Study of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don

Several anticancer medicines have been developed by using plant-derived compounds in the last few decades. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don is a valuable therapeutic plant belonging to the Apocynacae family. C. roseus leaves are exploited in the research of cancer treatment. Free radicals have a significant part in pathophysiology; natural substances that inhibit free radical accumulation can assist to prevent diseases and the ageing process. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) of C. roseus leaf extract were evaluated using DPPH free radical and the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity increased with an increase in dose, roughly 80.21% inhibition at 500 µg/ml. The TPC is 2344.65 mM GAE g-1 FW and a maximum inhibition zone of 12 mm was shown against E. coli. A qualitative study of leaf extract revealed the existence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and proteins.