Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts from trans Himalayan medicinal plants

The antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the ethanol extracts from some trans Himalayan medicinal plants being used in 'Amchi system of medicine'. These plants were assessed towards selected bacteria as well as in different antioxidant models. Extracts, at concentration between 8 and 250 µg/ml, showed a significant antibacterial effect expressed as minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In particular, samples of Podophyllum hexandrum leaf, Verbascum thapsus stem against Bacillus subtilis and Salvia sclarea flower against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 8 µg/ml) were highly effective. The antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2- diphenyl -1 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method, Ephedra gerardiana leaf (13.30 ± 0.6 µg/ml) and Salvia sclarea flower (14.97 ± 2.9 µg/ml) were observed with maximum activity. Conclusion of the study supports the use of these plants in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like stomach complaints, wound infections and intestinal disorders etc.