A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts of Cucumis trigonus: phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities

Abstract

The method was used to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial potential of methanolic and aqueous extracts from the fruit of Cucumis trigonus. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, all of which are known for their therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Antioxidant activity assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and alkaline DMSO assays, demonstrated concentration-dependent scavenging activity in both extracts, with the methanolic extract generally exhibiting higher antioxidant efficacy. Additionally, the methanolic extract displayed superior lipid peroxidation inhibition, particularly in egg lecithin assays, indicating its potential to prevent oxidative damage. The antimicrobial assessment showed the aqueous extract had significant inhibitory effects on gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus aureus) and selected fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans), outperforming the methanolic extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined through a twofold serial dilution method. Cytotoxicity was assessed using A549 and Hep G2 cell lines, revealing significant cell viability reduction in both cancer cell lines. Methanol showed potent activity against A549 with IC₅₀ value of 171 ug/ul, and aqueous showed potent activity against HEPG-2 with IC₅₀ value of 40 ug/ul.