Phytochemical, cytotoxic, in-vitro antioxidant and anti-microbial investigation of ethanolic leaf extract of Zizyphus rugosa lam.

Abstract

Zizyphus rugosa Lam. (Family: Rhamnaceae), locally known as Bon Boroi or as Jongli Boroi in Bangladesh generally found as a herb on the hills in bunches on thorny branches of the Zizyphus rugosa trees. Its bark and wood are used medicinally for dysentery in China, India, Laos, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Phytochemical screening of the Leaf extract of Zizyphus rugosa Lam showed different phytoconstituents including carbohydrates (monosaccharides, reducing and mixed-reducing sugars), alkaloid, glycosides, steroids, tannins and saponin. No flavonoid was detected. In DPPH and NO radical scavenging methods, IC50 was moderately satisfactory. IC50 was found 179.713µg/ml and 769.909µg/ml respectively compare with the reference ascorbic acid (15.707µg/ml and 82.642µg/ml respectively). In LPO (Lipid peroxidation) assay the Leaf fraction extract showed moderate inhibition potentiality (IC50 402.835µg/ml) in comparison to standard drug BHT (IC50 32.94µg/ml). In CUPRAC assays, the fraction was found to possess low Total antioxidant content, good flavonoid, and moderate amounts of phenolics, tannin and alkaloid content. The Leaf fraction extract was found to show good toxicity to Brine Shrimp nauplii, (LC50 212.402µg/ml & LC90 10715.91µg/ml) compare with the reference anticancer drug vincristine sulphate (LC50 2.47µg/ml & LC90 42µg/ml). In the antimicrobial study the fraction showed moderate activity against only one bacterium (Shiggla sonni) while the standard drug Chloramphenicol showed very good zone of inhibition against all five types (Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Shiggla sonni, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella grb) of bacteria. These findings provide scientific basis for the use of Zizyphus rugosa Lam. leaf ethanolic extract in traditional medicine in the treatment of aforementioned diseases. The plant also possesses moderate antimicrobial activity,