Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial and Enhanced Cytotoxicity of Methanolic Extract of Filicium Decipiens Leaves

Abstract

Filicium decipiens (family: sapindaceae) is an ornamental plant that grows in Asia and Africa. It contains valuable therapeutic phytochemicals. In India, it is traditionally practiced for diabetic treatment. The present study aimed to determine phytochemical, HPLC profile, in vitro anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect against cancer cell lines using methanolic extract (18.7-600 µg/ml) of Filicium decipiens leaves. The extract was prepared using soxhlet extraction and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. It showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and steroids. Vanillic acid, a marker compound, was used for extract standardization using HPLC. Anti-inflammatory studies were assessed using Murine macrophage 264.7 cells. The extract reduced stimulated NO production at the highest tested concentration (IC₅₀ = 295±2.5µg/ml) while antimicrobial effect was evaluated using broth dilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The extract was found to be active against Gram-positive and negative microorganisms as well as fungal strain was also observed active. MTT assay was used to evaluate the reduction in cell viability of MCF-7 (Breast adenocarcinoma) and A-549 (lungs carcinoma) cells. The cell viability was displayed in a dose dependent manner and IC₅₀ value was 156.7±1.2 and 217.1±2.3µg/ml for MCF-7 and A-549 cells respectively. This study showed Filicium decipiens methanolic leaves extract exhibited potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. However, further investigations are warranted to establish the mechanistic role of the extract against said activities.