IN VITRO ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF THE ROOTS OF PASPALUM PANICULATUM

Abstract

Cancer is a life-threatening disease associated with oxidative stress–induced cellular damage. Free radicals generated during metabolic processes contribute to carcinogenesis, while antioxidants neutralize these reactive species and reduce cellular injury. Paspalum paniculatum contains bioactive phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids with potential antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. This study evaluated the in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of root extracts of Paspalum paniculatum. Aqueous, ethanolic, and chloroform extracts were assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power assays, and the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. All extracts exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activity. The DPPH IC₅₀ values for chloroform, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts were 171.19, 99.09, and 125.73 μg/mL, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid (49.37 μg/mL). Cytotoxicity studies revealed LD₅₀ values of 732.66, 398.21, and 598.56 μg/mL, respectively. These findings indicate that Paspalum paniculatum roots possess significant antioxidant and cytotoxic potential, supporting their possible role as a natural source of anticancer agents.