Antioxidant and antitubercular activities of leaf extracts of Canthium dicoccum (Gaertn.) and Amischophacelus axillaris (L.)

Abstract

Modern civilization is facing hundreds of disorders associated with free radicals. The natural antioxidants from non-edible plants are gaining importance to fight against these disorders. One such commonly seen disorder is tuberculosis, which is responsible for about 8 million deaths annually worldwide. This study intends to evaluate the ethanol extracts of Canthium dicoccum (Gaertn.) and ethyl acetate extracts of Amischophacelus axillaris (L.) for antioxidant and antitubercular activities. The antioxidant activity of the extracts has been evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging methods. The results of the study indicated that ethanol extract of C. dicoccum (Gaertn.) and ethyl acetate extract of A. axillaris (L.) possess promising DPPH radical scavenging activity. The antitubercular activity of ethanol extract of C. dicoccum (Gaertn.) and ethyl acetate extract of A. axillaris (L.) have been evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H73Rv strain using Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA). The activity was documented within the MIC range of 0.8 to 12.5 µg/mL for C. dicoccum (Gaertn.) and 0.8 to 50 µg/mL for A. axillaris (L.). The results of MABA showed that both the plant extracts exhibited excellent antitubercular activity. The present investigation suggests that C. dicoccum (Gaertn.) and A. axillaris (L.) possess remarkable antioxidant and antitubercular activity.