In vitro anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic properties and quantification of total triterpenoids in Gymnosporia chevalieri Tard. leaves

ABSTRACT Background: Gymnosporia chevalieri is a native species of Vietnam, belonging to the genus Gymnosporia, known for its potential anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. Objectives: This study reports the results of in vitro screening for anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic properties and quantification of total triterpenoids of leaf extracts from the G. chevalieri. Materials and methods: The leaves of G. chevalieri were collected from Dakrong district, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. The extraction procedure involved maceration at room temperature and liquid-liquid partitioning. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. Anticancer activity was evaluated using a spectrophotometric method with Sulforhodamine B (SRB) dye. Quantification of triterpenoids by UV-Vis. Results & Conclusion: The methanolic extract demonstrated an inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 value of 69.57 ± 2.46 μg/mL. The n-hexane extract exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 value of 46.92 ± 2.07 μg/mL. The methanolic extract exhibited strong inhibitory activity against the cancer cell lines HepG2 (human lung carcinoma), A549 (human cervical carcinoma) and MCF7 (human breast carcinoma); with IC50 values of 2.12 ± 0.16, 4.78 ± 0.74 and 28.79 ± 4.21 μg/mL, respectively. The n-hexane extract demonstrated the most remarkable inhibitory effects against these cell lines, with IC50 values of 14.11 ± 2.52; 27.74 ± 3.77 and 18.32 ± 1.77 μg/mL, respectively. The n-hexane extract contained the highest amount of triterpenoids with equivalent value of 629.76 ± 13.13 mgUA/g extract. Keywords: Gymnosporia chevalieri, anti-inflammatory, HepG2, A549, total triterpenoid