Evaluation of extracts from bushclover (Lespedeza bicolor) for anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine assessed the numerous beneficial effects of shrubby bushclover (Lespedeza bicolor).

• Shrubby buschclover methanolic extracts were obtained from 300 grams of aerial parts and roots.
• The researcher conducted preliminary phytochemical screenings to identify the various constituents of bushclover.
• Secondary metabolites were discovered, namely, flavonoids, terpenes, tannins, saponins, terpenes, and steroids.
• To test the antioxidant capabilities of the extracts, the researchers evaluated them against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide.
• Both methanolic extracts significantly reduced DPPH and hydrogen peroxide concentrations.
• The agar tube dilution method utilizing a variety of fungal pathogens demonstrated the antifungal qualities of the methanolic extracts; the agar well diffusion method showed the methanolic extracts’ antibacterial properties.
• Additionally, cytotoxicity tests revealed that the two methanolic extracts were capable of inhibiting human prostate carcinoma cell lines and human lung carcinoma cell lines.
• The antibacterial and antifungal properties of shrubby bushclover were attributed to the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins.
• Further research into uncovering the precise constituents responsible for these effects was recommended.

Thus, the researchers concluded that shrubby bushclover had great antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects that warranted continued investigation.

Full text at this link.

Journal reference

Ullah S. METHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM LESPEDEZA BICOLOR: POTENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTICANCER AGENT. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2017; 37(4); 444-451. DOI: 10.1016/S0254-6272(17)30150-4