Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant potential, and hematological safety of Apple of Sodom extract: An In vitro study

Apple of Sodom (Calotropis procera) is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds that is attracting increasing attention from researchers for its potential role in reducing oxidative stress. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity and hematological safety of Apple of Sodom extract. Chromatographic-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to identify the active chemical compounds in the extract, and the antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The extract's biosafety was also assessed using a hemolysis assay. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy analysis revealed six major compounds with relative abundances ≥1%, including Amrinone at 67.64%, followed by Vasicinone at 20.49%, as well as other compounds such as Harmine and Deoxypeganine. DPPH assay results indicated that the extract possesses concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. At a concentration of 0.12 mg/mL, the free radical inhibition increased from 63.52% to 90.19%, and at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, it increased to ~ 100 %. Based on these results, the IC₅₀ value for antioxidant activity was 0.09 ± 0.01 mg/mL, indicating high efficacy of the extract at relatively low concentrations. Regarding the hemolysis results, the alcoholic extract showed no hemolysis at any concentration, with a 0% hemolysis rate compared to the positive control, reflecting its high hematological safety. The results of this study indicate that the Apple of Sodom plant extract possesses antioxidant activity along with good biosafety, supporting its potential for future pharmaceutical uses.