Assessment of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Acute Toxicology Profiles of Cordia rothii and Viola serpens

Abstract

Background: Plants possess a vast array of bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant properties, which can be explored for their potential pharmacological activities and utilized as novel therapeutic agents. Objective: The current study was designed to rationally justify the use of Cordia rothii (CR) and Viola serpens (VS) as antioxidants, antibacterials, and antifungals, as they have traditionally been used for such purposes. Methods: Phytochemical screening of aqueous methanolic extracts from CR and VS was conducted, followed by measuring their antioxidant potentials, including total phenolic and flavonoid content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and reducing power capacity. Additionally, in vitro antibacterial and antifungal tests, as well as in vivo acute toxicity assessment were carried out. Results: The phytochemical screening of the CR and VS extracts revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. Both extracts exhibited antioxidant scavenging potential with IC50 values of 0.039 and 0.05 mg/ml, respectively. The CR extract displayed bactericidal activity against S.aureus ATCC 6538, S.epidermidis ATCC 12228, and E.coli ATCC 8739, while no antifungal activity was observed in either extract. The LD50 of either extract was calculated to be greater than 10 g/kg/bw. In the acute toxicity study, no toxic effects were observed on body weight, water intake, liver weight, or abnormal liver enzyme levels. Histopathological studies showed no significant abnormalities in the control or extract-treated groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the traditional uses of plant extracts possess potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which could potentially be utilized as a novel drug.