Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Anti- oxidant Activity of Guaiacum Officinale L. Stem Extract

Guaiacum officinale (Zygophyllaceae) commonly known as Lignum Vitae, its native to Central America, introduced to India. Resins of wood are used to treat various disorders like, chronic form of rheumatism, skin diseases, uterine problems, toothache, laxative, abortifacient and an antidote for poisoning. Plant has been enlisted in IUCN endangered category because of over exploitation. The objectives of the present study were to analyse qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents in G. officinale stem using standard procedures. And also, extracts were subjected to antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. The results show the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, sterols, phenols, quinones and gums in all the tested extracts. The ethyl acetate extracts show the highest total protein, total phenolic, total flavonoid, total alkaloid and hexane extract shows the highest total carbohydrate and total tannin content when compared to other extracts. The antibacterial potential was tested against E. coli and B. subtilis (Gram positive and Gram negative) bacteria by well and disc diffusion method, Ethyl acetate extract showed the highest inhibition in both the pathogens. Maximum percentage inhibition for growth was Aspergillus niger with GOEA whereas growth of Fusarium oxysporum was inhibited by GOC. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 149.77 µg/mL. Ethyl acetate and chloroform stem extract were found to possess higher reducing power with 1.45 µg/mL and 1.26 µg/mL respectively. The extracts of Guaiacum officinale exhibit good antimicrobial and anti-oxidant activity and further it may be used for the drug development and food supplements.