*3.2. Phytochemical Analysis*

The phytochemical characteristics from the ethanolic extract of *S. perfoliata* were analyzed. Alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins and terpenes were found to be present within the extract. These phytochemical constituents are known for their medicinal potential. Phenols are a group of compounds that have been proven to have anti-ageing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This is confirmed by the noteworthy elastase inhibitory activity and free radical scavenging potential of *S. perfoliata* ethanolic extract seen in the present study (Table 2). Tannins are compounds that readily bind to proteins and interferes with protein synthesis. Flavonoids are compounds known to have antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant activity. Their antimicrobial activity is due to their ability to interact with the bacterial cell wall. The moderate anticancer potential of the ethanolic extract of *S. perfoliata* against the human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) could be due

to the presence of flavonoids in the leaves. The characteristics of saponins, identified to be present in the ethanolic extract, include the coagulation of red blood cells and anti-inflammatory activity. Alkaloids have been known for centuries for their medicinal potential. These compounds are cytotoxic, antibacterial, analgesic and antispasmodic [33]. This could explain the moderate cytotoxic effect of *S. perfoliata* observed in the present study (Table 2). The phytochemicals identified in this study proves the medicinal potential of *S. perfoliata* and could attract the interest of pharmaceutical industries to isolate its major components. Recently, six iridoids, three flavonoids, two phenylethanoid glucosides and one phenolic acid have been isolated from the plant, providing new inputs on plant metabolism related to cultivation practices, with possible industrial applications [32].


**Table 2.** Biological activity of *Sideritis perfoliata* ethanolic extract. Data presented is the average of three replicates ± standard deviation (SD).

<sup>a</sup> Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, <sup>b</sup> Inhibitory concentration where 50% activity/viability is inhibited, <sup>c</sup> Ciprofloxacin, <sup>d</sup> Tetracycline, <sup>e</sup> Chlorhexidine, <sup>f</sup> Actinomycin-D, <sup>h</sup> L-Ascorbic acid, <sup>I</sup> Gallic acid, <sup>j</sup> Kojic acid, <sup>k</sup> Ursolic acid, NI: No inhibition at the highest concentration tested <sup>l</sup> (1000 μg/mL), <sup>m</sup> (200 μg/mL), PM—phosphomolybdenum method, FRC—ferric reducing capacity.
