Free Radical Scavenging and Anticancer Activities of Methanolic Twig Extract of Annonaceae Plant

Introduction: The Annonaceae family represents a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer potential of methanolic twig extracts from seven Annonaceae species. Methods: Twig specimens from Cananga latifolia, Goniothalamus elegans, Goniothalamus tamirensis, Melodorum fructicosum, Polyalthia dubia, Polyalthia cerasoides, and Uvaria fauveliana were subjected to standardized methanolic extraction. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Anticancer potential was evaluated through Sulforhodamine B assay against three human cancer cell lines and normal human dermal fibroblasts at 25 μg/mL concentration. Results: Goniothalamus elegans demonstrated exceptional antioxidant activity (IC50 = 5.62 ± 1.21 μg/mL) comparable to ascorbic acid. In anticancer evaluation, G. elegans exhibited remarkable cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (95.19 ± 0.62%) and HeLa (94.46 ± 1.69%) cancer cells while demonstrating exceptional selectivity with minimal toxicity toward normal cells (19.72 ± 1.19%). Melodorum fructicosum showed highest activity against HT-29 colon cancer cells (75.84 ± 1.57%). Conclusions: Goniothalamus elegans demonstrated exceptional dual bioactivity with both potent antioxidant properties and selective anticancer effects. The remarkable selectivity indices and broad-spectrum anticancer activity suggest significant clinical potential. These findings provide scientific validation for traditional medicinal uses of Annonaceae species.