Antimicrobial and Biochemical Properties of Linum usitatissimum the Flax Seeds and Syzygium aromaticum

Abstract

Introduction: The current research was performed to evaluate antimicrobial, anti-fungal and biochemical properties of Linum usitatissimum (flax seeds) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove). Flaxseeds is one of dietary sources containing phenolics, named lignans. Syzygium aromaticum ordinarily called clove is generally considered second important flavor in world and is broadly developed in North Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, and other phytochemical constituents have been shown to have pharmacological actions in different activities. Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Linum usitatissimum (flax) have unique pharmacological effects and have been utilized for food safety.Materials and Methods: In this study, ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts of Linum usitatissimum and Syzygium aromaticum were evaluated against the 3 bacterial strains and 2 contagious fungal strains viz. A. niger and F. solani.Results: Among the bacterial strains i.e., E. coli, P. syringae and B. subtilis, antimicrobial action was noted by Syzygium aromaticum against E. coli, methanolic and aqueous extract of Linum usitatissimum and ethanolic extract of S. aromaticum showed antimicrobial action against the P. syringae and B. subtilis. Best antimicrobial action was observed by the ethanolic extract of the L. usitatissimum and methanolic and aqueous extract of S. aromaticum. Regarding parasitic strains of A. niger and F. solani, 3 extracts of L. usitatissimum showed satisfactory results against A. niger strain and 2 extracts (ethanolic and methanolic) of S. aromaticum against F. solani strain, whereas aqueous extracts of both the plants had no effect against F. solani strain. The phytochemical screening showed presence of terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and cardiovascular glycosides in both plants.Conclusion: Flaxseed and clove extracts were found potent antimicrobial agents.