Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant and Photobiological Properties of Different Extracts from <i>Prangos ferulacea</i> Lindl.

• Main Authors: Mariangela Marrelli (Author), Francesca Giordano (Author), Maria Rosaria Perri (Author), Valentina Amodeo (Author), Noemi Baldino (Author), Carmine Lupia (Author), Dimitar Uzunov (Author), Vincenzo Musolino (Author), Filomena Conforti (Author), Maria Luisa Panno (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.3390/antiox12020384; 2076-3921
• Keywords: Apiaceae; <i>Cachrys</i>; furanocoumarins; melanoma; photosensitizing agents; plant extracts; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950
• Source: Antioxidants, Vol 12, Iss 2, p 384 (2023)

Interesting photobiological properties have been demonstrated for some <i>Cachrys</i> species, including <i>C. libanotis</i> L., <i>C. sicula</i> L., and <i>C. pungens</i> Jan. The present study was designed to assess the photocytotoxic activity of <i>Prangos ferulacea</i> Lindl. (synonym of <i>C. ferulacea</i> (L.) Calest.). This plant was previously considered a <i>Cachrys</i> species but, at present, it is part of the <i>Prangos</i> genus. <i>P. ferulacea</i> is an orophilous plant present in the eastern Mediterranean and in western Asia. Three different extraction techniques were utilized. Obtained extracts were compared both for their phytochemical content and for their photobiological properties on human melanoma cells irradiated with UVA light. The apoptotic responses, together with the antioxidant activity, were also assessed. <i>P. ferulacea</i> extracts were able to affect cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, with the sample obtained through supercritical CO₂ extraction showing the highest activity (IC₅₀ = 4.91 μg/mL). This research points out the interesting content in the photoactive compounds of this species, namely furanocoumarins, and could provide a starting point for further studies aimed at finding new photosensitizing agents useful in cancer photochemotherapy.