Radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of Arnebia benthamii methanol extract.

Objective: To evaluate in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of Arnebia benthamii (A. benthamii) whole plant.

Methods: Plasmid damage was analyzed by agarose gell electrophoresis. Calf thymus DNA was monitored by TBARS formation. DPPH, reducing power and lipid peroxidation was evaluated by using standard procedures. Antibacterial assay was monitored by disc diffusion method.

Results: DPPH radical scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging potential of the plant revealed that the extract to be active radical scavenger. Reducing (Fe(3+)-Fe(2+)) power and lipid peroxidation inhibition efficiency (TBARS assay) of the extract was also evaluated and the extract showed promising activity in preventing lipid peroxidation and might prevent oxidative damages to biomolecules. The extract offered a significant protection against plasmid and calf thymus DNA damage induced by hydroxyl radicals. The extract was also evaluated on different bacterial strains and the maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited against Escherichia coli (E. coli) when compared with standard drug.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the methanol extract of A. benthamii has excellent anti-oxidant activities and could be considered as a potential source of lead molecules for pharmaceutical industries.