extract. As a result, a higher antioxidant activity in all tests performed was registered in the methanolic extract. Remarkably, the methanolic extract exerted the highest antiproliferative activity against A549 and HeLa cells (IC50 = 85.42 ± 3.52 and 90.28 ± 6.75 μg/mL respectively) compared to aqueous extract. In a direct line, the chloroform, ethyl acetate and hexane fractions were able to inhibit cell growth in a dose-dependent manner and showed a significant antiproliferative activity in A549 cells. Moreover, a considerable activity on SKOV-3 (IC50 = 17.92 μg/mL) has been observed using the chloroform fraction. It should be noted that no cytotoxic effect has been detected by the extracts on the non-malignant human cell line MRC-5. In conclusion, these results underlined the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of Algerian Retama monosperma.