Radioprotective and In-Vitro Cytotoxic Sapogenin from Euphorbia neriifolia (Euphorbiaceae) Leaf

Purpose: Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) plant is traditionally used in the treatment of abdominal troubles, bronchitis, tumours,  leucoderma, piles, inflammation, and enlargement of spleen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of a sapogenin isolate of this plant. Methods: Euphol was isolated as a major constituent from the triterpenoidal sapogenin fraction of E. neriifolia leaf. Its in-vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by reducing power assay, 1,1 – diphenyl –2- picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, as well as  hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical scavenging activities. Radioprotective activity was assessed against radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations and cytotoxicity on murine F1 B16 melanoma. Results: The sapogenin exerted moderate antioxidant activity with highly significant (p E. neriifolia. Keywords : Euphorbia neriifolia ; Euphol; Sapogenin; Antioxidant; Radioprotective; Melanoma; Chromosomal aberration