Cytotoxicity and Phytochemical Screening of Heliotropium indicum L. Extract from Malita, Davao Occidental Philippines

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Research Paper 04/01/2025
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Cytotoxicity and Phytochemical Screening of Heliotropium indicum L. Extract from Malita, Davao Occidental Philippines

Pebegen V. Guia, Huey O. Baltazar, Liezl S. Mancao, Leonel P. Lumogdang
Int. J. Biosci. 26(1), 30-36, January 2025.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2025; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity properties and phytochemical profile of the different extracts of Heliotropium indicum L. The cytotoxicity properties of Heliotropium indicum L. were evaluated using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA), while qualitative phytochemical screening was also tested on its leaf extracts. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in terms of LC50 (lethality concentration), which measures the ability of the extract to kill 50% of test animals in a specific observation period. Brine shrimps were tested in three different extraction solvents with different concentrations: 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL. Their toxicity values (LC50) were computed and described using Clarkson’s toxicity. Probit analysis and LC50 were employed to measure the degree of toxicity of the brine shrimps after 6 and 24 hours of treatment. Results of the cytotoxicity assay showed that the decoction and aqueous extracts have the highest toxicity values. Phytochemical screening was assayed using a standard protocol. The qualitative phytochemical assessment of Heliotropium indicum L. Leaf extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins from decoction and aqueous extract. The phytochemical components detected in Heliotropium indicum L. could account for their rich pharmacological potential. Thus, the results show tentative support for its pharmacological claims and its utilization as an alternative to traditional medicine.

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