Boerhavia diffusa-GC-MS Analysis of alkaloids and their inhibitory activity against pathogenic microorganisms

Abstract

Boerhavia diffusa is a species of flowering plant in the four o'clock family which is commonly known as tar vine, punarnava meaning that which rejuvenates or renews the body, Boerhavia belongs to family Nyctaginaceae the plant holds tremendous potential of medicinal value and has been traditionally used in various ailments like syphilis, leukoderma, blood disorders to name a few. The plant has gained prominence due to presence of some prominent secondary metabolites. The present study focuses on the GC-MS analysis of extracts of all the plant parts of B. diffusa which revealed the presence of certain bioactive compounds like stigmasterol, sitosterol, thiazoline, phytol, pthalic acid, methyl alpha ketopalmitate and so forth. A total of about 20 bioactive compounds were identified. Antimicrobial activity of crude alkaloids obtained from different plant parts i.e roots stems and leaves. alkaloids from roots showed highest activity against F. oxysporium (15.33+1.52) and E. coli(17.33±0.58), alkaloids from stems showed highest activity against C. albicans(20.33+2.08)and E. coli(40.56±2.08) alkaloids from leaves showed highest activity against C. albicans (14.33 +2.31) and S. aureus(22.00±3.6). Alkaloids from the leaf extract also show highest inhibition zone than alkaloids from root and stem extract.