Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Psychotria bisulcata wight & ARN. (Rubiaceae) from the Southern Western Ghats

Aim: Rubiaceae is the largest family which comprises of various medicinal plants which has numerous phytopharmacological properties.The aim of the research is to analyse the secondary metabolites, antioxidant, and antibacterial effectiveness of several leaf extracts of Psychotria bisulcata. Materials and Methods:The leaf powder has been extracted with five solvents and analysed for phyto components and radical scavenging activities with standard protocols.Three strains of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtili, Streptococcus pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were inhibited by well diffusion method. Results:The preliminary phytochemical evaluation indicated the presence of abundant secondary compounds likely glycosides, flavono glycosides carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, phytosterols, alkaloids, tannins, phenols and flavonoids in addition the absence of gums & mucilages, fixed oils & fats.The major phytochemicals were quantitatively analysed, with higher results in the ethanolic extract.Antioxidant activity was evaluated using two methods: DPPH and the Reducing Power assay, with the ethanolic extract demonstrating the maximum radical scavenging activity.The antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract exhibits a better inhibition zone when compared to other extracts. Conclusion:The study confirmed that the plant has various secondary metabolites, better radical scavenging activity and anti-bacterial activity which can be utilized by the pharmaceutical industries.