The phytochemical profile, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties of pentas schimperiana (rubiaceae)

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern worldwide. The aim of our study was to assess the antimicrobial and anti-oxidant activity against bacteria and their potential as sources of Pentas schimperiana.

Materials and Methods: The experimental study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-oxidant potential of Pentas schimperiana plant extracts against five pathogenic multi resistant bacterial strains obtained from clinical isolates and gallic acid for anti-oxidant. The extracts were fractionated using liquid-liquid separation. The antimicrobial activity was carried out in vitro by Broth micro-dilution method, with Ciprofloxacin as reference antibiotic.

Results: The quantity of secondary metabolites in decreasing order of concentration were present in the methanolic crude extract of plant with values of Polyphenols 200µg Eca/mg MS, alkaloid 180µg Eca/mg MS, terpenoids 120 µg Eca/mg MS, Saponins 50 µg Eca/mg MS, flavonoids 35 µg Eca/mg MS, coumarins 10µg Eca/mg MS. The results of the micro-dilution assay showed that Pentas schimperiana plant extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all the bacteria strains. The MIC values ranged from 500 μg/ml to 1000 μg/ml, while no MBC values were recorded at concentrations ≤ 1000μg/ml showing that they were bacteriostatic. For the anti-oxidant activity, the extract showed activity in trapping the DPPH radical with an IC50 of 26.7 µg/ml crude extract which was the most significant and reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron at different concentrations.

Conclusion: Pentas schimperiana plant extracts exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This plant would be a potential source for the treatment of many diseases.