Aruna Chittamuri et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),1827-1837 Research Article Available online through ISSN: 0974-6943 http://jprsolutions.info Phytochemical and antimicrobial studies of a herbal Medicinal plant Aeschynomene aspera L. Leaf extracts Aruna Chittamuri*, Suvarnalatha Anchapakula, Alekhya Cheruku, Chaithra Dandu, Yasodamma Nimmanapalli. Meerasaheb Chittoor, Department of Botany, S.V.University, Tirupati-517502 Andhra Pradesh, India. Received on:01-01-2012; Revised on: 17-02-2012; Accepted on:20-03-2012 ABSTRACT Aeschynomene aspera is administered against tuberculosis, skin infections, antidote to snake venom, menstrual disorders and small pox. Hence the phytochemical and antibacterial studies were carried out. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Phenols, Terpinoids, Anthocynadins, Indoles, Glycosides, Saponins and Tannins in Hot water, Cold Water, Alcohol and Methanol extracts. The qualitative analysis reveals the presence of 9 identified and 2 unidentified phenolic compounds along with 3 flavonoid constituents through paper chromatography. Antibacterial activity on four selected pathogens like Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram +ve) Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram- ve) bacterial strains were observed with all extracts. Alcoholic extracts are more effective on all the bacteria at 10 mg concentration with an average inhibitory zone between 40 to 45 mm nearly double to that of the controls i.e., 20-25mm (Ampicillin-10 mg and Gentamycin-30mg).But Staphylococcus aureus is more resistant showing the equal inhibition to that of the controls with all the extracts. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values in all the extracts on all the selected bacteria ranges between 0.42mg to 0.78 mg. Key words: Phytochemical screening, Antimicrobial activity, Qualitative analysis, Aeschynomene aspera L. INTRODUCTION Aeschynomene aspera (Fabaceae) is a tall erect sub shrub in swampy areas, with stout glabrous nodular stems, full of white pith. It is commonly known as Niru-jilugu (Telugu) Sola pith plant (English) Sola (Hindi) Aatrunetti (Tamil). It is used as a substitute for cork material and as a sun hats fide [1].Pith is used as helmets and floats [2]. Magico religious belief of the tribe Oraon root is used for jaundice [3]. This species in North Bihar region is used as ornamental purpose and used for making berths (fish boats) also for several handicraft items like garlands, maur (head crown), Jhamp and paag which were variously used in auspicious occasions. These people called it as pith plant. In Siddha it is called as Aatrunetti where the leaves are used to cure joint pains and swellings [4-5]. In Ayurveda this species is known as Pashenabhed recommended for painful micturition and for break- ing uric acid calculi [6].It is a weed of rice paddies [7]. The roots are boiled in Plant of A.aspera(Terrestrial) less quantity of water and made in to paste applied on mumps [8]. Aerial part juice is given to cure cold, cough, and fever. Dried young shoot powder with half tea spoon powdered candy is given to increase the consistency of semen; local herbalists used it for urinary troubles [9]. A.aspera is also recognized as leafy vegetable [10]. Phenolic compounds like Protocatechuic acid prevents spore germination and growth of smudge fungi and other fungi. It acts as anti amoebic [11]; modulates the cellular enzymes, acts as anti- oxidant and anti mutagenic [12]. Chemo preventive against tumor production [13]. Polymers of protocat- echuic acid acts against influenza virus [14]. Induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells and also malignant HSG cells of oral cavities [15]. Chlorogenic acid acts as anti-inflamatory and antifungal [16] anti bacterial [17]; acts as Plant of A.aspera(Sub-merged) anticoagulants [18]. Chlorogenic acid, neo-chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid along with the flavonoids shows synergic action against bronchial diseases [19]. It *Corresponding author. also prevents cardio vascular diseases [20]; Chlorogenic acid has been known C.Aruna for antioxidant due to its scavenging activity of hydroxyl ions [21] and anti Dept .of Botany, viral [22], Neo chlorogenic acid may act as anti oxidant and released in to the S.V.University, blood stream after a meal [23] Iso chlorogenic acid improves immunity [24], Tirupati-517502, along with Caffeic acid it prevents type 2 diabetes mellites [25]. Caffeic acid A.P,India. and Ferrulic acid acts as anti-inflammatory and antifungal [26-27].Caffeic acid and its derivative CAPE acts as anti-inflammatory and suppresses the in- testinal carcinogenesis’ and the estrogenic activity [28]; It also acts as anti Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.5 Issue 3.March 2012 1827-1837 Aruna Chittamuri