Leaf Extracts of <em>Cistus ladanifer</em> Exhibit Potent Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities against Liver, Prostate and Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties of C. ladanifer crude extracts, including hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (E.A) and ethanol (EtOH) were investigated. The chemical composition of C. ladanifer crude extracts was determined by use of GC-MS, whereas DPPH and FRAP assays were employed to determine its antioxidant capacity. The obtained results showed that the ethanolic extract exhibited a significant antioxidant effect recording an IC50 value of 266.6 ± 0.828 μg/mL with DPPH assay, and a higher reducing power 0.494 ± 0.035 using the FRAP test. The extracts exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against three cancer cell lines. The DCM extract exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (76.066 ± 9.978 μg AGE/mg) and was revealed to be more effective against HepG2 (31.54 ± 0.242 μg/mL). The Hex extract that presented the highest flavonoid content (50.209 ± 3.805 μg CE/mg) exhibited the highest antiproliferative activity against 22Rv1 and MDA-MB-231 recording IC50 values 11.32 ± 2.126 μg/mL and 82.4 ± 1.124 μg/mL, respectively. All four extracts exhibited minimal toxicity against human skin-derived fibroblast cells indicating the specificity of their observed anticancer activity. GC-MS analysis identified interesting phytochemicals underlying the obtained antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Taken together, results of the current study highlight the significance of C. ladanifer as a valuable source of antioxidant and anticancer bioactive compounds, thereby warranting further detailed investigation.

Keywords

• <i>Cistus ladanifer</i> L.
• cancer
• natural products
• antiproliferative activity
• antioxidants
• GC-MS