Phytochemical screening, In Vitro Antioxidant Assay, GC-MS, FT-IR Metabolite Profiling, and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Euphorbia hirta L on SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells

Abstract

Ayurveda, the classical system of traditional Indian medicine, encompasses eight specialized branches that focus on the therapeutic properties of drugs, preventive healthcare, and holistic approaches to healing. Euphorbia hirta is a widely used medicinal plant known for its diverse ethnopharmacological applications. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, cytotoxic activity, and bioactive constituents of the methanolic extract of Euphorbia hirta using GC–MS, HPTLC, and FT-IR analyses. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenes, anthraquinones, and steroids. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in both DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power assays, showing concentration-dependent effects with IC₅₀ values of 16.5 µg/mL and 52.5 µg/mL, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed multiple phytoconstituents, with 3-penten-2-one and 4-methyl identified as the predominant compounds. HPTLC profiling revealed distinct bands, confirming the phytochemical diversity, while FT-IR analysis identified characteristic functional groups, including O–H, C–H, and C=O, indicating the presence of phenolic and oxygenated compounds. The extract also exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against the SiHa cervical cancer cell line, with an IC₅₀ value of approximately 108 µg/mL. Collectively, these findings suggest that Euphorbia hirta possesses significant antioxidant and cytotoxic potential, supporting its traditional medicinal use and highlighting its promise as a source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic development.