Exploring in vitro Biological Activities of Calligonum Comosum: Antibacterial and Anticancer Therapeutics

Abstract

The study investigated the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and anticancer potential of Calligonum comosum, a desert shrub found in Egypt's coastal regions. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids in C. comosum extracts. The methanolic extracts showed antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains like Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus with zones of inhibition ranging from 15-22 mm. The extracts exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against the Hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG-2) cell line, with 67.63% inhibition at 100 μg/mL concentration. The IC50 value against HePG-2 cells was 58.05 μg/mL. Normal WI-38 cells were less affected, with only 16.67% inhibition at 100 μg/mL, suggesting selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. In summary, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of the desert plant C. comosum as a source of antibacterial and anticancer agents, providing a basis for further research into its bioactive constituents.