Phytochemical screening, metal concentration determination, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial evaluation of Drymaria diandra plant

Abstract

Background: Several phytochemical constitutes possess natural antioxidant activity and are in fact advantageous in reducing many oxidative stress related diseases. Drymaria diandra of Caryophyllaceae family is one such plant which exhibits various medicinal properties. The aim of the current study is to provide detailed exploration of phytochemical constitutes, metal concentration determination, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of Drymaria diandra. Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of maximum number of metabolites in methanol-water (1:1) extract. The heavy and toxic metals such as As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were almost near to the detection limit. The concentration of Fe (19.64 mg/l) was highest followed by Mn (2.35 mg/l). The (IC50) value for methanol extract was found 195.61 which is greater than the standard Ascorbic acid. Antibacterial activity of methanol extract was found higher for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with 22-mm and 14-mm sized diameter of zone of inhibition respectively and methanol-water extract for Proteus vulgaris with 17-mm diameter of zone of inhibition. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed the presence of various valuable phytochemical constitutes responsible to give antibacterial and antioxidant potency. The presence of bio-metals and the absence of toxic metals further highlight the importance of plant as the source of food that bears medicinal properties.