In Vitro Antioxidant, Anticancer and Anti-cytotoxic Activity of Lippia alba

Lippia alba is a herb widely distributed in Latin America used in the traditional medicine. Considering that medicinal plants present anticancer action, the aim of the work was to verify the in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-cytotoxic and anticancer effects of L. alba extract, correlating the results with phytochemical content. Phytochemicals were evaluated by spectrophotometry; antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and Fe2+ chelating activity. In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-cytotoxicity were evaluated in human lymphocytes and anticancer action was evaluated in sarcoma-180 cells. L. alba extract presents good antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti-cytotoxic effects. Total flavonoid content was correlated to the antiproliferative effect; total tannin content was correlates to ABTS antioxidant activity and to health cells maintenance. Tannins were also correlated to the prevention of cisplatin-induced damage. Our finds support the use of L. alba as a source of natural antioxidants and as a potent anticancer and anti-cytotoxic agent, reinforcing the use of natural products for health promotion.