Identification and assessment of biological activities of Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip. ex Walp. collected from Bongabon, Nueva Ecija

The medicinal potential of plants encompasses a diverse array of compounds with therapeutic applications. These compounds have the potential to contribute to the development of innovative pharmaceuticals that enhance overall health. This study highlights the molecular identification, phytochemical analysis, teratogenic and cytotoxic effects of Gymnanthemum amygdalinum collected from Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. Morphological and molecular identification confirmed the identity of G. amygdalinum having 100 % similarity to their corresponding sequences. Also, G. amygdalinum exhibited secondary metabolites such as essential oils, phenols, sugars, anthraquinones, coumarins, anthrones, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and alkaloids. The plant extract has teratogenic effects as mortality rate was observed at 1000 and 10,000 ppm, correlated with low hatchability rate at the same concentrations. These findings demonstrated the potential for anticancer, leading to further evaluation of cytotoxicity employing Artemia salina and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2). As a result, G. amygdalinum was found to be moderately toxic in brine shrimp lethality assay with a mortality rate of 10 ppm and higher. Similarly, it is moderately toxic in HepG2 at a median concentration of 1000 ppm and highly toxic at 4000 ppm. Collectively, G. amygdalinum extract exhibits teratogenic and cytotoxic effects and is suitable for further studies at the same or higher concentrations. Accordingly, it is recommended to proceed to the next phase of study for anticancer and antiproliferative. This study provides a scientific foundation for future research, supporting the researchers in uncovering the medicinal potentials of not only G. amygdalinum but other medicinal plants as well.