Abstract

ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXIC FRACTIONS OF SELECTED ALLIUM SP. GROWING IN GEORGIA

Maisashvili M.*, Jokhadze M., Chincharadze D. and Kuchukhidze J.

Abstract

Steroidal saponins are widely distributed among monocots, including the Alliaceae family to which the Allium genus. Apart from sulfur compounds, these are important biologically active molecules that are considered to be responsible for the observed activity of Allium species, including antifungal, cytotoxic, enzyme-inhibitory, and other. In this paper, literature data concerning chemistry and biological activity of steroidal saponins from the Allium genus has been reviewed. Medicinal plants have been investigated for possible anticancer effects. The aim of the present study was to examine the cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of several plants of Georgia. 3 selected plant species which have been used in folkloric prescriptions were collected from different sites of Georgia. The fractions and individual steroidal saponins of the plants were prepared and their cytotoxic and antioxidant effects on human cancer cell lines Hela (epithelioid cervix carcinoma) were examined using the MTT and DPPH assay.

Keywords: Allium, cytotoxic and antioxidant action.