Anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of arum palaestinum plant extracts

Abstract

Traditional natural remedies have long played an important role in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. A part from the high cost and undesirable side effects associated with synthetic drugs, increased interest has intensified to determine the biological effects of plant extracts on malignant cells as alternative for conventional drugs used in the markets. The medicinal properties of Arum Palaestinum Boiss were in-vitro investigated in this research project. Arum palaestinum is chosen based on its use in traditional palestinian herbal medicine. The leaves of this plant were air dried in the shade and then three types of extract were obtained and their antimicrobial and for anticancer activity testing. Investigations on three different cancer cell lines (C2Cl2, 3T3-L1, Hela) revealed direct inhibitory effect of the extracts. This effect differs according to concentrations used. Aqueous boiled extract was more effective at lower extract concentrations as compared to other two extracts. Arum palaestinum plant extracts showed no inhibitory effect on bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) as well as yeasts (Candida albicans). In conclusion, Arum palaestinum has potentially anticancer effect. Further investigations are required to confirm this conclusion and to elucidate the mechanisms of actions and toxicity of this herb.