Researchers have discovered that the flowers of the Iris kashmiriana plant, an important medicinal herb native to the Kashmir region of India, possess remarkable antioxidant and anticancer properties. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, reveals that extracts from the Iris kashmiriana flower are rich in beneficial phytochemicals like polyphenols and flavonoids, which contribute to their potent free radical scavenging abilities and cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines. This finding could pave the way for the development of natural, plant-based therapies to combat oxidative stress-related diseases and cancer. Iris plants, antioxidants, and cancer are some of the key concepts explored in this research.
Uncovering the Medicinal Potential of Iris kashmiriana
The Iris kashmiriana plant, belonging to the Iridaceae family, is an endemic medicinal herb found in the Kashmir region of India. Traditionally, the local Bakarwal community has used various parts of this plant, such as the dried rhizome, for treating joint pain and to enhance milk production in livestock. However, the full extent of the plant’s medicinal properties has not been thoroughly investigated until now.
Phytochemical Richness and Antioxidant Prowess
In the current study, the researchers examined the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of two different extracts derived from the Iris kashmiriana flower – the ethyl acetate (IRK-ETH) and methanol (IRK-MTH) extracts. Their analysis revealed that these extracts were remarkably rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which are known for their potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities.
The IRK-MTH extract, in particular, demonstrated the highest radical scavenging activity in various antioxidant assays, with IC50 values (the concentration required to inhibit 50% of the radicals) as low as 73.15 μg/ml for the DPPH assay, 79.05 μg/ml for the ABTS assay, and 86.52 μg/ml for the superoxide anion radical scavenging assay. These results suggest that the Iris kashmiriana flower is a promising source of natural antioxidants.
Uncovering the Anticancer Potential
In addition to their antioxidant properties, the researchers also investigated the cytotoxic (cell-killing) effects of the Iris kashmiriana flower extracts against several cancer cell lines, including brain glioblastoma (LN-18), human cervix carcinoma (HeLa), and human adenocarcinoma (MCF-7).
The results were quite remarkable – the IRK-ETH extract exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, with a GI50 value (the concentration required to inhibit 50% of cell growth) of just 49.13 μg/ml. Further microscopic analysis revealed that the IRK-ETH extract induced typical apoptotic (programmed cell death) features in the MCF-7 cells, such as chromatin condensation, cell rounding, and nuclear fragmentation.
Uncovering the Underlying Phytochemicals
To identify the specific phytochemicals responsible for the observed antioxidant and anticancer activities, the researchers employed various analytical techniques, including GC-MS, FTIR, and HPLC.
The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds in the Iris kashmiriana extracts, such as 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, 9-Eicosene, and Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethyl ethyl), all of which have been reported to possess antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties. The HPLC analysis further confirmed the presence of a wide array of polyphenolic compounds, including epicatechin, rutin, quercetin, vanillic acid, sinapic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ellagic acid, in the IRK-MTH extract.
Potential Applications and Future Directions
The findings of this study suggest that the Iris kashmiriana flower is a rich source of natural antioxidants and cytotoxic agents, which could have significant implications for the development of plant-based therapies to combat oxidative stress-related diseases and cancer. The researchers believe that further investigations into the specific mechanisms of action and in-vivo studies are warranted to fully harness the therapeutic potential of this remarkable medicinal plant.
In conclusion, the study has uncovered the remarkable antioxidant and anticancer properties of the Iris kashmiriana flower, paving the way for the exploration of this endemic plant as a promising source of natural, plant-based bioactive compounds for various healthcare applications.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Chandni, Sheikh Showkat Ahmad, Ambika Saloni, Gulshan Bhagat, Sajad Ahmad, Satwinderjeet Kaur, Zakir Showkat Khan, Gurjeet Kaur, Gholamreza Abdi.
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