Comparative Study on Cytotoxic Potency, Chemical Composition, and Antioxidant Characteristics of Clove Buds Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) Originating from Indonesia, Comoros, and India

Abstract

To evaluate the anti-tumoral and antioxidant capacities of clove buds essential oils from Indonesia, Comoros Islands and India, we conducted the MTT test, along with various antioxidant capacity assessments, including evaluations of ferrous ions (Fe2+) chelating activity, ammonium molybdate test (TAC), reducing power assay (FRAP), TBARS assay, DPPH, ABTS+ tests, and β-Carotene Bleaching Assay. All examined essential oils displayed significant antioxidant activity in various conducted tests. Moreover, these essential oils have demonstrated strong in vitro cytotoxic effects against two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7) and a mouse mastocytoma cell line (P815). Importantly, they have shown the ability to preserve the integrity of healthy cells; specifically peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The chemical composition of the studied essential oils showed that Eugenol, Caryophyllene, and Humulene percentages were notably higher in the Indonesian and Indian samples compared to the Comorian sample. However, the Comorian sample uniquely contained isoeugenol (55.45%), levomenthol (13.39%), eucalyptol (13.30%), and Thymol, which were absent in the Indonesian and Indian samples. The variations in chemical profiles among essential oils from different geographical origins are responsible for the observed differences in antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.