In vitro cytotoxicity of the polar extracts of Potentilla fulgens L. against human cancer cell lines: Detection and isolation of bioactive phenolics

Potentilla fulgens L., a locally used medicinal plant with reported hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-tumor properties was studied. The polar extracts of P. fulgens L. were assessed and found to induce cytotoxic response at different concentrations against a panel of human carcinoma cells such as THP-1 leukemia, HEP-2 liver, OVCAR-5 ovary, A-549 lung, PC-3 prostrate, and SF-295 neuroblastoma. Ability of the polar extracts to induce cytotoxicity was compared with two known anticancer drugs, 5-flurouracil and mitomycin. We report, the polar fractions of P. fulgens L. show in vitro cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines. The anti-oxidant property, assessed by DPPH and H2O2 scavenging methods, showed significant activities in the polar extracts. Isolation and characterization of the phenolics present in the polar fractions, using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, led to the detection of some polyphenols such as (+)-catechin, ellagic acid, kaempferol and quercetin.