Novel Erodium glaucophyllum (L.) Aiton growing in arid environment: Phytochemical characterization, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer potential

Abstract

Background: The misuse of antimicrobial agents resulted in a global serious health concern, namely antimicrobial resistance. Also, traditional bioactive compounds are associated with undesirable adverse effects. This study aimed to first assess the phytochemical analyses and biological activities of Erodium glaucophyllum (L.) Aiton from the arid region.

Results: The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis of Erodium glaucophyllum leaves crude extract revealed the presence of 36 biologically vital compounds, with 8 main compounds being identified. Docosenamide, hexadecanoic acid, thiocarbamic acid, hentriacontane, β-sitosterol, quinoline, and oleic acid were among the most significant compounds. Docosenamide was the most prevalent compound, comprising 45.3%. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of a diverse array of chemical compounds, such as carbohydrates, polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. In moderate concentrations, saponins, glycosides, quinones, proteins, and amino acids were present. Additionally, alkaloids, steroids, diterpenes, and cardiac glycosides were identified in trace amounts. Also, chlorogenic acid was the dominant with 69.14% among other phenolic compounds. The antimicrobial results of the tested extract showed promising activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with minimum inhibitory concentration of 31.25, 15.62, 15.62, and 62.5 µg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, with an EC50 of 51.7 µg/ml, and anticancer activity against MCF-7 malignant cell line, with an IC50 of 58.4 µg/ml.

Conclusions: The tested crude extract of Erodium glaucophyllum leaves represents a potential source of bioactive compounds that possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.