Abstract:
Non-communicable diseases have been responsible for most global deaths, and cancer has become the second leading cause. As modern synthetic drugs and other medications lead to unbearable side effects, the focus has been directed towards natural plant-based remedies. Having a rich history of Ayurveda treatments and ancestral knowledge, Sri Lankan traditional practitioners use natural plant-based remedies to treat and cure cancers. Natural plants with potential antioxidant properties may yield promising therapies for cancer treatments. According to the information gathered from traditional medical practitioners of Sri Lanka, Pancratium zeylanicum (Wal lunu) is a valuable medicinal plant used to treat cancer patients. This study’s objective was to determine the antioxidant activity of a traditionally reputed plant for anticancer properties in Sri Lanka. The plant was collected from Anuradhapura district according to the traditional medical practitioner’s guidance. In vitro DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant assay was carried out to methanol extract of P. zeylanicum leaves and standard ascorbic acid (positive control). P. zeylanicum leaves showed an IC50 value of 0.02g/ml. In comparison, standard ascorbic acid IC50 was 0.019g/ml. These experimental results reveal that P. zeylanicum leaves extract poses high potent antioxidant activity. Therefore, it can be further investigated for medicinal properties that can be used in cancer therapies.
