HR-LCMS and In vitro cytotoxicity analysis of Alseodaphne semecarpifolia stem bark and leaf methanol extracts

A. semecarpifolia (Lauraceae) has been employed by Indian traditional healers to treat various human cancers. The cytotoxic property of A. semecarpifolia was evaluated by extracting secondary metabolites from stem bark and leaves. The stem bark methanol extract (SBME) and leaf methanol extract (LME) were subjected to HR-LCMS analysis, followed by evaluating their cytotoxic potential against MCF-7, SCC-9, HeLa, A-549 and L6 cells by MTT assay. The phytochemical screening of SBME and LME revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, phenolics and glycosides. HR-LCMS analysis of SBME and LME revealed the presence of 31 and 28 active compounds respectively. Among them Cucurbitacin A and Gambogic acid are the two compounds identified with anticancer properties. SBME showed potent cytotoxicity on MCF-7 and SCC-9 cells, whereas LME showed significant cytotoxicity only on MCF-7 cells. Vinblastine sulphate was used as a reference standard, even though Vinblastine is an efficient anticancer drug it affected the viability of normal cells. In comparison with Vinblastine, both SBME and LME showed very less toxicity on normal cells. Hence, the present study suggested that stem bark and leaves of A. semecarpifolia are the possible chemotherapeutic agents having potential cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and SCC-9 cells.