“Unveiling Phoenix sylvestris: Phytochemical Insights, Antioxidant Potential and Antiproliferative Impact on HT29 Cells”

Abstract

Phoenix sylvestris, commonly known as the wild date palm, holds immense potential in traditional medicine due to its diverse phytochemical composition. Leaf identification plays a crucial role in botanical research, ecological studies, and biodiversity conservation. Phoenix sylvestris, commonly known as the wild date palm or silver date palm, is an economically and ecologically significant palm species. Traditional methods of identifying plant species based on morphological characteristics can be challenging, especially when dealing with closely related species or in cases of morphological variation. In this study, we present a DNA-based approach for the identification of Phoenix sylvestris leaves through DNA extraction, amplification of specific genetic markers, and sequencing. Leaf samples were collected from various geographical locations to encompass genetic diversity. DNA was extracted using a modified CTAB method, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sanger sequencing was performed to obtain DNA sequences, which were then compared to reference sequences in public databases for species identification. The results demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in accurately identifying Phoenix sylvestris leaves, even in cases where morphological characteristics may be ambiguous or variable. This DNA-based method provides a reliable tool for rapid and accurate identification of Phoenix sylvestris, contributing to its conservation and management efforts, as well as facilitating research on its ecology, distribution, and evolutionary history. This study presents a multifaceted analysis of P. sylvestris extract, encompassing phytochemical characterization, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer evaluations, along with molecular docking simulations. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Assessment of antioxidant activity through DPPH assay demonstrated significant radical scavenging potential, indicating its potential therapeutic application in oxidative stress-related disorders. Moreover, the antimicrobial evaluation against a panel of pathogenic microorganisms highlighted the extract's efficacy in inhibiting microbial growth, suggesting its utility as a natural antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, the anticancer potential was evaluated against various cancer cell lines, revealing promising cytotoxic effects, particularly against specific cancer types. Molecular docking studies provided insights into the interaction between bioactive compounds of P. sylvestris extract and key molecular targets implicated in cancer progression, validating its potential as a source of novel anticancer agents. Overall, this comprehensive investigation underscores the pharmacological significance of P. sylvestris extract, emphasizing its therapeutic versatility and potential for drug discovery and development.