Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Three Endemic Scrophularia Species: S. erzincanica, S. subaequiloba, and S. libanotica var. armena

Ulutaş Y., KÖKSAL E., AKŞİT H., ALTAY A.

Chemistry and Biodiversity, vol.22, no.11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 22 Issue: 11
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/cbdv.202500808
  • Journal Name: Chemistry and Biodiversity
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: antioxidant, antiproliferative activity, S. erzincanica, S. libanotica var. armena, S. subaequiloba, verbascoside
  • Erzincan Binali Yildirim University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, methanolic extracts from the aerial parts and roots of three endemic Scrophularia species (Scrophularia erzincanica, Scrophularia subaequiloba, and Scrophularia libanotica var. armena) were evaluated for their antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. Antioxidant potential was determined through total phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging, and FRAP assays. Antiproliferative effects were assessed against A549 (lung) and MDA-MB-453 (breast) cancer cells using the XTT assay. S. libanotica var. armena had the highest total phenolic content (129.48 mg GAE/g), while S. subaequiloba showed the strongest FRAP activity (200.67 µg TE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging (IC50: 36.83 µg/mL). S. subaequiloba extracts exhibited 83% inhibition against A549 cells and 87% against MDA-MB-453 cells. HPLC–DAD analysis revealed high verbascoside content in S. libanotica var. armena (101.24 mg/g). These findings highlight S. libanotica var. armena as a potent antioxidant source and S. subaequiloba as a promising anticancer agent.