HPLC–DAD and GC-MS profiling of an Algerian <i>Senecio massaicus</i>, with its antiproliferative and antioxidant capacities

This study was aimed at determining the phenolic and volatile bioactive components of <i>Senecio massaicus</i> extracts. According to GC–MS results, the main constituents of the petroleum ether extract were 2-(2, 2, 6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl) cyclopropane carboxylic acid, methyl ester, (-) caryophyllene oxide, 1-methoxy-3, 5-dimethyl cyclohexene, and dihydroactinidiolide. The HPLC–DAD results reported gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, vanillic, <i>p</i>-coumaric, <i>trans</i>-ferulic, and <i>o</i>-coumaric acids as the main detected phenolic acids. The <i>n</i>-BuOH and AcOEt extracts had the greatest amounts of phenolics, which were directly correlated with their strongest antioxidant potential. The AcOEt extract showed the best antiproliferative ability (IC₅₀ = 38.5 ± 0.03 µg/ml and IC₇₅ = 60.1 ± 0.03 µg/ml). To our knowledge, this is the first report examining the volatile and phenolic contents as well as the antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of <i>S. massaicus</i> extracts. These results provide scientific justification for looking into this plant as a possible source of bioactive compounds.