Evaluation of biological activities of goldmoss stonecrop (Sedum acre L.)

Abstract

In vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative activities of methanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate extracts of Sedum acre L. were determined. Their total phenolic contents as well as the concentrations of flavonoids were also evaluated. The total phenolic content was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and it ranged between 18.25 to 181.75 mg gallic acid/g. The concentration of flavonoids in various extracts of S. acre was determined by using a spectrophotometric method with aluminum chloride and the obtained results varied from 8.42 to 173.42 mg rutin/g. Antioxidant activity was monitored spectrophotometrically and expressed in terms of IC50 (mg/mL), and its values ranged from 29.57 to 987.16 mg/mL. The highest phenolic content and capacity to neutralize DPPH radicals were found in the acetone extract. In vitro antimicrobial activity was investigated by the microdilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum microbicidal concentration were determined. Testing was conducted against 17 microorganisms, including 13 strains of bacteria (standard and clinical strains) and 4 species of fungi. The tested extracts showed significant antibacterial activities against bacteria and weak to selective activities against the tested fungi. Antiproliferative activity of the methanol extract on the HCT-116 cell line was determined by MTT assay. Results showed that S. acre has medium activity on cell proliferation, with IC50 values of 281.69 for 24 h and 126.57 for 72 h. Based on these results, S. acre is a potential source of phenols as a natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer substance of high value. The phenolic content of extracts depends on the solvents used for extraction. The results of our study showed the great potential of S. acre for use in phytotherapy, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry. © TÜBITAK.