Qualitative Phytochemical Screening, Fatty Acid Profile and Biological Studies of the Bark of <i>Mallotus nudiflorus</i> (Pitali) Plant

Abstract

In the present study, the Mallotus nudiflorus (L.) plant has been taken to determine the in-vitro analysis to find out the therapeutic value. The bioassays of the raw extract of methanol of bark of M. nudiflorus and by Kupchan’s extraction method collecting n-Hexane (HEX), Dichloromethane (DCM), Chloroform (CHCl3), Ethylacetate (EA) and Aqueous (AQ) fractions were scrutinized to find out its therapeutic value. The findings of phytochemical screening of the methanol extract of barks revealed the presence of several secondary metabolites. By using the GC-FID method the result showed that M. nudiflorus contained four bound fatty acids and four free fatty acids. EA fraction had the maximum phenolic content among all the fractions at (133.67±0.99) mg of GAE/g where the Folin- Ciocalteu reagent was used as an oxidizing agent. The antioxidant activity was measured in terms of its ability to scavenge free radicals (DPPH assay). Among all extractives, the greatest ability to scavenge for free radicals was shown by EA extract with an IС50 value (12.08±0.15) μg/ml. In the toxicity of brine shrimp test, the HEX fraction had the maximum toxicity with an LC50 value of (0.12±0.01) μg/ml. Cell cytotoxicity was observed for sample CHCl3 and EA on both the Vero (kidney epithelial cells taken from an African green monkey) and HeLa (a human cervical cancer cell) cell line. All the fractions were subjected to in vitro microbial screening, which revealed that DCM, CHCl3, and EA fractions showed growth inhibition, particularly against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by disc diffusion method. The maximum zone of inhibition in the antimicrobial activity was produced by CHCl3 fraction against Staphylococcus aureus (17 mm). The results of in vitro experiments have demonstrated that the extracts from the barks of M. nudiflorus have great potential for medicinal uses and might be studied for further chemical exploration.