Assessment of Anti-Microbial Efficacy against Oral Pathogens, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-oxidant Activity of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extract of Erythrina variegata (Indian Coral Tree) Leaves – An In-vitro Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the anti-microbial efficacy against oral pathogens, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Erythrina variegata. Materials and Methods: Agar well diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Erythrina variegata against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans at 25µL, 50µL, and 100µL by measuring the zone of inhibition. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) assay and anti –oxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. Results: Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans were found to be less sensitive to both, aqueous and ethanolic extract of Erythrina variegate. The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Erythrina variegata was higher than the aqueous extract at lower concentrations. Anti-oxidant activity of aqueous extract of Erythrina variegata was higher than the ethanolic extract and standard values at all concentrations. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that both, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Erythrina variegata leaves have the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity and can be used as an alternative to commercially available drugs. However, further research needs to be done on the antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens of the plant.