Influence of extraction solvents on phytochemical composition, biological activities, and cytotoxicity of Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels leaf extracts [pdf]

Background.Plant-derived bioactive compounds exhibit a wide range of biological properties.This study investigated the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and cytotoxic effects of Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels leaf extracts prepared using distilled water, ethanol-water (95:5, v/v), and acetone-water (75:25, v/v).Methods.The extracts were evaluated by phytochemical screening, antibacterial assays, antioxidant assays (DPPH and FRAP), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, and MTT cytotoxicity assays using Caco-2 and MRC-5 cells.Results.Flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins were detected in the extracts.The 95% ethanolic extract showed the highest antibacterial potency against Proteus mirabilis DMST 8212, with an inhibition zone of 13.50 ±0.41 mm and a MIC of 50 µg/mL.The aqueous extract had the highest phenolic content (119.42 ±0.11 mg GAE/g DW), the lowest DPPH IC 50 (10.55±0.02 µg/mL), and the strongest inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase.In contrast, the 75% acetone extract showed the highest FRAP value (252.12 ±0.28 mg AAE/g DW).The aqueous and ethanolic extracts also showed low cytotoxicity toward both cell lines, with cell viability remaining above 73% even at the highest tested concentration.Conclusions.Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. acidus leaves showed promising biological activities and may serve as valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals.