Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Investigation of Petroleum Ether Extract of Garcinia cowa Stems

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate phytochemical content, investigating the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether extract of Garcinia cowa stem. The antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH and total Phenol test. Garcinia cowa is a rich source of secondary metabolites. Phytochemical investigations of the plant parts indicated that the fruit, twig and stem are the best source of secondary metabolites, providing flavonoids, phloroglucinols and xanthones respectively. The IC50 values of DPPH scavenging activity was 246.875 ìg/ml and the total Phenol content was 173.93±5.78 mg/g equivalent to Gallic Acid for Petroleum ether extract of Garcinia cowa stems. By determining antioxidant property, the result suggests that the plant extract possesses antioxidant property. The antimicrobial activities of petroleum ether extract of Garcinia cowa stems were tested against nine microorganisms by observing the zone of inhibition. The antimicrobial test was performed by disc diffusion method. The sample extract of Garcinia cowa stems showed good antimicrobial activities (zone of inhibition :11 mm-15 mm) against the microorganisms. The concentrations used in this study were 300 ìg/ disc and 600 ìg/ disc. Petroleum ether extract of Garcinia cowa stems showed highest activity against Escherichia coli and Sarcina lutea (zone of inhibition is 15mm) and mild to moderate activity against Vibrio parahemolyticus, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella paratyphi (zone of inhibition: 10-13 mm). In conclusion, further investigations are needed to identify the active constituents and the exact mechanisms of action responsible for the reported antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Garcinia cowa.