Invitro determination of antioxidant, antihemolytic and antibacterial activities of methanolic extract and fractions of Phyllanthus Niruri leaf

Abstract

Oxidative stress arises when the body’s defense system fails to maintain physiological balance, necessitating antioxidant supplementation. Hemolysis is a major mechanism by which malaria induces anemia, while the misuse of antibiotics has contributed to increasing resistance among microorganisms. This  study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antihemolytic, and antibacterial activities of methanol extract and solvent fractions of  Phyllanthus niruri leaves. Methanol extraction yielded 19.82 g of crude extract,  which was fractionated using solvent–solvent partitioning. Quantitative analysis  revealed total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 24.05 mg/100 g and 13.81 mg/100 g, respectively, with the aqueous fraction showing the lowest values. Qualitative screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones,  flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and tannins. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and FRAP) indicated strong activity in the aqueous fraction, while the nhexane fraction showed weaker effects. Hemolytic assays revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction had the strongest antihemolytic activity, whereas the aqueous fraction was least effective. Antibacterial testing against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi demonstrated inhibitory effects across all fractions, with E. coli being most susceptible. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.8–1.0 mg/ml, while minimum  bactericidal concentration (MBC) results indicated primarily bacteriostatic effects, except for S. aureus, which exhibited bactericidal activity. Overall, methanol extract and fractions of P. niruri leaves exhibited significant antioxidant, antihemolytic, and antibacterial properties, highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents for managing oxidative stress, hemolysis related conditions, and bacterial infections.