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Phytochemical study, cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Strychnos nux-vomica

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Abstract

The strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica L.) (S. nux-vomica) belonging to family Loganiaceae has been a very promising medication for certain disorders. Different chromatographic methods were used to isolate the phenolic compounds from the aqueous methanolic extract of the S. nux-vomica leaves. Their identification was achieved through spectroscopic techniques. Cytotoxicity, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of S. nux-vomica leaves extract were evaluated. Five phenolic compounds were isolated and identified; Kaempferol-7 glucoside 1, 7-Hydroxy coumarin 2, Quercetin-3-rhamnoside 3, Kaempferol 3-rutinoside 4, and Rutin 5. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated against different cancer cell lines. The extract showed potential cytotoxic activity against human epidermoid larynx carcinoma cells (Hep-2) and against breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Colon carcinoma cells (HCT) were the least one affected by the extract. In addition, the extract exhibited promising analgesic, antipyretic as well as anti-inflammatory activities. It is concluded that, leaves extract of S. nux vomica possess potent cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities could be due to the presence of phenolic compounds revealed by our phytochemical investigations.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Prof. Dr. Abdel Salam El Noyehy, Prof. of Taxonomy, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt for authentication the leaves of Strychnus nux vomica. The authors are also grateful for The Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt for hosting the cytotoxic activities.

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Both authors declare that there is no conflict of interest relevant to this study.

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Correspondence to Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim.

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Omayma A. Eldahshan and Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim have contributed equally to this article.

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Eldahshan, O.A., Abdel-Daim, M.M. Phytochemical study, cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Strychnos nux-vomica . Cytotechnology 67, 831–844 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10616-014-9723-2

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