Comparative Study on Phytochemical Profile and Cytotoxic Effect for Phenolic Content of Arum maculatum Family (Araceae)

Abstract

   Arum maculatum L. of the Araceae family is a yearly perennial that is renowned for its medicinal applications and diverse phytochemical properties. It has been traditionally used to treat maladies such as kidney stones, colitis, hemorrhoids, and hyperacidity, despite its toxicity, and is indigenous to Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus. Alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and organic volatile compounds are among the many physiologically active molecules found in the plant. These substances exhibit antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. A. maculatum showed the cytogenetic and cytotoxic effects on cancer cell and wound healing studies that made it a bright candidate for further studies. Its pharmacological effects are significantly influenced by substantial amount of unsaturated fatty substances, phenolic acids, and essential oils, as indicated by phytochemical analyses. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in mitigating oxidative stress, enhancing wound healing, and offering potential therapeutic benefits for obesity and ulcerative colitis. This research consolidates ethnobotanical knowledge with contemporary pharmacological insights, highlighting the plant’s therapeutic promise and the need for careful handling due to its toxic components.