Abstract

In vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities of various leaf extracts of Justicia adhatoda L. (locally known as Bhaikar) were assessed. The leaves were also subjected to various phytochemical analysis. Results revealed that leaves of J. adhatoda L. contain significant amount of total alkaloid, phenols flavonoid, saponins, tannins , protein, crude oil, dietary fiber, essential and non essential metal ions. The methanol, ethanol, butanol, chloroform and n-hexane leaf extracts of J. adhatoda significantly inhibited the growth of all bacteria tested as compared to standard antibiotic. However, acetone and aqueous leaf extracts of J. adhaotda were not effective against any bacteria. Methanol extract of J. addhatoda provide lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for E. coli (1.0 mg/ml ) followed by Klebsella. pneumoni ( 1.2 mg/ml), where as MIC values of other solvent extracts were in the order of ethanol > chloroform>n-hexane > butanol. The order of antioxidant activities of various leaf extracts found in different solvent extractions was ethanol >methanol >chloroform> water> butanol>. This study will help to promote scientifically use of J. adhatoda in local medicine as well as its use as an important raw material for pharmaceutical industries.