Validating anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of Fagonia cretica L. through metabolic, in vitro, and in silico profiling.

backgroundFagonia cretica L. (Family: Zygophyllaceae), is a wild shrub mostly found in Mediterranean districts and extensively used in folk medicine for a vast array of purposes such as antidiabetic and anticancer during the early stages. The goal of the current study was to validate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties of Egyptian F. cretica using in vitro studies, metabolic profiling, and in silico approaches.

methodsThe plant was collected from the Egyptian desert and the alcoholic extract was prepared from its aerial parts, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant potential was assessed via 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was validated through in vitro COX-2, COX-1, and nitric oxide inhibition. Cytotoxicity was tested against liver (HepG2), breast (MCF-7), and intestinal (CACO2) carcinoma cell lines followed by assessment of its impact on the levels of apoptotic markers namely topoisomerase I and caspase 9 enzymes. Chemical profiling of the extract was performed using LC-HRMS technique. Saponin rich extract was prepared and tested for affecting topo I and caspase 9 enzymes. In silico studies were conducted on anti-inflammatory (COX-2 and COX-1) and cytotoxicity (topoisomerases I, IIα, and IIβ) targets using Autodock vina in PyRx platform.

resultsTotal phenolic and total flavonoid content of the extract were 2.4 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g and 0.18 ± 0.01 mg RE/g, respectively. In vitro results revealed antioxidant activity calculated as 1.4 ± 0.1 mg AEAC/g. In vitro anti-inflammatory assays unveiled inhibition of COX-2 and COX-1 enzymes with IC

conclusionCollectively, we can conclude that F. cretica is a new source of many phytochemicals, and a significant natural source as cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory agent.