Phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of plant extracts.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Vrukonda Nagalaxmi and Turlapati Naga Raju
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20183-10803
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study explored the therapeutic properties of Indian medicinal plants, specifically focusing on the ethanolic extracts of Adhatoda vasica, Biophytum sensitivum, and Caesalpinia bonduc. These plants are significant in the practice of Ayurveda, which emphasizes natural remedies derived from plants, animals, and minerals. With a tradition of using medicinal plants dating back thousands of years, the research aims to highlight their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, contributing to the understanding of their pharmacological potential.
Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Plants
One of the pivotal findings of the study is the strong antioxidant properties exhibited by the ethanolic extracts of the examined plants. The DPPH radical scavenging assay demonstrated that the extracts effectively neutralized free radicals, with the ethanolic extract showing the highest activity. The research reported significant inhibition rates, correlating the antioxidant potency with the presence of various phytochemicals, including phenolics and flavonoids. These findings suggest that the medicinal plants could be potent sources of natural antioxidants with potential health benefits.
Antimicrobial Potential
In addition to their antioxidant capabilities, the extracts demonstrated considerable antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The ethanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica particularly showed the strongest inhibitory effects. This antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method, revealing measurable zones of inhibition that indicate the effectiveness of the extracts against specific bacteria. This reinforces the use of these plants in herbal medicine for treating infections and highlights their significance in developing new antimicrobial agents.
Phytochemical Composition
The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. Notably, the extracts contained higher concentrations of phenolics, which are directly linked to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities observed. This comprehensive examination of phytochemicals helps establish the therapeutic potential of these plants and supports their medicinal value in traditional and modern medicine.
Conclusion
The study concludes that ethanolic extracts from Adhatoda vasica, Biophytum sensitivum, and Caesalpinia bonduc possess significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, largely attributed to their diverse phytochemical compositions. Given the rising interest in natural remedies and the increasing resistance to synthetic drugs, the findings suggest that these plants could be promising candidates for future therapeutic applications. Further research is warranted to explore their full potential in combating various diseases and enhancing health care practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the study conducted by Nagalaxmi et al.?
The study focused on the identification of therapeutic properties, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extracts from medicinal plants like Adhatoda vasica, Biophytum sensitivum, and Caesalpinia bonduc.
Which extract showed the highest antioxidant property in the study?
Among the extracts tested, the ethanolic extract displayed the highest antioxidant property compared to other solvents used in the extraction process.
What therapeutic activities were assessed in the plant extracts?
The research assessed both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts, evaluating their effectiveness against various pathogenic bacteria.
Which pathogenic bacteria showed the greatest sensitivity to extracts?
Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli demonstrated the highest sensitivity to the extracts, particularly from Adhatoda vasica, indicating stronger antimicrobial properties.
How were the plant extracts prepared for testing?
The leaves were shade dried, powdered, and then soaked in ethanol to prepare ethanolic extracts for subsequent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity testing.
What phytochemicals were identified in the extracts studied?
The ethanolic extracts contained various phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and glycosides, with some variations between the different plants.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of plant extracts.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological efficacy of various plant extracts, specifically their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It highlights how these extracts exhibit the ability to neutralize free radicals and inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, which is vital for potential therapeutic applications.
2) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their medicinal properties. In the study, phytochemical screening identified compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins within the extracts, which are essential for understanding the health benefits and mechanisms of action in treating diseases.
3) Adhatoda vasica:
Adhatoda vasica, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Ayurveda, is highlighted in the study for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Its extracts showed significant effectiveness against pathogenic bacteria, emphasizing its potential as a natural remedy and its importance in herbal medicine.
4) Table:
Tables in the research present organized data on experimental results, such as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts. By systematically displaying findings, tables enhance the clarity and accessibility of the information, facilitating comparisons and analyses essential for scientific understanding.
5) Medium:
In scientific research, 'medium' often refers to the substance in which microorganisms are cultured, such as agar or nutrient broth. The choice of medium affects the growth and viability of the pathogens being studied, thus being crucial for the accuracy of antimicrobial activity assessments.
6) Aureus:
Aureus, specifically in 'Staphylococcus aureus,' refers to a strain of bacteria known for causing infections in humans. The study examined the antimicrobial effect of plant extracts against this bacterium, highlighting its clinical significance and the need for effective treatment alternatives derived from natural sources.
7) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a group of phytonutrients found in many plants and are known for their antioxidant properties. They play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress and inflammation, making them a significant area of focus for research into their potential health benefits in disease prevention and treatment.
8) India:
India’s rich history of using medicinal plants in Ayurveda signifies its relevance in traditional medicine practices. The current study underscores the therapeutic potential of indigenous flora, like Adhatoda vasica, in addressing health issues, contributing to both cultural heritage and modern pharmacology.
9) Drug:
Drugs are substances used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. The exploration within the study focuses on herbal drugs derived from plant extracts, highlighting their potential as a safer alternative to conventional medications for managing health conditions.
10) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological activities refer to the effects of drugs on biological systems. The study investigates the pharmacological potential of identified phytochemicals in plant extracts, aiming to understand how these compounds interact with biological pathways to achieve therapeutic effects against diseases.
11) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial activity refers to the property of a substance to inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. This term is crucial in the study, as it discusses the effectiveness of the extracts against pathogenic bacteria, which is important for developing natural antibacterial agents.
12) Medicine:
Medicines refer to the substances used to treat illnesses or to maintain health. The research highlights the potential of plant-based medicines as alternatives or complements to synthetic pharmaceuticals, emphasizing an ongoing interest in natural health products.
13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes natural healing and the use of herbs. The study references Ayurveda to establish a cultural context for examining the medicinal properties of indigenous plants, reflecting a holistic approach to health and well-being.
