Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GM-MS) analysis and biological activities of the aerial part of Cleome amblyocarpa Barr. and Murb.

Cleome amblyocarpa Barr. and Murb is a medicinal plant widespread in North Africa and widely used in Tunisia to treat diabetes and colic. The non-volatile (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and flavonols) and volatile compounds (GC-MS) of C. amblyocarpa leaves and stems have been studied. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, and cytotoxic activities of hydroalcoholic extracts of C. amblyocarpa leaves and stems were also investigated. The major volatile components were β-caryophyllene (46.9%), eugenol (25.6%), ethyl 3-methylpentanoate (16.2%), 7-epi-silphiperfol-5-ene (11.0%), and α-copaene (7.0%). The antioxidant activity has been evaluated using various in vitro assays, such as DPPH free radical scavenging activity, iron-chelating capability, and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation (TBARS). The antibacterial and antifungal effectiveness of leaves and stems parts of Cleome amblyocarpa were investigated by means of the disc diffusion and microdilution techniques. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of C. amblyocarpa on A549 and H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cells was determined using the crystal violet assay. The acute toxicity of the extracts on Swiss albino mice at the doses of 3000, 1500, and 500 mg/kg body weight was evaluated. The analgesic effect of leaves and stems extract was also determined by means of the acetic acid induced writhing test. The results indicated that the leaves have higher phenols, and flavonoids contents and potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities in comparison to stem. In addition, the aerial part of C. amblyocarpa did not cause signs of toxicity or death in animals at doses up to 3000 mg/kg and have a significant analgesic activity.