Estimation of Wedelolactone in Eclipta alba and Wedelia chinensis and Comparative Antimicrobial Activity against Pathogenic Bacteria

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. and Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr., both belonging to the Asteraceae family, are well known in traditional medicine. Wedelo-lactone, a coumestan derivative, is considered a key bioactive constituent due to its potent anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, analgesic, antibacterial and antidiabetic properties. The present study aimed to estimate wedelolactone content and evaluate the comparative antimicrobial activity in both plant extracts. HPLC and HPTLC methods were developed for evaluation of wedelolactone in both the plants Eclipta alba and Wedelia chinensis. Furthermore, the study investigated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the crude extract of both plant against pathogenic bacteria, (Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a pathogenic yeast Candida albicans). A comparative study of the wedelolactone content and antimicrobial activity suggests a potential correlation between the concentration of this bioactive compound and its antimicrobial effects.