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

Paper Details

Research Paper 04/01/2025
Views (1408)
current_issue_feature_image
publication_file

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.

Arevalo MVPN, Robredo JPG, Valenzuela S, Ho FDV, Alberto NRI, Alberto IRI, Bernardo MNG, Manlongat KD, Garcia AMU, Galvez Tan JZ, Dee EC, Eala MAB. 2022. The role of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine in cancer care in the Philippines. Chin Clin Oncol 11(6), 49. http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/cco-22-91.

Cabugatan MD, Ong LT, Mancao LS, Lumogdang LP. 2022. Ethnobotanical Survey on Medicinal Plants used by the Manobo Tribe of Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, Philippines; Asian Journal of Biological and Life Sciences 11(2), May-Aug.

Chunthorng-Orn J, Dechayont B, Phuaklee P, Prajuabjinda O, Juckmeta T, & Itharat A. 2016. Cytotoxic, Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Heliotropium indicum ExtractsJournal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet 99(4), S102–S109.

Dash KG, Abdullah SM. 2013. A Review on Heliotropium Indicum L. (Boraginaceae). International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 4(4), 58.

Kandemir N, Çelik A, Shah SN, Razzaq A. 2020. Comparative microanatomical investigation of genus Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) found in Turkey. Flora.  262. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.flora.151495.151495.

Ghosh P, Das P, Das C, Mahapatra S, Chatterjee S. 2018. Morphological characteristics and phytopharmacological detailing of hatishur (Heliotropium indicum Linn.): a concise review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 7(5), 1900–1907.

Mancao LS, Lumogdang LP. 2023. Ethnobotanical survey of indigenous herbs and spices in the municipality of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental Philippines; JBES, 22(6), June, p 199-207.

Lumogdang LP, Bullong LQ, Nuñeza OM, Uy MM. 2021. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity potential of ethanolic extract of Chrysophyllum cainito using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay; Journal of Experimental Research 9(1).

Sarkar C, Mondal M, Khanom B, Hossain MM, Hossain MS, Sureda A, Islam MT, Martorell M, Kumar M, Sharifi-Rad J, Al-Harrasi A, Al-Rawahi A. 2021. Heliotropium indicum L. From Farm to a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutic Activity. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.

Shaikh JR, Patil MK. 2020. Qualitative tests for preliminary phytochemical screening: An overview. Int J Chem Stud 8(2), 603-608. http://dx.doi.org/10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i2i.8834

Thirumalaisamy G. 2017. Exploration of immunomodulatory effect of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam against Newcastle disease virus in backyard chicken. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 6(6), 749-751.

Stepanie O, Ricky BF, Karla N, Sharlene CSD. 2018. Phytochemical Analysis and Cytotoxicity Potential of Pittosporum pentandrum (Mamalis) Crude Leaf Extract Using Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay. Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies 1, 2651-6705.

Pauline FM, Giri RS. 2016. A phytochemical screening and GC-ms analysis in ethanolic leaf extracts of Ageratum conyzoides. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 5(7).

Raven PH, Johnson GB, Mason KA, Losos JB, Singer SR. 2014. The nature of molecules and properties of water. In Biology (10th ed., AP ed., 17-30 p. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Sivajothi V, Shruthis D, Sajini RJ. 2015. Cytotoxic effect of Heliotropium indicum extracts on Hela Cell Line. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 7, 412-414.

Paul S, Chakraborty S, Mukherjee A, Kundu, R. 2015. Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and DNA Damaging Activity of Three Plant Extracts on Cervical Cancer Cell Lines.

Adetuyi BO, Adebisi OA, Awoyelu EH, Adetuyi OA, Ogunlana O. 2020. Phytochemical and Toxicological Effect of Ethanol Extract of Heliotropium Indicum on Liver of Male Albino Rats. Letters in Applied NanoBioScience. 10(2), 2021, 2085 – 2095.

Idowu ID, Tolulope O. 2023. Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial Activity and Fatty Acids from Heliotropium Indicum. Pharmacognosy Journal.

Mohammad SA, Nabi SA, Marella S, Thandaiah KT, Kumar MV, Rao CA. 2014. Phytochemical screening and antihyperglycemic activity of Heliotropium indicum whole plant in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. journal of applied pharmaceutical science 4, 065-071.

Wu C. 2014. An important player in brine shrimp lethality bioassay: The solvent. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research 5, 57-8.

Related Articles

Effects of supplementary irrigation, organic and mineral fertilizers on the agrophysiological performance of three varieties of millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.) in Burkina Faso

Hadara Nomba Ouedraogo*, Ahmed Traore, Ouènian Zibihako, Adama Pascal Kihindo, Int. J. Biosci. 29(1), 200-210, July 2026.

Physico-chemical composition and phytochemical screening of cocoa mass purchased commercially in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Attoh Hyacinthe Anon*, Hermann Fourier Atta Anno, Nyamien Yves Bleouh Jean, Fagbohoun Jean Bedel, Kouassi kouame Henri Joel, Patrice Lucien Kouamé, Int. J. Biosci. 29(1), 188-199, July 2026.

Survey of swine diseases and treatment approaches in Korhogo subprefecture, northern of Côte d’Ivoire

Kouhana Soro*, Ghislaine Sègbédji Théodora Atchade, Koffi Jules Gossé, Nea Yves Noma, Assanvo Simon-Pierre N’guetta, Int. J. Biosci. 29(1), 171-179, July 2026.

Length-weight relationship and population structure of pool barb (Puntius sophore) from Jashore, Bangladesh

Md. Almamun Farid*, Abu Shale Md. Nasim, Int. J. Biosci. 29(1), 160-170, July 2026.

Role of the Kogle-zanga biopesticide in improving amaranth leaf production in Loumbila

Drabo Samuel Fogné*, Nikiéma Dominique, Zézouma Anselme Dao, Romba Rahim, Sedogo Sanata, Gnankine Olivier, Int. J. Biosci. 29(1), 149-159, July 2026.

Systematic review evaluating locally sourced food resources alternatives to standard milk-based ready-to-use therapeutic food

Folachodé Ulrich Gildas Akogou*, Janvier Mêlégnonfan Kindossi, Dona Gildas Hippolyte Anihouvi, Gamèli Justin Gandeho, Carole Nadia Adjouavi Sossa – Vihotogbé, Franck Hongbété, Polycarpe Kayodé, Int. J. Biosci. 29(1), 138-148, July 2026.

Clinical importance of stem cells in T2D treatment: A systematic review

Mirza Masroor Ali Beg*, Nilam Bhasker, Tridiv Katiyar, Amar Chandra Sharma, Int. J. Biosci. 29(1), 130-137, July 2026.