Comparative Phytochemical and Densitometric Analyses of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Trifolium pratense: Implications for Natural Anticancer Therapies
1 Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
2 Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
3 Doctoral School, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
4 Faculty of Food Products Technology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, C. Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania;
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 6 Nov 2025 / Accepted: 8 Jan 2026 / Published: 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
The growing interest in natural-based products as complementary and alternative therapies reflects the need for safer and more acceptable anticancer agents compared to conventional chemotherapy. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition and anticancer potential of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Trifolium pratense, two species that are traditionally used in herbal medicine. Phytochemical screening was performed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which allowed for the qualitative identification of the main bioactive compounds. Densitometric analysis confirmed the presence of nine main compounds that absorb UV radiation, mainly polyphenols and isoflavones. The results showed that Trifolium pratense has a richer and more complex phytochemical profile compared to Capsella bursa-pastoris, with higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and isoflavones. These constituents are recognized for their antioxidant and chemoprotective properties, which support cellular defense against oxidative stress and contribute to potential anticarcinogenic activity, particularly in skin-related processes. The TLC method has proved to be an effective preliminary tool for differentiating phytochemical profiles and standardizing plant extracts. In conclusion, Trifolium pratense is a promising candidate for the development of standardized phytotherapeutic formulations. Future studies should focus on the isolation and characterization of its active compounds, the evaluation of biological mechanisms, and the formulation of topical products with validated efficacy and safety.
Keywords: ; ; phytochemical analysis; anticancer activity; thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
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CITE
Cristea, A.-M.; Smultea, I.; Gidofalvi, D.; Bordean, D.M. Comparative Phytochemical and Densitometric Analyses of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Trifolium pratense: Implications for Natural Anticancer Therapies. JEPT 2026, 3, 3.
Cristea A-M, Smultea I, Gidofalvi D, Bordean DM. Comparative Phytochemical and Densitometric Analyses of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Trifolium pratense: Implications for Natural Anticancer Therapies. JEPT. 2026; 3(1):3.
Cristea, Andreea-Maria; Smultea, Ioan; Gidofalvi, Denisa; Bordean, Despina Maria. 2026. "Comparative Phytochemical and Densitometric Analyses of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Trifolium pratense: Implications for Natural Anticancer Therapies." JEPT 3, no. 1: 3.
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