HPLC–DAD and GC-MS profiling of an Algerian Senecio massaicus , with its antiproliferative and antioxidant capacities

This study was aimed at determining the phenolic and volatile bioactive components of Senecio massaicus extracts. According to GC–MS results, the main constituents of the petroleum ether extract were 2-(2, 2, 6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl) cyclopropane carboxylic acid, methyl ester, (-) caryophyllene oxide, 1-methoxy-3, 5-dimethyl cyclohexene, and dihydroactinidiolide. The HPLC–DAD results reported gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, vanillic, p-coumaric, trans-ferulic, and o-coumaric acids as the main detected phenolic acids. The n-BuOH and AcOEt extracts had the greatest amounts of phenolics, which were directly correlated with their strongest antioxidant potential. The AcOEt extract showed the best antiproliferative ability (IC50 = 38.5 ± 0.03 µg/ml and IC75 = 60.1 ± 0.03 µg/ml). To our knowledge, this is the first report examining the volatile and phenolic contents as well as the antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of S. massaicus extracts. These results provide scientific justification for looking into this plant as a possible source of bioactive compounds.