In-vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Embelica officinalis extract on different strains on gram positive and negative bacteria

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Emblica officinalis extract powder. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against gram positive and gram negative bacteria namely E.coli, Pseudomonas fluoresces, Bacillus subtilis, S.aureus, by agar well diffusion method. Quantitative antimicrobial susceptibility testing method, i.e., determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by serial broth dilution was carried out on the different bacterial strains. The diameter of the zone of inhibition (ZOI) for the strains tested against was recorded and compared with the standard (Gentamicin, in case of bacteria). The results of the present study also revealed that Amla extract powder can scavenge free radicals or reactive oxygen species under in vitro conditions. The elimination of hydrogen peroxide by Amla powder may be attributed to phenolic compounds. The total phenolic content in the Emblica officinalis extract powder measured by the Folin Ciocalteau reagent in terms of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) was found to be 390.8mg/g. The possible reason for antibacterial activity of Amla extract powder might be the presence of tannins in the fruits.