Evaluation of cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties of some Zingiberaceae plants

Abstract

Zingiberaceae family is widely distributed in the tropical realm of Asia. Considering its diverse applications as spices and therapeutics, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the cytotoxic and antioxidant effect of the ethanolic rhizome extracts of five plants, namely Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt and R. M. Smith, Curcuma caesia Roxb., Zingiber officinale Rosc., and Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith on Allium cepa Linn. system. Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDAH2) assays. Further, in vitro DNA protection assay was performed to confirm the antioxidant potentials of the extracts. Characterization of phytochemicals was done by performing qualitative tests. Results and Discussion: TTC reduction assay revealed that the extracts (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/ml) had no cytotoxic effect on A. cepa root cells. Roots treated with extracts (2.5 μg/ml) were stained with reactive oxygen species-sensitive dye DCFDAH2 and visualized under the fluorescence microscope. The result confirmed that the extracts did not exert any prooxidant effect. Further, the extracts established their substantial antioxidant potential by inhibiting oxidative DNA damage in an in vitro system. In addition, qualitative analysis showed that the rhizomes are rich in phytochemicals. Conclusion: From the current observations, it can be concluded that the selected herbs can be utilized safely for human consumption.