Phytochemical, antioxidant, and anticancer assessments of Atriplex halimus extracts: In silico and in vitro studies

Abstract

In recent years, the global health community has become increasingly interested in harnessing the therapeutic potential of traditional plants. This study focuses on Atriplex halimus L., a halophytic plant known as Mediterranean saltbush or "Lgtef", traditionally heralded for its medicinal properties. Our primary objective was to scientifically validate its traditional use by examining the antioxidant and anticancer activities of two extracts: aqueous (AHAE) and hydroethanolic (AHHE) derived from its leaves. Both extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant capabilities when assessed through DPPH, BC, ABTS, IC, and TAC assays. Notably, AHHE exhibited exceptional potency, with a DPPH IC50 value of 0.59 ± 0.12 mg/mL. In anticancer evaluations against HepG2 and MDA-MB-463 cell lines, AHHE again stood out, indicating cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 31.22 ± 3.19 µg/mL and 48.22 ± 2.03 µg/mL, respectively. These in vitro findings were bolstered by computational analyses, which confirmed the antioxidant and anticancer potential, highlighting AHHE's superior efficacy. In summary, our research affirms A. halimus as a rich source of natural bioactive agents, underscoring its traditional medicinal significance. By bridging indigenous knowledge with scientific validation, this study offers a promising avenue for future research into plant-derived remedies, especially against the backdrop of rising global cancer rates and challenges with synthetic drugs. Our findings underscore the therapeutic promise of A. halimus, emphasizing its potential as a cornerstone in life and health sciences.