Characterization of pharmacological properties of methanolic seed and stem bark extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana (BAU Kul) using in-vitro and in-vivo animal (Swiss albino male mice) model

Abstract

Abstract Background Ziziphus mauritiana belongs to family of Rhamnaceae, is an improved fast-growing variety of plum and seasonal fruit which is very popular and commonly known as “BAU Kul” in Bangladesh. This study was designed to evaluate the medicinal values of seed and stem bark extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana. Methods Antioxidant, thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities were characterized using in-vitro methods and anti-diarrheal, analgesic and hypoglycemic activities were evaluated in Swiss albino male mice. The coarse powder of the plant parts were extracted with methanol and methanol portion of the extract was evaporated naturally under room temperature. Then the dried plant extracts were undergone for subsequent investigation. Results Total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of stem bark extract were higher than seed extract. Both extracts had similar DPPH (IC50 of seed 4.53 μg/ml and stem bark 4.13 μg/ml) and NO (IC50 of seed 5.92 μg/ml and stem bark 5.47 μg/ml) free radicals scavenging potential and seed extract was most cytotoxic (LC50 = 1.467 μg/ml). Stem bark extract showed higher thrombolytic and anti-inflammatory potential, and also exhibited 14 mm zone of inhibition against S. aureus. Stem bark extract showed highest anti-diarrheal (75.68% defecation inhibition, p˂ 0.001), analgesic (68.63%writhing inhibition, p˂0.001) and hypoglycemic activity (44.27% blood glucose reduction after 3 h, p˂0.001) at 400 mg/kg body weight dose. Conclusion This study confirms good medicinal properties of selected plant parts. Further studies on isolation and characterization of its bioactive compounds are highly required.