Antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity of Dichapetalum gelonioides (Roxb.) Engl. (Dichapetalaceae)

Abstract

Objectives: Dichapetalum gelonioides (Roxb.) Engl. belongs to the family Dichapetalaceae. In the present study, we investigated antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of leaf and fruit of D. gelonioides.
 Methods: Maceration process was carried out for extraction of leaf and fruit of D. gelonioides. Agar well diffusion method was employed to evaluate antibacterial activity of extracts against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Poisoned food technique was performed to investigate antifungal activity of extracts against two seed-borne fungi. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing assays. 
 Results: Both leaf and fruit extracts were effective in causing inhibition of all test bacteria. Highest and least inhibitory activity was observed against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli respectively. Both Aspergillus niger and Bipolaris sp. were inhibited to >50% by leaf and fruit extracts. Extent of inhibition of Bipolaris sp. was slightly higher when compared to A. niger. Both leaf and fruit extracts showed a dose dependent scavenging of DPPH radicals with high activity being showed by leaf extract. Leaf extract was shown to exhibit marked reducing potential than fruit extract.
 Conclusions: Overall, leaf extract was shown to be more effective in displaying antioxidant activity and causing inhibition of bacteria and fungi when compared to fruit extract. The results indicate that the plant possess active principles which are to be purified, characterized and subjected for antimicrobial and antioxidant assays in further studies.
 Keywords: Dichapetalum gelonioides, Maceration, Agar well diffusion, Poisoned food technique, DPPH, Ferric reducing