Physicochemical Analysis, in vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Leaves of Bridelia montana (Roxb.) Willd

Aim: The aim of this particular study is to analyse the anti-oxidant and the anti-microbial potential of the leaves of an ethnomedicinal plant, Bridelia montana (Roxb.) Willd. which belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae. Materials and Methods: The physicochemical parameters of the powdered plant samples was analyzed by the methods suggested in the The Indian Pharmacopoeia (1996). The phytochemical constituents of the leaf extracts were studied, the anti-oxidant potential and the anti-microbial activity of the ethanol leaf extract was analysed using DPPH free radical scavenging method and agar well-diffusion method respectively. Results: The physicochemical analysis revealed that the sulphated ash was found to be the highest among all the other parameters and the moisture content was relatively less. The qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenols, glycosides and alkaloids in their leaf extracts. In vitro antioxidant analysis showed that the ethanol leaf extract had good free radical scavenging activity when compared with standard Ascorbic acid. The in vitro antimicrobial analysis showed good zone of inhibition against most of the tested microorganisms in the concentration dependent manner. Conclusion: The present study showed that the ethanol extract of B. montana leaves has significant amount of phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Many biologically active secondary metabolites were present in the leaf extract which could be responsible for its therapeutic potential.