Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity Against HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells in vitro of Phitsawat, a Thai Traditional Medicine Formula

Palapon  Chimpalee; Ariya  Deeprasert; Chawalit  Yongram; Suwadee  Chokchaisiri; Rumrada  Meeboonya; Orawan  Wonganan; Nichaphat  kanoksinwuttipong; Nichaphat  kanoksinwuttipong; Panupan  Sripan; Thavatchai  Kamoltham

Palapon Chimpalee Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Ariya Deeprasert Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Chawalit Yongram Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Suwadee Chokchaisiri Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Rumrada Meeboonya Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Orawan Wonganan Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Nichaphat kanoksinwuttipong Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Nichaphat kanoksinwuttipong Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Panupan Sripan Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Thavatchai Kamoltham Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Keywords: Thai Traditional medicine, Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, HepG2 cells

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity against HepG2 liver cancer cells of the Thai Traditional medicine formula Phitsawat. Phitsawat extract demonstrated antioxidant capacity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, although lower than the positive control Trolox. The ethanol extract of the sample had a total phenolic content (TPC) of 39.65 ± 0.39 mg GAE/g extract, a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 9.96 ± 0.19 mg QE/g extract, and a total tannin content (TTC) of 39.43 ± 2.98 mg TAE/g extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of cannabinoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and phytosterols. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on HepG2 cell proliferation, with significant cytotoxicity observed at 10 μg/mL. Microscopic evaluation showed that the extract caused morphological changes in HepG2 cells, including cell rounding, shrinkage, and loss of attachment. These findings provide fundamental data on the phytochemical profile and anti-cancer potential of the Phitsawat herbal formula, supporting its further development as an effective and safe Thai traditional medicine.