Methanolic Extracts of Acacia chundra (Acacia catechu) Leaves: Phytochemical Characterization and Therapeutic Potential

The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory activity of leaves of Acacia chundra. The methanol extracts of A. chundra were evaluated for total phenolic, flavonoid and protein contents, assay of antioxidant [DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) method] and antimicrobial (agar well diffusion method) activities by using in vitro standard procedures. It can be inferred by the obtained results that the plant extracts were a rich source of phytoconstituents. In case of antimicrobial screening, extracts of the plant showed remarkable antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms. The extracts showed significant inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, at a concentration of 25mg/mL and 20mg/mL, respectively. Hence the extracts of leaves, of A. chundra appeared to be a potential source of antibacterial and antioxidant compounds that may be used in food, agriculture and pharmaceutical products. In addition, leaf extract showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity which was assessed through erythrocyte membrane stabilization by determining the percentage of hemolysis inhibition.