Antimicrobial activity, induction of ROS generation in HepG2 liver cancer cells, and chemical composition of Pterospermum heterophyllum

Abstract The objective of this investigation was to assess the inhibitory effects of extracts derived from Pterospermum heterophyllum on bacteria and fungi, as well as their capacity to impede the proliferation and migration of HepG2 liver cancer cells. Extracts from the leaves and stems of P. heterophyllum revealed the ability to resist all three bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus aureus (p < 0.05). Additionally, P. heterophyllum also inhibited the growth of three fungal strains: Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus. Evaluation of anticancer activity showed that extracts from P. heterophyllum significantly reduced the proliferation of HepG2 cells, with IC50 values for leaf and stem extracts being 35.5 and 47.17 µg/mL, respectively. Remarkably, the extract of this herbal species inhibited the migration ability of HepG2 cells after 24 h of treatment. Fluorescence analysis of cells using 2-HDCFDA showed a considerable elevation in reactive oxygen species production within HepG2 cells treated with extracts, which is hypothesized to contribute to a reduction in cell viability. Subsequent chemical compound analysis utilizing GC-FID spectra identified some main compounds present in the extracts from P. heterophyllum. This study highlights the potential antimicrobial and anticancer activities of P. heterophyllum.