IN VITRO ANALYSIS OF Euphorbia petrophila: CYTOTOXIC POTENTIAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

This study presents the first comprehensive investigation into the anticancer and antimicrobial properties of Euphorbia petrophila, a previously unexplored species within the Euphorbia genus. The extract of E. petrophila was evaluated for its cytotoxic effects against human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116), neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), and normal bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cell lines. The extract demonstrated potent and selective antiproliferative activity, with IC₅₀ values of 15.63 ± 6.39 µg/mL (HCT116), 22.94 ± 3.69 µg/mL (SH-SY5Y), and 55.52 ± 2.61 µg/mL (BEAS-2B), indicating preferential cytotoxicity toward cancer cells over normal cells. Flow cytometric analyses revealed a significant increase in apoptotic cell populations and G0/G1 phase arrest in both cancer cell lines following extract treatment, surpassing the effects of the standard chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. In addition, the extract exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Candida glabrata and Candida albicans with inhibition zones ranging from 8.97 to 9.50 mm. Although less potent than conventional antibiotics, the extract’s broad spectrum antimicrobial profile suggests demonstrates promise as a natural antimicrobial candidate. Collectively, these results highlight E. petrophila as a novel with potential therapeutic application with dual anticancer and antimicrobial activities. This study provides the first pharmacological insights into this species and underscores highlighting its promise as a lead compound for future drug discovery and mechanistic investigations.