Anti-Cancer, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Leucaena leucocephala Seed Extract

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

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Biology Department, College of Science, University of Babylon, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a major global health challenge. This study explores the potential of Leucaena leucocephala seed extract for its diverse medicinal properties, particularly its anticancer and antimicrobial effects, with a focus on combating antibiotic-resistant. Staphylococcus aureus Objective: to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Leucaena leucocephala seeds as a prospective source of anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. Methodology: Seeds of Leucaena leucocephala were collected from Babylon Governorate, Iraq, and extracted using a modified Harborne method. The alcoholic extract was tested for cytotoxicity against A431 (skin cancer) and HEK293 (normal kidney) cell lines using the Crystal Violet assay. Fatty acid composition was analyzed through Soxhlet extraction, FAME conversion, and gas chromatography. Antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH assay, and functional groups were identified using FTIR analysis. Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus was evaluated using spread-plate and well diffusion methods. Results: The alcoholic seed extract showed significant antioxidant, anticancer (specifically against A431 cells at high concentrations), and antibacterial activity against S.aureus, while sparing normal HEK293 cells. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids and other key functional groups. Linoleic acid was identified as the predominant fatty acid. Notably, the crude extract exhibited a synergistic antimicrobial effect, as isolated components such as fatty acids and vitamin E showed no significant activity on their own. Conclusion: Leucaena leucocephala seed extract demonstrates promising therapeutic potential as a natural source of antioxidant, anticancer (especially against A431 skin cancer cells), and antimicrobial agents targeting S. aureus. The observed bioactivities appear to rely on a synergistic interaction among the extract’s constituents.

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