Biological Activities of the Hydro-alcoholic and Aqueous Extracts of Achillea falcata L. (Asteraceae) Grown in Jordan

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to screen the aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Achillea falcata L. (Asteraceae) grown in Jordan for their antioxidant, antibacterial, antiplatelet and anti-proliferative efficacy. Study Design: HPLC-MS evaluation of the aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts and in vitro investigations. Place and Duration of Study: Faculties of Pharmacy and Science, The University of Jordan and Centre of Misanalysis, National Institute for Biological Sciences, between August  2012 and June 2013. Methodology: Total phenols and flavonoids were determined colorimetrically. The radical scavenging activities were evaluated using 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assay. Antimicrobial activities were determined by the disc-diffusion method, and the minimum inhibition concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration tests. In vitro antiplatelet activity was tested on human whole blood using an electrical impedance method. Anti-proliferative activity was investigated using the MTT assay. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) evaluation was performed. Results: Hydro-alcoholic extract had a bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae rather than inhibitory effect. No significant activity was observed against gram negative bacteria and Candida albicans. In vitro antiplatelet activity was tested on human whole blood using an electrical impedance method. At concentrations (50, 100, and 200 μg/ml), hydro-alcoholic extract did not show effect on platelet aggregation. Extracts did not possess cytotoxic activity against the MCF-7 cells at concentrations up to 200 μg/ml. HPLC-MS analysis resulted in the identification of 8 phenolic compounds in the hydro-alcoholic extract and 6 compounds in the aqueous extract; quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside was the main component for both extracts. Conclusion: The present investigation supported the traditional use A. falcata in the Jordanian folk medicine as a depurative agent and as an antimicrobial active representative of the genus Achillea.