Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Trema orientalis Linn: an indigenous medicinal plant of indian subcontinent

Abstract

Methanol and aqueous extract of leaves of Trema orientalis Linn. were subjected to the potential antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The pharmacological interest of this plant coupled with traditional use (antidiarrhoeal, antiseptic, analgesic etc) prompted to test for antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract was determined on the basis of their scavenging activity of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical. <TEX>$IC_{50}$</TEX> of the methanol extract of T. orientalis was <TEX>$110.25\;{\mu}g/ml$</TEX> which indicated the strong antioxidant activity of the plant. However the aqueous extract showed mild antioxidant activity. In case of antibacterial activities test, the extract was subjected for its effectiveness against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in agar diffusion method. The zones of inhibition produced by the crude methanol and aqueous extract against few sensitive strains were measured and compared with those of standard antibiotic Gentamycin. It is evident that both extracts are active against the bacteria at low concentrations. The obtained results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine and suggest its further advance investigation.