Phytochemical screening, free radical scavenging, antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Leptadenia pyrotechnica

Abstract

Background: Leptadenia pyrotechnica (LP) is a well-known traditional shrub used by the tribes of Africa and Asia. Locally, it is called as Khimp and recognized as therapeutic uses as well as animal fodder. Aims: The present study investigates the preliminary phytochemical contents, free radical scavenging, and antimicrobial activity against the bacterial and fungal strains of ethanolic extract and its fraction of LP (Decne.). Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extract and fractions of LP were used to different phytochemical qualitative screening methods to identify the constituents presented in it. Total flavonoids and total phenolic contents were determined to justify its antimicrobial activity. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the extracts was measured by disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and zone of inhibition against the bacterial and fungal strains. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity had used to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of extract and fractions. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of extract and fractions showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and steroids. Reducing efficiency revealed dose-dependent inflation in concentration (6.25-200 μg/μL) with respect to quercetin and gallic acid. The presence of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and flavonoids contribute to potent antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains. Conclusion: The present research work concluded the effectiveness of different extract and fractions at various concentrations against the bacterial and fungal strains. Free radical scavenging activity embarks its contribution as antimicrobial along with the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic residues.