Screening of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Acetone Extracts of Heritiera fomes Whole Plant against Pathogens

Background: Phytochemicals are well known to have many important pharmaceutical properties. Heritiera fomes grows in low saline environments. The present study was initiated to explore the biologically beneficial properties of H. fomes. Methods: The crude extracts of H. fomes were extracted in acetone by orbital shaker and concentrated using rota evaporator. Total flavonoid content and Total phenolic content were estimated spectrophotometrically and the in-vitro antioxidant capacity was estimated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) Scavenging Assays. Anti-microbial activity was determined by Disc diffusion method. Results: Phytochemical screening of acetone extract of H. fomes showed the presence of major classes of phytochemicals like alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, phenols and sterols in considerable quantity. The total amount of phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be 75.3 mg GAE/g dry weight and 61.3 mg QE/g dry weight respectively. Antioxidant activity of plant extract determined by using different assays like H₂O₂ radical scavenging, DPPH and FRAP. A positive correlation between all the pairs of antioxidant assays was observed. Further, antimicrobial activity against various pathogens was evaluated by disc diffusion method where the zone of inhibitions were found to be in range from 5± 0.35 to 12 ± 0.50 mm. Conclusion: The study concludes that the plant Heritiera fomes has its effect in scavenging free radicals and has a potential to be a power antioxidant. Several in-vitro studies possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial activities. The present study plays an important tool for new drug discovery.