Isolation of Phytochemicals From Anticancer Active Extracts of Syzygium alternifolium Walp. Leaf

Objective: The aim of the present study was to isolate the phyto molecules from the leaf of endemic medicinal pant, Syzygium alternifolium. The phytochemical investigation of the leaf of the plant yielded a flavonoid Eucalyptin 1 and a triterpinoid Epibetulinic acid 2 in pure state. Results: The compound 1 is being reported for the first time from this plant. The anti-cancer activity showed leaf hexane extract (IC₅₀ values 8.177 and 2.687 µg/ml) was significantly active, when compared to extracts and compounds, against human cancer cell lines MCF-7 and DU-145. Also, hexane extract potentially inhibited the growth of DU-145 cell lines when compared with the reference compound doxorubicin. Amongst the isolated compounds, 1 was better cytotoxic than 2. Conclusion: The hexane extract of leaves of S. alternifolium yielded compounds 1 and 2 and the structure elucidation, based on spectroscopy, revealed them as Eucalyptin and Epibetulinic acid respectively. The compound 1 is being reported for the first time from this plant. The anti-cancer activity showed leaf hexane extract (IC₅₀ values 8.177 and 2.687 mg/mL) was significantly active, when compared to extracts and compounds, against human cancer cell lines MCF-7 and DU-145. Also, hexane extract potentially inhibited the growth of DU-145 cell lines when compared with the reference compound doxorubicin. Amongst the isolated compounds, 1 was better cytotoxic than 2.

Key Words: Syzygium alternifolium, Myrtaceae, Eucalyptin, Epibetulinic acid, anticancer activity.