Antioxidant, antimicrobial, haemolytic, germination and growth promoting properties of Crotalaria juncea L.

Abstract

Crotalaria juncea L., commonly called as Sun Hemp generally found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent, used as food and medicine by the tribal communities. The plant has been reported to have various medicinal properties. This study is focused on the evaluation of anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, haemolytic, germination and growth-promoting properties of C. juncea. The leaf and root extracts of the plant was prepared and used as the standard for various tests. The results obtained for the tests mentioned above were compared with each other. The crude proteins were found abundantly in the water extracts. The maximum antioxidant activity was found in the methanolic extracts of the leaf. It also showed a very little antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis. The germination and growth of the plant were significantly promoted by the methanolic extracts of the root when compared to the methanolic extract of the leaf. The extracts of the plant were found to have better growth-promoting activity. Crotalaria juncea can be incorporated in the fertilizers to promote the yield.