<i>Grewia asiatica</i>: An In-depth Analysis of its Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Potency, and Implications in Cancer Therapeutics

Background: Cancer is a global health issue, and natural medicinal plants like Grewia asiatica, also known as ‘Phalsa’, offer a promising alternative to synthetic medications due to their antipyretic, antidiabetic, analgesic, antibiotic, and antimicrobial properties. G. asiatica leaves possess a wide range of therapeutic actions like antipyretic, antidiabetic, antibiotic, and anticancer properties. Aim: This study aimed to explore the pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity, and anticancer potential of G. asiatica leaves. Methods: G. asiatica leaves, pharmacognostical, phytochemical and proximal analysis were carried out by standard qualitative and quantitative methods. The antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay whereas anticancer activity was determined using five different human cancer cell line (DU-145, MDA-MB-231, HT-29, SK-OV-3, A-549) by SRB assay. Results: The micromorphological evaluation of G. asiatica leaves revealed unique characteristics, aiding in species identification. Physicochemical parameters, including total ash and extractive values, assessed quality control. Preliminary phytochemical screening identified alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a total phenolic content of 20.19 ± 1.34 mg gallic acid equivalent/g in EEGA, emphasizing its potential antioxidant properties. The total flavonoid content was 7.59 ± 0.71 mg rutin equivalent/g, further supporting the antioxidant potential. In vitro antioxidant assays, including DPPH and FRAP, confirmed EEGA’s strong scavenging activity and reducing power. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using five human cancer cell lines revealed minimal cytotoxic effects, with GI50 values exceeding 80 μg/mL. Conclusion: The study provides comprehensive insights into the micromorphological, phytochemical profile and antioxidant properties of G. asiatica leaves. While exhibiting promising antioxidant activity, further research is warranted to explore its anticancer potential at higher concentrations. The findings underscore the importance of G. asiatica leaves as a potential source of natural antioxidants and warrant further investigation for its role in cancer prevention and treatment.