Phytochemical analysis, In-vitro antioxidant, anticancer and enzyme hydrolysis activity of Abrus precatorius seeds

Abstract

Abrus precatorius is commonly known as Indian liquorice. It is an effective medicinal herb that comes under the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) - pea family. The objective of the current study was to determine whether the methanol extract of Abrus precatorius seeds and its separated components have antioxidant, anticancer, and enzyme hydrolysis activities. The crude extract of the seed was obtained by maceration with methanol for 7 days. Column chromatography was used to isolate the components from the crude extract using Silica gel with a 60–120 mesh as an adsorbent and methanol as solvent. The phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract of the seeds was achieved. The methanol extracts of the seeds contain many bioactive chemical constituents like Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Steroids, Saponins, Phytosterols, Terpenoids, Tannins, and Phenols. Using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical species assays, the antioxidant activity was measured. Superoxide-free radical scavenging activity was determined by the alkaline DMSO method. The result indicates strong antioxidant activity. The anticancer activity for breast cancer and colon cancer was determined by MTT cell viability assay. The enzyme hydrolysis activity was determined for the papain, alpha-chymotrypsin by the gelatin well plate method.