In vitro Cytotoxic Effect, Hemolytic, and Antioxidant Activities of the Algerian Species Nonea vesicaria Rchb.

Objective: The aim of this study is the estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the evaluation of cytotoxic, hemolytic and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract obtained from the species Nonea vesicaria (L.) Rchb. Methods: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu and trichloroaluminum methods, respectively. The cytotoxic effect was tested by Brine shrimp lethality assay and the hemolytic activity was assessed by spectrophotometric test on human erythrocytes. Moreover, the antioxidant activity was determined by seven different techniques. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of many classes of secondary metabolites, a moderate level of polyphenols, and a low content of flavonoids. The methanolic extract showed a significant cytotoxic effect with a value of LC50 at 35.7±0.5 μg/mL and induced hemolysis in a dosedependent manner with a value of EC50 at 175.6±0.08 μg/mL. The results of antioxidant activities indicated an important effect on nonpolar systems especially in ferric thiocyanate test and β-carotene bleaching inhibition assay. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of N. vesicaria could constitute an important source of antioxidant and cytotoxic compounds but prudent use is recommended in order to reduce the adverse effects related to the possible hemolysis.