An in vitro Study of the Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Properties of Artemisia absinthium- A Potent Medicinal Plant

Background: Artemisia absinthium is a valuable medicinal plant which has vast ethnopharmacological significance. Traditionally, it has been used to cure various ailments like fever, jaundice and other gastrointestinal problems in humans of ancient periods. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties of this medicinal plant. Methods: Total phenolics as well as flavonoid content in different extracts were estimated. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by metal (copper and iron) chelating ability and scavenging of free radicals (DPPH, ABTS, Nitric oxide, Hydroxyl, etc.). 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay was done for evaluation of the antiproliferative ability of the extracts. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was performed to identify the functional groups present in the metabolites in the different extracts. Results: Among all the extracts, Phenolic and flavonoid content was highest in the hydroalcoholic extract. Different extracts showed variability in total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activity. Hexane and methanolic extracts were shown to possess significant antiproliferative activity in a concentration-wise manner. FTIR results revealed the presence of amines, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ethers, hydroxyl groups and amides which indicate the large variability of metabolites present in the extracts apart from phenolics and flavonoids. Conclusion: The present study validates that A. absinthium is abundant in phytochemicals with natural antioxidants and anticancer activity. It can be a valuable source of anticancer drugs as well as a useful ingredient of pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of diseases caused by oxidative stress.