The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of different extracts of Kalmegh, Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees also known as Kaalmegh, is a medicinal plant that has been shown to have immunological, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and hepatoprotective activities in human being. The therapeutic potential of such medicinal plants has recently been brought to light by some recent sudies, thus highlighting the need for a chemical assessment of this valuable medicinal plant. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of A. paniculata were examined in the current study against some microbes. Plant extracts of A. paniculata in methanol, ethanol, hexane, and distilled water were tested against Pseudomonas sp. and Escherichia coli. The antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH antioxidant test. The Distilled Water extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity (17.00 mm) against both species of test microbes, whereas the hexane extract shown the lowest (10.67 mm). In the antioxidant experiment, distilled Water provided the highest activity (97.80%), while hexane extract given the lowest (75.59%). Both ethanol and methanol were moderate in term of antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Conclusively, A. paniculata is a very valuable medicinal plant that can be utilised to produce medications and can treat a wide range of illnesses in human being.