Anticancer And Antimicrobial Properties Of Catharanthus Roseus: An In Vitro Evaluation

Abstract

Catharanthus roseus hydroalcoholic leaf isolate was tested for anticancer, antioxidant, cell-killing, and antibacterial effects in vitro and by GC–MS phytochemical profiling. To establish its therapeutic potential, the extract was tested for cytotoxic, anticancer, and antibacterial activity on HEK293 cell lines and selected bacterial pathogens.

Materials and Methods: Catharanthus roseus leaves were authenticated, shade-dried, and extracted in 80% methanol/1% HCl. Phytochemical analysis of extract. Ascorbic acid was used as a reference for DPPH radical scavenging antioxidant ability. The MTT test was used to investigate cytotoxic and anticancer effects on HEK293 cell lines using doxorubicin as the reference medication. The antibacterial activity of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli was measured using Kirby-Bauer agar well diffusion methods.

Results: GC–MS analysis showed 44 phytoconstituents, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer components, including N-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, phytol, lupeol, stigmasterol oleate, and indole derivatives. Compared to ascorbic acid (21.89 ± 0.02 µg/mL), the extract showed significant antioxidant ability in the DPPH radical scavenging experiment (IC₅₀ value: 982.6 ± 0.02 µg/mL). The MTT assay showed that the extract was cytotoxic to HEK293 cells (IC50 = 75.54 ± 0.08 µM), whereas doxorubicin exhibited an IC50 of 11.26 ± 0.20 µg/mL. Microscopic examination demonstrates cytopathic effects such as cell shrinkage and density loss. Moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was identified with 10.67 mm and 6.67 mm inhibition zones.

Conclusions: This study confirms the plant's long-term use in traditional medicine and suggests it might be used to generate phytopharmaceuticals and anticancer drugs.