14) Disease:
Disease refers to any harmful deviation from the normal structure or function of any part of the organism. This study emphasizes how the therapeutic properties of plant extracts can provide beneficial interventions against such harmful conditions, specifically through their antimicrobial activities.
15) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to knowledge gained through systematic investigation and empirical methods. The study's reliance on scientific methodology underscores the importance of rigorous testing and analysis in validating the traditional uses of medicinal plants.
16) Indian:
Indian refers to the cultural, historical, and geographical context of the study, illustrating the significance of traditional knowledge and practices in the exploitation of native medicinal plants. It highlights the diversity of flora in India that offers potential medicinal benefits.
17) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent used in the extraction and preparation of plant extracts. In the research, it signifies the methods employed to derive active compounds from plants, underlining the importance of solvent choice in phytochemical analysis and efficacy.
18) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation conducted to explore the medicinal properties of selected plants. This research aims to validate the traditional uses of these plants by analyzing their phytochemical constituents and assessing their biological activities against pathogens.
19) Pouring:
Pouring relates to the method of introducing solutions onto agar plates during the microbial testing phases of the study. It is an essential procedural aspect that ensures even distribution of inoculum, influencing the reliability and reproducibility of the antimicrobial assessments.
20) Zoology:
Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animals. Mentioning zoology connects the research to the broader scientific disciplines of life sciences, illustrating an integrative approach to the study of medicinal plants and their applications in health and medicine.
21) Powder:
Powder refers to the form of dried plant material used in extraction processes. In the research, grinding plant leaves into powder is a crucial step in maximizing the surface area for solvent extraction, enhancing the yield of bioactive compounds for analysis.
22) Commiphora wightii:
Commiphora wightii, also known as guggul, is a significant medicinal plant in Ayurveda. Its mention in the study emphasizes its historical use and therapeutic value, paralleling the research focus on other plants in exploring their potential health benefits.
23) Human body:
The human body serves as the target system for the therapeutic effects being investigated in the study. Understanding how plant extracts interact with human physiology is crucial in determining their effective use in combating diseases and enhancing health.
24) Krishnadevaraya:
Krishnadevaraya refers to a historical figure associated with the region of Andhra Pradesh, India. Mentioning his name may highlight cultural or agricultural significance in the study area and underline the rich heritage of traditional medicine in that locale.
25) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine focused on drugs and their effects on biological systems. This study contributes to pharmacology by examining how phytochemicals from medicinal plants exert their effects, highlighting the potential for natural compounds in drug development.
26) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of the research where findings are interpreted and contextualized within existing knowledge. It synthesizes results to evaluate the significance of the study and how it advances understanding of the medicinal properties of the analyzed plants.
27) Developing:
Developing indicates the process of evolving or enhancing existing practices or products. In this context, it relates to advancing herbal medicine by investigating plant extracts for their potential as effective natural treatments, thereby contributing to healthcare solutions.
28) Toxicity:
Toxicity is a crucial parameter in evaluating the safety of any medicinal substance. The study’s focus on the bioactive compounds aims to ensure that the beneficial properties of the plants do not come with harmful side effects, ensuring safe use in medicine.
29) Language:
Language refers to the means of communication. In the research context, it suggests the use of scientific language to convey findings. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication in disseminating research outcomes within the scientific community.
30) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is an ancient language of India, rich in literature on traditional medicine including Ayurveda. Its mention underlines the historical context of medicinal practices and the deep-rooted cultural significance of plant-based treatments found in ancient texts.
31) Quality:
Quality denotes the standard or grade of a substance. In the study, quality relates to the efficacy and safety of the herbal extracts, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing in ensuring that medicinal products meet safety and effectiveness criteria.
32) Mineral:
Minerals are inorganic substances required for various biological functions in the human body. The inclusion of minerals alongside herbal medicine underlines a holistic approach to health, considering both plant and mineral remedies in managing health and diseases.
33) Gelatin:
Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen and is often used in laboratory protocols. In the context of this study, it could refer to methods employed for various tests, demonstrating the interdisciplinary approaches utilized in assessing the bioactivity of plants.
34) Andhra (Amdhra):
Andhra refers to the state in India where the research was conducted, providing geographic context. This location is notable for its rich biodiversity and traditional practices in herbal medicine, emphasizing the relevance of local flora to the study.
35) Animal:
Animal refers to any living organism that is not a plant. In the study, it connects to the larger biological context of pharmacology, as understanding interactions between plant compounds and animal systems is crucial for deriving effective medicinal products.
36) Glass:
Glass is a material often used in laboratory equipment, highlighting its role in the study's experimental setup. The reference to glass vessels reflects the importance of proper materials in conducting research procedures safely and effectively.
37) Earth:
Earth represents the planet and its diverse ecosystems. In the research, it emphasizes the wealth of natural resources available, including medicinal plants, and underscores the responsibility of humanity to explore and utilize these resources sustainably for health benefits.
38) Naga (Nag):
Naga may refer to a cultural or historical term relevant to the research context. It could denote connections to regional traditions, folklore, or medicinal practices, enhancing the understanding of the cultural significance of the plants being studied.
39) Rich (Rch):
Rich pertains to abundance, particularly in the context of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. The term highlights the potential of these plants as valuable resources for medicine, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity for future therapeutic developments.
40) Hand:
Hand in a metaphorical sense can refer to the action of using knowledge and skills to apply herbal remedies. It symbolizes the practical aspect of translating research findings into real-world applications, enhancing health and well-being through natural means.
41) Life:
Life denotes the biological state of living organisms. In the context of the research, it signifies the essence of health and well-being, aligning with the study's exploration of natural products aimed at improving quality of life through medicinal plant extracts.