Dryopteris cochleata rhizome: A nutritional source of essential elements, phytochemicals, antioxidants and antimicrobials
Kathirvel, A; Rai, AK; Maurya, GS; Sujatha, V
Objetive: Dryopteris cochleata belongs to the family of Dryopteridaceae. The rhizomes of D. cochleata exhibits various therapeutic values to treat many ailments such as, epilepsy, leprosy, cuts, wounds, ulcers, swelling, etc. D. cochleata extracts possess antimicrobial, antioxidant property and also used to treat gonorrhea, muscular pain, rheumatic, throat problems and antidote for snake and dog bites. The present investigation deals with in vitro antioxidant activity, estimation of phytoconstituents, antimicrobial potential of various solvent (hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, acetone, methanol and water) extracts of D. cochleata rhizome and its elemental analysis. Methods: In vitro antioxidant activity was done by DPPH, superoxide, nitric oxide, hydroxide, ABTS, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation assays. Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonol, tannins, carbohydrate, protein and ascorbic acid content were estimated as per standard method. The elemental analysis was performed by LIBS. Agar well diffusion method was employed to determine the antimicrobial activity. Results: Acetone extract showed significant antioxidant activity, higher amount of phytoconstituents and potential antimicrobial activity when compared with other extracts. The LIBS analysis revealed the presence of many nutrient elements (such as calcium, magnesium, oxygen, carbon, silicon, aluminium, iron, strontium, nitrogen, barium, sodium, hydrogen and potassium). The result of GC-MS profile of acetone extract showed about 61 compounds. Conclusion: This study reveals that acetone extract of D. cochleata posses potential antimicrobial, antioxidant property and high nutritive value that may be used to serve society.