DPPH Radical Scavenging Effect and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Herbal Extracts

Seven native and four introduced herbs namely Thymus quinquecostatus, Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum, Rosmarinus officinalis, etc. were selected for analysis of the DPPH radical scavenging and anti-microbial activity of their extracts. These perennial herbs are classified as Labiatae and Compositae except for Sauna-us chinensis and can be propagated through seedling and cuttage. These edible herbs are used as medicinal as well as ornamental plants. Their extract has electron donating ability which ranges from 69.7 to 78.7% for native herbs and 67.4 to 75.4% for introduced herbs. Native herbs have higher (3.54%) average DPPH radical scavenging than introduced herbs. In native herbs, maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed in Agastache rugosa (78.7%) followed by Saururus chinensis while Chamaemelum while showed highest activity among the introduced herbs. Many herbs viz. Saururus chinensis, Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum and Solidago virga-aurea var. gigantean showed excellent anti-microbial activity against gram positive Enterococcus faecalis, maximum (80.0%) by Saw-In-us chinensis. Other herbs viz. Solidago virga-aurea var. gigantea. Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum, Salvia plebeia, Chrysanthemum indicum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Chamaemelum nobile and Lavandula stoechas showed anti-microbial activity against gram negative Citrobacter freundii. Especially, the inhibition of colony growth of Citrobacter freundii was highest in the extract of Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum, and Chamaemelum nobile.