ABSTRACT

Despite the long history of traditionally used and clinically potential plant Anacyclus pyrethrum (Akarkara; family – Asteraceae) root parts, the plant has never been investigated systematically for the scientific phytochemical and biological studies till date. Thus, present investigation was envisaged to perform experiments to study phytochemical and biological activities. The various extracts and fractions were subjected to phytochemical screening. The complete profile of pharmacognostic standards of plant was established as per standardized procedures. The results revealed that the plant contain alkaloids, anthraquinone glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins and flavonoids. The thin layer chromatography of petroleum ether-, chloroform and methanol extracts showed presence of three-, seven- and five spots. Quantitatively maximum phenolic content was found in ethyl acetate fraction (6.48 % w/w) followed by methanol extract (2.40 % w/w). Various extracts and fractions of plant were screened for antioxidant activity by DPPH method, and the results revealed that maximum activity was shown by ethyl acetate fractions as compared to other test samples. In antimicrobial studies, the zone of inhibition in mm was determined by cup plate method. Amongst various test samples, only the ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 7443, Staphylococcus epidermides MTCC 1133, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2449 and Escherichia coli MTCC 1235 followed by methanol extract whereas other test samples were devoid of antibacterial activity. In antifungal study, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity against Candida albicans MTCC 1637 and Aspergillus niger MTCC 1235, followed by methanol extract, whereas other test samples were devoid of antifungal activity. The research findings of the present investigations suggest that phenolic compounds might be responsible for the biological profile of plant. Further, it can be concluded that a complete monograph of plant has been established. These findings are very important for natural product scientists before performing any research work on plant.