Abstract

CYTOTOXIC, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIALS OF SELECTED ETHIOPIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS: A PHYTOCHEMICAL REVIEW

Takkele Regassa, Legesse Adane*

ABSTRACT

Backgrounds: In Ethiopia, traditional medicine especially herbal medicines still plays a vital role, with about 70–80% of the population depend on on it more than modern healthcare. The growing number of cancer cases presents major public health concerns, often due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options, importance the need for better screening and prevention. At the same time, increasing antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria has generated interest in local medicinal plants, as Ethiopia’s herbal traditions are being studied for their potential to challenge chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress. Method: This review examined the antioxidant properties of Ethiopia's plants and animals, importance their potential in combating cancer and bacterial infections. It discussed methodologies such as the MTT assay for evaluating anticancer effects and the Agar Well Diffusion Method for evaluating antibacterial activity, showcasing the country’s rich biodiversity and the promise of its natural resources for disease prevention. Result: The paper explores the anticancer potential of phytochemicals in medicinal plants, focusing on alkaloids like vincristine and vinblastine, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Alkaloids are noted for their strong anticancer properties, terpenoids for their antitumor activity, and flavonoids for their antioxidant role in cancer prevention. Key plants include Withania somnifera and Catharanthus roseus, identified for their anti-inflammatory effects, though caution is advised with toxic species such as Euphorbia tirucalli. Ethiopian plants like Bersama abyssinica, Carissa spinarum, and Acmella caulirhiza display promise in cancer research by inducing apoptosis and reducing oxidative stress, underscoring the value of Ethiopia’s biodiversity in developing new treatments.

Keywords: Ethiopia, bioactive, cancer, medicinal plants and traditional.