Antioxidant activity of some extracts of Iris ensata

Abstract

Introduction: Iris ensata is a rare medicinal plant found in Kashmir valley. Methods: Antimicrobial activity of the of the plant exracts were carried out against against various bacterial and fungal strains like: E. coli (MTCC 407), P. aeruginosa (MTCC 139), S. aureus (MTCC 96), B. subtilis (MTCC 441), K. pneumonia (MTCC 49); A. niger (MTCC1344), P. crysogenum (MTCC 947), C. albicans (MTCC), T. rubrum (MTCC 8469), E. floccosum (MTCC 613), M. canis (MTCC 296). Various antioxidant methods were used for evaluation of free radical scavenging activity of the plant extracts, IC50 values were found to be lowering with increased polarity. Results: The plant under study was found to have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains The plant also shows a significant radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 98.94 124.63, 98.63, 191.88, 100.79 µg/ml in methanolic extract. Conclusion: The plant can also serve as potential alternative to treat various diseases, as the plant was found to have broad spectrum antimicrobial potential.