Potential anticancer activity of Acetone extracts of Toona cilliata, Seriphium plumosum and Schkuhria pinnata on HeLa cervical cancer cells

Background: Cervical cancer is common in women in less developed regions of the world. The plant biomolecules can be employed for synergistic activity with chemo- and radiotherapy. This combinations might result in reduced toxicity and increased efficacy of the treatment regimen. Objectives: The anti-HeLa cells activity of the acetone extracts of S. plumosum, T. cilliata and S. pinnata was assessed using different parameters. Methods: Secondary metabolite detection and antioxidant activity quantification were determined using the DPPH and ferric iron reducing assays. HeLa cell growth inhibition and mechanistics were assessed by employing MTT and Annexin-V flous assays. Results: Observations revealed the presence of phenolic, flavonoids, tannins steroids and coumarins in all the plants ex- tracts. High amount of total phenolic and flavonoid content were detected in S. plumosum and T. cilliata. S. plumosum extract had the best DPPH scavenging activity and ferric reducing powers. Conclusion: Observable concentration dependent cell proliferation inhibition by test materials was exhibited. The leaf ex- tracts from T. cilliata, S. plumosum and S. pinnata contain compounds of various polarities with free-radical, antioxidant and anti-cancerous activities that may play a beneficial role in treatment. Keywords: Medicinal plants; anticancer activity; antioxidant activity.