et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),1827-1837 immuno-modulatory, anti inflammatory, protects from U.V radiation ef- Qualitative estimation of phenolic compounds: fects on skin cells [29-30]. Ferrulic acid and Cinnamic acid of onion epidermal cells shows resistance in preventing fungal cell wall degradation [31]. Polyphe- Chemicals, Glassware & Equipment: nols are noticed important natural Anti-Oxidant sources from plants by Peroxide free Diethyl ether, Anhydrous Na2Co3 , HCl, Ethanol, Benzene, adsorbing and neutralizing free radicals [32]. Trans-p- coumaric acid acts as Acetic Acid Sodium formate, Formic Acid, Sulphanilic Acid, Sodium an anti bacterial [33]. Hydroxy Cinnamic acid amide acts against influenza Nitrite, Sodium Carbonate, Para Nitriline, Ferric Chloride, Separatory and Herpes virus [34]. Hydroxy benzoic acid, Hydroxy Cinnamic acid, and funnel, Beakers, Conical flasks, Measuring Jars, Capillary tube, Test Flavonoids like Quercetin, Catchin, Rutin acts as natural Anti-oxidants [35]. tubes, Glass tanks, Petri plates and Automizer. Coumarins are having narcotic and sedative action also oxytocic [36] anti Extraction of phenolic compounds: inflamatory [37] antithrombotic [38]. Spasmolytic and oxytocic [39], Fresh leaves were collected and phenolic extract was collected through the vasodialatory [40]; Coumarins of Coriander decrease the content of P450 in standard method [62] .About 30 gm of the healthy and fresh, leaves were induced hepatic microsomes without a major effect on heme content [41]. macerated in approximate 100ml of 2N HCl. The homogenate was digested Oral administration of Citrus Coumarin and Iso pimpinellin blocks DNA on a boiling water bath for about 30min. The contents were cooled and adduct formation and skin tumor initiation in mice [42]. Coumarins sup- filtered through Whatmann no: 1 filter paper. The filtrate was extracted presses the expression of T3SS genes of the plant pathogen Dickeya with Peroxide free diethyl ether (solvent ether) repeatedly. The cooled dadanti, proves that plants can also defend against bacterial pathogens by extract was concentrated to a small volume and was treated thrice with manipulating the expression of the T3SS PCA (P-Coumaric Acid) which 25ml of 5% anhydrous Na2Co3 solution. The Cooled Na2Co3 solution was regulates genes through the Hrpx/y two component system [43]. adjusted to 2 PH with concentrated HCl. The acidified fraction at 2 PH was then extracted with equal volumes of fresh diethyl ether for three times and Flavonoid compounds may exhibit vast biological activities including anti- the combined ether extracts were washed with 2ml of distilled water for allergic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and vasodialatory in human beings44. 3times to remove the traces of HCl. The ether soluble water was removed These are used in the treatment of cold [45-46] against allergy, x rays and other by freezing the extract and then the ether was evaporated to dryness on radiation injuries, hemorrhage, dermatitis and albuminuric diseases [47]. Fla- water bath at 98°C. The resulting residue was dissolved in 1ml of 95% vonoid acts as natural food antimicrobial systems [48]. Quercitin used against ethanol and was preserved at low temperature in a dark container until Urethritis and cystitis. It exerts antiseptic action on the urinary tract and used. other allergic/inflammatory mediators. In vitro studies of Quercetin shows anti tumour activities [49-50] .It is known for the treatment of capillary fragil- Separation of phenolic compounds:- ity and phlebosclerosis [51]; anti hemorrhagic [52]. It shows anti-tumor activ- 1gm of the extract was spotted on 23 × 29cm Whatmann No: 1 chromato- ity against chronic prostitis [53];Quercitin shows positive effects in prevent- graphic paper with the help of a micropipette. The origin of the spot was ing prostate cancer, heart disease, cataracts, allergies, inflammations and dried immediately with the help of hair drier. The dried sheets were run in respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma [54]; It also acts as anti- bi-dimensional ascending chromatography by using rectangular chromato- inflammatory and antioxidant properties [55].Myricetin plays an important graphic glass tank. The Chambers are saturated with the chromatographic role in inhibiting the tumor growth and enhancing the diuretic and dia- solvents one day before. The development of Chromatograms has to be phoretic activities. Higher doses of Myricetin lowers the rates of prostate carried out at 22°-24°C. cancer [56].The three important Flavones (Kaempferol, Quercetin and Myricetin) reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 23 percent [57]. It is also Solvent I Benzene: Acetic acid: water (60: 70: 30) v/v/v (upper layer of this used against Jaundice and hepatitis [58].