Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivity Evaluation of Teucrium polium Methanolic Extract: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and In vitro Anticancer Activities

Abstract

Context: The broad and diverse genus Teucrium (Lamiaceae) is mostly found in temperate regions of Asia, North Africa, and Europe. Because of its medicinal qualities, Teucrium polium , a member of the Lamiaceae family, is frequently used in traditional medicine. Aims: This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of its leaf methanolic extracts and evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Materials and Methods: The crude leaf powder was macerated in methanol, then filtered, and evaporated to produce the T. polium extracts. Chemical components of the methanolic extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The SRB assay evaluated the extracts’ anticancer potential, whereas the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and ABTS assays were used to predict antioxidant activity, and finally, the agar well diffusion technique was used for antibacterial evaluation of the plant extract. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel ® , and the IC 50 value was calculated using GraphPad Prism 6 ® by converting the concentrations to their logarithmic value and selecting nonlinear inhibitor regression equation (log [inhibitor] versus normalized response – variable slope equation). Values of P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001 were considered statistically significant for all analyses. Results: GC-MS analysis of the plant’s leaf methanolic extracts was then conducted, resulting in the identification of 20 major chemical constituents, respectively. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of some chemicals, which are responsible for good antioxidant activity and antibacterial and no anticancer activity for cell lines tested. Conclusions: T. polium extracts have strong antioxidant qualities due to the high concentration of resins, phytosterol, carotenoids, and lactone components, which support their potential for use as natural medicinal agents.