ABSTRACT
Dendrophthoe pentandra known as mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant with traditional claims for some medicinal properties. This research was done to determine phytochemical constituents of Dendropthoe petandra (DP) leaves extract, to evaluate toxicity of extracts by brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) and to confirm cytotoxicity activity of DPME against various normal cell lines. The most potent extract was then evaluated by GC-MS. DP leaves that have been extracted with petroleum ether (DPPEE), methanol (DPME) and water (DPWE) were screened for phytochemical constituents. BSLT was carried out to determine the lethality concentration that kills 50% of tested population (LC50). The cytotoxicity was assessed by Methylene Blue Assay (MBA) that evaluates the inhibition concentration for cell growth by 50% (IC50). The normal cell lines used were MDCK, L929 and Vero. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin and terpenoid in those extracts. Highest total phenolic content was found in DPME (471.63±2.02 mg GAE/g). BSLT have determined the lowest LC50 value is 2.74±1.23 ppm in DPME. No IC50 detected when MDCK, L929 and Vero cell line were treated with all extracts. Therefore, this can be concluded that DP extracts did not show any harmful effects towards MDCK, L929 and Vero cell lines although the DPME, DPPEE and DPWE are toxic towards brine shrimp. Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester and 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester are among compounds present in DPME. Further studies using mammalian cancer cell lines should be conducted on DP extracts to know if they posses anticancer potential.
ABSTRACT
Screening of phytochemical and mineral elements composition of Cordyceps sinensis and its based product, Esulin were carried out in order to provide a basis for further research on the therapeutic value of these herbs. The results of both aqueous extracts positively showed the presence of several bioactive compounds like alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids. However, terpenoids only present in the aqueous extract of Esulin. In addition, the levels of copper, zinc, cadmium, ferum, lead and nickel of both extracts were below the maximum permissible level suggested by World Health Organization (1989) & Malaysian Food Law (1985). The presence of phytochemical components and mineral elements in the aqueous extract of Cordyceps sinensis and Esulin might contribute to their therapeutic applications in medicinal practices.