Phytochemical analysis cytotoxicity and teratogenic activity of Piper betle L. utilized by the AGTA community in Casiguran Aurora
Date
2023
Authors
Czarina Carla S. Pimentel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The Philippines is recognized as one of the Earth's most important biodiversity with approximately 13,000 plant species. Many of these plants are widely used as traditional alternative medicine including the Piper betle. The use of P. betle has been part of life and culture among the AGTA community, an indigenous group that inhabits the coast of Pacific Ocean and the hinterlands of Sierra Madre mountains in eastern part of Luzon, Island Philippines. Phytochemicals, cytotoxicity and teratogenic activity of P. betle were screened and determined. In phytochemical screening test, six secondary metabolites were found in P. betle such as essential oils, anthrones, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and anthraquinones. The P. betle ethanol extract projected a LC50 of 3000.4 which suggest non-toxic based on the brine shrimp lethality assay. The P. betle ethanol extract generally exhibited teratogenic effects against developing Danio rerio embryos exposed to ≥ 100 ppm during the teratogenic assay wherein malformation of tail, stunted tail, limited movement, scoliosis, and little to no pigment were the notable lethal effects of the extract to the developing embryos. The varying treatment concentrations of P. betle ethanol extract significantly revealed 100% hatchability was completed to concentrations ≤ 10 ppm during 48 hpta. Overall, due to the cytotoxic and teratogenic activities of P. betle the findings serve as a contribution to the other sources for recreating broad studies in preventing, treating various diseases and in developing new, accessible medicinal drugs, that will benefit the community. Importantly, the study shall bring contribution to the preservation and promotion of indigenous knowledge in traditional medicine.