Few studies have investigated the biological activities of Nicotiana tabacum L. and most of these studies have focused on its leaves. This is perhaps due to the fact that tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer. Therefore, we aimed to investigate, for the first time, the antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of extracts derived from the roots of N. tabacum.
Methods
Antioxidant activity was assessed employing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) method. Antimicrobial activity was tested using broth-microdilution, agar-dilution and Agar-well diffusion methods. Anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities were evaluated utilizing colorimetric methods.
Results
Hexane, acetone and methanol extracts and trolox exhibited a potent and significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 2, 6, 21 and 2 μg/ml respectively. Acetone extract had the strongest antimicrobial activity followed by …