Antitumor and antibacterial activities of some fruits

The use of most medicinal plants discovered by traditional societies has not been verified scientifically and bioassays can provide initial screening data about the biological activities of these plants. Two different bioassays (antibacterial and antitumor) were performed to show the biological activities of nine different aqueous and ethanol extracts of fresh or dried fruits [Viburnum opulus L. (guelder rose), Viburnum lantana L. (wayfaring tree), Cornus mas L. (cornelian cherry), Pyracantha coccinea Roemer (firethorn), Rubus caesius L. (dewberry), Crataegus tanacetifolia (Lam.) Pers (tansy-leaved thorn), Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (hawthorn), Rosa canina L. (dog rose) and Fragaria vesca L. (wild strawberry)]. The disc diffusion assay (Kirby-Bauer Method) was used to screen for antibacterial activity. Among the tested fruits, best antibacterial activity was obtained with fresh fruits of wayfaring tree, firethorn and hawthorn. Hot ethanol extracts of these fruits showed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. pyogenes. Antitumor activity was evaluated with potato disc diffusion bioassay. Best antitumor activity was obtained with ethanol extract of fresh or dried fruits of guelder rose (100% inhibition). Furthermore, cold water extract of fresh fruits of dewberry showed 100% tumor inhibition. Strong antitumor activities of cold or hot ethanol extracts of fresh fruits of wayfaring tree and hot ethanol extract of fresh fruits of wild strawberry were also observed.