Investigation on antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic properties of chosen mangroves

In the present study antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic properties of organic solvent extracts of three mangroves viz. Avicennia marina, Acanthus ilicifolius and Excoecaria agallocha were evaluated. Results showed significant variation in bioactivity with respect to mangroves and solvents used for extraction. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of crude extracts revealed that, methanol extracts had wide spectrum antagonistic activity than chloroform and acetone extracts. Antagonistic activity exhibited by methanol extracts were in the following order: E. agallocha > A. marina > A. ilicifolius. Artemia cytotoxicity assay results inferred that, methanol extracts of E. agallocha, A. marina and A. ilicifolius recorded higher toxicity at lower concentration. Phytochemical analysis of crude extracts showed marked variation in its presence. Findings of the present study indicated that, the synergistic effect of active principles within the crude extracts were responsible for promising biological activity. Thus mangroves proved to be a good source of antimicrobial and cytotoxic agent.