Exploration of Leaves of Picrorhiza kurroa for their Medicinal Potential by Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth is a high-altitude medicinal herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae, commonly called Kutki. It secretes various active constituents which impart pharmaceutical value to the plant. The roots and rhizomes of this plant are used for their health benefits since ancient times. Looking at the endangered status of the plant species, the present study was conducted on the leaves of Picrorhiza kurroa. The leaf samples were collected from two sites, Pothivasa (2200 masl) and Tungnath (3600 masl), Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand India. The leaf extracts were prepared using different solvents like petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and methanol and screened for phytochemicals. Quantitative estimation of a few phytochemicals found in the leaf extracts of P. kurroa from Pothivasa (PVLE) and Tungnath (TNLE) was performed. The leaf extracts were further tested for their antibacterial potential. The qualitative screening of all the leaf extracts showed that the maximum number of phytochemicals were present in the methanolic leaf extract of P. kurroa from Pothivasa (Met-PVLE) and the methanolic leaf extract of P. kurroa from Tungnath (Met- TNLE). The quantitative analysis showed that the alkaloid content was 20.23±1.2% in PVLE and 23.73±1.69% in TNLE. The flavonoid content was 8.54±0.43% in PVLE and 17.43±1.72% in TNLE, and Terpenoid content was 18.6±1.02% and 6.1±0.26% in PVLE and TNLE samples, respectively. The saponin content was 12.4±0.05% in PVLE and 16.6±0.45% in TNLE. The total phenolic content (Gallic acid equivalent mg/g) was measured to be 45.99±2.19 mg/g in PVLE and 80.77±2.65 mg/g in TNLE. This study confirms that the leaves of Picrorhiza kurroa contain many vital phytochemicals, which implies that along with the roots and rhizomes, leaves of P. kurroa also impart medicinal value to this plant. Met-PVLE and Met-TNLE showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Acinetobacter sp., and Pseudomonas sp. Further studies can be performed to identify and isolate bioactive compounds from leaf samples of P. kurroa.