EVALUATION OF PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SELAGINELLA DELICATULA (DESV.EX POIR.) ALSTON-AN ENDEMIC TAXON OF THE WESTERN GHATS OF KARNATAKA, INDIA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to screen phytoconstituents and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities using methanol, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of Selaginelladelicatula. Solvent extraction from the plant material was done using the soxhlet apparatus. Standard procedures were adopted for qualitative tests and quantification of carbohydrates, proteins, phenols and tannins. The isolated solvent extracts were tested for antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhii, Klebsiellapneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by well diffusion method, and antifungal activity tested with Aspergillusniger and Sclerotiumrolfsii. The methanolic extraction yielded more quantity compared to other solvent systems. All the solvent extracts showed the occurrence of carbohydrates, proteins, phenols and tannins in qualitative tests. The quantification of these constituents also carried out. Aqueous extract were inactive against tested bacterial strains except 50μg concentration of S. delicatula showed zone of inhibition of 4mm against K. pneumoniae. The methanolic extract resistant to bacterial strains as observed by zone of inhibition. The highest zone of inhibition of 7mm in methanolic extract of S. delicatula was observed in 100μg concentration against S. aureus. The ethanolic fraction of S. delicatula was active against A. niger and inactive against S. rolfsii. 92% of inhibition was observed in 200μg concentration against A. niger and 78% inhibition was observed in 100μg concentration against S. rolfsii. The extract also showed good antioxidant activity.