Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Adhatoda vasica (Acanthaceae)

The aim of this study was to evaluate Adhatoda vasica leaves for its phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity of methanol extract of A. vasica was estimated by total antioxidant activity, 2,2 diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, reducing power potential and iron chelating activity. Antimicrobial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method. Estimation of total phenolic content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and estimation of total flavonoid content was performed by aluminum chloride method. Leaves of A. vasica were found to possess saponins, oils and fats, phytosterol, phenolic compounds, tannins, carbohydrate, alkaloids, flavanoids and proteins. Extract showed high antioxidant activity in various antioxidant experiments. The extract of A. vasica showed presence of high levels of polyphenolic compounds (phenolic compounds and flavonoids), which could be the possible reason behind the antioxidant activity of the plant. In addition extract demonstrated moderat antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity (brine shrimp lethality).