Phytochemical analysis and cytotoxicity of Clinacanthus nutans on human gingival fibroblast cell line

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) possesses antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed to carry out phytochemical analyses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. nutans leaves and also its cytotoxic potential on human gingival fibroblast cell line HGF-1. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical analyses was conducted using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Cytotoxicity testing was carried out by treating the HGF-1 with different concentrations (50,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 µg/ml) of both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. nutans leaves using MTT assay. The control comprised only the cell suspension and culture medium. Results: Phytochemical study revealed 53 compounds. Furfural, 2-furanmethanol, butyrolactone, phenol, benzeneacetaldehyde, 4H-Pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-, vitamin E, campesterol, stigmasterol,.gamma.-Sitosterol and lupeol were the compounds identified in both extracts. Both the extracts did not exhibit any cytotoxicity on HGF-1 based on MTT assay with IC50 values of 1099 µg/ml (ethanol extract) and 2627 µg/ml (aqueous extract). Conclusion: This study showed that ethanol and aqueous extracts of C. nutans leaves contained varied phytochemical compounds and were non-cytotoxic on human gingival fibroblast cell line under the present test conditions.