Comparative study on Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities of Cissus quadrangularis Stem Extract, fruit extracts of Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia bellirica

Abstract

Cissus quadrangularis (Perandai), Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) and Terminalia bellirica (Thandrikai) are medicinal plants widely used in traditional systems of medicine, is known for its bone-healing, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of stem extracts prepared using hexane, chloroform, ethanol, methanol, and water. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, glycosides, and saponins. Antioxidant potential was evaluated through DPPH, phosphomolybdenum, superoxide, and Fe³⁺ reduction assays, showing significant radical scavenging activity, particularly in methanolic and aqueous extracts. Antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus, with methanolic extracts demonstrating strong inhibitory effects. Antifungal studies confirmed activity against Candida species. Anti-inflammatory activity, assessed by hemolysis inhibition assay, revealed dose-dependent effects. Furthermore, anticancer potential was evaluated using the MTT assay on MCF7 breast cancer cell lines, showing cytotoxicity at higher extract concentrations.