Antioxidant, phytotoxic and cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum

Objective: To analyze the methanol extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum (T. foenumgraecum) for antioxidant, phytotoxic and cytotoxic activity. Methods: The powder of T. foenum-graecum was extracted in diluted methanol with the help of random shaking method. All extracts of the plant were measured for cytotoxic activity (beside brine shrimp and antioxidant activity vs. 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical). Results: Various concentrations of methanolic extract of T. foenum-graecum were observed as 36.16% to 54.12% with rising concentrations of 50 to 1 000 μg/mL. Significantly phytotoxic activity (100 and 1 000 μg/mL) reduced the growth of roots (radicals) and shoots (hypocotyls) of rice when compared to control after 3 and 7 days’ treatment. At a concentration of 10 μg/ mL, the survival rate of cytotoxic activity of brine shrimp was maximum and at a concentration of 250 μg/mL, the death rate of brine shrimp was maximum. Conclusions: T. foenum-graecum has potential activity against free radical mediated sickness and thus it is possible to treat cancer.