Evaluation of Phytochemical Contents, Antimicrobial, and antioxidant Potential of Haloxylon Griffithii Collected From Northern Region of Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Background The therapeutic potential of Haloxylon griffithii found in northern region of Balochistan, so far has been neglected. Purpose The current study was aimed to assess the phytochemicals and pharmacological potential of fractions isolated from H griffithii. Research Design During phytochemicals analysis of H griffithii using GC/MS showed various bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and carboxylic acids. In vitro antioxidant activity of H griffithii was determined by 2, 2’- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity. Results The quantitative analysis of ethyl acetate showed highest total flavonoid contents (1.19 ± .05) while ethanol with lowest value (.52 ± .01). The total phenolic contents in ethyle acetate was 1.50 ± .42, whereas ethanol showed lowest value (.77 ± .02). Ethanol exhibited excellent (88.68 ± 3.0) free radical scavenging potential measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging assay. For antimicrobial activity, different bacterial and fungal strains like B subtilis, S aureus, E coli, S typhi, C albicans, and A. niger were selected . The essential oil showed maximum % inhibition diameter (9 mm) against B. Subtillus and (5 mm) against C albicans, respectively . The ethyl acetate presented % inhibition diameter (9 mm) against S aureus and (6 mm) against A niger. Anti-urease activity also showed positive response. Conclusions The presence of high (%) bioactive compounds with great therapeutic potential suggest that H griffithii can be used as natural alternative of synthetic drugs without side effects.