Evaluation of phytochemical composition and in-vitro assessment of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of various medicinal plant extracts

Abstract

Investigating the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants is crucial for understanding their therapeutic potential and ensuring their safe usage. By identifying and quantifying the various phytochemical compounds present in these plants, researchers can better comprehend their mechanisms of action and potential health benefits. The phytochemical analysis of Psidium guajava, Basella alba, Centella asiatica and Solanum torvum reveals their significant therapeutic potential due to high levels of flavonoids, phenols, and tannins, as well as potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supporting their traditional medicinal uses. The study identifies alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, saponins, and tannins in the medicinal plants, indicating their diverse chemical profiles. The extracts from these medicinal plants demonstrate powerful oxygen free radical scavenging abilities, comparable to the standard antioxidant L-Ascorbic acid. Further, studies show that the extracts exhibit significant antimicrobial activity, indicating their potential in inhibiting microbial growth. The findings support the traditional medicinal uses of the studied plants, validating their efficacy in ethnomedicine. Overall, research on the evaluation of phytochemicals and in vitro studies on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, facilitating the development of natural products for various health applications.