Gas chromatography–mass spectrometryanalysis and in vitro anticancer activityof Plecospermum spinosum Trecul leafextract against A549 lung cancer cell line

Abstract

This study investigates the cytotoxic effects and phytochemical composition of ethanolic leaf extract
of Plecospermum spinosum Trecul against the A549 lung cancer cell line. Methods: The plant material was
extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with ethanol. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-
2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and bioactive compounds were identified through gas chromatography–
mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Physicochemical parameters and phytochemical screening were performed
following standard protocols. Results: The ethanolic extract of P. spinosum demonstrated moderate cytotoxic
activity against A549 cells with IC?? value of 110 ?g/mL. GC-MS analysis revealed 30 bioactive compounds,
with Ethyl (9Z,12Z)-9,12-Octadecadienoate (15.57%), 2-hexadecen-1-ol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl (13.9%), and
hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (12.03%) as major components. Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the
presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. Conclusion: P. spinosum leaf
extract contains numerous phytochemicals with potential anticancer activity, warranting further investigation for
drug development.