Phytochemical analysis and in vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial activity of the Chloroform leaf extract of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik (Malvaceae)

Medicinal plants are of great significance and global importance as antioxidants and antibacterial agents. In the present investigation the chloroform leaf extract of Abelmoschus manihot was screened for its phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Flavonoids, phenolics, tannins and vitamins were the phytochemical constituents present. GC-MS analysis revealed ten major phytocompounds. In vitro antioxidant assay via DPPH exhibited an IC50 value of 234.7±37.53mg/mL, and its activity could be ascribed due to the presence of the phytocompound α-tocopherol. The antimicrobial activity represented by the zone of inhibition via disc diffusion method, observed no activity against the fungal strains, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli exhibited 12 to 14mm zone of inhibition at concentrations 100-500µg, which can be attributed due to the presence of flavonoids. The above results suggests that antioxidant and antibacterial activity exhibited by the chloroform leaf extract of this plant was attributed to the presence of the phytochemicals, especially phenolics and flavonoids. Further in depth studies on the phytochemical constituents of this chloroform leaf extract is recommended, as this extract could serve as an additional implement to natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents.