Safety and biological activity evaluation of inula viscosa methanolic and water infusion extract

Inula viscosa, a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, has attracted significant scientific interest owing to its rich phytochemical profile and pharmacological activities. This study comprehensively investigated the biological activity profiles of methanolic and water extracts of Inula viscosa via various in vitro assays. Phytochemical screening revealed that the methanolic extract had higher total phenolic and flavonoid content than water extract. Chromatographic analysis identified chlorogenic acid and rutin as the major phenolic compounds in the methanolic extract, while only chlorogenic acid was detected in the water extract. The methanolic extract consistently demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in the DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays. Both extracts exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains, with methanolic extract exhibiting superior efficacy. Cytotoxicity studies in cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines revealed that the methanolic extract had higher antiproliferative potential, particularly against MCF-7, HT-29, HCT116, HepG2, and PC3 cells. Combination studies with doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil have demonstrated synergistic effects, suggesting the potential of I. viscosa as an adjuvant therapy. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that the methanolic extract induced S phase cell cycle arrest, and tubulin polymerization assays confirmed its ability to disrupt microtubule formation. Genotoxicity assessment using the Ames test, micronucleus assay, and comet assay revealed no mutagenic effects, and demonstrated the protective effects of the extracts against known mutagens. These findings highlight the promising anticancer potential of I. viscosa and its role as a chemopreventive agent, warranting further investigation of its therapeutic applications.