Abstract

Schouwia purpurea is a desert plant which is less explored for biological activities. The literature survey revealed that there are no reports on any pharmacological activities of Schouwia purpurea except one report on its antimicrobial activity and quantification of total phenols, flavonoids and tannins from the ethanolic leaf extract. Based upon our results of antioxidant property and pharmacognostic studies of Schouwia purpurea the present study was undertaken. The THP-1 cells were treated with various extracts or dimethyl sulfoxide concentrations. Cells in the positive control wells were treated with 1 % Triton X-100 solution, and negative control wells cells were incubated in culture media alone. Blank wells contained the corresponding extract concentrations or Triton X-100 solution or media without cells. The lactate dehydrogenase based in vitro toxicology assay kit was used to assay for cytotoxicity following the manufacturer instructions. The cytotoxicity study performed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay suggests that the test compound, ethanolic leaf extract of Schouwia purpurea is moderately cytotoxic in nature against THP-1 cells. Based on the present study report it can be suggested for isolation, characterization and mechanisms of cytotoxicity by in vitro and in vivo studies of the extract of Schouwia purpurea is suggested in order to prove it as a potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory agent.