Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer Properties of the Australian Maroon Bush Scaevola spinescens (Goodeniaceae)

Quan V Vuong Elham Sadeqzadeh

doi:10.4172/1948-593x.s12-002

Abstract

Scaevola spinescens (Goodeniaceae) has been traditionally used by indigenous Australians to treat various ailments including cancer, thus it is necessary to identify optimum extraction conditions for bioactive components from this plant. This study investigated the effects of different extraction conditions on Total Phenolic Content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP assays) and anti-cancer activity (MTT assay) of S. spinescens. The results showed that optimal extraction conditions for TPC using water were 80°C, 15 min and ratio of 20:1 mL/g. However, the aqueous extract prepared under optimal conditions had lower TPC and less antioxidant capacity than those of the organic solvent extracts. The acetone extract displayed the greatest TPC as well as the highest antioxidant capacity and anti-cancer activity against a panel of cancer cell lines, including cancers of the pancreas, breast, lung, brain, skin, colon and ovary. Therefore, further investigations should be conducted to identify key bioactive compounds as potential anti-cancer agents.

Highlights

IntroductionScaevola spinescens (maroon bush, currant bush, or fanflower) belongs to Goodeniaceae family and is native to Australia
Scaevola spinescens belongs to Goodeniaceae family and is native to Australia
This study aimed to investigate the impact of extraction conditions on total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity from S. spinescens, and is the first to identify optimal conditions for the increased extraction yield of phenolic compounds from S. spinescens

Summary

Introduction

Scaevola spinescens (maroon bush, currant bush, or fanflower) belongs to Goodeniaceae family and is native to Australia. It has been traditionally used by the Aboriginal community for the treatment of various ailments such as colds, stomach-ache, urinary problems, boils, sores and rashes [1]. The structural hydroxyl groups within the phenolic compounds results in the capability of these compounds in scavenging reactive oxygen species, such as the superoxide radical, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and peroxynitrite, pertaining to their antioxidant and potential anti-cancer capacities [4,5]. Optimised extraction conditions for the maximum yield of phenolic compounds from S. spinescens is essential for ongoing assessment of potential biological and anti-cancer activity

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Conclusion