Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Investigations Of Methanolic Extract Of Dracaena Spicata

Abstract

The plant Dracaena spicata has been used for the general promotion of health and longevity by Asian tribal. It is used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases like meals, fever, ulcer, stomachaches etc. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract of Dracaena spicata. The antimicrobial activities of methanolic solvent extract of plant weretested against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and fungi by observing the zone of inhibition. The antimicrobial test was performed by Disc diffusion method. The crude methanolic extract of Dracaena spicataplant showed poor antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi at concentrations of 400 μg/disc. However, no activity was found against Salmonela paratyphy and Bacillus subtilis. The cytotoxic activity of the plant was done by using Artemia saline Leach. The LC50 was observed approximately as 36.829μg / mL with a R2 value of 0.9735. Cytotoxicity of methanolic extract of Dracaena spicata was not good, LC50 value less than 5 μg / mL indicates excellent cytotoxic effect. So, further studies are needed to evaluatethe cytotoxicity of isolated pure compounds. In conclusion, furtherinvestigations are needed to identify the active constituents and the exact mechanism(s) of action responsible for the reported antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of Dracaena spicata