Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Equisetum myriochaetum and Molecular Docking of Its Main Metabolites (Apigenin, Kaempferol, and Quercetin) on β-Tubulin

Equisetum myriochaetum is a semi-aquatic plant found on riverbanks that is commonly used in traditional medicine as a diuretic agent. Additionally, the genus Equisetum stands out for its content of the flavonoid kaempferol, a well-known antiproliferative agent. Therefore, in this study, E. myriochaetum ethanolic extract was tested in vitro against a cervical cancer cell line (SiHa). Additionally, the antioxidative activity was evaluated through a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) assay. Finally, a molecular docking analysis of apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin on the active site of beta-tubulin was performed to investigate their potential mechanism of action. All fractions of E. myriochaetum ethanolic extract showed antioxidative activity. Fraction 14 displayed an antiproliferative capacity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 6.78 mu g/mL against SiHa cells.

Automated summary

Equisetum myriochaetum, a semi-aquatic plant commonly used in traditional medicine as a diuretic agent, contains the flavonoid kaempferol which is known for its antiproliferative properties. The ethanolic extract of E. myriochaetum showed antioxidative activity and antiproliferative effects against SiHa cancer cells. The molecular docking analysis of apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin on beta-tubulin active site suggested a potential mechanism for their action.