Phytochemical Screening and Assessment of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentialities of Two Egyptian Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Methanolic extracts of Aerva javanica and Ochradenus baccatus shoots were assessed for their phytoconstituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Both tested plants displayed potent antioxidant activities evaluated by the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power (EC50) which strongly correlate with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The antimicrobial study revealed that the methanolic extract of the tested plants exhibited different extents of activities against selected bacterial and fungal strains; moreover, A. javanica was most effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts showed the presence of many compounds in the areal parts of A. javanica like L-Rhamnose; 4TMS derivative, Glycolic acid; TMS derivative, 3-Decen-1-ol, (E)-and 2-Hydroxyisocaproic acid used as antimicrobial agents. On the other hand, for O. baccatus compounds like phosphorodifluoridous hydrazide, trimethyl, palmitic acid and 2-Hydroxyisocaproic acid; TMS derivative which have biological properties as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents were detected. Hence, methanolic extract of A. javanica and O. baccatus shoots have comparatively rich phytochemicals and antioxidants suggesting their desirable use to cure some diseases and disorders. Nevertheless, further isolation and biological screening will elucidate the mechanism of therapeutic potential of these compounds.