Wendlandia exserta : a pertinent source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agent

Objective The aim of the present investigation was to assess the antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities of various fractions of Wendlandia exserta (Roxbukan Pansara). Methods The methanolic extract of W. exserta (Roxbukan Pansara) was dissolved in water (distilled) and then partitioned with solvents e.g. n -hexane, CHCl 3 , EtOAc and n -BuOH consecutively. Antioxidant potential of above mentioned fractions and remaining aqueous fraction was checked by four methods. Antimicrobial activity was examined by four bacteria and four fungi by the disc diffusion method by using a standard, as positive control. Results The aqueous fraction displayed maximum value of diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition (85.94%±0.35) with an IC 50 value of 415.31±0.26 μg mL −1 . The aqueous fraction also displayed the maximum ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value [64.5±0.15 μg of trolox equivalents (TE)] as well as maximum inhibition of lipid peroxidation (42.32%±0.59) and maximum value of total phenolic contents (87.10±1.10). However, the n -BuOH fraction was found to display the maximum value of total antioxidant activity (0.529±0.76). The fractions also displayed good antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. Conclusions It was concluded that polar fractions of W. exserta showed good antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, so these might be useful in pharmacological preparations.