Phytochemicals and Bioactivities of Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) Leaf Extracts: Potential Roles in Lipid Oxidation Inhibition and Atherosclerosis Prevention InVitro.

Adel Shalaby, Neama; Elhassaneen, Yousif Abd Elasis; M. Kawila, Amal

doi:10.21608/asejaiqjsae.2025.434600

Phytochemicals and Bioactivities of Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) Leaf Extracts: Potential Roles in Lipid Oxidation Inhibition and Atherosclerosis Prevention InVitro.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Food Industry Technology Program, Faculty of Technology of Industry and Energy, Samannoud Technological University.

² Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Minoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt

³ Department of Home economics Faculty of Specific Education, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.

10.21608/asejaiqjsae.2025.434600

Abstract

This treatise strive to investigate the bioactive compounds and biological activities of Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) leaves grown in Egypt, focusing on their potential to inhibit lipid oxidation and protect against atherosclerosis in vitro. Nutritional analysis of the dried leaf powder revealed a well-balanced composition rich in protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates, supporting its use as a functional food. Extraction yields varied significantly by solvent, with 80% ethanol providing the highest yield, underscoring the role of solvent polarity in phytochemical extraction. Ethanol (VLEE) and methanol (VLME) extracts contained higher levels of phenolics, flavonoids, lycopene, tannins, terpenoids, and kaempferol, while the aqueous extract (VLAqE) showed higher levels of anthocyanins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, and saponins. VLEE exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (90.04%), followed by VLME (87.12%) and VLAqE (71.44%), with the lowest oxidation rate ratio (ORR = 0.099). In hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, VLEE again led with the lowest IC₅₀ (39.21 µg/mL), compared to VLME (52.64 µg/mL), VLAqE (85.40 µg/mL), and caffeic acid (61.88 µg/mL). Antimicrobial testing confirmed VLEE's superior inhibition zones against E. coli, S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., Salmonella spp., and Candida albicans. In the β-carotene-linoleate model system, both VLEE and VLME at 50 and 100 ppm significantly delayed β-carotene degradation, with results comparable to BHT, while VLAqE showed weaker effects. These outcomes suggest ethanol and methanol are more efficient in extracting bioactive, low-polarity compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols. In conclusion, Vinca leaf extracts, particularly those obtained with ethanol, exhibit strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making them promising candidates for use in food preservation and nutraceutical development aimed at combating oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.

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