Screening of phytochemicals, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of crude extract of Pteridium aquilinum Kuhn

Leaves of Pteridium aquilinum collected from Dibrugarh was analysed for phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial property. The present study reveals that saponin, tannin, phenol, flavonoid, terpenoid, cardiac glycoside, alkaloid and reducing sugar were present in the sample while steroid and anthraquinone were not detected. The results revealed significant amount of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Ethanol and petroleum ether extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli with zones of inhibition ranging from 16 to 20 mm, but all the test organisms are highly resistant to methanol, chloroform and aqueous extract of the herb. The MIC test of the ethanolic and petroleum ether extract of P. aquilinum against B. subtilis and S. aureus was observed as 1 mg/ml and that for E. coli and P. vulgaris it was found as 0.8 mg/ml. Extracts of the plant were better/equally effective against tested organisms as compared to streptomycin except P. vulgaris. The study provides a scientific basis for the use of the plant extracts in home-made remedies and in the treatment of microbial-induced ailments.