Phytochemical Profiling and In-vitro Anticancer Potential of Ipomoea reniformis Extracts Against MCF-7, A549, and HCT-116 Cell Lines

Abstract

Background

Ipomoea reniformis is a traditionally used medicinal plant, yet its phytochemical composition and cytotoxic potential have not been extensively studied.

Objective

This study aimed to profile the phytochemicals present in different extracts of I. reniformis and to evaluate their in-vitro antioxidant and anticancer activities.

Methods

Aerial parts of the plant were extracted successively using chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and hydroalcoholic solvents. Standard pharmacogenetic and phytochemical tests were performed. Antioxidant activity was determined through the DPPH free radical scavenging method. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay against three human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast), A549 (lung), and HCT-116 (colon). Paclitaxel served as the reference drug.

Results

Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, saponins, and carbohydrates in different extracts, with ethanol and hydroalcoholic extracts showing the richest profile. All extracts demonstrated a concentration-dependent radical scavenging effect; the ethanolic extract exhibited the strongest activity (IC₅₀ ≈ 52 µg/ml), while the chloroform extract showed the weakest. In cytotoxic assays, the ethanolic extract again displayed the most prominent inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, particularly against A549 (IC₅₀ ≈ 39 µg/ml), followed by HCT-116 (≈ 55 µg/ml) and MCF-7 (≈ 146 µg/ml). Ethyl acetate extracts also showed moderate cytotoxicity, whereas hydroalcoholic and chloroform extracts were comparatively less active.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that I. reniformis extracts, especially the ethanolic fraction, possess significant antioxidant and anticancer potential. The results support its role as a promising source of bioactive molecules, warranting further mechanistic and in-vivo investigations.