Phytochemical Characterization, Prooxidant, Antiproliferative and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Meyna spinosa Roxb. Ex Link Ripe Fruit

Abstract

This study highlights the prooxidant, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory potential of ripe Meyna spinosa Roxb. Ex Link fruit extracts. Chemical analysis by high-resolution mass spectrometry and AAS identified compounds like ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, lupeol, betulin, scopoletin, phloroglucinol and secoxyloganin and micro-elements like iron, copper, zinc and manganese. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, metal chelation, reaction oxygen species) revealed that the M. spinosa ethyl acetate extract (MSEA) had higher phenolic (37.83 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (60.22 mg QE/g DW) content, showing strong antioxidant activity (IC50 of 7.5 µg/mL), while the M. spinosa methanolic extract (MSM) exhibited higher FRAP activity (39.666 µg AAE/g DW). Prooxidant activity was demonstrated through Trolox and NADH oxidation. Both extracts exhibited antiproliferative effects in A549 and MCF7 cancer cells with an increase in concentration and time. Anti-inflammatory effects were observed by reductions in nitric oxide, COX-2, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in lipopolysaccharides-stimulated RAW 264.7 and THP-1 cells. Nitrite levels reduced from 23.778 to 5.222 µM, COX-2 levels from 51.136 to 9.581 µg/mL, IL-6 levels from 62.728 ng/mL to 13.463 pg/mL and TNF-α level from 474.890 to 143.115 pg/mL. In vivo, MSEA reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema by 23.45%.