DNA Fingerprint Profile of Zizania spp. Plant, Monitoring Its Leaves with Screening of Their Biological Activity: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity

This study presents an integrated approach combining molecular, phytochemical, and biological analyses to characterize a newly discovered <i>Zizania</i> specimen from the northern Nile Delta, Egypt. Genetic fingerprinting using RAPD and ISSR markers revealed 85% band-sharing similarity with <i>Zizania texana</i> (<i>Z. texana</i>), though distinct morphological and genetic traits suggested potential intraspecific variation. Phytochemical profiling identified high concentrations of bioactive compounds, including quercetin (42.1 µg/mL), β-caryophyllene (11.21%), and gallic acid (23.4 µg/mL), which are pertinent and correlated with robust biological activities. The ethanolic leaf extract exhibited significant antioxidant capacity (IC₅₀ = 38.6 µg/mL in DPPH assay), potent antimicrobial effects against <i>Candida albicans</i> (<i>C. albicans</i>) (IC₅₀ = 4.9 ± 0.6 µg/mL), and dose-dependent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. MCF-7 has the lowest IC₅₀ (28.3 ± 1.5 µg/mL), indicating the highest potency among the tested cell lines. In contrast, HepG2 demonstrates moderate sensitivity (IC₅₀ = 31.4 ± 1.8 µg/mL), while A549 shows the highest IC₅₀ value (36.9 ± 2.0 µg/mL), indicating greater resistance. These findings underscore the taxonomic novelty of the specimen and its potential as a source of natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anticancer agents. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in resolving taxonomic uncertainties and unlocking the medicinal value of understudied aquatic plants.