Abstract
The ferns Asplenium ceterach L., Asplenium scolopendrium L. and Asplenium trichomanes L. have wide application in traditional medicine worldwide. However, the scientific research on their anticancer and antibacterial properties is insufficient. The present article aims to provide more information on this topic. Extracts derived from the aerial parts of A. ceterach, A. scolopendrium and A. trichomanes were examined using a panel of in vitro assays with different bacterial and mammalian cells. The cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of the samples were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Trypan blue assays with three human (A549, FL, HeLa) and three murine (3T3, TIB-71, LS48) cell lines. Inhibitory effects on the growth of Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria were determined by the agar diffusion assay. Apoptosis-inducing properties of the extracts were analyzed by flow cytometry. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in extract-treated cells was investigated by ELISA. The obtained results demonstrate selective anticancer activity of all three Asplenium species. The extract from A. ceterach displayed the strongest inhibitory properties against human cervical cancer cells and bacterial cells. It induced a lower level of cytotoxicity against mouse cell lines, indicating a species-specific effect. The extract from A. trichomanes demonstrated better anticancer and antibacterial properties than the sample from A. scolopendrium. Further experiments linked the mechanism of action of A. ceterach extract with oxidative stress-inducing potential and strong proapoptotic potential against the cervical cancer cell line HeLa. A. trichomanes and A. scolopendrium extracts appeared to be potent inducers of necrotic cell death.
Highlights
Seven hundred Asplenium ferns have been identified [1]
The extracts from A. ceterach, A. scolopendrium and A. trichomanes were tested with six different mammalian cell lines in order to determine their in vitro cytotoxicity and anticancer potential
They demonstrate significant inhibitory effect of all three extracts against HeLa cells. These effects are comparable to the results from mitomycin C treatment—the positive control for the assay with proven antineoplastic properties and suppressive effects on actively proliferating cells. These data indicate that the tested samples possess anticancer activity as they did not exert a strong effect on the growth and survival of noncancerous cell lines (FL, NIH/3T3) (Figure 1B,E)
Summary
Seven hundred Asplenium ferns (family Aspleniaceae, division Pteridophyta) have been identified [1]. The scientific name of this genus and its common name (“spleenwort”) stem from an old doctrine that Asplenium plants are useful for treatment of spleen diseases due to their spleen-shaped spores. Many of these ferns have been used for centuries in traditional medicine in different countries worldwide but their application significantly exceeds therapy of spleen disorders [1,2]. Numerous applications in folk medicine have been reported for these three species. A. ceterach has been used for relief of spleen and kidney stones complaints, hemorrhoids, hypertension, respiratory and intestinal disorders, as well as a diuretic, expectorant, laxative, etc. A. ceterach has been used for relief of spleen and kidney stones complaints, hemorrhoids, hypertension, respiratory and intestinal disorders, as well as a diuretic, expectorant, laxative, etc. [1,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
