EXPLORATION OF BIO-ACTIVE PHYTOCOMPONENTS AND EVALUATION OF ANTI-MICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF STRYCHNOS POTATORUM

Abstract

Research interest towards herbal medicine grabs major attention in recent times due to its innumerable role in the process of drug discovery. It is evident that traditional medicines contribute as a therapeutic ailment for treating dreadful disease. Present investigation aimed at exploring the major phytocomponents present in the herb Strychnos potatorum (SP) and to screen its possible anti-microbial activity against selective pathogens. Ethanol (EESP), Aqueous (AESP) and Hydro alcoholic (HAESP) extracts were screened using biochemical, GCMS and FTIR analysis. Outcome of the study clearly signifies the presence of bioactive components such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and saponin in the extracts. Results of GCMS justify the existence of ascorbic, oleic and erucic acid in EESP. Further higher level of active components was reports in EESP. FTIR study evidents the presence of major active functional groups in the extracts. Anti-microbial evaluation reveals that the EESP exhibits maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella pneumonia. Present study provides an evidence- based data’s with respect to the category and nature of phytocomponents present in the herb Strychnos potatorum and hence the promising anti-microbial activity may due to its biologically active phyto therapeutics which may render beneficial activity against infectious and cardiovascular diseases subjected to proper preclinical justification in near future.