The in vitro cytotoxicity against human melanoma cells, tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity of Grewia tenax leaves extracts

Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori (Malvaceae) grows in the Arabian Peninsula and is used for several medicinal purposes. To characterize dermatological bioactivities of G. tenaxin terms its antimelanoma, antityrosinase antioxidant activities. Cytotoxicity was assessed by cell proliferation mitochondrial viability assays. Ability to inhibit mushroom tyrosinase scavenge free radicals were evaluated an enzymatic DPPH scavenging microtiter assay, respectively. Phytochemical analyses carried out using TLC, HPLC-UV NMR. The chloroform extract shown significant cytotoxic activity (43 ± 14 μg/mL). We identified lupeol b-sitosterol as main active components inhibitory hexane extract. Scavenging DPPH· radical confined water Extracts from this plant have potential be a base development cosmeceutical products intended whiten skin or combat radical-induced physiopathological processes.