Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Inflammatory, In Vitro Wound Healing Potentials and Phenolic Content of Phlomis Crinita Cav. Extracts

Phlomis crinita Cav. (P. crinita), a medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family, is widely used as a natural remedy in traditional North African and Southern European folk medicine to treat lesions and burns through the application of its leaves This study aimed to investigate its biological activities, including antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Hydromethanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves, flowers, and rhizomes. Phytochemical analysis determined total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (FC). Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against five human tumor cell lines (AGS, Caco-2, HeLa, MCF-7, and NCI-H460), each derived from a carcinoma of a distinct organ. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The wound-healing potential was evaluated using the scratch assay. Phytochemical analysis revealed significant variations in TPC and FC among the extracts, with the rhizome extract exhibiting the highest levels: TPC: 128.15 μg GAE/mg DW and FC: 46.91 μg QE/mg DW. All extracts demonstrated antiproliferative activity against the tumor cell lines, with the rhizome extract showing the most potent growth inhibition (GI50: 178.11 ± 4.10 μg/mL against AGS). The rhizome extract also exhibited the most potent inhibition of nitric oxide production (IC50: 152.42 ± 10.88 μg/mL) compared to the other extracts tested. In the wound-healing assay, leaf extract demonstrated comparable healing effects to Allantoin, a known wound-healing agent. Our findings support the notion that P. crinita can be considered a promising source of therapeutic bioactive compounds.