Exploring the therapeutic potential of Heliotropium strigosum leaves through biological activity evaluation

Background: Heliotropium strigosum is a traditionally used medicinal plant with reported therapeutic potential, particularly in the management of liver disorders and oxidative stress-related diseases. However, its pharmacological properties require systematic scientific validation. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic potential of Heliotropium strigosum leaf extract using in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed to identify bioactive constituents of the plant extract. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 µg/mL. Cytotoxic potential was evaluated using the MTT assay to determine cancer cell viability following treatment with the extract. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed in a CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model in rabbits through biochemical analysis and histopathological examination. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The extract contained key phytochemicals associated with antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. In the DPPH assay, the extract exhibited dose-dependent free-radical scavenging activity. Cytotoxic analysis using the MTT assay revealed reduced cancer cell viability in treated groups compared to untreated controls. In-vivo, the extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective effects, as evidenced by improvement in liver biomarkers and restoration of normal hepatic architecture in histopathological analysis. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Heliotropium strigosum possesses significant antioxidant, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic properties, supporting its traditional medicinal use. Further studies focusing on isolation of active compounds, detailed mechanistic investigations and clinical trials are required to validate its therapeutic potential.