Synergistic Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Boerhaviadiffusa and Ecliptaprostrata: A Polyherbal Approach

The increasing prevalence of oxidative stress and microbial resistance has intensified the search for effective plant-based therapeutic agents. Polyherbal approaches have emerged as promising strategies for enhancing the pharmacological efficacy of medicinal plants through synergistic interactions.The present study evaluated the synergistic antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of Boerhaviadiffusa and Ecliptaprostrata. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides in both extracts. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. The extracts showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, while the combined extract exhibited enhanced free radical scavenging effect compared to the individual extracts. The 1:1 combination ratio showed the highest synergistic activity with 30.66% inhibition and Combination Index (CI) value of 0.71, indicating strong synergy. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiellapneumoniae using agar well diffusion and MIC methods. The combined extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity with lower IC₅₀ values against the tested microorganisms. The enhanced biological activity may be attributed to the synergistic interaction of phytoconstituents present in both plants. The study supports the traditional use of these medicinal plants and highlights their potential in developing effective polyherbal formulations with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, contributing toward Good Health and Well-Being, fostering Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through novel plant-based therapeutic development, and promoting Life on Land through sustainable utilization and conservation of medicinal plant resources.