Abstract

This study investigates the phytochemical profile and in vitro bioactivities of a Tinospora cordifolia methanolic leaf extract (TCMLE) to evaluate its potential for drug development and functional food applications. Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 37 distinct compounds, revealing a complex profile dominated by alkaloids, esters, and phenolic derivatives. Notably, 2 nitrogenous heterocycles-9-methoxycanthin-6-one (12.79%) and 6H-indolo[3,2,1-de][1,5]naphthyridine (10.46%) emerged as major β-carboline alkaloids, alongside significant levels of benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro (12.32%) and various fatty acid methyl esters. The extract demonstrated potent, dose-dependent antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, with inhibition increasing from 8.75 ± 2.16% at 20 μg/mL to 81.20 ± 1.94% at 100 μg/mL, indicating a high concentration of redox-active phytochemicals. Furthermore, TCMLE exhibited significant cytotoxic effects against human cancer cell lines in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Against chronic myeloid leukemia (K562) cells, viability reduction ranged from 12.48 ± 2.36% at 25 μg/mL to 95.77 ± 3.04% at 200 μg/ mL. A more potent effect was observed against cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells, where inhibition increased from 21.24 ± 1.92% at 25 μg/mL to 97.51 ± 2.17% at 200 μg/mL. The strong bioactivities correlate directly with the rich phytochemical composition, particularly the abundant alkaloids and phenolics. These findings scientifically validate the traditional use of T. cordifolia and highlight its leaves as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with dual potential: as leads for anticancer drug development and as multifunctional ingredients for antioxidant- rich nutraceuticals and functional foods.

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