Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro

[Panciu Corina-Maria]

Alchemilla vulgaris L. (lady’s mantle) was used for centuries in Europe and Balkan countries for treatments of numerous conditions and diseases of the reproductive system, yet some of the biological activities of lady’s mantle have been poorly studied and neglected. The present study aimed to estimate the potential of A. vulgaris ethanolic extract from Southeast Serbia to prevent and suppress tumor development in vitro, validated by antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic properties. A total of 45 compounds were detected by UHPLC–HRMS analysis in A. vulgaris ethanolic extract. Measurement of antioxidant activity revealed the significant potential of the tested extract to scavenge free radicals. In addition, the analysis of micronuclei showed an in vitro protective effect on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes. A. vulgaris extract strongly suppressed the growth of human cell lines derived from different types of tumors (MCF-7, A375, A549, and HCT116). The observed antitumor effect is realized through the blockade of cell division, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. In addition, this medicinal plant exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties . In the context of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, plant drugs and extracts are considered potent antibacterial agents without the risk of a further increase in resistance to standard antimicrobial agents. A recent study targeting the effects of the lady’s mantle infusion after hypoxic exposure indicated the neuroprotective properties of the plant drug . Neagu et al. ,  demonstrated the acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory effect of Alchemilla vulgaris extract, and therefore it was assumed that the species could be used in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases .

The results of this study strongly support the historically collected data about the healing potential of Alchemilla vulgaris L. from Southeast Europe, which was traditionally used as a medicinal plant for centuries. This study confirmed that the ethanolic extract of Alchemilla vulgaris L. represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds with multiple beneficial biological properties, including strong antitumor activity and remarkable genoprotective features resulting, at least partly, from the strong antioxidant potential of this plant.Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro