Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina Delile. Leaves

Abstract

Oxidation is an important process in living organisms. Free radicals arising from metabolism or enviromental sources interact continously with biological system. The uncontrolled production of oxygen free radicals and the unbalanced mechanism of antioxidant protection results in the onset of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, heart diseases and aging. Bacterial infection are present in high incidence and cause of death. Vernonia amygdalina Delile. (Asteraceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and some research provides its activity to treat infections and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine antioxidant activity and antibacterial activities of Vernonia amygdalina Delile. Leaves. Extract was prepared using ethanol 100% with maceration method. Antioxidant activity were determined with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Total flavonoid and total phenolic content were determination with colorimetric methods. Antibacterial activity was determined using disc diffusion method towards Eschericia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Antioxidant activity from DPPH assay measured as IC50 was 73.24 ± 1.09 µg/mL. Ethanol extract (EE) was found to contain high levels of phenolic (54.61 ± 0.94 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid (22.53 ± 0.92 mg QE/g). Antibacterial activity of EE towards Eschericia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 at concentration 50 mg/mL were showed inhibitory zone 19.37 ± 0.20 mm and 19.27 ± 0.18 mm. The results reveal that EE of Vernonia amygdalina Delile. Leaves has antioxidant and antibacterial potential.