In vitro assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Terminalia chebula Retz. leaves

To study the antioxidant activity, biochemical constituents and antibacterial property of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Combretaceace) (T. chebula) leaves. The present investigation comprises, estimation of total phenol, flavonoid, flavonol, tannin, ascorbic acid, protein, carbohydrate contents, in vitro antioxidant assays such as DPPH-radical scavenging activity, reducing power activity and antibacterial activity of T. chebula leaves. Increasing order obtained for phenolic, tannin, flavonoid and flavonol content in various solvent extracts were acetone > ethylacetate > methanol > water > chloroform > petroleum ether. Parameters tested in different concentrations of crude extracts showed an excellent potential of which acetone and ethyl acetate revealed good IC50 values. About 0.13 mg against the standard α-tocopherol (0.197 mg) and ascorbic acid (0.18 mg) was obtained as IC50 value for the scavenging activity in acetone extract. EC50 value for reducing power was 0.0375 mg in acetone extract against the standards like α- tocopherol (0.197 mg) and ascorbic acid (0.18 mg). Acetone extract has extended its best antibacterial activity against majority of the bacteria tested, especially Shigella bodie which responded only for acetone. With such stronger phytochemical properties, T. chebula leaves can be utilized as an effective and safe source of functional food material such as natural antioxidants.