Cyperus rotundus L. is a weed that can be developed as an anti-cervical cancer agent. Cyperus rotundus L. produces various secondary metabolites influenced by environment-related abiotic factors. Variations in the chemical composition of C. rotundus L. can affect its cytotoxic activity. This study was undertaken to determine the influence of ecological zones on the chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of C. rotundus L. The samples were collected from the highland, lowland, and coastal areas in the Lampung province, Indonesia, and extracted with ethanol (technical grade, 96%). The chemical compositions of the extracts were examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, and the cytotoxic activity was assessed in HeLa cervical cancer cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay using a 96-well microplate. The results showed that C. rotundus L. from three different ecological zones had different chemical compositions and cytotoxic activities. The C. rotundus L. extracts from the highland area had a moderate cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 69.26 μg/ml, whereas those from the lowland and coastal areas did not have cytotoxic activity. This cytotoxic activity potential was due to the presence of methyl trisporate B, δ-selinene, and longiverbenone. Further research is warranted regarding other environment-related abiotic factors that could influence the chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of C. rotundus L.
Key words: Cytotoxic activity, HeLa, Cyperus rotundus L., Ecological zones, Chemical compositions
|
