Anti-Cancer and Anti-Microbial Activity of Selected Hawaiian and Sonoran Desert Plant Species

Authors

Christopher Wickstrom, Brigham Young University
Dr. Rex Cates, Brigham Young University

Keywords

anti-cancer, anti-microbial activity, Hawaiian, Sonoran desert, plant species

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Previous research into the anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties of certain plant species provided the basis of this project. Plants from various parts of Hawaii and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona had been obtained through interviewing of traditional medicinal practitioners in those areas. The plants were then screened at BYU for any significant inhibition of cancer and/or microbial growth. Significant inhibition was shown by any plant that inhibited cancer tissue or microbial growth by more than 50% over a 24 hour growing period. From the original stock of plants, 20 exhibited significant growth inhibition against one or more of the selected cancer or microbe lines. These plants were the focus of this ORCA supported study.

Recommended Citation

Wickstrom, Christopher and Cates, Dr. Rex (2013) "Anti-Cancer and Anti-Microbial Activity of Selected Hawaiian and Sonoran Desert Plant Species," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 989.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/989