Bioactive Potential of Premna esculanta: A Study on Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antidiarrheal Efficacy

Article Bioactive Potential of Premna esculanta: A Study on Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antidiarrheal Efficacy Hafijul Yousuf, Al Mamun Shohag, Md Shawon Miah, Md Foyzur Rahman and As-Sazzad Mahmud * Department of Pharmacy, Dhaka International University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +880-1521305611 Received: 20 October 2024; Revised: 9 November 2024; Accepted: 14 November 2024; Published: 10 January 2025 Abstract: Objective: The discovery of the genus Premna and its traditional uses are the result of extensive information gained by living in forest or semi-forest areas and closely observing indigenous populations regarding the therapeutic qualities of plants. This investigation centered on examining the DPPH scavenging, antimicrobial and anti-diarrheal properties of ethanolic leaf extracts. This study aimed to investigate the bioactive components and antibacterial properties of ethanolic leaf extracts and their fractions. Methods: In vitro antioxidant was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay and the disc diffusion method evaluated antimicrobial efficacy. In vivo screening for antidiarrheal was conducted, the latent period of defecation in castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice assessed antidiarrheal effects. Results: The extract showed an ability to scavenge DPPH with IC50 values of 0.931 µg/mL for Premna esculanta extract and IC50 0.902 µg/mL for ascorbic acid standard. The extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 12–19 mm against various microbial strains, notably Shigella boydii, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Sarcina lutea, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans, at concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/disc. In anti-diarrheal test, Loperamide (3 mg/kg) reduced total feces and defecation by 56.62% with concentrations of 500 mg/kg. Significant changes were observed in anti-diarrheal studies. Conclusion: Premna esculanta leaf extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial, and antidiarrheal activities.