Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of leaves extracts of Filicium decipiens -

Filicium decipiens (fern-tree) belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It grows in Asia and Africa region and is traditionally used for diabetes treatment in India. The plant has been documented to have molluscicidal, diabetic nephropathy, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, experimental data on different leaves extracts of F. decipiens were collected for their preliminary phytochemical investigations along with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities using in-vitro assays. The phytochemical investigations display the existence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, triterpenoids, and carbohydrates in the extracts prepared using three different solvents. Antimicrobial property was established against six bacterial and fungal strains. Petroleum ether extract exhibited higher antimicrobial activity as compared to chloroform and water extract. Anti-inflammatory assay was performed on RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells and petroleum ether extract exhibited reduced nitrite oxide production having IC50 value 493.7 μg/ml. Cytotoxicity was determined against MCF-7 (Breast) and A-549 (Lung) cancer cells and paclitaxel was used as a standard drug, whereas cytocompatibility was assessed against mouse fibroblast cells (L929). Different sensitivities were observed against different study cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. These study findings may provide biological evidence for the application of Filicium decipiens extract.