Phytochemical Composition, Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of <i>Scorzonera undulata</i> Methanolic Extracts: Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Apoptotic Effects on MCF7 Cells

Abstract

Background Finding new effective substances to develop drugs against cancer or to prevent it remains a big challenge facing scientists and clinicians. Objectives In such an issue, we tested the anti-tumoral effect of Scorzonera undulata extracts on MCF7 cells. Materials and Methods Methanolic extracts of S. undulata roots (RSU) and aerial parts (ASU) from the Ha’il region were analyzed by HPLC. Their DPPH scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant potentials were evaluated. The MTT test was used to determine their cytotoxic effects on MCF7 cells using different concentrations, and their potential to induce apoptosis was determined by measuring the mitochondrial transmembrane loss of potential by flow cytometry using the JC-1 fluorescent marker. Results S. undulata was found to be rich in flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. ASU contains great amounts of apigenin and gallic acid, whereas RSU contains luteolin and chlorogenic acid as major components. The potential to scavenge DPPH and the total antioxidant activity of ASU were twofold greater than those of RSU. MCF7 cell viability was reduced by 50% at concentrations of 4.22 ± 0.06 and 5.89 ± 0.08 mg.mL −1 , respectively, for ASU and RSU at 24 h. In addition, S. undulata extracts induced MCF7 cells’ death through cell lysis and apoptosis. Conclusion As an edible vegetable, S. undulata is worth further exploration in alternative and complementary medication as it possesses significant antioxidant and anti-cancer potentials.