BIOPROSPECTING OF MUNTINGIA CALABURA: BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND ITS ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTHELMENTHIC ACTIVITY.

Abstract

Objective: Muntingia calabura is widely cultivated and has become one of the common roadside trees in most parts of the world. The present study aimed to evaluate medicinal property of leaves and fruits of M. calabura, by using antioxidant, antimicrobial and antihelmenthic activities for methanol crude extract.

Methods: Standard methods were used to evaluate secondary metabolites in methanol crude extract of leaves and fruits of M. calabura. Total phenolic contents (TPC) were evaluated according to Folin-Ciocalteu method. The free radical quenching ability of extracts were explored by various in vitro assays, such as DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging and reducing power assay. Additionally, the antimicrobial and anthelminthic activity was conducted to evaluate the biological efficiency of the plant extract.   

Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids and phenols. The reduction of free radical content were observed in dose dependent manner in all tested methods for both leaves and fruits methanol extract of the plant. Further, the antimicrobial activity of plant extract indicates the region where tested microorganisms failed to thrive and the methanol extract also showed evidence to have anthelminthic property.

Conclusion:  The presence of secondary metabolites and biological activity of methanol crude extract of leaves and fruits of M. calabura ensure the pharmaceutical importance.