Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactive Potential of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.: Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Anti-inflammatory Activities

Abstract

Oxidative stress and inflammation are predominant causes of chronic diseases, including various forms of cancer. Prevention of these processes is considered a key target for disease prevention due to their significant roles in degenerative disorders. Natural products and plant extracts have shown promise in preventing free radical-induced damage.This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of hydroalcoholic extract of Pennisetum purpureum (HAEPP). The extract was subjected to phytochemical screening and quantification of total phenolic content (TPC), Total flavonoid content (TFC), and Total alkaloidal content (TAC). Antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Antiinflammatory properties were assessed through nitric oxide inhibition, and cyclooxygenase inhibition assays. Anticancer activity was determined using human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) by MTT assay, examining cytotoxicity, proliferation, and apoptosis. Phytochemical analysis revealed diverse secondary metabolites with quantifiable phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloidal content. The extract demonstrated antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals (IC_₅₀ = 320 μg/mL) and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties through nitric oxide radical scavenging (IC_₅₀ = 28.76 ± 3.9 μg/mL) compared to ascorbic acid. In the cyclooxygenase inhibition assay, HAEPP showed moderate activity (IC_₅₀ = 22.43 μg/mL) with 32.72% relative potency compared to celecoxib (IC_₅₀ = 7.34 μg/mL, 100%). Furthermore, HAEPP exhibited potent concentration-dependent antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells (IC_₅₀ = 63.85 μg/mL). These findings suggest that hydroalcoholic extract of Pennisetum purpureum possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer.