Phytochemical profiling and evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activities of the methanolic leaf extract of Limonia acidissima L

The medicinal plant Limonia acidissima (Rutaceae) has long been used to treat a variety of ailments; however, the bioactivity of its leaves remains poorly explored. This study evaluated the phytochemical screening, antioxidant potential, and in vitro anticancer activity of the Methanolic Leaf Extract (MLE). Preliminary screening revealed tannins, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, and glycosides, indicating therapeutic potential. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified fifty-five compounds, including fatty acids, phenolics, sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and vitamins, with oleic acid, stearic acid, squalene, stigmasterol derivatives, and tocopherol-related compounds predominating. Antioxidant activity assessed via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. assays showed strong free radical scavenging and reducing capacity, with IC 50 of 150.27 μg TE/g (DPPH), FRAP 173.00 μg TE/g, TEAC 185.53 μmol TE/g, and ORAC 125.41 μmol TE/g. In vitro cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells showed dose-dependent inhibition (76.78% at 400 μg/mL; IC 50 = 184.21 μg/mL), with morphological changes confirming cytotoxicity, supporting the potential of L. acidissima leaves as a source of antioxidant and anticancer compounds. Further studies are warranted to isolate active constituents and elucidate their molecular mechanisms for therapeutic applications.