Tiny Seeds with Mighty Benefits: Evaluation of Bioactive Profiling and Cytotoxicity of Various Extracts of Chia Seeds on Epithelial Carcinoma Cell Line Model

Background: Chia seeds ( Salvia Hispanica L) are derived from the mint family with a distinct hygroscopic absorption property. They contain various bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticaries, antimicrobial, and also anticancer properties. Due to their mighty benefits, they are popularly consumed, but proof of concept for clinical intervention is limited. Hence, the method of extraction of chia seeds needs standardization and their effect on the epithelial carcinoma cell line model has to be proved. Objective: Evaluation and comparison of various extracts of chia seeds to determine phytochemical constituents, antioxidant property and anticancer activity on epithelial carcinoma cell line model. Materials and Methods: The authenticated chia seeds were subjected to extraction using various solvents such as chloroform, ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extract. These extracts were screened for phytochemicals, antioxidant property, and anticancer activity on the epithelial carcinoma cell line model. Results: The chloroform extract showed the richest profile of phytochemicals with superior antioxidant activity. The chloroform extract of chia seeds exhibited the highest cytotoxic potential among all extracts, with the lowest IC 50 value of 34 µg/mL. However, the aqueous extract showed effective cytocompatibility on L929 cell lines with an IC 50 value of approximately 1117 µg/mL than compared to other forms of extracts. Conclusion: This study highlighted the crucial role of solvent selection for phytochemical extraction of chia seeds. We found that chloroform and aqueous extract of chia seeds found to have better cytocompatibility and cytotoxicity on epithelial carcinoma cell model.