Abstract

ANTIMICROBIAL AND RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF LEAF AND FRUIT OF HELICTERES ISORA L.

Akshatha S, Chaithra K.J, Priyanka A, Priyanka L, Prashith Kekuda T.R*, Raghavendra H.L

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants are integral components of traditional medicine in various parts of the world. Helicteres isora L. (family Sterculiaceae) is widespread in distribution and is claimed to have many traditional uses. In the present study, we investigated antimicrobial and free radical scavenging efficacy of leaf and fruit extract of H. isora. Antibacterial activity was tested by Agar well diffusion assay. Poisoned food technique was performed to assess antifungal assay. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was performed to investigate radical scavenging efficacy of extracts. All test bacteria were susceptible to both extracts. Fruit extract inhibited most of the bacteria to higher extent. Among fungi, Bipolaris sorokiniana was highly susceptible to extracts followed by Curvularia sp and others. Both extracts scavenged DPPH radicals dose dependently. Fruit extract was more efficient in scavenging DPPH radicals when compared to leaf extract. The plant H. isora is a promising source of antimicrobial and radical scavenging agents. Further, isolation of active principles from extracts and their bioactivity determinations are to be carried out.

Keywords: Helicteres isora, Antimicrobial, free radical, DPPH.