THERAPEUTIC PROSPECTS OF NEOPHYTADIENE FROM DATURA STRAMONIUM: A POTENTIAL BIOACTIVE COMPOUND FOR MEDICINAL INTERVENTIONS

Objective: Datura stramonium, traditionally used in medicine, is now scientifically studied for its bioactive properties. This study is to assess the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and anticancer potential of Datura stramonium leaf extracts. Method: The Folin-Ciocalteu method was employed to determine the total phenolic content, while the Aluminum Chloride Colorimetric method was used for flavonoid quantification. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was analysed through the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts on 3T3-L1, MCF-7, and HepG2 cell lines were evaluated using the MTT assay, which measured cell viability across different concentrations and exposure times. The GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the chemical constituents present in the extracts. Result: Methanolic extract exhibit the maximum flavonoid content while ethanolic extract showed maximum phenolic content, whereas the antioxidants present in various extracts exhibited maximum DPPH scavenging at concentrations of 100 mg/mL and the highest IC50 value is obtained for chloroform and acetone extract which contain Neophytadiene as a major compound. The acetone extract shows a strong cytotoxic effect with 50% viability at IC50 165mg/ml and 58mg/ml at 24hrs and 48 hrs, respectively against the MCF-7 cell line. The GC-MS analysis identified several compounds in which Neophytadiene (R. Time: 24.4) is often found in all Datura stramonium extracts and may be further investigated for several disorders. Conclusion: The current study's findings suggest that Neophytadiene (diterpene) in Datura stramonium leaf extract can found to be a promising anticancerous agent.