Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: The use of natural substances to inhibit carcinogenesis is a rapidly evolving aspect of cancer research. In present investigation the ethanolic extract of Argemone mexicana L., (Papaveraceae), Polyalthia longifolia (Sonner.) Thw. (Annonaceae), Terminalia bellarica (Gaerth.) Roxb. (Combretaceae) and Terminalia chebula Retz. Abs. (Combretaceae) were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer and antimicrobial activity. The results obtained indicates that P. longifolia possess a potential inhibiting activity towards HeLa-B75 [(68.22 ± 0.71)%] HEP-3B [(39.15 ± 0.12)%] and PN-15 [(55.21 ± 0.42)%] cancer cell lines. The selected plant samples were also assessed for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (DH5-α), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 1751), and Candida albicans (MTCC 3017) and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using microdilution assay. In general, it was observed that the extract of A. mexicana was found to be more effective against selected microbial strains. The results of the present findings may be useful for the discovery of novel anticancer and antimicrobial agents from the plant origin.

Key words: anticancer activity, antibacterial activity, medicinal plants, ayurveda