Analysis of consortium of spices: ginger, cinnamon and ajwain on their phytochemical content and anticancerous effect on lung Cancer cell lines

Abstract

Ingestion of spices and herbs with active phytochemicals protects from chronic diseases. In the present study, the phytochemical components present in the consortium of three selected spices viz., ginger, cinnamon and ajwain were assessed to find out the synergistic effect on cancer cell lines. Equal proportions of dried and powdered spices were combined together, extracted and tested both quantitatively and qualitatively. The synergistic effect of the extract on human lung cancer cell line was assessed using cell viability and cytotoxic assays. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, coumarins, phlobatannins and anthraquinones. The total phenolic, tannin and total antioxidant content were 0.00693g%, 0.0072g% and 2.42% respectively. Cell viability test indicated that a concentration ranging from 25-50 I¼g/ml is effective in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Increasing the concentration above 50 I¼g/ml did not show a concomitant rise in inhibition.