Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Potential of Cleome viscosa Leaf Extracts

Abstract

Cleome viscosa is a native medicinal plant that displays important seasonal biodiversity in the north -western regions of India. Its leaves, seeds and roots have long been working in traditional and folklore systems of medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of methanol and acetone leaf extracts of C. viscosa. Phytochemical screening of extracts revealed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites. Acetone extracts consisted of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds, while methanol extracts additionally performed tannins and steroids. The antioxidant capacity of both extracts was evaluated through hydroxyl radical manual scavenging and nitric oxide scavenging assays. Methanol extracts demonstrated comparatively high scavenging activity, which can be attributed to phytoconstituents, especially the broad spectrum of tannins and steroids. The antioxidants and cytotoxic activities indicate that the bioactive compounds present in C. viscosa contribute to its medicinal efficacy. These findings align as an antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant remedy with traditional applications of the plant. The study provides scientific evidence supporting the ethno medicinal use of C. viscosa and underlines its ability as a natural source to develop medical agents. Further studies that focus on separation, characterization and mechanical evaluation of individual compounds are warranted to detect their clinical relevance.