Molecules (Jan 2019)

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation of <i>Juniperus oxycedrus</i> Subsp. <i>oxycedrus</i> Needles and Berries

  • Reda Ben Mrid,
  • Najat Bouchmaa,
  • Youssef Bouargalne,
  • Btissam Ramdan,
  • Khalid Karrouchi,
  • Imad Kabach,
  • Miloud El Karbane,
  • Abderrazak Idir,
  • Abdelmajid Zyad,
  • Mohamed Nhiri

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24030502
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 3
p. 502

Abstract

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In order to evaluate the antioxidant properties of aqueous and methanol extracts of needles and berries of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joo) species, various antioxidant capacity assessment tests (free radical scavenging assays (DPPH• and ABTS•+ tests), ferrous ions (Fe2+) chelating activity and reducing power assay (FRAP) were conducted. In all of the tests, the extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, in-vitro cytotoxic activity assays of the methanolic extracts showed potent cytotoxic effects against two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7), with no cytotoxicity towards normal cells (PBMCs). Reactive oxygen species generation was presumed to be a potential reason for the observed cytotoxic effects. According to all the above, and considering its appropriate composition of mineral elements and phenolic compounds, Joo could offer a beneficial and natural source of bioactive compounds that can be either used on the preventive side as it could potentially be used in the clinic without toxicity.

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