Evaluation of Phytochemical Contents, Antimicrobial, and antioxidant Potential of Haloxylon Griffithii Collected From Northern Region of Balochistan, Pakistan.

Background: The therapeutic potential of Haloxylon griffithii found in northern region of Balochistan, so far has been neglected.

Purpose: The current study was aimed to assess the phytochemicals and pharmacological potential of fractions isolated from H griffithii.

Research design: During phytochemicals analysis of H griffithii using GC/MS showed various bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and carboxylic acids. In vitro antioxidant activity of H griffithii was determined by 2, 2'- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity.

Results: The quantitative analysis of ethyl acetate showed highest total flavonoid contents (1.19 ± .05) while ethanol with lowest value (.52 ± .01). The total phenolic contents in ethyle acetate was 1.50 ± .42, whereas ethanol showed lowest value (.77 ± .02). Ethanol exhibited excellent (88.68 ± 3.0) free radical scavenging potential measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging assay. For antimicrobial activity, different bacterial and fungal strains like B subtilis, S aureus, E coli, S typhi, C albicans, and A. niger were selected. The essential oil showed maximum % inhibition diameter (9 mm) against B. Subtillus and (5 mm) against C albicans, respectively. The ethyl acetate presented % inhibition diameter (9 mm) against S aureus and (6 mm) against A niger. Anti-urease activity also showed positive response.

Conclusions: The presence of high (%) bioactive compounds with great therapeutic potential suggest that H griffithii can be used as natural alternative of synthetic drugs without side effects.