Strobilanthes attenuata Stem Extract as a Promising Source for Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity

The acetone stem extract of Strobilanthes attenuata was investigated for its phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxic properties. The extract showed high total phenolic and flavonoid contents with strong free radical scavenging activity (DPPH IC50 69.01 µg mL−1; ABTS+ IC50 62.58 µg mL−1), potent metal chelation (IC50 of 49.49 µg mL−1) and significant total antioxidant capacity. The extract exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (MTT IC50: 42.10 µg mL−1) with morphological evidence of apoptosis. GC-MS analysis revealed fatty acids, esters, alcohols and triterpenes, including n-hexadecanoic acid (17.71%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (10.59%), Z-5,17-Octadecadien-1-ol acetate (13.91%), and squalene (5.62%).