Evaluation of Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Activities of Ethanol Extract of Rhinachantus nasutus Leaves

Ultrasonication produced an ethanolic extract of Rhinachantus nasutus (L.) Kurz (RX) leaves with high total phenolic content, strong antioxidant activity and was active in inhibiting alpha-glucosidase activity. However, its cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties are still unknown. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the ethanol extract of RX leaves for its cytotoxicity using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) with Artemia salina larvae, to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity using the protein denaturation inhibition method, and to evaluate its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Based on the results of this study, the ethanolic extract of RX leaves was found to have a very strong cytotoxic effect, with an LC50 value of 10.93 ppm. In addition, this leaf extract's anti-inflammatory action is highly effective, with an IC50 value of 7.55 ± 0.2 mg/L. In contrast, E. coli and B. subtilis bacteria do not appear to be significantly affected by the leaf extract. These findings suggest that the leaves of the RX have the potential to function as agents that both reduce inflammation and prevent cancer.