Scientific Validation of the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Boerhaavia Diffusa Linn Root Extract Used in Traditional Medicine

Background of the study: Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. Is widely used in traditional medicine and is reputed for its therapeutic properties, particularly antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Despite its traditional use, comprehensive scientific studies evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of hydroalcoholic extract of the entire plant remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of a hydroalcoholic extract derived from the root of the Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic extract was assessed using the 2,2‑diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, Nitric oxide scavenging activity of root of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn with ascorbic acid serving as the reference standard. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the cup‑plate agar diffusion method against two model bacterial species for Gram Negative and Gram Positive. Results: The hydroalcoholic Root extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn contained a broad spectrum of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and reducing sugars, while anthraquinones and fixed oils/fats were absent. The extract exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Enterococcus) and selective activity against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella), showing no inhibition of Pseudomonas and Proteus spp. Conclusion: The presence of diverse bioactive phytochemicals in B. diffusa leaves supports its traditional medicinal use, and the observed antibacterial activity indicates potential for further development as a natural antimicrobial agent, particularly against Gram-positive and selective Gram-negative pathogens.